CLUB BIO
WJJF – WIGAN has been going for just over 10 years (as of writing – 2025), originally “Makerfield Ju-Jitsu Academy”.
We joined the “World Ju-Jitsu Federation” in 2019 & we haven’t looked back since. The WJJF have provided what other organization’s haven’t, a deep history & connection to the art of Ju-Jitsu & an open door policy allowing us to train where ever & whenever we want.
WJJF – WIGAN was originally ran by Ed Thomas-Lawson Sensei, Ed handed the Club over to Jon Connor Sensei at the back end of 2024.
When we rebranded the Club to be a CIC (Community Interest Company) & it became “INYO-TAEGUEK MARTIAL ARTS”, it meant we could do more with it then most Ju-Jitsu Clubs, it became a sort-of Hybrid thanks to being able to implement aspects of Freestyle TaeKwonDo into our typical Ju-Jitsu lesson.
The best part, it feels like a natural part of our training.
It’s mostly during Pad work, line work & some new ways of performing partner drills & combinations, that you will see the TaeKwonDo elements take place. Via repeating/double, Spinning & Jumping Kicks.
But don’t Worry, we haven’t forgotten our Ju-Jitsu heritage & that still takes centre stage!
Inyo + Taeguek Meaning
“Yin-Yang” derives from Chinese philosophy it describes opposites but also interconnected, self-perpetuating cycles. It represents the idea that all things exist as inseparable and contradictory opposites, such as female-male, dark-light, and old-young. The two elements of yin and yang stand on equal footing, and neither is better or superior compared to the other.
“INYO” meaning: the active and passive, to always keep in mind both attack and defence.
As a bonus, “Inyo” also comes from a Native American word, it means: “dwelling place of the great spirit”.
Fun fact: The most used grip for the Jō & Bō Staff’s are also called the “Inyo” or “Yin-Yang” grip, i.e one hand facing down, the other hand facing up.
“Taeguek” (or “Taegeuk”/”Taeguk”) meaning: balance, duality, and the perpetual movement of the universe, it also translates to “supreme ultimate”.
