We train to defend ourselves, and pray that we never have to use our training, that pretty much sums up the character of the CCGA.

The dojo is founded on the principles of mutual respect, cooperation and fun.

• Respect - from the position that the techniques being taught and practiced are potentially dangerous if taken beyond a certain point, hence the Gradual application of Controlled force is required - after all everyone has to go to work the next day.
  
• Cooperation - without which there would be no one to practice techniques with. Kumo Jiu Jitsu, unlike other martial arts such as Karate or Tae Kwon Do, requires that you have a partner to train with.
  
• Fun - which comes from knowing that the respectful and cooperative atmosphere of this dojo will allow you to train up to, and perhaps beyond the limits, you envision for yourself, without being injured. This despite the fact that the techniques being practiced could easily inflict serious injury.

All training involves executing techniques up to the point where one of the participants "taps out" ie: I've had enough let me go. At this point both partners know that the technique works, but injury has not occured, hence the technique can be practiced over and over until mastered.
As can be imagined, this philosophy was set in place and is encouraged by Hanshi but in the final analysis the members of a club make it what it is, and judging from the atmosphere of the CCGA, the members have adopted Hanshi's philosophy in the dojo.