HERO IMAGE PLACEHOLDER — Jiu Jitsu action shot

Ages 5–15 • Confidence • Discipline • Character • Fun

Children’s Martial Arts
Classes in Exeter

Age-specific martial arts classes for children aged 5–15. Expert coaching, proven results, and a pathway that grows with your child from Little Lions all the way to adult training.

Children’s Classes in Exeter

Martial Arts That Develops the Whole Child

At Exeter Martial Arts, we’ve been running children’s classes for over 20 years. Our programmes are age-specific, structured, and taught by experienced, DBS-checked instructors who understand how children learn best.

We split our classes into three age groups so every child is trained at exactly the right level. Many of our adult students started here as children — and we’re proud of that.

Cadets Jiu Jitsu in Exeter

Choose Your Child’s Programme

Three age-specific programmes designed to meet your child exactly where they are — and help them grow into confident, capable martial artists.

Ages 5-6

Little Lions

Our Little Lions programme introduces young children to martial arts through games, movement, and fun. Building confidence, coordination, focus, and strong character in a safe and playful environment.

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ages 7-11

Junior Jiu Jitsu

Structured martial arts training for children aged 7–11, combining Traditional Jiu Jitsu with elements of Kickboxing, BJJ, and Judo. Building confidence, fitness, discipline, and self-defence skills.

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ages 11-15

Cadets Jiu Jitsu

High-energy martial arts for teenagers, focusing on self-defence, leadership, and character development. Bridges the gap between Junior classes and adult training with real depth and challenge.

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School Outreach

Martial Arts in Exeter Schools

EMA runs a successful school outreach programme across Exeter. We bring the same quality of coaching found in our dojo directly into local schools.

If you are interested in bringing EMA’s school outreach programme to your school, please get in touch.

Why Parents Choose Us

Real Changes, Real Results

Parents regularly tell us they see genuine changes in their children after joining EMA. Martial arts develops the whole child — not just physically, but in character and confidence:

We are proud to have many adult students training today who started with us as children — grown into confident, capable martial artists.

Getting Started

Not Sure If Martial Arts Is Right for Your Child?

We offer free trial classes so children can experience training in a friendly, welcoming environment before committing to anything.

  • No experience needed — all ages and abilities welcome
  • Parents are welcome to watch from our viewing area
  • Viewing area equipped with Wi-Fi and a coffee machine
  • All instructors are friendly, patient, and experienced with children
  • No pressure to join afterward

All our instructors are welcoming to any new children who might feel a little apprehensive about trying something new — so just bring them down and give them a great opportunity.

Take the First Step

Give Your Child the Gift of Martial Arts

Free trial classes available for all age groups. No experience needed, no commitment required. Come and see why families across Exeter trust Exeter Martial Arts with their children.

Common Questions

FAQs

01

Which children's class is right for my child's age?

We run three age-based programmes: Little Lions for ages 5–6, Junior Jiu Jitsu for ages 7–11, and Cadets for ages 11–15. Each is structured around what children need at that stage, and your child will naturally progress through them as they grow.

02

Is martial arts safe for children?

Yes. Safety is our top priority across every children's class. All instructors are DBS-checked with first aid training, and techniques are taught progressively in a structured, supervised, age-appropriate way.

03

Does my child need any experience to start?

No experience is needed at all. Every child starts with the fundamentals, and our instructors introduce everything step-by-step so complete beginners feel comfortable from their very first class.

04

What will my child actually gain from training?

Beyond martial arts technique, children build coordination, focus, discipline, and confidence. Parents regularly tell us their children are more focused and better behaved at school after joining.

05

Where can my child do martial arts classes in Exeter?

Exeter Martial Arts runs all of our children's classes at our Exeter dojo, with a viewing area for parents equipped with Wi-Fi and coffee facilities. We welcome children from age 5 right through to 15.

06

How do I book my child's free taster class?

Get in touch using the form on this site, call us on 01392 663000, or email info@exetermartialarts.co.uk. We'll recommend the right class for your child's age and get you booked in — no experience or equipment needed.