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

Three age-specific programmes designed to meet your child exactly where they are — and help them grow into confident, capable martial artists.
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.
Find Out MoreStructured 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.
Find Out MoreHigh-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.
Find Out MoreSchool Outreach
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
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
We offer free trial classes so children can experience training in a friendly, welcoming environment before committing to anything.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.