01392 663000|info@exetermartialarts.co.uk|Free Taster Class

Ages 7–11 • Confidence • Fitness • Self-Defence

Junior Jiu Jitsu
in Exeter

A structured, fun martial arts programme for children aged 7–11. Building confidence, fitness, focus, and strong character in a safe and welcoming environment.

Junior Jiu Jitsu in Exeter

Confidence, Fitness & Real Skills

Our Junior Jiu Jitsu programme at Exeter Martial Arts is designed for children aged 7–11, offering structured, age-appropriate martial arts training that builds confidence, fitness, focus, and strong character. More than just martial arts — it’s about helping children grow.

Whether your child is new to martial arts or progressing from our Little Lions programme, Junior Jiu Jitsu provides a positive, encouraging environment where children thrive.

What Is Junior Jiu Jitsu?
What Is Junior Jiu Jitsu?

The Programme

What Is Junior Jiu Jitsu?

Junior Jiu Jitsu draws on Traditional Jiu Jitsu as its core, with elements of Kickboxing, Karate, BJJ, and Judo integrated in an age-appropriate, structured format. Children are challenged at the right level, progressing through a clear grading system as they build skill and confidence.

Every class develops:

  • Self-defence awareness and practical skills
  • Discipline, respect, and listening skills
  • Fitness, coordination, strength, and agility
  • Focus, resilience, and mental toughness
  • Teamwork and positive social skills
  • A clear grading pathway to progress through belt levels

Learning jiu jitsu is not just about learning physical techniques, it builds the skills, values and mindset children carry for life

Who It’s For

Who Is Junior Jiu Jitsu For?

Children aged 7–11 in Exeter — complete beginners and those progressing from our Little Lions programme. No experience is needed. Junior Jiu Jitsu is ideal for children who want to:

  • Build confidence and self-belief
  • Get fit and active in a fun, structured way
  • Learn practical self-defence in a safe environment
  • Develop focus, discipline, and respect

Also great for families who want:

  • A positive activity that teaches values alongside physical skills
  • A safe, DBS-checked environment with experienced instructors
  • A clear progression from Little Lions into Juniors and beyond
  • A pathway that grows with their child through Cadets and into adult training

Your First Classes

What to Expect in the First Classes

Your child’s first sessions are fun, structured, and encouraging — designed to build confidence from day one. They’ll experience:

  • A fun, energetic warm-up and movement games
  • Basic techniques introduced step-by-step
  • Safe partner work at an age-appropriate level
  • Lessons in discipline, respect, and how classes work
  • Friendly instructors who are great with children of this age
Junior Jiu Jitsu

Expert Coaching

Your Instructors

Dr Richard Catterick

Chief Instructor — BJJAGB 7th Dan

Rich is a Level 4 Coach and has over 30 years of experience teaching martial arts in Exeter, including extensive work with children across all age groups. He creates an environment where every child feels safe, respected, and genuinely excited to come back to training.

“Children at this age are capable of so much more than they realise. Our job is to show them that — and watch them surprise themselves.”

Dr Damien Gaucher

BJJAGB 3rd Dan — Level 3 Coach

Damien has trained at EMA for 15 years and brings a calm, clear teaching style that works brilliantly with children. A Modern Languages Professor at Exeter University, he has a talent for breaking down complex ideas into steps that children genuinely understand and enjoy.

“When a child ‘gets it’ for the first time — that moment of realisation — that’s what this is all about.”

Why Choose EMA

Why Choose Junior Jiu Jitsu at Exeter Martial Arts?

Parents across Exeter trust us because we deliver results that go beyond the mat:

  • DBS-checked, qualified instructors experienced with children
  • Focus on character, confidence, and real martial arts skills
  • Structured grading pathway with clear goals to work towards
  • Safe, positive, friendly environment — no bullying, no pressure
  • Clear pathway: Little Lions → Junior → Cadets → Adult

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

The Results

Benefits Beyond the Mat

Students regularly report:

  • Increased confidence and self-esteem
  • Improved fitness, coordination, and strength
  • Better focus, discipline, and self-control
  • Positive character development — respect, resilience, teamwork
  • Practical self-defence awareness for real-world situations

Junior Jiu Jitsu develops the whole child — physically, mentally, and in character.

Getting Started

No Experience Needed

No experience needed. Wear comfortable sports clothes and bring a water bottle. Arrive 5–10 minutes early and we’ll take care of the rest. Parents are welcome to watch from our viewing area.

For Your Taster Class:

  • Wear comfortable training clothes
  • Bring a water bottle
  • Arrive 10–15 minutes early

We’ll guide you through everything else.

Free Taster

Book Your FREE Taster Class

The best way to discover Junior Jiu Jitsu is for your child to experience it. The free taster class includes:

  • Full participation in a real class
  • Coaching support throughout
  • No pressure to join afterward

Take the First Step

Book Your Child’s FREE Junior Jiu Jitsu Trial Class

Give your child the gift of confidence, fitness, and real skills. Book a free trial at Exeter Martial Arts today — no pressure, no commitment, just come and try it.

Common Questions

FAQs

01

Is Junior Jiu Jitsu suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. Our classes are designed specifically to welcome beginners aged 7–11. No experience is needed — everything is taught step-by-step in a safe, encouraging environment.

02

Is it safe for children?

Safety is our top priority. All instructors are DBS-checked with first aid training. Classes are structured, supervised, and always age-appropriate.

03

Where can my child do martial arts classes in Exeter for ages 7–11?

Exeter Martial Arts runs dedicated Junior Jiu Jitsu classes at our Exeter dojo for children aged 7–11. We welcome complete beginners and children progressing from our Little Lions programme.

04

What styles of martial arts will my child learn?

Traditional Jiu Jitsu forms the foundation, with elements of Kickboxing, Karate, BJJ, and Judo integrated at an age-appropriate level. Children get a well-rounded grounding across multiple disciplines.

05

How does Junior Jiu Jitsu help with school and everyday life?

Parents regularly tell us their children are more focused, better behaved, and more confident at school after joining. The discipline, respect, and resilience taught in class transfers directly into everyday life.

06

Can parents watch the Junior Jiu Jitsu classes in Exeter?

Yes. Parents and family are always welcome to watch from our viewing area, which has Wi-Fi and coffee facilities. We love having parents involved and seeing their children progress.