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Adult Classes TimetableChildren's Classes TimetableNewsMembershipContact UsShopBook Free TasterTraditional Japanese Swordsmanship • Control • Timing • Awareness
Traditional Japanese swordsmanship focused on distance, timing, and combative awareness. Far more than solo forms — you'll learn how weapons work in relation to an opponent.
Kenjutsu in Exeter
Kenjutsu is the traditional martial art of the samurai, focused on correct weapon handling, distance, timing, and combative awareness. At Exeter Martial Arts, our Kenjutsu classes teach far more than solo forms — you’ll learn how weapons are used in relation to an opponent, how distance and timing truly work, and how traditional sword principles translate into control, movement, and self-defence skills.
Whether you are completely new to martial arts or an experienced practitioner looking to deepen your understanding, our Kenjutsu training is structured, progressive, and taught in a supportive environment.
The Art
Kenjutsu literally means “the art of the sword” and is the classical Japanese system of bladed weapon combat used by the samurai. Unlike modern sport fencing or stage combat, Kenjutsu focuses on correct distance, timing, body alignment, and awareness under pressure.
Weapons studied include:
Training is not about flashy movements — it is about understanding how weapons truly function in combat and how principles carry over into unarmed defence.
Who It’s For
Adults of all ages and fitness levels. You do not need prior martial arts experience, strength, or athleticism. Many students train because they want:
If you can move, you can train.
Your First Classes
Your early sessions focus on foundations, not being overwhelmed. You'll learn:
Expert Coaching
Chief Instructor, Seishin Mizu Ryu — Kenjutsu 5th Dan
Rich is a Level 4 Coach and has over 30 years’ experience teaching traditional Japanese martial arts, including weapons systems integrated with Jiu Jitsu. His approach to Kenjutsu focuses on practical understanding, safety, and correct progression, ensuring students build real skill rather than memorising sequences.
“Kenjutsu teaches awareness, timing, and control in a way few other disciplines can. It develops the mind as much as the body.”
Black Belt — Kickboxing & Kenjutsu
Jag is a professional stuntman who literally lives his martial skills on the silver screen. He holds black belts in both Kickboxing and Kenjutsu, and is friendly and approachable to everyone wanting to learn.
“Kenjutsu changed how I see movement and timing — it’s a skill that crosses over into everything I do.”
Kenjutsu Instructor
Mike began his martial training in the 1990s while qualifying as a doctor, then went on to have a successful career as an army medic, achieving the rank of Major. He has been training in Kenjutsu for five years and loves the discipline and community it brings.
“Kenjutsu gives me the same focus I found in medicine — precision, discipline, and calm under pressure.”
Why Choose EMA
We don’t teach isolated techniques — we teach understanding.
Our aim is to help students become calm, controlled, and confident — whether holding a weapon or not.
The Results
Students regularly report:
Kenjutsu develops discipline, composure, and control that carry over into everyday life.
Getting Started
No experience required. All training weapons are provided. Just come ready to learn.
We’ll guide you through everything else.
Free Taster
The best way to understand Kenjutsu is to experience it. Your free taster class includes:
Take the First Step
The best way to understand Kenjutsu is to experience it. Your free taster class is waiting — no experience, no equipment, no pressure.
Common Questions
Yes. Training starts with fundamentals and progresses step-by-step. No prior experience is needed.
Yes. Safety and control are prioritised throughout, with structured progression and experienced supervision.
No. Kenjutsu relies on technique, timing, and positioning rather than physical strength.
No. Many students begin later in life and train comfortably at their own pace. Kenjutsu teaches practical principles that apply to self-defence and other martial arts regardless of age.
Exeter Martial Arts is one of very few clubs offering traditional Kenjutsu training in Exeter. Classes are taught by experienced instructors with decades of practice and are open to complete beginners.
Yes. Kenjutsu develops timing, distance, and awareness that transfers directly into unarmed martial arts. Many students at EMA cross-train across disciplines and find Kenjutsu deepens their overall understanding significantly.
