Choosing the right martial arts class for your child can feel like a lot to work out, different age groups, different disciplines, different levels of intensity. At Exeter Martial Arts, we've structured our children's programme around three clear age bands, so it's easy to know exactly where your child fits and what they'll actually be learning.

Little Lions (Ages 5 to 6)

Little Lions is our entry point for the very youngest members, built specifically around what 5 and 6 year olds actually need: fun, structure and plenty of movement. The programme teaches Japanese Jiu Jitsu with elements of Kickboxing, Karate and BJJ woven in through games and age-appropriate activities, all aimed at building coordination, focus and confidence.

Classes are led by Dr Helen Catterick, who brings over 20 years of teaching experience. No prior experience is needed for Little Lions, every child starts from the same point, with instructors introducing everything step by step.

Junior Jiu Jitsu (Ages 7 to 11)

As children move into the 7 to 11 age bracket, Junior Jiu Jitsu builds on those early foundations with a more structured focus on coordination, respect and self-defence skills. Traditional Jiu Jitsu forms the core of the programme, with elements of Kickboxing, Karate, BJJ and Judo integrated at an age-appropriate level, giving children a genuinely well-rounded grounding across multiple disciplines rather than a single narrow style.

This class works well both for children joining fresh at age 7 and for those progressing naturally from Little Lions. Many parents tell us their children become more focused and better behaved at school after joining, the discipline and structure clearly extends beyond the dojo itself.

Cadets Jiu Jitsu (Ages 11 to 15)

For teenagers, Cadets steps things up with higher-energy training aimed at developing self-defence skills, confidence, focus and leadership in a structured, supportive environment. The programme draws on Traditional Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo, giving teenagers a genuinely well-rounded grounding in both striking and grappling arts as they build towards more advanced training.

Cadets is specifically designed to prepare teenagers for the transition into adult classes further down the line, by the time students complete the programme, they typically move into adult training with real confidence and existing technical foundations already in place, rather than starting from scratch.

Safety Comes First, at Every Age

Across all three programmes, safety is treated as the top priority. All instructors are DBS-checked with first aid training, and techniques are taught progressively in a structured, supervised, age-appropriate way at every stage. Nothing is rushed, and classes are built around what's genuinely appropriate for each age group rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Safeguarding Accreditation

Exeter Martial Arts is fully accredited with the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts, giving parents total peace of mind that their children are training in a safe, supportive and professional environment. Backed by Sport England, this recognition highlights our commitment to rigorous safety protocols, fully qualified and background-checked instructors, and clear welfare policies. For young students, our classes focus on building confidence, discipline and practical life skills, while ensuring every child feels valued, encouraged and protected every step of the way.

Centre of Excellence

Exeter Martial Arts is also a recognised Centre of Excellence for Jiu Jitsu under the British Jiu-Jitsu Association Governing Body (BJJAGB), the UK's official national governing body for the sport, recognised by Sport England. This accreditation covers our children's programmes too, reflecting our commitment to the highest standards of technical instruction, student safety and professional coaching at every age. Whether your child is taking their very first class in Little Lions or progressing through Junior Jiu Jitsu and Cadets, they're learning within a structured programme backed by national sporting standards.

Does My Child Need Any Experience to Start?

No, regardless of which of the three programmes fits their age, every child starts with the fundamentals. Instructors introduce everything step by step, so complete beginners feel comfortable from their very first class, whatever age they're joining at.

Can Parents Watch?

Yes, always. Parents and family are welcome to watch every children's class from our viewing area, which is equipped with Wi-Fi and coffee facilities, so you can get some work done or simply relax while your child trains.

What Will My Child Actually Gain?

Beyond the martial arts technique itself, children build coordination, focus, discipline and confidence that carries into everyday life. Parents regularly tell us their children are more focused, better behaved, and more self-assured at school after joining, one of the reasons so many families stay with us as their children move up through Little Lions, into Junior Jiu Jitsu, and eventually into Cadets.

How to Book a Free Taster Class

Getting your child started is straightforward. Use the enquiry form on our website, call us on 01392 663000, or email info@exetermartialarts.co.uk. Let us know your child's age and we'll recommend the right class and get them booked onto a free taster, no experience or equipment needed.

Prefer to see it in person first? Join us at our Children's Open Day on 13th September, where prospective parents and children are welcome to come along, meet the instructors and see what a class actually looks like before booking a taster.