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Adult Classes TimetableChildren's Classes TimetableNewsMembershipContact UsShopBook Free TasterTraditional Martial Art • Practical Self-Protection • Confidence
A complete martial art focused on practical self-protection and personal development. Real skills for real situations.
Traditional Jiu Jitsu in Exeter
Traditional Jiu Jitsu is a complete martial art focused on practical self-protection and personal development. At Exeter Martial Arts, our classes teach you how to deal with real-world situations using throws, locks, pins, strikes, and awareness — not sport rules.
Whether you’re brand new to martial arts or returning after a break, our structured, supportive classes are designed to help you train safely, progress confidently, and build real skill.
The Art
Traditional Jiu Jitsu (JJJ) is the foundation of many modern martial arts. Unlike competition-based systems, it focuses on self-protection, adaptability, and understanding how the body moves under pressure.
Training includes:
It is not about brute strength — technique, timing, and positioning are key.
Who It’s For
Adults of all ages and fitness levels. You do not need to be fit, flexible, or experienced to start. Many students begin simply wanting:
If you can move, you can train.
Your First Classes
Your first few sessions focus on fundamentals, not being thrown in at the deep end. You’ll learn:
Expert Coaching
Chief Instructor — BJJAGB 7th Dan
Rich is a Level 4 Coach and has over 30 years of experience teaching Traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu. He has trained extensively in multiple styles and focuses on teaching adults and children practical self-defence, confidence, and control in a safe, beginner-friendly environment. He also leads the Association’s Black Belts nationwide.
“I love seeing students gain confidence and feel empowered from their very first class. My goal is to make sure every student leaves with skills they can trust in real life.”
BJJAGB 3rd Dan — Level 3 Coach
Damien has been training in Jiu Jitsu in Exeter for 15 years and is a BJJAGB Level 3 Coach. He is also a Modern Languages Professor at Exeter University. Damien brings a calm, supportive, and technical approach to coaching, helping students of all levels build confidence on and off the mat.
“I love helping students discover what they’re capable of — it’s amazing to watch someone progress from nervous beginner to confident practitioner.”
Why Choose EMA
We don’t teach a “collection of techniques” — we teach understanding.
Our aim is to help you become calm, capable, and confident — on and off the mat.
The Results
Students regularly report:
Traditional Jiu Jitsu develops the mindset as much as the technique.
Getting Started
You don’t need any experience or special equipment. Just come ready to learn.
We’ll guide you through everything else.
Free Taster
The best way to understand Traditional Jiu Jitsu is to experience it. Your free taster class includes:
Take the First Step
The best way to understand Traditional Jiu Jitsu is to experience it. Your free taster class is waiting — no experience, no pressure, no commitment.
Common Questions
Absolutely. Traditional Jiu Jitsu is taught in a structured, beginner-friendly way from day one. You'll start with the fundamentals — movement, posture, and basic technique — and build from there. Most of our students had no martial arts experience when they joined.
Yes. Safety is central to how we train. All techniques are practised with a partner under instructor supervision, at a controlled pace. You'll learn how to fall safely (breakfalls) early on, and we never rush students beyond what they're comfortable with.
Exeter Martial Arts has been teaching Traditional Jiu Jitsu in Exeter for over 25 years. Our dojo is welcoming to complete beginners and experienced martial artists alike.
Not at all. Many of our students start later in life and train comfortably at their own pace. Jiu Jitsu relies on technique rather than strength or youth.
No. Fitness improves naturally as you train. Classes are structured to work at your level, and nobody is pushed beyond their ability.
Traditional Jiu Jitsu covers a wide range of self-defence including strikes, throws, locks, and ground work. BJJ specialises in ground fighting and submissions. Both are taught at EMA and complement each other well.
