Traditional Martial Arts Classes Exeter

TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS

Martial Arts That Develops the Whole Child

Here at Exeter Martial Arts (EMA) we pride ourselves as being the premier Traditional Martial Arts dojo in the South West. Our traditional Martial Arts stemmed from ancient Japan and have been passed down through many generations of martial artists. As well as their rich history they are still very relevant to us today, not only as fantastic self defence but also as a great way of building fitness and wellbeing. We are a British Jiu Jitsu Association (Sport England Governing Body) centre of Excellence which is spearheaded by Dr Rich Catterick (6th Dan) and his black belt team.

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Two martial artists practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu on mats, one applying a guard technique.

Choose Your Discipline

From grounded self-protection to traditional weapons work — find the discipline that fits how you want to train.

Adult - Traditional

Traditional Jiu Jitsu

A complete martial art focused on practical self-protection and personal development. Real skills for real situations — not sport rules.

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Adult Weapons

Kenjutsu

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.

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Common Questions

FAQs

What's the difference between Traditional Jiu Jitsu and Kenjutsu?

Traditional Jiu Jitsu focuses on empty-hand grappling and practical self-defence, while Kenjutsu is the traditional art of Japanese swordsmanship. Both are taught at Exeter Martial Arts and many students train in both to build a well-rounded skill set.

Do I need any experience to start?

No experience is needed for either discipline. Both Traditional Jiu Jitsu and Kenjutsu are taught progressively from first principles, so complete beginners are always welcome.

Is traditional martial arts training safe for beginners?

Yes. All classes are taught by experienced, senior-graded instructors in a structured, supervised environment, with techniques introduced step-by-step at a pace that suits your ability.

What should I wear or bring to my first class?

Wear comfortable sports clothing and bring a water bottle. If you continue training, we'll guide you through any uniform or equipment you may need for your specific discipline.

Where can I train traditional martial arts in Exeter?

Exeter Martial Arts runs Traditional Jiu Jitsu and Kenjutsu classes at our central Exeter dojo, teaching students of all abilities from complete beginners through to advanced practitioners.

How do I book a free taster class?

Get in touch using the form on this site, call us on 01392 663000, or email info@exetermartialarts.co.uk. We'll help you choose the right discipline and get you booked onto your first free class.