Business Details
28 Years
experience
Premier Martial Arts Training in Exeter
Exeter Martial Arts has been delivering high-quality martial arts instruction since 1998, combining traditional Japanese disciplines with modern combat sports. Our academy offers tailored classes for children aged 3-15 and adults, specialising in Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and weapons-based systems like Kenjutsu and Kobujutsu. As a British Jiu Jitsu Association Centre of Excellence, we maintain rigorous standards under the leadership of Dr. Richard Catterick, a 6th Dan black belt with a PhD in Oncology and 34 years of martial arts expertise.Our commitment to safety and excellence is evidenced by our Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts certification, developed in partnership with Sport England. We provide holistic training that builds physical fitness, self-defence capabilities, and character development through structured gradings and competitive opportunities. With a team of experienced instructors, including university lecturers and national referees, we deliver both recreational and elite-level programmes while maintaining accessibility through free taster sessions and community outreach initiatives.
Services
Children's Martial Arts
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Boxing
Muay Thai
Tai Chi
Kenjutsu
Kobujutsu
Wrestling
Judo
MMA
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 25 years of martial arts expertise with qualified instructors
- Our academy provides free taster sessions for all prospective students
- We hold the prestigious Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts certification
- Our instructors include university lecturers and national referees
- We offer competitive pathways with proven success in national competitions
Associations and certifications
- Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts
- British Jiu Jitsu Association
What people say
Experienced instructors
Child-friendly environment
Competition success
Structured gradings
Safeguarding standards
Services
Children's Martial Arts
Structured martial arts programmes for children aged 3-15, focusing on discipline, respect, and physical development. Our age-specific classes teach traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu techniques while fostering confidence and perseverance. Regular gradings and competition opportunities help track progress and build character.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Ground-fighting martial art emphasising leverage-based techniques for self-defence and competition. Our classes cater to all ages, teaching positional control and submission holds through structured drills and sparring sessions. We prepare students for local and national competitions.
Muay Thai
Traditional Thai martial art utilising strikes with fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Our classes improve cardiovascular fitness while teaching effective self-defence techniques. Training includes pad work, sparring, and conditioning drills suitable for all experience levels.
Weapons Training
Traditional Japanese swordsmanship and Okinawan weapon systems taught by qualified instructors. Classes focus on historical techniques with practical self-defence applications. Students learn with authentic equipment under strict safety protocols to develop precision and control.
Fitness & Conditioning
Martial arts-based fitness classes combining cardio, strength, and flexibility training. Sessions include circuit workouts, striking drills, and functional exercises to improve overall physical performance. Suitable for those seeking general fitness or combat sports preparation.
People
Dr Richard Catterick
Head Instructor
Founder of Seishin Mizu Ryu martial art with 34 years experience. Holds 6th Dan black belt, PhD in Oncology, and Level 4 Sport England coaching qualification. Specialises in traditional Japanese martial arts and weapons systems.
Damien
Instructor
2nd Dan black belt in Jiu Jitsu with expertise in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing. Former university lecturer now teaching adult and junior classes. Combines academic approach with practical martial arts instruction.
Sue Harrison
Stakeholder Marketing
Representative from Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts who praised EMA's commitment to safety standards. Works with martial arts governing bodies to promote safeguarding best practices across the industry.
Questions
What martial arts do you teach?
We offer Jiu Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Muay Thai, Kenjutsu, Kobujutsu, Judo, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts for adults and children.
Do you offer trial sessions?
Yes, we provide free no-commitment taster sessions for all prospective students. Contact us to arrange your first class.
Are your instructors qualified?
All our instructors are certified black belts with extensive experience. Many hold additional qualifications including Sport England coaching certifications and university degrees.
Do you have children's classes?
We offer age-specific martial arts classes for children aged 3-15, with separate programmes for Lion Cubs (3-4), Little Lions (5-6), Juniors (5-11), and Cadets (11-15).
Are you affiliated with any governing bodies?
We are a British Jiu Jitsu Association Centre of Excellence and hold the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts certification developed with Sport England.
Do you compete in tournaments?
Yes, we have successful competition teams in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, and Jiu Jitsu with students winning national and European medals.