Kids BJJ
in Exeter.

If you're searching for kids BJJ classes in Exeter or children's martial arts in Exeter, you want more than just a place to burn off energy. You want an activity that builds life skills, keeps your child safe, and helps them grow into confident, respectful young people.

That's exactly what Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers.

What makes BJJ different from other kids martial arts?

Unlike striking-based martial arts (karate, taekwondo, kickboxing), BJJ is a grappling martial art that teaches control, technique, and problem-solving. There's no punching or kicking. Instead, kids learn to use leverage, positioning, and technique to control situations, making it both safe and incredibly effective for self-defence.

BJJ is like physical chess. Every position is a puzzle, and kids learn to think critically under pressure. This develops problem-solving skills that transfer directly to academics and everyday life challenges.

The benefits of BJJ for children

Bully-proof confidence

BJJ gives kids the tools to defend themselves without escalating violence. They learn to control and neutralize threats without striking, which is critical for real-world scenarios like bullying. More importantly, the confidence they gain from knowing they can handle themselves often prevents confrontations from happening in the first place.

Discipline and respect

BJJ has a deep culture of respect. Kids bow when entering the mat, address instructors respectfully, and learn to tap out (submit) when caught in a technique. This teaches humility, sportsmanship, and respect for others, values that carry into school and home life.

Physical fitness and coordination

BJJ is a full-body workout that improves strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. It's engaging and fun, so kids don't even realize they're exercising. Unlike sports where only the most athletic excel, BJJ rewards technique and intelligence, making it accessible for all body types and fitness levels.

Problem-solving and resilience

In BJJ, kids constantly face challenges. They get stuck in bad positions and have to figure out how to escape. They learn techniques and test them against resisting partners. This builds resilience, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and a growth mindset where mistakes are learning opportunities.

Social skills and teamwork

BJJ is an individual sport, but it requires training partners. Kids learn to work together, help each other improve, and celebrate each other's successes. The friendships formed on the mat are often some of the strongest kids will ever have.

What will my child learn in kids BJJ classes?

Our kids BJJ program in Exeter is structured around age-appropriate techniques and skill development:

• Basic positions: Guard, mount, side control, back control, and how to transition between them
• Escapes and defence: How to escape from pins, headlocks, and common positions of disadvantage
• Control techniques: Safe, non-violent ways to control and restrain an opponent
• Fundamental submissions: Chokes and joint locks (taught with safety and control as the priority)
• Takedowns and throws: How to safely bring a standing opponent to the ground
• Live rolling (sparring): Age-appropriate sparring where kids test their skills against resisting partners in a safe, supervised environment

Is BJJ safe for kids?

Yes. BJJ is one of the safest martial arts for children. There's no striking, so no risk of head trauma. Techniques are taught progressively with safety as the top priority. Kids learn to "tap out" (submit) immediately when caught in a technique, preventing injury.

Instructors closely supervise all sparring, and kids are paired with partners of similar size and experience. The mat environment is controlled, supportive, and designed to build confidence, not fear.

World-class instruction for kids in Exeter

At Costello BJJ, the kids program is built on the same world-class BJJ foundation that head coach Luke Costello has developed through his career as an IBJJF World Champion, 4x European Champion, and ADCC World Championship competitor. Luke is a black belt under Hall of Famer Braulio Estima and also holds a judo black belt.

Our instructors understand that kids learn differently than adults and create a fun, engaging environment where children are excited to train, challenged to improve, and supported every step of the way. The techniques taught are proven at the highest levels of competition, adapted for young learners.

What age can my child start BJJ?

We offer kids BJJ classes structured by age and experience level, so your child will always train with peers at a similar stage of development. Get in touch to discuss whether our program is right for your child's age and development.

What if my child has never done martial arts before?

Perfect. Most kids who join have zero experience. Our instructors are skilled at introducing BJJ to beginners in a way that's fun, non-intimidating, and builds confidence quickly.

Your child will learn at their own pace, surrounded by supportive teammates and coaches who remember what it's like to be brand new. Within a few weeks, you'll notice improvements in their confidence, focus, and physical fitness.

Ready to get started?

Your child's first class is free. No experience required, no pressure to sign up. Come see why parents in Exeter trust Costello BJJ to teach their kids confidence, discipline, and real self-defence skills.

Book your child's free trial class or call 07538 160189.