YAMA Junior Programme (age 8-12 years)

Martial arts education that develops skill, confidence, discipline and character.

Our extremely popular YAMA Juniors Programme provides children with a structured and progressive education in Freestyle Martial Arts, combining practical martial arts training with personal development, self-defence and traditional Black Belt values.

Students study techniques and principles from a range of established martial arts and combat disciplines. They learn punching combinations, defensive movement, footwork and head movement from Boxing; kicks and knee techniques from Taekwondo and Karate; and throws, ground defence, escapes and practical self-defence applications from Jujitsu.

These skills are developed progressively through our structured grading syllabus, giving students clear learning objectives and achievable goals as they work towards each new grade.

At the heart of the programme are the Black Belt principles of Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, Humility and Indomitable Spirit. Students are expected not simply to learn these principles, but to demonstrate them through their attitude, behaviour and commitment both inside and outside their martial arts lessons.

What Will Your Child Learn?

1. A Broad Martial Arts Education

Our Freestyle Martial Arts curriculum allows students to study striking, kicking, defensive movement, throws, ground defence and practical applications drawn from Boxing, Taekwondo, Karate and Jujitsu.

Rather than simply collecting techniques, students progressively develop their understanding of how, why and when techniques are used, building a well-rounded foundation of martial arts knowledge and ability.

2. Practical Self-Defence & Personal Safety

Junior students study a dedicated scenario-based self-defence curriculum designed around situations and challenges young people could encounter in everyday life.

Students learn appropriate physical responses alongside some of the most important aspects of self-defence: awareness, avoidance, confident communication, decision-making, de-escalation and knowing when to seek help.

Our aim is not to teach children to look for confrontation, but to give them the knowledge, confidence and judgement to recognise danger, avoid unnecessary conflict and protect themselves appropriately when required.

3. Discipline, Respect & Black Belt Character

Technical ability is only one part of progressing through YAMA.

Students study the traditional Black Belt principles of Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, Humility and Indomitable Spirit, with instructors helping them understand how these qualities apply to martial arts training and everyday life.

As students progress, we expect to see development not only in what they can do, but in how they conduct themselves as martial artists and young people.

4. Focus, Resilience & Personal Development

Martial arts presents students with challenges that require concentration, practice and perseverance.

Learning new techniques, correcting mistakes, preparing for gradings and working towards long-term goals teaches students that improvement comes through consistent effort and dedication.

These lessons can help children develop greater resilience, focus and confidence when facing challenges outside the academy too.

5. Achievement Through a Structured Grading System

Every YAMA Junior follows a progressive grading syllabus with clearly defined skills, knowledge and development goals.

Students work towards each grade through regular tuition and practice before demonstrating their progress through formal assessment.

Earning a new grade therefore represents more than simply attending lessons — it recognises the student's learning, effort, development and achievement.

Martial Arts Education Beyond the Academy

We believe the qualities required to become a Black Belt shouldn't disappear when a student leaves their martial arts lesson.

Personal development therefore forms an important part of the YAMA Junior curriculum.

Students complete age-appropriate extracurricular tasks and development challenges at home and at school as part of their progression. These encourage positive habits such as completing homework, helping at home, keeping their personal space organised, showing respect to parents and teachers, demonstrating responsibility and following through on commitments.

Our objective is to encourage students to understand that discipline is something they practise, not simply something we talk about.

Challenging, Engaging & Enjoyable

A structured martial arts education doesn't mean lessons shouldn't be fun.

Our Junior classes are energetic, engaging and appropriately challenging, with instructors using technical drills, partner work, controlled practice, learning activities and age-appropriate challenges to keep students motivated.

Students of different experience and ability levels are welcomed and supported, with our instructors helping each child progress at an appropriate pace.

The Journey Towards Black Belt

For us, achieving a Black Belt represents far more than physical martial arts ability.

It represents knowledge, discipline, perseverance, self-control, confidence, respect and years of continued learning and personal development.

That's why the YAMA Juniors Programme isn't simply about teaching children how to punch, kick or defend themselves.

We're educating the next generation of martial artists and helping young people develop the skills, values and character they can carry with them throughout their lives. BOOK A FREE TRIAL TODAY!  

Classes

Monday - Exmouth 5:30pm-6:30pm (Withycombe Raleigh Primary School)

Monday - Tiverton 5:30pm-6:30pm (Heathcoat Primary School)

Monday - Exeter 5:30pm- 6:30pm (Woodwater Academy)

Tuesday - Tiverton 5:30pm-6:30pm (Exe Valley Community Centre)

Tuesday - Exmouth 5:30pm-6:30pm (Brixington Primary School)

Tuesday - Sidmouth 5:30pm-6:30pm (Sidmouth Primary School)

Wednesday - Tiverton 5:30pm-6:30pm (Sunningmead Community Centre)

Wednesday - Budleigh Salterton 5:30pm-6:30pm (St Peter's Primary School)

Wednesday - Wellington 5:45pm-6:45pm (Isambard Kingdom Brunel Primary School)

Wednesday - Newton Poppleford 5:30pm - 6:30pm (The Pavilion)

Thursday - Cullompton 5:30pm-6:30pm (Cullompton Scout Hut)

Thursday - Exmouth 5:30pm-6:30pm (Withycombe Raleigh Primary School)

Friday - Tiverton 5:30pm-6:30pm (Old Heathcoat School Community Centre)

Friday - Sidmouth 5:30pm-6:30pm (Sidmouth Primary School)

Friday - Bampton 5:30pm - 6:30pm (St Michael's Community Hall)

To book your child a FREE trial class CLICK HERE 

If you want to learn more about our tuition fees, or you'd like to become one of our members CLICK HERE