Our adult classes are suitable for all levels, including beginners. You don’t need to be particularly fit to take part, as your fitness will improve as you train. Each class begins with a warm up, followed by an introduction to some new techniques. You’ll be guided through each step and given the chance to practice or drill by yourself to begin with. You’ll then partner up with another member of the group to practice the drills. Our members have the utmost respect for one another, and if you’re new don’t panic! Everyone who trains with us will help you learn and go at a pace that suits you. In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, higher belts coach and support lower belts. You won’t find any inflated egos amongst the higher belts, just friendly advice and guidance. We were all brand new once and know how it feels! During the class, you switch partners frequently so you’ll get the chance to practice (roll) with people of various builds and levels, which helps to develop your skills further. Most classes finish with free-rolling (sparring) where you’ll get the chance to practice what you’ve learnt. You don’t have to do this if you don’t feel ready. Normally this simulates competitions but there are also fight simulation drills or flow-rolling in this part of the session too. Periodically, we run sessions called shark tanks. These session are sparring based sessions but focusing on one particular position or situation. These are a great opportunity to practice your techniques against a range of opponents in a more challenging way. It’s a great workout too! With our all-you-can-eat style membership package you can train up to five times a week for a single monthly fee. Come along for a free trial and see what you think!
Our Juniors programme, for ages 7-12, recognises that children in this age bracket are able to grasp more complex manoeuvres and techniques, but also still like to learn through play. The classes include fun one-to-one challenges against the instructors, as well as the opportunity to practise techniques with each other. By doing so they learn teamwork skills and begin to share tips and tricks they have picked up with their partners. Our classes incorporate advanced games which are designed to be fun while also helping students gain a better understanding of positional control. At this stage, students start to learn specific Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques too and have plenty of opportunity to practice with a partner in a competition style.
The Power Pups programme is an introduction to martial arts for children. The class is thirty minutes long, which we’ve found is just the right length of time for this age group. Some children come twice a week, which is better than trying to do an hour all at once. During the classes, we teach the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu through fun one-on-one games with the instructors. These games build confidence with grappling and physical contact. They’re also easy and safe to play at home between classes! The programme is also designed to aid fitness and build the coordination they will need when they progress to the next level. As with all our classes, we offer a free trial if you’d like to give it a go. You are welcome to sit beside the mats during the first session if your child is nervous.
The Teen BJJ programme (including Teen Self Defence), for ages 12-16, is suitable both for complete beginners and those who have moved up from our children’s classes. Members of our Teens classes tell us that studying BJJ helped build their self-confidence and made them feel more comfortable in their own skin. It also made them feel more able to handle difficult situations, whether verbal or physical, at school and when out with their friends. Our teens are a friendly, welcoming group. We know joining a new class can be intimidating, but our students are very supportive of new members. Join us for a free trial and see what you think! Our Teen classes begin with a warm-up, after which the coach runs through some techniques and the group then works in pairs to practice what they’ve been shown. The class focuses on self-defence and includes competition practice. As your skills develop, there is also the opportunity to ‘free-roll’ in a more competitive setting to improve your skills and test techniques with a partner.
Head Coach Zak Reed is a black belt in BJJ with over ten years studying and teaching the art. The team operates under Ben Hall, a 3rd dan black belt and head instructor of Carlson Gracie BJJ Australia.
Horizon Academy's matted studio is located in the centre of Exeter at 2 Guinea Street, EX1 1BS. It offers the perfect place to learn BJJ, with classes throughout the week for all ages and abilities.
Mitsuyo Maeda → Carlos Gracie → Carlson Gracie Snr → Carlson Gracie Jr → Ben Hall → Zak Reed. Proud to be the only Carlson Gracie Ben Hall team in the South West of England.
Features a matted studio ideal for BJJ training.
Open to all ages from 3 years old to adult, with classes for Power Pups, Juniors, Teens, and Adults. Emphasizes confidence building, anti-bullying, social skills, self-discipline, fun fitness, self-respect, and competition opportunities. Free taster sessions available.