Children’s Martial Arts
Building confident, capable and resilient young people
Martial arts can give children far more than physical skills.
Our programme is designed to improve confidence, self-esteem, concentration, resilience and personal safety all while helping children become fitter, make friends and have fun.
Your child will learn in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment, supported by caring coaches and other young students who understand what it feels like to be new.
Two-week trial: £40
Why Martial Arts Matters for Children
Being a parent means wanting your child to feel safe, confident and capable as they become more independent.
The challenges children face change as they grow. It might begin with making friends, coping with conflict or starting school. Later, it can involve bullying, peer pressure, social media and navigating the world without a parent beside them.
We cannot remove every difficult situation from their path but we can help prepare them for it.
Martial arts gives children practical physical skills, but its greatest value is often the person they become through training.
A child who can communicate confidently, maintain eye contact, stay aware of their surroundings and remain calm under pressure is better equipped to manage challenging situations.
Our aim is not to teach children to look for fights. It is to help them develop the confidence, awareness and self-control to avoid them whenever possible and the skills to protect themselves if they genuinely need to.
What Your Child Can Develop
Through consistent martial arts training, children can improve their:
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Concentration and listening skills
- Physical fitness and coordination
- Balance, agility and body awareness
- Discipline and self-control
- Resilience when something feels difficult
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Personal safety and awareness
- Communication and social skills
- Respect for themselves and other people
Progress doesn’t always mean becoming the strongest or winning a competition.
Sometimes it means joining in without a parent beside them, trying again after finding something difficult or having the confidence to speak up.
Those achievements matter too.
Two Age-Appropriate Programmes
Children aren’t simply smaller adults. They need coaching, activities and expectations suited to their stage of development.
Little Hybrids:
Ages 4–7
Our Little Hybrids programme introduces younger children to martial arts through structured, age-appropriate sessions with plenty of movement, games and positive encouragement.
The programme includes introductory skills from:
- MMA
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Wrestling
- Striking
- Movement, balance and coordination
Children work through their own grading system, earning tags and belts through a combination of attendance, participation and age-appropriate assessments.
Stranger Danger and Beat the Bully learning is also embedded within the programme, helping children understand personal boundaries, safe choices and when to ask a trusted adult for help.
The focus is on building confidence, listening skills and a love of being active not placing unnecessary pressure on young children.
Little Hybrids Classes
Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5pm
55-minute sessions
Junior Martial Arts:
Ages 7–13
Our Junior programme provides a more structured martial arts syllabus while remaining welcoming and enjoyable.
Students develop skills across:
- MMA
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Wrestling
- Muay Thai and striking fundamentals
- Fitness and conditioning
- Personal safety
- Controlled partner work
The syllabus gives children a clear pathway through progressive skills, assessments, tags and coloured belts.
Working towards the next stage teaches children that progress comes from consistency, effort and practice. Each achievement gives them something tangible to feel proud of while encouraging them to keep learning.
Children who enjoy competition can receive coaching and support, but competing is never compulsory.
Junior Classes
Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5pm
One-hour sessions
From age 14, students can begin progressing into suitable adult classes and gym training with guidance from the coaching team.
Meet the Coaches
Jordan Walters
Jordan brings extensive martial arts experience to the children’s programme and is also Hybrid’s Head MMA Coach and an active professional fighter with a 2–0 record. He holds a Purple belt in BJJ.
He helps children develop strong technical foundations while reinforcing respect, self-control, resilience and positive behaviour.
Together, Xander and Jordan create sessions that are structured and purposeful without losing the fun that keeps children excited to return.
Xander Norris
Xander is part of the family behind Hybrid and helps deliver both our Little Hybrids and Junior programmes.
He understands the importance of making sessions enjoyable while helping children develop discipline, confidence and genuine martial arts ability. He holds a blue belt in BJJ.
A Welcoming First Session
Starting somewhere new can feel daunting, especially for a child who is naturally shy or worried about not knowing anybody.
We’ll welcome your child when they arrive, explain what will happen and buddy them with another student where appropriate.
They will not be expected to know the techniques, have previous experience or immediately keep up with children who have trained for longer.
Our existing students are encouraged to support new members and help them feel part of the group.
Every experienced student was once the nervous beginner arriving for their first class.
Structure, Progress and Achievement
Children enjoy knowing what they are working towards.
Our structured syllabus allows students to progress through skills, tags and coloured belts as their knowledge, consistency and ability develop.
The programme continues beyond the initial stages through more advanced belt levels, giving committed students a long-term pathway within martial arts.
Gradings are not simply about memorising techniques. They help children learn:
- How to set a goal
- How to prepare for an assessment
- How to respond to feedback
- How to persevere when something is difficult
- How rewarding consistent effort can be
Children can see their progress, celebrate their achievements and understand what they need to work towards next.
Fun, Fitness and Time Away From Screens
Children spend more time than ever using phones, tablets, gaming systems and social media.
Martial arts gives them active time away from screens, where they can move, communicate face-to-face and build real friendships.
Sessions improve fitness, strength and coordination without feeling like traditional exercise. Children are learning, playing, solving problems and working with training partners at the same time.
Most importantly, we want them to enjoy coming to class.
A Family-Run Gym and a Genuine Community
Hybrid was established in Plymouth in 2006 and remains proudly family-run.
Children and families become part of a supportive community where students encourage one another, celebrate gradings and often travel together to competitions.
Some children will develop ambitions to compete. Others will train for confidence, fitness, friendships and fun.
Both pathways are valued.
Family, respect and community are at the heart of everything we do.
Something for Parents Too
Parents and guardians can use our upstairs commercial gym free of charge while their child is attending class.
While your child builds their confidence and learns new skills, you can enjoy some valuable training or personal time of your own.
Member stories
What Parents Say
★★★★★
“Their confidence is building and they are making friends”
“From the first conversation and trial sessions, we knew this was what we were looking for. We felt reassured and knew the boys would be in good hands.
“With structured sessions and progression through coloured belts, they are proud of their achievements and know what they need to do to reach the next stage.
“Most importantly, the boys really enjoy going. Their confidence is building, and they are making friends along the way.”
Toby and Tristan’s family
★★★★★
“A great family atmosphere”
“Our children have trained at Hybrid since they were five and six. The club has a great family atmosphere, and the coaches take a genuine interest in everyone who trains.
“They have made amazing friends, developed their martial arts and travelled with other Hybrid families to competitions and events.”
Tom, Harvey and Rosie
Start With a Two-Week Trial
Give your child the opportunity to experience the sessions, meet the coaches and decide whether Hybrid feels right for them.
Two weeks for £40
Their trial includes access to the appropriate Little Hybrids or Junior sessions for their age group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need previous experience?
No. Complete beginners are welcome, and we will help them settle into the group.
What should they wear for the trial?
Comfortable sports clothing without zips, buttons or jewellery is ideal. We’ll explain any equipment requirements when you book.
What martial arts will they learn?
The programmes include age-appropriate elements of MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling and striking. The exact balance and level of complexity depend on the child’s age and programme.
Can I watch my child train?
Parents can watch the sessions from reception, or train upstairs in the gym for free! Parents and guardians may also use the upstairs gym free of charge while their child is training.
How does grading work?
Children follow a structured syllabus and work towards tags and coloured belts. Progress is based on factors including attendance, participation, understanding and age-appropriate technical development.
What happens when my child turns 14?
Our coaches can help them transition into suitable adult martial arts sessions and gym training.
Help Your Child Take the First Step
Your child doesn’t need to be confident before joining martial arts.
Martial arts can be where that confidence begins.
Give them a safe place to learn, make friends, become more active and discover what they are capable of.
Two-week trial: £40
Hybrid Combat Gym, 22 Clare Place, Coxside, Plymouth, UK
01752 265785