THETFORD

ju jitsu - THETFORD - norfolk - martial arts

children's classes

Established as our first ju jitsu after school club in Norfolk our Thetford club is flying the flag proudly for Ishin Ryu.

With popular weekly martial arts after-school classes for Infants, Juniors and Teenagers on Thursday. 

Classes taught by Ju Jitsu Instructor,  Joe Pinker Sempai.

(Photo: Ray Thompson)

Ju Jitsu - Thetford - Norfolk Martial Arts place picture
4.9
Based on 61 reviews
Alekhya settled in well at Ju Jitsu classes and enjoys learning from her Sempai.
The Sempai is friendly and patient with the students. I would recommend Ju Jitsu in Thetford to others.
Thomas Slocombe profile picture
Thomas Slocombe
1 week ago
Great place to train
T W profile picture
T W
1 month ago
It seems this club is trying to pass itself off as Ju Jitsu UK which is run by Trevor Steward, the only Ju Jitsu instructor to have been running classes in Thetford for over 25 years. They've even gone so far as to copy the logo used by Ju Jitsu UK. You guys really ought to have more confidence in your own branding - I'm sure you'll get back on your feet eventually!

I had not reviewed "Ju Jitsu - Thetford - Norfolk Martial Arts" but received a reply today from them on a review I wrote about Ju Jitsu UK three years ago. I suppose it says a lot that someone is sat there trawling through reviews from years ago and trying to claim them as their own. It perhaps says more that in their response they seem to have tried to antagonise someone who hasn't said a word about them in the four years since he left their organisation to stick with the only truly qualified instructor in the area, that being Trevor Steward.

Having attended both Ju Jitsu UK and the other club, I can say without a doubt that Ju Jitsu UK is far superior.
daryl jacobs profile picture
daryl jacobs
2 months ago
James Stoten profile picture
James Stoten
2 months ago
Awesome club
Anna Szelazek profile picture
Anna Szelazek
4 months ago
I'm happy with the jujitsu classes here. I initially enrolled one of my daughters, and now both attend classes. They enjoy it and have made new friends there. They have learned self-defense, and part of the time is spent for exercises in a fun way.
My 5 Years old daughter Mirka attends the Ju Jitsu classes with Sempai Joe and absolutely loves them ! They are really engaging and also fun. They do different aspects each week and gradually gain a solid base of moves and understanding of the discipline. They have grading which helps provide a focus and a celebration of how far they have got. I would really recommend Sempai Joe and his team for their classes and confidence building !
Martin McAleer profile picture
Martin McAleer
5 months ago
This is an excellent club with a really good ethos and team spirit. The club is welcoming and inclusive. The skills are taught patiently and respectfully and pupils support each other. My son loves the club and I highly recommend it.
Karen Bailey profile picture
Karen Bailey
5 months ago
My son goes to the thetford and Caston groups each week
the groups have helped him build his confidence,
his instructors are friendly and welcoming
Joana Rodrigues profile picture
Joana Rodrigues
5 months ago
Everyone is so friendly and welcoming 😊
All the kids have loads of fun while learning as well
Would 💯 recommend
Ben Lacey profile picture
Ben Lacey
7 months ago
We couldn’t recommend this ISHIN RYU JU JITSU club enough. The instructors create such a positive, disciplined environment while still making training fun and engaging. My son has developed confidence, resilience and real skill since joining. It’s more than just martial arts — it’s life lessons, respect and self-belief. Brilliant club with dedicated coaches.
Holly Savage profile picture
Holly Savage
9 months ago
The instructors are fab! My son loves coming to their classes. Joe and Zach are so friendly and professional and made my son’s joining experience smooth and welcoming. True experts in their craft. Thank you 😀
Lau Parker profile picture
Lau Parker
11 months ago
My youngest son joined the Junior classes at our local leisure centre a few weeks ago and is loving it. The instructors are so good with all the children, break down everything they teach into manageable chunks, take time to make sure everyone is doing the moves confidently and correctly, and they have great fun doing it. Highly recommend!!
Sommer Labastida profile picture
Sommer Labastida
11 months ago
Our two daughters started their classes a month ago and so far, we absolutely love it. The instructors are great and the kids have a blast. I love that we are able to observe and that they teach fundamentals of discipline, boundaries, and defense through play!
Kevin profile picture
Kevin
11 months ago
My kids absolutely love their jiu-jitsu classes! The instructors are amazing—so patient, encouraging, and great with children of all ages. They strike the perfect balance between discipline and fun, and it’s clear they truly care about each student’s growth. The techniques they teach are excellent, and I’ve seen my kids gain confidence, focus, and respect both on and off the mats. Highly recommend!
Perfect for improving strength and confidence! And great for learning self defence techniques, especially in these troubled times.
Response from the owner
1 year ago
Thank you for your fantastic review Harold. It is greatly appreciated...
Karen profile picture
Karen
1 year ago
Such a friendly club, and great to have 2 instructors teaching. Joe and Zak are a credit to the club and treat my children like their own, very caring. Would not take my children anywhere else..
Response from the owner
1 year ago
Thank you for your great 5 star review Karen, it is gratefully appreciated.Kevin PellFounder Ishin Ryu Ju Jitsu
Oliver Harris profile picture
Oliver Harris
1 year ago
Response from the owner
1 year ago
Thank you for your 5 star review Oliver, it is greatly appreciated...
Joshua Jacobs profile picture
Joshua Jacobs
1 year ago
Great for learning self defence
Response from the owner
1 year ago
Thank you for your great review Joshua, it is greatly appreciated 🙏
Ishin Ryu is a great place with the best instructors
Response from the owner
1 year ago
Thank you for your great review Sammy, it is greatly appreciated by our training team.Kevin Pell - Founder English Ju Jitsu Union
Danny Rome profile picture
Danny Rome
1 year ago
The instructors are very well educated and very respectful and will always go over everything. They teach you the history the culture and they helped me get out of my comfort zone. They’re there for the community not ego! Worth a £ I’ve spent highly suggest going there if you need a good workout and good time!
Response from the owner
1 year ago
Thank you for your review Danny, it is greatly appreciated.Kevin PellChief Instructor - SIRJJR...
Will Jackson profile picture
Will Jackson
2 years ago
I joined Ishin Ryu a few months ago and have been going consistently (the adult class). I’m really happy with the classes and enjoying it a lot. The instructors made me feel at home quickly and I’m proud to train with these amazing people 💥💪

The class is appropriate for everyone no matter your prior experience in martial arts (I had none) or physical capabilities and the instructors tailor their approach for each individual.

I’m really impressed with the instructors, highly skilled and knowledgeable with great vibes. They keep the sessions challenging and enjoyable every week and do a great job of balancing self defence, fitness and martial arts 🥋 They are accommodating to individual’s needs and schedules.

If you want to improve your fitness, endurance and learn some solid self defence techniques this is the group for you.
Photo from customer review
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Many thanks for your lovely 5 star review Will and I am pleased to hear you are really enjoying your classes at the Thetford adult club on Thursdays!
Kim Dines profile picture
Kim Dines
2 years ago
My son has been going to Ishin Ryu Ju Jitsu for almost 2 years now and he loves it. The classes are a mix of fun games, practical skills and techniques, all blended together to keep him occupied.
The teachers are great, supportive during practice and swift to take action if anyone gets hurt. My son hit his head in one practice and sensei was in contact the next morning to check on him, going above and beyond what was required.
A great class with a great atmosphere and attitude, I definitely recommend them.
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Dear Kim,Thank you for your lovely review, it is very much appreciated and I will notify Joe & Zak.Thank you...
levinia bugeja profile picture
levinia bugeja
2 years ago
Our grandson has been attending this class for over a year at the Thetford sports centre. We cannot praise the coaches Zak and Joe enough. They provide varied exercises / games as well as teaching self defense. Our grandson has achieved a few belts in this time. For someone that was nervous and would not step on the mat now thrives and is full of confidence.
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Thank you for your kind review! We appreciate that your grandson has been apart of the club for sometime now and we thoroughly enjoy teaching him and are delighted that his confidence has grown with us!
Jasmine Bugeja profile picture
Jasmine Bugeja
2 years ago
My son goes to the group in Thetford on a Thursday and has been going for around a year, he loves it and has built his confidence majorly, Zak and Joe have been so good with him, really supported him especially at the start when he was nervous but they took him in under their wings and he soon thrived. They teach a lot about self defence too which is great for kids at his age. Highly recommend
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Thank you for your kind review! We love teaching your son and supporting him to become more confident in himself!

Timetable

LocationDayTimeAge GroupClassStyleBook
Thetford ClubThursday16:45-17:45Children 4 - 7Thetford Thursday InfantsInfants Ju JitsuBook Free Trial
Thetford ClubThursday18:00-19:00Children 8 - 12Thetford Thursday JuniorsJuniors Ju JitsuBook Free Trial
Thetford ClubThursday19:15-20:15Children 8 - 12Thetford Thursday JuniorsJuniors Ju JitsuBook Free Trial
Thetford ClubThursday20:15-21:15Children 13 - 15Thetford Thursday TeenagersTeenagers Ju JitsuBook Free Trial

How to Find Us

Club Facilities:

Free Parking.

Shower and Changing Facilities.