Kids Martial Arts
Enjoyable, structured training designed to build confidence, discipline, coordination, fitness and useful martial arts skills.
Explore kids classes
Traditional training. Practical skills.
Martial Arts & Self Defence Classes in Muswell Hill
Practical Japanese Ju-Jitsu for kids, teens and adults. Build confidence, improve fitness and learn useful self-defence skills in a welcoming local class.
Kids · Teens · Adults
Tuesday 7:30–9:00pm
Saturday 2:00–3:30pm
The Birchwood Centre · N10
Beginners welcome
Your local club
Welcome to Muswell Hill Martial Arts
We teach traditional Japanese Ju-Jitsu with a practical approach to self defence, helping complete beginners and experienced students progress at their own pace.
Training brings together striking, throwing, locks, escapes, breakfalls and movement. Along the way, students can improve confidence, fitness and coordination in a supportive setting.
Muswell Hill Martial Arts is the Muswell Hill branch of Total Self Defence.
A class for every stage
Kids, teens and adults train with purpose
Teen Martial Arts
Practical skills, fitness and calm confidence for dealing with pressure, with a clear path towards adult martial arts training.
Explore teen classesAdult Martial Arts
Learn practical self defence, improve fitness and develop traditional martial arts skills. Complete beginners are welcome.
Explore adult classesBegin where you are
Never done martial arts before?
You do not need to be fit, flexible or familiar with martial arts before you start. Beginners learn the foundations gradually and train at a manageable pace.
“I’m not fit enough.”
“I’m too old to start.”
“Everyone else will know more than me.”
Those are normal first-class worries. The best way to find out whether Ju-Jitsu suits you is to try a welcoming session.
Book your first classWhat to expect
- A clear introduction to the class
- Techniques explained step by step
- Controlled practice with a partner
- Time to learn without pressure
- A friendly group of mixed experience levels
Useful, controlled training
Learn practical self defence
Training develops awareness, confident movement, balance, striking, escapes, control and practical defensive skills. Techniques are practised progressively, with attention to control and safe learning.
No martial art can guarantee personal safety. Good training can, however, give you more options, better movement and greater confidence under pressure.
How self-defence training worksOne art, broad skill set
What is Japanese Ju-Jitsu?
Japanese Ju-Jitsu is a wide-ranging martial art that combines standing and close-range techniques. It is distinct from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which places a stronger emphasis on ground grappling; both are valid arts with different training focuses.
- Strikes
- Throws
- Joint locks
- Escapes
- Breakfalls
- Control
- Self defence
Part of something established
The Muswell Hill branch of Total Self Defence
Total Self Defence has taught traditional Japanese Ju-Jitsu since the 1980s, combining traditional roots with practical modern application and a cooperative way of learning.
Your instructor
Train with Sensei Paul Ridley
Sensei Paul runs the Muswell Hill classes, guiding students through practical Japanese Ju-Jitsu in the sessions at The Birchwood Centre.
See Paul’s approach to the art through his technique videos, then experience the class in person.
Train locally in Muswell Hill
Tuesday evenings and Saturday afternoons at The Birchwood Centre.
Serving the local area
Martial arts for Muswell Hill and nearby North London
The Birchwood Centre is the training base for students from Muswell Hill and surrounding neighbourhoods looking for martial arts, practical self defence or a constructive new activity.
Nearby areas
Local guides
North London
East Finchley and other nearby North London areas.
Explore all local guidesFirst-class questions
Starting martial arts in Muswell Hill
Can complete beginners join?
Yes. You can learn the foundations gradually without previous martial arts experience.
Do I need to be fit first?
No. Begin at a manageable pace and allow your fitness to develop through regular training.
What should I wear?
Comfortable sports clothing is suitable for a first class. Remove watches and jewellery before training.
Do I need a uniform immediately?
No uniform requirement has been confirmed for a first visit. Ask when booking what the instructor would like you to wear.
Can I try a class before joining?
Yes. Use the free-first-class page to register your interest in the Muswell Hill class.
Training venue
The Birchwood Centre
171 Fortis Green Road
Muswell Hill
London N10 3BG
Classes currently train on Tuesday from 7:30pm to 9:00pm and Saturday from 2:00pm to 3:30pm.
James Hart describes the instruction as first-rate and attentive to each student’s needs.
Start without pressure
Ready to try your first class?
Tell us you’re interested in the Muswell Hill class and we’ll help you take the next step.