Business Details
27 Years
experience
Award-Winning Martial Arts for All Ages
Established in 1999 by Sensei Ben Babbington, ZKS Martial Arts has grown into an award-winning martial arts school serving Aylesbury and Watford with nearly 1,000 weekly members. Our expertise spans traditional Japanese Taijutsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and modern self-defence techniques, delivered by a team of highly qualified instructors including 5th Degree Black Belt holders and specialist coaches. We maintain rigorous standards through structured programs for all ages, from toddler classes to adult grappling, while preserving the authentic principles of Zen Kyo Shin martial arts.Our inclusive environment accommodates special educational needs through adaptive training spaces and individualised instruction, supported by over 60 weekly classes across two locations. With direct lineage to founder Steve Cowley's original UK Taijutsu system, we combine 30+ years of technical evolution with modern fitness and self-defence applications, evidenced by our comprehensive membership structure and industry-recognised belt progression system.
Services
Adult Martial Arts
Children's Classes
Adaptive Martial Arts
Private Lessons
BJJ Training
Self-Defence Courses
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of technical expertise through direct lineage from UK Taijutsu founders
- Our instructors hold 5th Degree Black Belts and specialist coaching qualifications
- We provide adaptive training spaces for children with special educational needs
- Our membership structure includes 60+ weekly classes across two locations
- We combine traditional martial arts with modern self-defence applications
Services
Adult Martial Arts
Our adult programs combine traditional Taijutsu with modern striking and grappling techniques. Students learn practical self-defence while improving fitness and discipline through structured belt progression. Classes cater to all experience levels in a supportive environment.
Children's Classes
Specialised programs for ages 3-11 develop coordination, confidence and discipline. The Dragons (3-5), Ninjas (5-7) and Junior MA (7-11) classes use age-appropriate techniques to build foundational martial arts skills in a fun environment.
Adaptive Martial Arts
Specially designed for children with SEN, this program offers individualised instruction in a sensory-friendly space. Our adaptive approach helps develop social skills and confidence through modified martial arts techniques and structured activities.
Private Lessons
Personalised training with Head Instructor Ben Babbington allows focused skill development. Sessions can be tailored to specific goals, with flexible scheduling available for accelerated progress and competition preparation.
BJJ Training
Havoc BJJ focuses on ground fighting techniques and submissions. The program develops technical skill, physical resilience and competition readiness in a non-competitive training environment with experienced instructors.
People
Ben Babbington
Founder and Head Instructor
5th Degree Black Belt in Taijutsu with 30+ years' experience, founder of ZKS Martial Arts in 1999. Specialises in blending traditional techniques with modern self-defence applications.
Timothy Gourley
Aylesbury Instructor
Senior Black Belt in Taijutsu with Level 3 Muay Thai certification. Trains under Sensei Ben with expertise in combining striking disciplines with traditional martial arts principles.
James Stevenson
Watford Instructor
Senior Black Belt in Taijutsu and Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Specialises in adapting traditional techniques for modern self-defence applications across all age groups.
Louise Babbington
Aylesbury Instructor
Senior Black Belt in Taijutsu with yoga instruction expertise. Combines martial arts training with physical conditioning to enhance student performance and injury prevention.
Jim Hey
Adaptive Martial Arts Instructor
Specialist in adaptive training methods with SEN experience. Develops individualised programs to make martial arts accessible for children with autism and other learning differences.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We teach traditional Taijutsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, karate, kickboxing, judo and practical self-defence techniques.
What age groups do your classes cater for?
We offer programs for toddlers (3+), children (5-11), teens (11-16) and adults, including adaptive classes for SEN children.
Do you offer trial periods?
Yes, we provide up to a month's free trial with no obligation to join.
What membership options are available?
We offer three membership tiers: Standard (1 class/week), Premium (2 classes) and Ultimate (3 classes), all with 30-day cancellation.
Are your instructors qualified?
Our team includes 5th Degree Black Belts, Level 3 Muay Thai coaches and BJJ specialists with 20+ years' experience.
