MONDAY Mixed class 6:30-8:15PM
TUESDAY Mixed class 6:30-8:00PM
THURSDAY Juniors only 5:30-6:30PM
THURSDAY Adults only 6:30-8:00PM
SUNDAY Adults only – 6:00-8:00PM
THE DOJO, UNIT 2 first floor Westward Point, Barnstaple, EX32 8PA
EMAIL US: combatjujitsuryu@gmail.com
We practice Goshin Kempo Jujitsu, our combination of locks, blocks, strikes, throws and various other defensive moves requires us to understand our own art and others, so we have a unique approach in how we train. Rather than focus on one element of Jujitsu we also train in the individual arts that influenced it or that came from it such as Karate, Aikido and Judo. Our amazing team has a wide skillset, treasure trove of knowledge and very valuable experience.
Name: Sensei STEVE MCNEILL
Rank: 3rd Dan (Chief instructor)
Butokukai Fellowship Trust member
Experience: 27 Years
Sensei Steve started in martial arts young, but began Goshin Combat Jiu-Jitsu under Sensei Tim Brennan at 15 and earning his Black Belt at 22, by which point the club had become Combat Jujitsu Ryu.
His teaching is built on a simple principle: technique matters more than size or strength, and every student can progress at their own pace and discover what they’re capable of.
In 2017, he became chief instructor and head of Combat Jujitsu Ryu in Birmingham.
Moving to Devon in 2018, he founded, owns and runs his own club.
These days, Steve’s focus is on his students rather than himself, working to achieve maximum effect with minimum effort, and paying particular attention to those new to training, or dealing with low confidence or mental health struggles. He still trains regularly and is mentored to keep his own skills sharp, and brings genuine enthusiasm to every lesson.
Name: Renshi RICHARD SMALL
Rank: 5th Dan TAI Europe (Co-instructor)
Experience: 50 Years
Butokukai Fellowship Trust member
Trained in aikido over 45 years, teaching for over 20, awarded the title of Renshi in 2025 bu representatives of the Butokukai Fellowship Trust. Qualified coach with British Aikido Board. Mainly teaching the aiki weapons of O-Sensei and Saito Sensei.
He has practised Tai Chi for about 30 years, teaching for 20. Qualified coach with BCCMA. Instructor member of TCUGB and Longfei Taijiquan Association.
Fully insured with AMAA. DBS checked.
Qualified with further and adult education certificate and post grad cert in training.
Has travelled to Russia and China several times, as well as many other places in pursuit of martial arts.
One of three teachers at the BAB national weapons course in 2019.
Author of the book, Tai Chi and Aikido – exploring pathways beyond choreography.
Web sites:
www.aikijo.weebly.com
www.taichidevon.weebly.com
Teaching his own class outside of ours, Renshi Richard runs mainly private lessons for small groups seeking knwoledge. Lessons or demonstrations are offered to any group or person interested in aikido, tai chi, chi kung or the like. Usually, no fee is asked.
He is currently helping us improve our Aikido and weaponry.
Name: Renshi STEWART COOK
Rank: 7th Dan Karate Jitsu (Co-instructor)
5th Dan Karate-Do
1st Dan Aiki Jitsu
Experience: 50 Years
Technical Director (Butokukai Fellowship Trust)
Chief Instructor BSKA (Rugeley)
“I started my martial arts journey in the late 1960’s with Lau Gar Kung Fu, under Master Yau. I drifted around different styles until I joined BSKA in about 1980 (Shotokan), where I remained as student, instructor and Chief Instructor until 2019. In between, I trained under my spiritual master, who introduced me to the art of Karate Jitsu, Sensei Les McLean. Sensei McLean (Aikido 8th Dan) had a direct line to some of the great Japanese masters and was one of Abbe Sensei’s original students. Sensei McLean founded the Butokukai Fellowship Trust and I took over as technical director after his death. I hold the Abbe Mon in his name.
I have taught in many Karate Jitsu and multi discipline seminars within the U.K. and I o M., judged in Kata competitions and refereed at kumite.
As an instructor I have trained students to 4th Dan level. Some have been British Karate Kata champions and I have trained medal winners at European and World Kata championships.”
Name: Sensei SIMON HOLT
Rank: 3rd Dan Iwama Ryu Aikido (Co-instructor)
Experience: 30+ Years
Sensei Simon Holt began his martial arts journey as a schoolboy, exploring Wado Ryu Karate and boxing.
At the age of 34, he returned to martial arts, initially training in Ki Federation Aikido before discovering that it was not the right fit for him. He transitioned to the Iwama Ryu style, training under Tom Parris Sensei (5th Dan) at the Kokoro Kai Iwama Ryu Dojo in Falmouth. After seven years of dedicated practice, he earned his Shodan (1st Dan) and continued to deepen his expertise by attending international seminars with esteemed instructors such as Saito Hitohira Sensei and Pat Hendricks Sensei. Over the years, Sensei Holt advanced to Sandan (3rd Dan) in Iwama Ryu and earned his weapons scrolls.
He now finds great fulfillment in cross-training and teaching with us, where he shares knowledge, learns from others, and continues to grow alongside fellow instructors and students.
When most people think of martial arts clubs, they might picture intimidating dojos filled with aggressive training and machismo. Rōsei-Ryū Jūjutsu is on a mission to prove that assumption completely wrong.
Our tagline says it all: “It’s not what you’re expecting…
Our approach isn’t just about technique variety; it reflects the club’s warm philosophy that understanding comes from breadth of knowledge rather than rigid specialisation. It’s an ethos that runs through everything we do, from our training methods to our genuinely caring approach to student development.
What makes Rōsei-Ryū Jūjutsu special is the people behind it. The club’s instructors aren’t just technically skilled, they’re genuinely invested in creating a supportive, ego-free environment where students can grow, both physically and personally.
Take Sensei Steve, the club’s 3rd Dan Chief Instructor with over 25 years of experience. He embodies the club’s belief that technique and mindset in Jujitsu matter more than size or strength. Alongside his technical expertise, students and peers value his approachable, empathetic teaching style and his ability to help people work through personal challenges, whether that’s mental health struggles or simply being new to martial arts.
The club’s other instructors bring similarly deep experience, alongside the same commitment to student welfare.
Renshi Richard Small has 50 years of martial arts experience, including training in Aikido and Tai Chi. Renshi Stewart Cook brings a similar half-century of experience spanning Kung Fu and Karate. Sensei Simon Holt has over 30 years in Aikido, having trained under internationally recognised instructors, and each of them has personality traits our students love.
What really shines through when you hear from students is that Rōsei-Ryū Jūjutsu has created something more than a martial arts school, they’ve built a genuine family. The instructors take real time to know their students personally, understanding their individual goals, challenges, and aspirations.
This personal approach extends beautifully to the club’s inclusive philosophy. The instructors understand that we’re all built differently, and their techniques are thoughtfully designed to be approachable for everyone regardless of common concerns like fitness level, weight, or flexibility. Whether you’re a complete beginner wondering if martial arts might be for you, someone returning to training after years away, or an experienced practitioner looking to expand your knowledge, the emphasis is on creating an environment where everyone feels genuinely valued and motivated.
In an age where fitness and wellbeing are recognised as essential for mental as well as physical health, Rōsei-Ryū Jūjutsu offers some compelling reasons to give martial arts a try:
Practical Skills: Real self-defence skills that build confidence and awareness, so you feel more secure in everyday life.
Physical Fitness: A full-body workout that builds strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular fitness in ways a treadmill never will. It’s engaging, not just exercise.
Mental Health Support: The club particularly welcomes those facing mental health challenges, with students and instructors sharing experiences and mutual support. It’s a community where struggles are understood, not stigmatised, and where the structure and achievement of training bring real benefits for wellbeing. Our partner, Toad Counselling, is also on hand for further support, with special rates for members.
Accessible to All Body Types: We’re all built differently, and the techniques are designed to work for everyone, regardless of fitness level, weight, flexibility, or physical limitations. Technique over strength means martial arts genuinely works for anyone.
Personal Growth: Many students find that training helps them overcome personal challenges, build confidence, and develop discipline that carries into other areas of life. It’s transformative.
Community Connection: In an increasingly digital world, the club offers real human connection and mutual support, something rarer, and no less valuable, than ever.
