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Styles
Instinctive Fighting System™
The Instinctive Fighting System™ teaches students a reality-based approach to the martial arts and self-defence using soft (mental) skills to avoid trouble. It also teaches a core syllabus of physical techniques (hard skills) whilst allowing them to choose their own reactions and applications against the attacks they’re most likely to face in real life.
Training consists of pad-work, fitness drills, force-on-force training, Grappling (stand up and on the ground), situational awareness, knife defence, weapons defence, and many other concepts and approaches that are too numerous to list here.
Grades range from Basic through to Instructor, with students facing no pressure to grade in order to learn the skills they need to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
Practical Taekwondo™
Practical Taekwondo™ is the training concept and approach that Matthew Sylvester has developed to make his Taekwondo more applicable to the self-defence on the street, and is featured in Practical Taekwondo: Back to the Roots. Training covers practical applications derived from the Chang Hun Tul of Taekwondo and the Heian Kata of Karate. Our self-defence techniques and syllabus cover the following;
Joint Manipulation Techniques
Short Stick Techniques
Hand Striking Techniques
Vital Point Techniques
Basic Techniques
Takedown Techniques
Practical Self-Defence™
Practical Self-Defence™ is not a martial art per se. Practical Self-Defence™ is a system designed to enable students to learn how to keep themselves safe through the mental skills of Self-Protection and the physical skills of Self-Defence.
Training is centred around soft (mental) skills designed to allow students to keep themselves and their families safe, with some last resort techniques. These skills are taught the world over to Bodyguards, Door Supervisors and Police, but rarely to ‘normal’ people. Students learn more physical skills as they progress but will be able to live safer lives from their first lesson. Practical Self-Defence is ideal for Corporate clients and those that don’t want to study martial arts for years, as it ensures that they learn everything they need to about self-protection, without having to worry about whether they are in the correct stance, or if they’re doing a pattern correctly.
Reality Based Personal Protection
Jim Wagner’s Reality Based Personal Protection is a no frills system that will make you look long and hard at yourself and society whilst having to dig deep into reserves that you didn’t think you had. Courses will cover Knife Survival, Crime Survival and even Terrorism Survival. The emphasis on ‘Reality’ cannot be overstated. You will find yourself in some of the worst situations you can imagine, whilst in a controlled and safe environment. Contact is a must here. How prepared are you to keep yourself and your loved ones safe?
Media
Matthew Sylvester, the Founder and Chief Instructor of Practical Martial Arts is a profilic writer, Features Editor, columnist, and contributor for such mainstream magazines as ‘Combat’, ‘Taekwondo & Korean Martial Arts’, ‘Traditional Karate’ and ‘Fighters’. He also writes for Iain Abernethy’s ‘Jissen’ as well as his own newsletter.
Having interviewed stars such as Randy Couture, Rich Franklin and Dana White from the UFC, Bill ‘Superfoot’ Wallace and famed Masters such as Choi Jung Hwa, Parm Rai, Tony Vohra; and numerous deserving martial artists such as Don Klass, Alex ‘Pukka’ Campbell and Ed Lofts, Matthew has a knowledge of martial arts and the people behind them far exceeding that of the average martial artist.
Below you can find all the current issues of Matthew’s newsletter and Iain Abernethy’s ‘Jissen’. Other articles will also be added in the near future.
Matthew hopes you enjoy reading them as much as he enjoyed writing them.
To the Point: Volume 1
Issue 1 - December 2007
Issue 2 - January 2008
Issue 3 - February 2008
Issue 4 - March 2008
Issue 5 - April 2008
Issue 6 - May 2008
Issue 7 - June 2008
FAQs
Tae Kwon Do, Taekwondo, Taekwon-do or…?
What is Practical Taekwondo™?
Where do you train?
Can I watch your classes?
I am a beginner with no experience, when can I start?
Can people with previous experience in martial arts join?
What do I wear?
Do I have to be fit?
Does it matter how old I am?
Is Practical Taekwondo™ suitable for women?
What are the benefits of studying Practical Taekwondo™?
Do you have exams?
What are the grades?
Tae Kwon Do, Taekwondo, Taekwon-do or….?
Whichever way Taekwondo is spelt it means the same. The term Taekwondo means (literally) ‘The way of the hand and foot’. All these terms, however, represent a single principle, a general way of applying a technique, of using the human body as a weapon in unarmed combat. It is also sometimes referred to as ‘Korean Karate’.
What is Practical Taekwondo™?
Practical Taekwondo™ is a modern, reality-based martial art with roots in the Korean-based martial art which employs a variety of blocking, striking, throwing, choking, kicking, joint locking and ground techniques all in such a manner that it provides as complete a martial arts and self-defence system as possible.
Practical Taekwondo™ is the ideal martial art for people who want to have both tradition but also a practical, modern approach that will enable them to learn how to defend themselves quickly, whilst getting fit and having fun. Practical Taekwondo™ is the ideal martial art for people who want something more from their martial art, who don’t want to spar for martial art competition purposes and is a great starter for reality-based training.
Practical Taekwondo™ integrates aspects of Jim Wagner’s Reality Based Personal Protection, the Instinctive Fighting System™ (another system in itself) and the skills and concepts Matthew and his affiliate instructors have learnt through being in the Police, the Reserve and Armed Forces and working in close protection and on the door.
From day one, students can expect to learn martial arts techniques and concepts that work with adrenalin, that don’t require high levels of skill and which will immediately make you not only feel safer, but also be safer. Whether or not you apply the lessons to your life is up to you, but we will give 100% in helping you make yourself and your loved ones safer.
Where do you train?
All of our adult martial arts training sessions are based at Pinhoe Scout Hut, Langaton Lane, Pinhoe and St Marks Church Hall, Heavitree.
Can I watch your classes?
Yes, we have an open door policy and anybody is welcome to watch our classes.
I am a beginner with no experience, when can I start?
You can start at any time. The lessons will be structured to your needs and capabilities.
Can people with previous experience in martial arts join?
Yes, we welcome martial artists from any discipline at any time. Many of the techniques within Practical Taekwondo™ may seem familar to experienced martial artists. This is especially so with the patterns, which are derived from the Heian Patterns of Shotokan Karate and other styles such as Wado Ryu. So far we have students who also study Ninjutsu, Wado Ryu Karate, PUMA Taekwondo, TAGB Taekwondo, Krav Maga, Aikido, Jujitsu, OKKO Karate Jutsu, MEME, Jung Shin Taekwondo, Aikoushin Kubojutsu and Unarmed Combat.
What do I wear?
Something loose and comfortable like a t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms. We have an official uniform, but we don’t wear gis or doboks (martial arts uniforms). We train wearing t-shirts and loose bottoms. Footwear is required as we train in it. Please understand that for your own safety you will not be allowed to wear any jewellery. If it cannot be removed it must be covered with tape.
Do I have to be fit?
No. Provided there are no obvious medical reasons why you should not train, fitness should be no barrier to starting Practical Taekwondo™. As you progress in your training your fitness level, your suppleness and flexibility will improve.
Does it matter how old I am?
No. Provided there are no obvious medical reasons why you should not train, age should be no barrier to starting Practical Taekwondo™. The only restriction we place on age is that students must be a minimum of 16 years of age to train in the adult system due to the nature of the techniques taught.
Is Practical Taekwondo™ suitable for women?
Yes, Practical Taekwondo™ is an ideal martial art for women. Practical Taekwondo™ techniques are designed to be both pro-active and reactive, accepting the opponent’s attack and intercepting their attack. The vast majority of the syllabus means that there are techniques that suit people of all strength, shapes and sizes. Students are partnered up irregardless of sex or size so that they get used to training with and against a wide range of people.
What are the benefits of studying Practical Taekwondo™?
There are many including promoting good health, increasing fitness, building confidence and providing an enjoyable way to learn something positive whilst making new friends. Martial arts are a very personal experience and everyone has their own reasons for starting martial arts (which may change over time) as well as their own goals.
Do you have exams?
Yes we do. They are not mandatory; all students are able to progress at their own pace. Examination is by invitation only based on whether both the student and the instructor feel they are ready to grade. There are gradings every 3 months.
What are the grades?
Exeter Practical Martial Arts™ does not use belts in the traditional manner. In order to set ourselves aside from the more traditional Taekwondo and martial arts groups in the area, and to also reinforce the reality-based lessons, we use coloured t-shirts to show the level of the student. Levels (and belts in other groups) are purely used as an indicator of progress, knowledge and experience within the class.The grade structure is as follows;
- Sage - White Level - All students must take Practical Self-Defence™ lessons before being able to progress on to Practical Taekwondo™ - 3 month’s training
- White Level 1 - White Level 2 - Min total of 3 month’s training
- White Level 2 - Yellow Level 1 - Min total of 6 months training
- Yellow Level 1 - Yellow Level 2 - Min total of 9 month’s training
- Yellow Level 2 - Green Level 1 - Min total of 12 month’s training
- Green Level 1 - Green Level 2 - Min total of 15 month’s training
- Green Level 2 - Blue Level 1 - Min total of 18 month’s training
- Blue Level 1 - Blue Level 2 - Min total of 24 month’s training
- Blue Level 2 - Red Level 1 - Min total of 30 month’s training
- Red Level 1 - Red Level 2 - Min total of 36 month’s training
- Red Level 2 - Black 1st Dan - Min total of 48 month’s training
Times & Venues
Please ensure you call to book a space - 07914033180
Classes are held on Tuesdays. For a map of the location, please scroll down.
Lessons are broken down into ages as following;
Lion Cubs™ - 4-6 years of age
Little Lions™ - 7-11 years of age
Lions™ - 12-15 years of age*
*At Instructor’s Discretion
Schedule as follows;
Tuesdays
16.00 - 16.45 - Lion Cubs - St Marks Church Hall, Heavitree
17.00 - 18.00 - Little Lions - St Marks Church Hall, Heavitree
20.00 - 21.30 - Adults - Pinhoe Scout Hut, Langaton Lane
Thursdays
19.30 - 21.00 - Adults - Pinhoe Scout Hut, Langaton Lane
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News
Here you can find all the latest club news and announcements. Details of Gradings and Seminars can be found here.
- Exeter Practical Martial Arts™ Affiliated to OKKO Karate Jutsu - More ….
- Exeter Practical Martial Arts™ Affiliated to Jung Shin Mudo - More ….
- Exeter Practical Martial Arts™ Affiliated to Ao Denkou Jitsu - More ….
- Exeter Practical Martial Arts™ Affiliated to Prevention UK - More ….
- Exeter Practical Martial Arts™ Affiliated to Jim Wagner’s Reality Based Personal Protection (RBPP) - More ….
- Exeter Practical Martial Arts™ Pleased to Announce that Practical Taekwondo™ is Officially Recognised - More ….
Instructor
Please ensure you call to book a space - 07914033180
“Matthew Sylvester is a true 21st century martial artist. His enthusiasm for the martial arts and his research into keeping them relevant to the modern world should serve as an inspiration to all.”- Iain Abernethy 5th Dan
Exeter Practical Martial Arts’™ Founder and Chief Instructor is Matthew Sylvester. Matthew has 17 years’ experience of the martial arts, self-protection and self-defence in a sporting and practical manner - and has served in the TA (OTC), the Special Constables, acted as close protection whilst on a FAST course, and is currently a Self Protection Instructor and Door Supervisor.
His book Practical Taekwondo: Back to the Roots has sold the world over to critical acclaim and clearly demonstrates the knowledge he has.
Matthew’s qualifications include:
- 1st Dan Ao Denkou Jutsu
- Senior Instructor Instinctive Kenpo Fighting™
- Level 5 Practitioner Instinctive Kenpo Fighting™
- 3rd Dan Jung Shin Taekwondo
- 3rd Dan OKKO Karate Jutsu
- Level 3 Instructor Nigel Lee’s MEME
- 1st Dan Adam Merton’s Shunryu Kenpo
- 1st Dan Aikoushin Kobujutsu
- Instructor Family Awareness Safety Training
- Level 1 Instructor Jim Wagner’s RBPP
- UK Advisor Jim Wagner’s RBPP
- SIA Qualified Door Supervisor
- Qualified IFUMA Instructor in Chang Hon TKD
Testimonials
On this page, you will find testimonials from people who Matthew has been honoured to help, teach, train with, and train under.
“Matthew Sylvester is a true 21st century martial artist. His enthusiasm for the martial arts and his research into keeping them relevant to the modern world should serve as an inspiration to all.” - Iain Abernethy 5th Dan
Real Life, Real protection
“Truly Amazing - Having training in martial arts since 1995 it’s quite amazing and yet profound to be encountering new concepts even now. Traditional training just doesn’t prepare you for reality and how it really happens. I’m very glad to be attending the classes and learning all the time.
I’d recommend anyone who thinks they “know” to come along and open their eyes to the simplicity and practicality of the system and the way it’s taught.
Looking forward to the next class as always” - Phillip Miles - Student
“Seriously mate, I had my reservations about today’s class beforehand. But I really enjoyed it and actually learned stuff. Especially now that I’m back home and reflecting on what we did. I’m grateful that everything in the lesson was relative to me. Was kind of (very) comforting that most of the other attendees were as new as me.
It’s so much more effective than the gym, I’m looking through my gym contract for loopholes so I can cancel. The class is probably one of the few things in life that I’m happy to pay for. I’m sure everyone else enjoyed it to the point that they’ll be coming back, I know I did.” - Zakaria Choudhury - First-time Student
“I really enjoyed my first ever Martial Arts class!! Thank you Matt! I was worried about the physical contact side of things and working so closely with other adults but Matt’s teaching style really put me at ease!
Not only did I get a great workout but I learnt a lot of things to help keep me and my friends and family safe. I also had a great deal of fun!!
I’m really looking forward to the next class, I can take on board the reality side of the training and like the idea that I’m not just going to be learning lots of set moves but have and will learn lots of things to help me protect myself!!
Thanks again and see you next Tuesday ” - Chrissie Gard - Female First-time Student
“I’ve known Matthew Sylvester since 1998 and in that time I’ve watched him grow as a martial artist. It is true to say that Matthew embraced the ideal that his training was to be a journey full of mountains to climb and deep valleys to cross. Now he seems to have found a plateau and is excelling in an area that few of us dare to tread. That’s not to say that Matthew has given up on his own journey, indeed he realises that he has many mountains left to climb. It is his sheer enthusiasm in which he attacks each path’s knowledge that has helped him become a true Guru.
His mastership of technique has helped him obtain an understanding of the deeper applications hidden within his beloved art of Tae Kwon Do. At times just talking to Matthew about the arts enthuses you to go off and train, his willingness to venture where others have failed and try anything and everything to uncover, document, test and report on his findings is his finest asset. It is with great pleasure that I can refer to him as Martial Arts Buddy, Friend, Colleague and Brother.” - Adam Merton, 5th Dan Shunryu Genpo Ryu Kempo Karate, 1st Dan American Kenpo [LTKKA]
“When I met Matt about 4 years ago now, it was like meeting a long lost brother. We instantly found points of common interest. A lot of what we had been thinking about before we met was along the same lines.
His work and research in martial arts is exhaustive. But also his practical approach to everything he does shines through. There are not many people in the martial arts that would put so much work into their style.
Anyone who has an interest in expanding their horzions in Self Defence and Martial Arts should take a class with Matt and realise their potential.” - Paul o’Leary 4th Dan JungShin Mu Do - Ireland
“I have known Matt for many years now. He was the man who helped me ‘find’ martial arts.
Whilst I had spent years blinkered and just training in the same dojo day in day out, it wasn’t until my instructor left me in charge, that I realised I needed to learn much more.
Matt and his Practical Martial Arts association helped me meet many different people from many different styles, and helped me find my passion for the grappling arts.
Matt is very much an open minded martial artists, keen to hear and learn from everyone from every style out there. Matt is always keen to give advice and help people out. If it wasn’t for Matt I don’t think I’d be where I am today.” - Paul Carthy - Torbay Brazilian JuJitsu & Sombo club
“Matthew is the most down-to earth-Instructor there is. He has a lot of time for everyone, and his skill is very high. It’s great to have him as a friend.” - Renshi Dave Baker Aikoushin Kobujutsu Renmei
“I read that you felt humble when I compared you to Abernerthy and McCarthy. You deserve to be compared to them. I say this for two reasons.The first one is because you’re generous. I watched some of your videos and I was impressed by how much material was contained in 8 minutes of film. I thought all techniques were great even though I found some a bit difficult to understand, mainly because of some angles that made it difficult to see all actions. The instructors at the “McDojo” who know how to fight are often too greedy to share applications for katas and strange moves found in the kihons so they spend a lot of time on line training. You were willing to share a lot of your tricks with anybody who had access to youtube.
The second reason is because you are passionate about martial arts. The story about the boy named Matthew sounds similar to my story. The fact that you bothered searching for a meaning to what you were learning proved that martial arts mean a lot to you. For the videos, I can tell you did a very effective research. Your work is also of good quality because you delivered the goods with the videos I saw. Keep up the good work and you will convince Koreans that Tae Kwon Do is a British art!
Keep up the good work and I hope you’ll become an icon in Tae Kwon Do.” - Krammy, Kyokushinkai Canada
“One of the good guys.
I have been involved in the Martial Arts for over 28 years now, and in that time i have met some great Martial Artists and sadly some not so great.
It is of my opinion that Matt Sylvester is a Great Martial Artist in the making, with revolutionary new ideas, with bags of energy and enthusiasim which really is quite rare nowadays.I recommend Matthew Sylvester and the EPMA to anyone seeking realistic, practical and street styled self defence Martial Arts. You will not be disappointed.“ - Nigel Lee, OKKO Karate Jutsu
Children
Please ensure you call to book a space - 07914033180
Exeter Practical Martial Arts™ believes that martial arts can provide children with an excellent start in life. Not only do martial arts provide children with a fun way of getting fitter, but they also provide them with the habit of getting fitter.
Parents will also find that their children will grow mentally, physically and socially as a result of attending our classes. All this and they’ll be having safe, non-contact fun!
Classes are carefully bracketed by age into Lion Cubs™, Little Lions™ and Lions™.
What are Lion Cubs™?
Lion Cubs™ are members of Exeter Practical Martial Arts™ from age 4 through to 6.
Lion Cubs™ learn a very basic form of Taekwondo which covers some of the physical aspects such as punching and kicking, but which concentrates mainly on story-based lessons, and the Values that Exeter Practical Martial Arts™ believes in.
The Values that lessons cover are;
Courtesy
Being polite to one’s friends, family and fellow citizens, we believe that good manners are vital.
Honesty
Learning the difference between lying and telling the truth, cheating and playing fair, right and wrong and how being dishonest can affect you and those around you.
Self-control
Learning how to keep your emotions under control and mastering your own body in everything you do.
Loyalty
To one’s country, family and friends
Respect & Respectfulness
For one’s loved ones, teachers, and fellow citizens.
Confidence
To do the things that they want to.
Spirit
Learning how to dig deep and carry on no matter how tired, or how hard.
Endeavour & Determination
To work hard at everything in life.
Initiative
To think and act on one’s thoughts, without relying on being told what to do by someone else - Such as tidying up your room without being asked.
Through these lessons we aim to help children realise their true potential and to become thoughtful, self-disciplined and useful members of society who will be able to use the skills taught them in Practical Taekwondo throughout life.
Lessons deal with one Value per module with each module being 8 weeks long, allowing the children to focus on what they are being taught, whilst learning valuable martial arts skills as well.
There is a no-contact rule during lessons and our classes do not include strike-based sparring. All strikes are performed to pads.
Lessons also cover Stranger Danger, very basic First Aid, how to call the Police/Fire/Ambulance and anti-bullying techniques.
What are Little Lions™?
Little Lions™ are students aged 7-11.
As with the Lion Cubs™, lessons are value-based but with a greater emphasis on good technique, hard work, fitness and discipline.
Fitness is promoted through the continued use of games, and with a stronger emphasis on pad work.
Lessons will also cover Stranger Danger, very basic First Aid, how to call the Police/Fire/Ambulance and anti-bullying techniques.
What are Lions™?
Lions™ are the 12-16 year olds and this is the final stage before students are able to learn the adult syllabus.
It is at this stage that junior students are able to grade for different levels, and reality based self-defence becomes a much more important factor. Practical Sparring will be used at this point, but only under very strict rules and supervision.
Please note: The levels gained in Lions™ classes are not the equivalent to a grade gained in an adult class. They are still counted as ‘Children’s Grades’. However, students moving up into the adult’s classes will not have to retake all their previous grades. Instead they will have to work through the adult syllabus up to the point of their Children’s Grade and may then grade from that point.
If you think your child would benefit from training with Exeter Practical Martial Arts™, please contact epma@practical-martial-arts.co.uk
About
Exeter Practical Martial Arts™ is a friendly and professionally-run martial arts and self-defence club based in Exeter, Devon. Exeter Practical Martial Arts™ believes in making self-protection and self-defence accessible to people from all walks of life. We are not about making hard men harder, but in making normal people fitter, safer and more confident.
Exeter Practical Martial Arts™ teaches the Instinctive Fighting System (a Reality-based Personal Protection Self-defence system). Training uses a modern approach to the martial arts and self-defence.
We do not spar for martial arts competition, do any form of breaking, 3, or 2-step sparring. Finally, in order to get the best results from our reality-based training, we train in t-shirts, loose bottoms and trainers.
The Lion Martial arts training program for children, is between the ages of 4 - 12 and is safe and age appropriate. For more details please click here.
If you’re interested in joining the Exeter Practical Martial Arts school, or private and corporate sessions, please contact the instructor or call 07914033180. Your first lesson is free, so what have you got to lose?
Please ensure you call to book a space - 07914033180
Shop
Practical Martial Arts sources only the best equipment and clothing for its students and members. On this page you can find all of the products that we currently stock.
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The first product is actually written by Matthew himself. You can either pre-order with Amazon now, or buy direct from Matthew once the books are available. | |
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Adult PTKD Hoody Stylish in black, white or any other colour. For an additional £2 you can have your name or nickname added to the right breast. Price: £25 (£27 if personalised) |
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Adult Colour Grade T-shirts. Available in Sage, White, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Red, these are part of the compulsory uniform and you can never have enough! Price: £15 |
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Adult Training Bottoms Perfect for training in, these bottoms are light and comfortable with an extra gusset allowing you to stretch yourself just that little bit further during classes. Price: £12 |
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Child’s Hoody Stylish in black, white or any other colour. For an additional £2 you can have your name or nickname added to the right breast. Price: £17 (£19 if personalised) |
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Child’s T-shirts Available in Pink, Sage, White, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Red, these are part of the compulsory uniform and you can never have enough! Price: £10 |
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Child’s Training Bottoms Perfect for training in, these bottoms are light and comfortable with an extra gusset allowing you to stretch yourself just that little bit further during classes. Price: £10 |
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Adult Groin Guard (Male) This is a safety requirement for all male students and Practical Martial Arts have managed to source an excellent deal! |