Ben Babbington

My martial arts journey

I started martial arts at eight years old, inspired by watching the television series Monkey Magic. Since then, I have trained in judo, ninjutsu, Lau Gar kung fu, Praying Mantis kung fu, karate, kickboxing, aikido, boxing, wrestling, Taijutsu and both gi and no-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

I hold a 5th Dan in Taijutsu, a first-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a first-degree black belt in aikido, and I am an ABA boxing coach. Alongside those qualifications is a lifetime of learning on the mats.

As a teenager, I struggled with bullying at school. At 5 ft 6, martial arts helped me realise that I could handle training with much bigger people and that size did not tell the whole story. Even now, I enjoy working with bigger, stronger and faster training partners to learn how to adapt to different body types.

On 20 September 2026, I competed at the National Masters BJJ Championships, winning silver in the Masters 4 Heavyweight division and a second silver in the Absolute division, where competitors are not separated by weight. As one of the lighter competitors in the Absolute division, I relied on timing, positioning and efficient technique.

For me, competition is a personal choice and a way to test my own training. Those results reinforced the value of consistency and sound fundamentals — the same principles I encourage in our students.

Building ZKS

While learning Taijutsu, I loved being on the mats and wanted to train more, so I started my own classes in 1999. Seeing my dream of running a successful martial arts school become a reality is my proudest martial arts achievement.

The mats have always felt like a place where I belong. Teaching gave me a way to keep developing myself while helping others progress too. Today I teach Little Dragons, Mini Ninjas, Junior Martial Arts, Teen Martial Arts, Adult Taijutsu and Havoc BJJ, including classes at Aylesbury HQ, Haddenham and Watford.

How I teach

I like to keep lessons light-hearted and flowing, giving students experience they can build on while offering more challenging techniques to those who are ready for them.

One of my favourite moments is seeing someone look unsure at the beginning of a session, then watching them have that “I get it!” moment by the end. Beyond martial arts skills, I want students to find a community that supports them off the mats as well as on them.

If you’re nervous about starting

Feeling nervous in a new situation is natural, and it is something we all experience. Give yourself time to settle in and let us know what is worrying you.

My advice is simple: get on the mats and give it a try. You can always ask a question, ask for help or say that you do not understand. You do not have to get everything right first time — we are here to guide you and give you the time and patience to learn.

A community and a family

There have been so many rewarding moments, but the biggest was meeting my wife, Louise, on the mats and building a life together. She is a huge part of ZKS, and we still train and work together.

ZKS and its community mean everything to me. It is the family I have built around me, and I hope it will leave a lasting legacy for our instructors, members, Louise and our children.

In the coming years, I want to strengthen that community and help more young people find purpose and opportunities, including a possible career path within ZKS.

Beyond the dojo

Outside martial arts, I enjoy snowboarding, travelling and walking with Louise.

Safeguarding at ZKS

I am also ZKS’s Safeguarding Lead. You can contact me at info@zksma.co.uk. Read our safeguarding guidance and Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy (PDF) for reporting routes.