Devon Kickboxing opens Exeter centre as instructors aim to support Beacon Heath community

A long-standing Exeter martial arts group has opened a new permanent centre at Beacon Heath shops, bringing accessible self-defence and kickboxing classes to an area that local instructors say has long lacked community activity spaces.

Chief instructor Mark Fry, who has led Devon Kickboxing for 30 years, said opening in Beacon Heath is about giving back to a community he once called home, and offering young people the kind of support he wished he had growing up.

The move marks the club’s first dedicated premises after decades of training in hired halls and temporary venues.

“I started in martial arts because I was constantly bullied in high school - physically and verbally,” he said. “It left me with low confidence and self-worth. Martial arts training changed everything for me. It gave me confidence, a purpose, and something to feel proud of.”

Mark trained under Gary Robbins in the mixed-discipline style Hon-Te-Ashi-Do, eventually earning his black belt and later taking over the club. 

Over the years, he also gained 2nd and 3rd Dan grades in kickboxing, which helped the club build a reputation through competition success.

But despite the club’s longevity, securing a permanent home has always been a challenge. “We always wanted our own premises,” Mark explained. 

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“Setbacks with attendance and poor locations held us back. Now our numbers have grown, and I wanted to offer my members the best facilities I could.”

Choosing Beacon Heath was deliberate, Mark added. “I know the area well, and I’m aware of the lack of local clubs and activities. Moving here was a great choice. We’re hopeful we can have a positive impact on the community.”

The centre offers self-defence classes on Mondays and Wednesdays, with sport kickboxing sessions on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 

Classes are open to all ages and abilities, something Mark says is central to his teaching philosophy.

Beacon Heath resident, Paul Jennings, said the new centre brings a positive energy to the area, saying it is “good for Beacon Heath, we need things that keep young people busy and supported.” 

“Everyone is different, with different needs and skills. Everyone should have access to high-quality, affordable martial arts training, regardless of background,” he said. 

“We want the centre to become a hub of wellbeing, eventually offering day classes for people who work nights or late shifts.”

Mark said the benefits extend far beyond fitness. Students gain confidence, coordination, resilience and improved concentration, all traits he believes are particularly important for children.

He added that, “we have many students from difficult families or situations, and they all love training with us. The centre gives them their safe space to train and forget any problems for a while.”

With a World Championship win among his personal achievements, Mark hopes the new centre will help “train many future champions,” but emphasises that personal growth comes first.

“Our classes always focus on good character - listening, showing respect, striving to do better, and accepting that mistakes are the best teachers.”

Devon Kickboxing is currently accepting new students and is now offering classes Monday to Friday from its new home.