Start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Safely 

Even If You’re Over 40 and Nervous

Private 1-to-1 coaching in Norwich designed for older beginners who want confidence, fitness, and real self-defence without injuries, ego, or chaos.

 

  • Private sessions — no audience, no pressure

  • Built for stiff joints, old injuries, and busy lives

  • A clear step-by-step path from “never trained” → “I can actually do this”

  • Norwich (NR6) — limited slots available


 

Start Safely. Train Smart. Build Real Confidence.

Private Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu designed for people over 40.
No chaos, no ego, no pressure — just clear, structured coaching at your pace.

It’s Not Too Late to Start

Train privately in a calm, supportive environment.
Learn real jiu-jitsu without injuries, intimidation, or being thrown in the deep end.

Jiu-Jitsu, Taught Properly

A safe, structured introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for older beginners.
Built around your body, your confidence, and your long-term health.

WHO THIS IS FOR

This Is For You If…

  • You’re 40+ and always wanted to try jiu-jitsu, but normal classes feel intimidating

  • You don’t want to be the beginner getting “thrown in” with younger, athletic people

  • You want to get fitter, stronger and more confident — without wrecking your body

  • You’d like real self-defence skills, but you also care about safety and pacing

  • You want a coach who understands people, not just techniques

 

This isn’t for someone looking for a fight gym atmosphere or hard sparring on day one.

Most People Don’t Quit Because They’re Weak — They Quit Because It’s Too Much, Too Fast

Walking into a busy martial arts class can be overwhelming, especially later in life.
The fear is usually one of these:

  • “I’ll get injured.”

  • “I’ll look stupid.”

  • “Everyone else will be miles ahead.”

  • “I’m too old to start.”

Private coaching removes those barriers.

What Private Coaching Looks Like

You’ll train in a calm environment with a clear plan:

  • Simple, repeatable fundamentals (nothing fancy, nothing confusing)

  • Body-safe movement: balance, posture, getting up/down, mobility

  • Real self-defence basics: how to control someone safely, escape, and stay calm

  • Confidence under pressure — introduced gradually, at your pace

  • Optional: support between sessions with simple “what to practise” notes

You will never be thrown into sparring or forced to do anything you’re not ready for.

Why Train With Steven Cowan

I’m Steven Cowan — a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt instructor with decades of coaching experience.
I specialise in building skill without breaking people, and I’m known for structured teaching that helps nervous beginners stick with it.

Highlights:

  • 25+ years of jiu-jitsu experience

  • One of the early UK black belts and long-time coach in Norfolk

  • Proven coaching systems — developed over years of teaching beginners and adults of all levels

  • Calm, professional approach — especially for people who feel anxious about starting

Still Unsure?

I’ve been a martial artist since I was six years old — that’s over five decades of training, teaching, and refining what actually works for real people.

My journey has taken me from traditional martial arts into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at its earliest stages in Europe. I competed at the very first European Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships and the first European Gracie Invitationals, and went on to become a three-time European medallist.

Today, I hold the rank of fourth-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and I’ve travelled internationally to train with a who’s who of BJJ masters, learning directly from the people who shaped the art.

Alongside competition and coaching, I’ve always been interested in why people succeed or quit — especially adults starting later in life. I’m the author of Understanding Psychology Through Training, and my work has been featured in TAJAS and other international publications, exploring the psychology behind confidence, fear, learning, and personal development through martial arts.

What matters most, though, isn’t titles or medals — it’s experience.

I specialise in coaching adults who want to train intelligently, safely, and confidently, without ego, intimidation, or unnecessary risk. My focus is on longevity, understanding your body, and helping you build real skill at a pace that makes sense for you.

Current availability:

  • Monday to Thursday:
    10:00 am – 12:00 pm
    (Up to two private sessions per day)

  • Sunday:
    Limited availability by arrangement

Evening classes are reserved for group training and are not used for private sessions.

Once you submit the enquiry form, we’ll agree a regular time that fits your schedule.

Choose your starting option

Option A — Confidence Starter (Most Popular)

8-week Private Beginner Programme
A full structured path designed for older beginners.

  • 1 private session per week

  • Clear progression

  • Safety-first, confidence-first

  • Ideal if you want a complete start-to-finish runway into training

£695 

A complete, structured introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over-40 beginners.
Limited availability.

Let’s See If This Is Right for You

This is a simple enquiry so we can talk through whether the 8-week private programme is a good fit for you.

 

Starting something new later in life can feel intimidating.
This isn’t a sales call or a booking system — it’s just a chance to ask questions, talk through any concerns, and decide the best next step.

What Happens Next

  1. Complete the short form below
    This helps me understand your age, background, and any concerns about starting.

  2. I’ll personally review your enquiry
    I don’t pass this to anyone else — I look at every enquiry myself.

  3. I’ll contact you directly
    We’ll have a short, no-pressure conversation to talk through your questions and explain how the 8-week programme works.

  4. You decide the next step
    If it feels right, we’ll book your first session. If not, that’s absolutely fine.

Option B — Trial Session

A single private session to see if it’s right for you.
Perfect if you’re unsure and just want to try it safely.

£120 for 60 minutes

FAQ

Common Questions
Do I need to be fit first?
No. We build fitness as we go — the sessions are designed for beginners.

I’ve got a bad back / stiff neck / old injuries. Can I still do this?
Usually yes. We train around issues and progress safely. If anything needs medical clearance, I’ll tell you honestly.

Will I have to spar?
Not unless you want to — and not until you’re ready. Pressure is introduced gradually.

What should I wear?
Comfortable training clothes to start. If you continue, I’ll help you with the right gear.

Where are you based?
Norwich area (NR6). Full address given after enquiry.

How many private slots do you have?
I keep this limited so each client gets proper attention.