Simon Watts

Biography

How my martial arts journey began

I began training in 2001, aged 21, with the Jiu Jitsu Foundation. Growing up watching Bruce Lee, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Chuck Norris sparked my fascination with martial arts. At university, I originally wanted to try Kung Fu, but the University of St Mark & St John offered Japanese Jiu-Jitsu instead. Giving it a go became the start of a lifelong passion.

I achieved 2nd Kyu with the Jiu Jitsu Foundation and attended seminars in Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Aikido before joining ZKS in 2014. Since then, I have trained under Sensei Ben Babbington in Zen Kyu Taijutsu, adding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in September 2017.

Grades and proud moments

Sensei Ben awarded me my Brown Tag Belt in November 2017 and my Taijutsu Black Belt in July 2022. I earned my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt in December 2024.

Achieving my Taijutsu Black Belt was particularly special. As my training increasingly focused on BJJ, I had wondered whether I had left that ambition behind. Receiving it from Ben, who has become a good friend as well as my principal instructor, meant a great deal. I know the standards he expects and the value he places on earning every grade.

Teaching at ZKS

I began helping with children’s Saturday classes in Watford around 2014 or early 2015, initially alongside Sensei Tim and later Sensei James. Work commitments eventually made regular Saturday teaching difficult, but I continue to support children’s Reviews and the annual summer grading competition. My current teaching programme is Havoc BJJ, across Aylesbury HQ and Watford, and I particularly enjoy our Sunday morning fundamentals class.

As a teacher by profession, helping others learn feels natural. My own instructors gave me patience, encouragement and expertise, and I want to offer that to others. Teaching also develops my understanding: explaining a technique in different ways makes me think carefully about how and why it works.

I love the moments when something clicks for a student, whether that is a difficult movement or the confidence to try something new. Seeing our first group of junior black belts achieve their grades was a proud moment, as is watching assistant instructors grow into confident teachers.

What my classes are like

My approach is structured and progressive. In BJJ fundamentals, I build sequences that show how techniques connect, how a training partner might react and how we can respond. We establish the principles first, then gradually add complexity and practise applying what we have learned.

I adapt to the experience, confidence and understanding of the people in front of me. Above all, I want students to enjoy learning and feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes. Those questions often help me see familiar techniques in a new way, too.

Beyond technique, I hope students develop confidence, resilience and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Progress is not always straightforward, but learning to persevere, build friendships and recognise small achievements matters well beyond the mats.

Advice for your first class

It is completely normal to feel nervous. Nobody expects you to arrive knowing anything, and everyone on the mats was a beginner once. Come along, give it a try and do not worry about getting everything right—or feeling confused after your first session!

Be patient, turn up regularly and enjoy the process. Ask questions, learn from mistakes and try not to compare your progress with anyone else’s. Everyone learns at a different pace.

Life outside the dojo

Outside training, I am Deputy Headteacher of a local junior school. I enjoy historical fiction, science fiction and films, particularly science fiction. I spent much of my childhood following Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia and Chewbacca, so I have always had a soft spot for heroes—whether they wield lightsabers or practise martial arts.

ZKS has been an important part of my life since 2014. It is somewhere I continue to learn, share my experience and build friendships that extend well beyond training.

Looking ahead

I hope to work towards my BJJ Brown Belt and, eventually, Black Belt, while continuing my Taijutsu journey towards Second Dan. These are goals I want to earn through continued learning and training.

My current favourite submission is the D’Arce Choke, and I am keen to deepen my understanding of leg locks and other approaches to grappling. There is always room to improve my favourite throw, Uki Goshi—the Floating Hip Throw—although Sensei James might disagree that it needs any more practice!

I would also like to develop my BJJ teaching further while balancing my school responsibilities. Professionally, I may consider headship in the future; for now, I am happy to keep learning and growing in my current role.