Based in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, Watford Tactical Fighting is a martial arts gym covering Brazilian jiu jitsu (BJJ), no gi grappling, judo, wrestling and MMA. There are classes for both adults and children, along with self defence and fitness sessions, and the gym is affiliated with Checkmat.

A martial arts gym like this is a good place to build fitness, technique and confidence, whether you are completely new to grappling or looking to develop your skills further. Coached sessions across the different disciplines let you train at your own pace, and a free taster is available if you want to try before committing.

Disciplines covered

Kids and adults

Free taster

Checkmat affiliation

Self defence

Watford Tactical Fighting in Hemel Hempstead offers BJJ, no gi, judo, wrestling and MMA classes for adults and kids.

Watford Tactical Fighting (Hemel Hempstead) - MMA / BJJ / Wrestling

Based in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, Fighting Systems offers martial arts training in Shotokan Karate, Krav Maga and self defence. Classes cater to adults, juniors and women, with sessions also run in nearby areas including Berkhamsted and Ashley Green. Private tuition is available for those who prefer one to one training.

A martial arts club like this is a good place to build fitness, confidence and practical self defence skills, whether you are completely new or looking to develop existing technique. Classes here are set up for a range of skill levels and ages, so newcomers and more experienced students alike can find a suitable group.

Karate and Krav Maga

All ages and levels

Multiple locations

Private tuition

Women's self defence

Shotokan Karate, Krav Maga and self defence classes in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, for adults, juniors and women.

Fightingsystems.co.uk

Based in Hemel Hempstead, Boxmoor BJJ is a full-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy serving Hertfordshire. Founded in 2014, it teaches adults and children of all levels, from complete beginners through to those training to compete. Classes cover both gi and no gi grappling, with kids' sessions running from age 4 up to 14 and beyond.

The academy has a large matted training area, a strength and conditioning gym, a seated viewing area, showers, a sauna and separate male and female changing rooms. A martial arts club like this is a good place to build fitness, confidence and self-defence skills, whether you want to train casually or work towards competition.

All levels welcome

Kids classes

Gi and no gi

Full facilities

Free trial

Established 2014

Boxmoor BJJ is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, with gi and no gi classes for adults and kids.

Boxmoor BJJ

Based in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, Mamba Gym BJJ is a martial arts club focused on Brazilian jiu jitsu. It offers a place for people in the local area to learn grappling and improve their skills through regular training.

Brazilian jiu jitsu is a ground based martial art that builds strength, technique and confidence, and most clubs cater to a mix of experience levels. Visitors can generally expect coached sessions where you drill techniques and practise with training partners, making it a good option whether you are starting out or already have some mat time.

Mamba Gym BJJ is a Brazilian jiu jitsu martial arts club in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

Mamba Gym BJJ

Focused on the traditional art of Wing Chun Kung Fu, this martial arts club welcomes students in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. Classes are open to both adults and children, with a supportive setting designed to suit all ages. The Hemel Hempstead location is part of the wider Wing Chun Alliance, which runs sessions across several towns in the region.

Wing Chun is a close range style of Kung Fu built around efficient movement and control. A martial arts club like this is a good place to build fitness, coordination and confidence while learning a structured discipline, whether you are starting out or returning to training.

Wing Chun Kung Fu classes for adults and children in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, from the Wing Chun Alliance.

Wing Chun Alliance - Hemel Hempstead

For anyone in Hemel Hempstead looking to learn self defence, Streetwise Self Defence Ltd offers martial arts training in the Hertfordshire town. The club focuses on kickboxing and krav maga, with an emphasis on building confidence and fitness alongside practical skills.

Martial arts and self defence classes like these are a good way to get active, pick up useful techniques and train in a structured group setting. Sessions are typically suited to a range of experience levels, so newcomers and those wanting to keep fit can both find a place to start.

Disciplines taught

Fitness and confidence

Streetwise Self Defence Ltd offers kickboxing and krav maga classes in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

Streetwise Self Defence Ltd

Sasori Karate Dojo runs Goju Ryu karate classes in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, with a focus on children aged 5 and up. Training takes place two nights a week across two venues, and the dojo welcomes all levels from complete beginners onwards. It has been part of the local scene since 1980.

A children's martial arts club like this is a good way for young people to build confidence, discipline and coordination in a structured setting. Sessions are grouped by age and level, and trial classes give newcomers a chance to try things before committing.

Goju Ryu karate

Two venues

Twice a week

Established 1980

Sasori Karate Dojo runs Goju Ryu karate classes for children and adults in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

Karatekidshemel

In Hemel Hempstead, this martial arts club teaches traditional Chung Wai Kong Lung Ying (Southern Dragon) Kung Fu, a Chinese system focused on self defence. Weekly classes run in the town, with private lessons available on request across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Norfolk.

Dragon Kung Fu is trained here as a practical fighting method rather than a sport, aimed at neutralising an aggressor. New students are welcome, and clubs like this generally suit people wanting to learn self defence and traditional technique in a structured setting. A kids class for ages 11 to 15 is planned from September 2026.

Traditional Dragon Kung Fu

Self defence focus

Beginners welcome

Weekly classes

Private lessons

Free taster class

Loong Ying Dragon Kung Fu Club in Hemel Hempstead teaches traditional Southern Dragon Kung Fu for self defence, with new students welcome.

Loong Ying Dragon Kung Fu Club

Based in Hemel Hempstead town centre, MMAX Gym is a mixed martial arts gym open to anyone friendly who wants to work on their ground game or their stand up. The main focus is on striking and conditioning, with classes running throughout the week that are suitable for all ages and abilities, since they can be adapted to suit each person. The aim is to build fitness and confidence in a welcoming environment.

An MMA gym like this is a good place to develop general fitness alongside striking and grappling skills. Sessions are coached, and some members choose to go on and compete.

All abilities welcome

Coached sessions

Striking and conditioning

Classes through the week

Competition pathway

Town centre location

MMAX Gym is a mixed martial arts gym in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, focused on striking and conditioning for all abilities.

MMAX Gym

Based at John F Kennedy School in Hemel Hempstead, this Taekwondo club is the longest established school within the Palcic Taekwondo group. It was the original club set up by the group's founder, and today it has a number of senior instructors helping to run sessions. Classes cater for kids, families, beginners and more advanced students.

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art built around kicking and striking techniques, and it suits people looking to build fitness, discipline and self defence skills. A free trial is available, which lets newcomers try a session before committing.

Beginner friendly

Kids and family classes

Free trial session

Longest established club

Senior instructors

Local venue

Palcic Taekwondo in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, offering kids, family, beginner and advanced martial arts classes.

Martial Arts clubs in Hemel Hempstead