Desapline Martial Arts Academy

Based in Edinburgh, Edinburgh Jitsu is a martial arts club teaching Ju Jitsu, a Japanese art with roots going back to around the 8th century. Established in 1996, the club practises the Shin Tai Wa Ryu style, a name that translates as co-ordination of body and mind. Sessions are offered for both adults and younger students, with a focus on self defence.

Ju Jitsu clubs are a good place to build practical self defence skills, fitness and confidence in a structured, coached environment. Beginners are usually welcome, and training tends to cover throws, grappling and controlled techniques suited to a range of ages and abilities.

Adult and youth classes

Founded in 1996

Shin Tai Wa Ryu style

Self defence focus

Coached sessions

Edinburgh Jitsu is a Ju Jitsu martial arts club in Edinburgh, teaching self defence to adults and youth since 1996.

Edinburgh Jitsu

EMAR Staines Martial Arts Academy

Evolution Martial Arts Academy - Guisborough

Farnham Jiu Jitsu

GFTeam Scotland

Harlow Judo Club

Hateonbjj

Hei-Jo Shin Ju-jitsu Bridgend

Kamma Fitness

Practising the Shotokai style of karate, this Cardiff club is part of the UK KDS (Karate-do Shotokai) network. The focus is on traditional, functional training rather than competition or fighting in a ring, offering a relaxed and approachable atmosphere for those wanting to learn.

A martial arts club like this is a good place to build fitness, coordination and confidence at your own pace. Newcomers are welcome to try a session and meet the instructors before deciding whether it suits them.

Free first session

Traditional style

No competition focus

Relaxed atmosphere

Part of UK KDS

Karate do Shotokai Cardiff is a traditional Shotokai karate club in Cardiff, offering a free first session for newcomers.

Karate do Shotokai Cardiff

Kuk Sool Won of Yeovil martial arts

Lucky Gloves School Of Boxing CIC

Northern Ireland Karate-Do Wado-Kai

Based in Leicester, Phoenix Martial Arts Academy teaches Freestyle Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to students of all ages. Its coached classes focus on building confidence, discipline and self-defence skills, with a complete curriculum that includes belt tests and no hidden fees.

A martial arts academy like this suits anyone looking to improve fitness and concentration while learning practical self-defence, whether you are completely new to training or continuing an existing journey. Classes for different ages mean families can often train under one roof.

Karate and BJJ

All ages welcome

Expert-led classes

Free trial class

All-inclusive membership

Phoenix Martial Arts in Leicester offers Freestyle Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for all ages.

Phoenix Martial Arts Leicester

Based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, Phoenix Martial Arts is a martial arts academy teaching karate and kickboxing to a wide range of ages. Classes are grouped by age and experience, from Ninja Tykes for 3 and 4 year olds through junior karate and kickboxing to adult sessions, along with a ladies only kickboxing class.

Martial arts training like this is a good way to build fitness, coordination and confidence, and coached sessions help newcomers learn the basics safely. A free taster session is available for those wanting to try before committing.

Karate and kickboxing

Classes for all ages

Ladies only kickboxing

Free taster session

Phoenix Martial Arts Wakefield offers karate and kickboxing classes for kids, adults and ladies, with a free taster session.

Phoenix Martial Arts Wakefield

Set in Lower Creggan in Derry City, Rath Mor Warriors is a martial arts academy focused on K1 and kickboxing, with fitness training alongside the striking work. It offers a base for people in the Londonderry area who want to learn to strike and build their conditioning.

K1 and kickboxing gyms generally suit anyone looking to develop striking skills, improve fitness and grow in confidence, whether you are completely new to combat sports or already have some experience. Most academies of this kind welcome a range of ages and abilities.

K1 and kickboxing

Fitness training

Based in Creggan

Rath Mor Warriors is a K1 and kickboxing academy in Lower Creggan, Derry, offering striking training and fitness.

Rath Mor Warriors K1/Kickboxing Academy

Rogue Combat Club

Tucked away in Hereford, Herefordshire, Samurai Central Dojo is a martial arts club serving the local community. It offers a space to train, learn technique and build fitness in a structured setting.

Martial arts clubs like this one are a good way to develop discipline, coordination and confidence, whether you are completely new or looking to keep progressing. Sessions are usually led by instructors who can guide you at your own pace, so it is worth getting in touch to find out what suits you best.

Samurai Central Dojo is a martial arts club in Hereford, Herefordshire, welcoming newcomers and experienced students alike.

Samurai Central Dojo

Based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, Sengoku Martial Arts is a martial arts school offering classes for a range of ages and abilities. Programmes at the Leeds location include kids martial arts, kids kickboxing and adult kickboxing, with a wider range of options available across its Featherstone site too.

A martial arts school like this is a good place to build fitness, coordination and confidence, whether you are enrolling a child or training as an adult. Sessions are typically coached in a group setting, so newcomers can learn the fundamentals at a steady pace alongside others.

Kickboxing available

Kids martial arts

Two locations

Sengoku Martial Arts in Leeds offers martial arts and kickboxing classes for kids and adults in West Yorkshire.

Sengoku Martial Arts - Leeds

In Manchester, this kung fu club teaches Gao Can Mun Nam Pai Chuan, a martial art with roots in the Shaolin monasteries of China. Training follows a structured syllabus that combines traditional and modern elements, from sparring and forms to weapons and chi gung.

The emphasis here is on mind, body and attitude, with physical conditioning developed alongside an understanding of the system's philosophy. Martial arts schools like this are generally good for building strength, discipline and self defence skills, whatever your starting point.

What you'll practise

Structured syllabus

Shaolin heritage

Mind and body focus

Part of a wider network

Shaolin Nam Pai Chuan Kung Fu club in Manchester teaching a traditional martial arts system with sparring, forms and weapons.

Martial Arts clubs