When learning martial arts, the goal is often to strive for harmony while simultaneously learning effective self-defence techniques.
Martial arts, which mostly originated in Asia, include styles such as karate, judo, kung fu, jiu-jitsu, aikido, Muay Thai, and tae kwon do.
Adults typically seek martial arts for self-defence knowledge and a rigorous workout. If you are in London and looking for a place to train, here are 10 of the best martial arts schools in the city.
1. Fight Zone London
Fight Zone London originated from an idea shared between two close friends, James Roach and Marco Canha, who both held a deep passion for jiu-jitsu.
They utilized their strong work ethic and friendship to establish what has become recognized as one of the world’s most fruitful martial arts gyms. The school officially opened its doors in 2012, situated in the vibrant area of East London.
A highly qualified team of instructors leads the gym, which has consistently invested back into its facilities. Furthermore, Fight Zone ensures students have the resources they need to advance in combat sports by adding more classes and equipment each year.
The facility boasts a designated strength and conditioning area and offers an impressive schedule of over 140 classes per week, catering to all skill levels, from beginners up to seasoned professionals.
Class offerings are diverse, including Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, No-Gi, Capoeira, Wrestling, Kids Classes, and HIIT.
(Address: 16-22 Pritchard’s Road, London; Website: https://www.fightzonelondon.co.uk/)
2. Xen-Do Martial Arts
Xen-Do Martial Arts School is recognized as the city’s famous martial arts institution. This school provides comprehensive lessons focusing on Kickboxing and Martial Arts, which are designed to significantly enhance a student’s self-defence techniques.
The teaching staff at Xen-Do are full-time professionals, all of whom are fully licensed and insured. These instructors possess an intense and undeniable passion for their chosen craft.
The school’s core mission is to educate students in Kickboxing, helping them reach a personalized and comfortable level of proficiency. Xen-Do’s trainers are known for their friendly demeanor and each employs a unique teaching style.
Their customized instruction methods are specifically aimed at building the student’s overall confidence, thereby aiding them in tackling challenges encountered in everyday life.
Classes offered include Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts, Karate, Self-Defence, as well as separate Intermediate, Senior, Beginners, and Kids Classes.
(Address: Basement 73 Baker Street, London W1U 6RD; Website: https://www.xen-do.com/)
3. The London Wing Chun Academy
The London Wing Chun Academy operates as a welcoming martial art training centre that accommodates a spectrum of practitioners, ranging from absolute beginners to advanced martial artists.
The academy is under the guidance of its head instructor, Dr Mark Phillips, who brings over 35 years of extensive experience across various martial arts and self-defence philosophies.
Enrollment at this academy provides students with the chance to refine their self-defence capabilities, improve their fitness levels, and strengthen their mindset through a highly personalized training approach.
The institution is ideal for individuals seeking a deeper comprehension of the practical techniques and applications inherent in numerous martial arts disciplines.
A fundamental value of the academy is equipping students with skills that they can effectively apply to any real-life situation.
Their class schedule features Beginners Wing Chun Classes, Little Dragons Martial Arts Training, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Yoga, Fitness & Conditioning, and San Shou Kickboxing.
(Address: 2nd Floor Cypress House, 2 Coburg Road, Wood Green, London N22 6UJ; Website: https://londonwingchun.co.uk/)
4. Shaolin Temple UK
Shaolin Temple UK is widely recognized and most famous for its instruction in Kung Fu. The students and trainers affiliated with the temple actively engage in both national and international fighting competitions, and they also participate in interclub fights against Muay Thai practitioners.
The Kung Fu training at this temple focuses intensively on Sanshou training. Sanshou is characterized as one-to-one hand-to-hand combat and is considered China’s equivalent of kickboxing.
This is the specific fighting style utilized by the temple’s students during competitive events. The temple was founded by its head instructor, Shifu Yanzi, who impressively held the title of Chinese National Champion in the art for 15 years.
Prospective students begin with a preparation class lasting three months, concentrating on building fundamentals, flexibility, stamina, and strength, before advancing to contact-free training.
Class options include Gong Fu-Ch’an, Qi Gong & Ch’an Buddhist Meditation, alongside both Offline and Online Classes.
(Address: 207A Junction Rd, London N19 5QA; Website: https://shaolintempleuk.org/)
5. The Martial Arts Place
The Martial Arts Place is distinguished by its instruction of a unique form of kickboxing known as Mo-Gei-Do.
This specific martial arts system represents an advanced combination that draws from both European and Eastern martial arts disciplines, including elements of boxing, karate, and traditional kickboxing.
During their training sessions, students are expertly taught well-structured Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing by seasoned professionals.
The school places significant emphasis on ensuring that the learning process is conducted while maintaining an atmosphere of fun and engagement. The facility offers state-of-the-art Dojos located in two areas: Swiss Cottage and Stoke Newington, Hackney.
These training spaces are designed to be safe environments, featuring fully matted floors and the most current martial arts equipment available.
The Martial Arts Place aims to inspire students to achieve their personal goals in a safe, friendly setting, welcoming everyone from black belts looking to sharpen their abilities to those entirely new to kickboxing and martial arts.
(Address: 88 Avenue Road, Swiss Cottage, London NW3 3HA; Website: https://www.themartialartsplace.com/)
6. Wutian Martial Art Institute in Camden Town
Located in Camden Town, the Wutian Martial Art Institute focuses on teaching crucial self-defence and vital anti-bullying skills.
The institution is dedicated to building a solid foundation for lifelong success while also emphasizing the importance of improving its students’ performance in school.
Students enrolled here gain proficiency in self-defence techniques while also experiencing training sessions filled with positivity and enjoyment.
Through their program, students develop essential qualities such as discipline, confidence, and respect for both their teachers and parents.
The training also contributes to physical fitness and helps students forge connections with mentors and new friends.
The classes provided are diverse, encompassing Online Live Martial Art sessions, Kids Martial Arts, Private Martial Arts, Personal Training, and specific Self Defense courses.
The Wutian Martial Art Institute aims to be a holistic environment where learning self-defence goes hand-in-hand with personal development and academic support.
(Address: Academy Mews Dance Studios, 15 Pratt Mews, Camden Town, London NW1 0AD; Website: https://wutianmartialart.com/)
7. The Budowkai, London
The Budokwai holds a distinguished status as one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious Judo and Martial Arts clubs, having originally started as a dedicated Judo club.
Although it continues to offer Judo classes throughout the week, The Budokwai has expanded its curriculum to include a variety of other martial arts disciplines.
Students can access regular classes in Shotokan Karate, Aikido, Brazilian Jui-Jitsu, Hontai Yoshin Ryu Ju-Jitsu, and Pilates.
The instructors employed at this institution are highly experienced and fully qualified, capable of offering coaching and instruction that spans the entire spectrum, from the absolute beginner level right up to Olympic standards.
Beginners are given careful guidance on techniques that align best with their current ability. They progress through the ranks, working toward achieving the highly valued Black Belt and Dan grade.
(Address: G K House, 4 Gilston Road, London, SW10 9SL; Website: https://budokwai.co.uk/)
8. Chang’s Hapkido Academy, London
Chang’s Hapkido Academy offers classes that are mixed ability and are notably beginner-friendly.
The instruction across all sessions is handled by the trainers, guaranteeing that students receive consistent and high-quality teaching regardless of the specific time they attend.
The instructors are friendly and readily available to assist students in selecting the most suitable martial arts path for their goals.
The academy teaches a comprehensive Hapkido system, which includes elements such as punches, kicks, throws, joint locks, ki, weapons, meditation, free fighting, and pressure point techniques.
Hapkido places a strong emphasis on fostering personal development and self-discipline. The techniques taught are designed to completely subdue an opponent while simultaneously minimizing the risk of injury.
Students also learn the corresponding offensive applications required for proficiency.
(Address: John Marshall Hall 27 Blackfriars Rd London, SE1 8NY; Website: https://www.changshapkido.net/)
9. Ju Dachi Martial Arts, London
Ju Dachi Martial Arts club was founded in 2002 by Sensei Jonathan Bolt, a dedicated Karate Ka. Operating as a family-run business, the school is committed to training and teaching traditional Karate, incorporating elements from various traditional styles. The primary style taught and emphasized at Ju Dachi is Shotokan Karate-Do.
The academy organizes specific classes tailored to suit different age groups within its community. Instruction is delivered in a fashion that is described as strict yet fair, ensuring a safe, non-political training atmosphere for all students.
The school’s presence covers several geographical locations, including Southwark and South East London, as well as locations in Essex such as Southend-On-Sea, Westcliff-On-Sea, and Leigh-On-Sea.
This family enterprise ensures that the core tenets of traditional Japanese Karate are upheld throughout the training curriculum.
(Address: Southwark, South East London, Essex, Southend-On-Sea, Westcliff-On-Sea, Leigh-On-Sea; Website: https://www.judachi-martialarts.co.uk/)
10. Yawara Martial Arts, London
Yawara Martial Arts is led by Sensei Clarke, who began his own martial arts journey (specifically Judo) at the tender age of six in 1969.
The school is dedicated to teaching students traditional karate. The Yawara Club is officially affiliated with the United Kingdom Seiki-Juku Karate Organisation (UKSKO).
The term ‘Karate’ literally translates to ‘empty hand’, which philosophically represents a state of mind incapable of grasping or holding onto any selfish desire, prejudice, or pride.
Initially, traditional Karate serves primarily as a means of combat and self-defense, allowing the practitioner to protect themselves.
However, through rigorous and repetitive training, the student is able to cultivate a morally correct state of mind, which is the higher goal attained after sufficient practice.
(Address: Wandle Recreation Centre, Mapleton Road, London, SW18 4DN; Website: http://yawaramartialarts.com/)
Alicia Richards