We signed up to try the 5 best martial arts centres in Newcastle
You know what they say, you wouldn’t know something until you’ve tried it.
For this review, we lived that mantra for a couple of weeks. We jumped from one martial arts centre to another, signing up for trial classes just to get a feel of the programs.
Of course, we also took the chance to casually chat with long-term members to get insights into the community, too. It was a tough process, but hey – it was worth it to make your search easy.
If martial arts is your next thing, check out these options in Newcastle for beginner-friendly training and more.
How much do martial arts classes cost in Newcastle?
The cost of martial arts classes in Newcastle ranges from £30 to £100 or more per month. Single-session drop-in classes usually range from £5 to £10. Most centres also offer free trial classes and introductory offers.
1. Team Phoenix Martial Arts
Location: 51A Lime St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PQ
Contact: +44 191 261 0001
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Friday: 6:00 PM – 7:30, Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
We tried Team Phoenix and loved their beginner-friendly and non-intimidating culture. No one yelled or pressured us to get better fast during our first free week trial.
Their Infinite Kickboxing program blends Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, and Panantukan. We started with pad work and partner drills, progressing from white belt techniques without feeling lost.
We also liked how their Infinite Grappling class mixes Shoot Wrestling, BJJ, and Silat. After comparing various centres, we find this to be a relatively unique offer.
The facility has a 195 sqm mat space with heavy bags, pads, and a lending library. Clients can borrow gloves and shin pads for their first session.
There’s also a full tour, which is a nice touch for newcomers.
We noticed several long-term members, which signalled a strong community feel.
The only downside is that popular classes can feel busy for one-on-one attention. Still, it’s pretty good for socialisation.
Welcoming and friendly community
“Absolutely incredible gym with the most welcoming and friendly community! Sometimes joining a martial arts gym can be intimidating but Phoenix will welcome you with a warm smile. A really great environment to train in with skill-full coaches who have years of expertise. Can’t recommend this place enough whether you’re just starting out or an experienced martial artist!”
Kim Bridgeman | Google Review
Great and friendly club
“A great club to train at. I’ve been going for over a year to both the Thai boxing sessions and the weapons sessions. Both are brilliant and mix the technical aspects of the sport with fitness and fun. I’ve trained at other gyms in the past and I can say this is by far the friendliest one I’ve trained at.”
Rory Kaufhold | Google Review
2. The Advanced Fighting Centre est. 1993
Location: 10 High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1EN
Contact: +44 787 604 3480
Opening Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
We looked into The Advanced Fighting Centre and immediately loved their respectful atmosphere. We felt welcomed from the moment we walked through the door.
Another thing worth noting is the range of offerings for strong physical skill building. Their timetable includes MMA, kickboxing, and Ninjutsu.
For boxing, they focus heavily on defence, head movement, and bag work. We liked this approach as it goes beyond cardio drills, emphasising techniques during the sessions.
Pricing is more accessible compared to other specialist gyms. Adult classes start at only £9. For beginners, they offer a taster session at only £10.
They also offer children’s terrapins classes at only £5 for 30 minutes. We liked this program, as it focuses on anti-bullying and building confidence.
We spoke to a lot of long-term students here, and they said that the community is great. Everyone stayed for the support system.
Just take note that certain sessions, like MMA, can feel too advanced. It can be demanding even for professionals.
Genuinely friendly and supportive
“Brilliant gym. John is hugely knowledgeable and has a gift for breaking techniques down into practical details that actually work under pressure. The atmosphere is genuinely friendly — everyone is supportive and there to learn, with none of the egos you sometimes see elsewhere. A great mix of styles and experience levels too, so there’s something for everyone. Strongly recommend to anyone considering giving it a go”
Angus McVittie | Google Review
Fantastic and knowledgeable teacher
“Was made to feel welcome by everyone straight away. John is a fantastic teacher, he has so much knowledge and is fantastic at every art that he practise. I have learned already so much from him with every training and it is explained in a great way that is understanble and with a good dose of humor. You notice that it is a family owned gym as not only John but his whole family truly care and have a big heart for the gym and for the people that train there.”
Frederike Scheeve | Google Review
3. Universal Martial Arts
Location: Unit B7, Benfield Business Park, Benfield Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 4NQ
Contact: +44 808 134 1963
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Saturday: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
We loved Universal’s inclusive and beginner-friendly atmosphere. Instructors personally remember each student’s strengths and confidence levels.
Their class variety includes boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and karate, among many others. But what we appreciated the most was their ladies-only sessions.
They have a women-only kickboxing class, which creates a safe space for those nervous about mixed-gender training.
We liked their adult boxing sessions too. This program covers bag work, sparring, and partner drills for real conditioning.
MMA classes also stood out for their experienced coaches. They focus on correcting techniques without embarrassing beginners.
According to parents, coaches also helped their kids in a lot of ways. Many of them built confidence, discipline, and self-defence skills.
Pricing is highly accessible, with adult sessions starting at just £5. New students also get a completely free one-week trial before paying anything.
However, we did hear some complaints about instructors pushing beginners too hard.
Extremely friendly and very inclusive
“My daughter has been going here for about a year and she absolutely loves it. All the instructors are amazing and I noticed how they know all of the kids names, strengths and weaknesses which they work on with them. The club is extremely friendly and very inclusive for all. I highly recommend this place to anyone thinking of joining.”
Gaynor Higginbotham | Google Review
Encouraging culture
“My 7 year old daughter absolutely LOVES coming to Universal. Such a great environment and encouraging culture. All the coaches are fabulous and ensure all children feel included at all times. Would highly recommend!”
JenTopp | Google Review
4. Moi Fa Martial Arts Academy
Location: 20-22 Byker Bridge, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1PE
Contact: +44 771 017 0245
Opening Hours: Monday 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM, Tuesday – Wednesday 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Thursday: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Friday 3:00 6 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM & 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Moi Fa’s focus on traditional martial arts over commercial fitness stood out to us. Their first class is completely free, removing financial pressure for beginners.
Their disciplines cover a wide range of areas. This includes Wing Chun Kung Fu, Shaolin Praying Mantis Kung Fu, and Filipino Martial Arts.
We favour their instructors. They guide beginners with patience and technical teaching.
Through this approach, students see improvements fast. Many of the learners told us that they experienced noticeable boosts in their confidence and self-esteem.
The academy feels non-intimidating compared to competition-heavy gyms. Beginners get personal attention and structured progression, allowing them to focus on weak areas.
We also appreciate that the school balances traditional values and practical instruction. This helps build skills and even character in the long run.
The only thing to keep in mind is that availability may run out fast. We recommend reaching out in advance to secure a slot in class.
Brilliant teacher
“Paul is a brilliant teacher to both my young boys. They have learned so much and thrive so much doing Kung-fu! Their confidence has grown immensely. Could not recommend enough!”
Natasha Miller | Google Review
Great results
“This is a fantastic school. Was in my 40s, low in confidence, depressed and out of shape. Decided to try a martial arts class to see if it would help increase my confidence. I picked Wing Chun. Seven months later am still learning Wing Chun and added Filipino Kali stick fighting and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu lessons at the same school ontop. Best decision of my life taking up these martial arts at Moi-Fa.”
Anthony Goodman | Google Review
5. Newcastle Goju-Ryu Karate Academy
Location: 112a Newton Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7HN
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
We liked Goju-Ryu’s balance of traditional karate with family values. They combine structured discipline with a genuinely welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
Parents consistently praise how children improve confidence, discipline, manners, and respect. This is because instructors pay attention to each child individually, even in a class setting.
Senior classes for ages 13 and above deliver serious self-defence and close-combat applications. Students regularly practice high-intensity cardio, balance drills, and flexibility work.
Membership options are flexible. Students can sign up for one class per week for only £25. 4 weekly sessions cost £60.
We also appreciate the family discounts of £5 per extra member. For more value for money, they also offer a one-month free trial.
The dojo community is great. We see how senior students help beginners settle in, helping them feel less anxious before sessions begin.
Due to popularity, though, there’s a big chance of being waitlisted with no estimated opening dates. It’s best to keep up with their postings from time to time.
Fantastic sensei
“My son joined Aaron at the age of 6 years, he’s 13 in a couple of weeks and is more dedicated than ever. He really looks up to Aaron, he’s a fantastic Sensei and all round nice guy. The Dojo is fully equipped and nipping clean. It’s lovely being part of the karate family, and I know we’ll be there for many more years to come, it’s a huge part of our lives supporting our son with his love for martial arts. I couldn’t recommend this place more.”
HRH | Google Review
Enjoyable class
“My 11 years old daughter has been going to Sensei (teacher) Aaron’s karate class for the past 6 years! Not only she enjoys and works hard in her class, she is also well looked after by Sensei. More importantly, Sensei isn’t just taught students about karate, he cares about his students wellbeing. We have absolutely no problem of recommending anyone joining the Karate Academy!”
Wilcheng | Google Review