The 5 Best Martial Arts Classes in Birmingham to Master Discipline
If you want to learn self-defence skills whilst getting a good workout in, contact sport is a fantastic option. You can skip repetitive gym routines and learn different combat techniques you can use in real-life situations.
If you’re ready to dive in, we rounded up the best martial arts classes in Birmingham to give you dynamic sessions and help you build functional strength, endurance, and confidence.
From boxing to karate, check out these places for a smashing time!
How much do martial arts classes cost in Birmingham?
The cost of martial arts classes in Birmingham generally ranges between £5 and £15 for drop-in sessions. Monthly memberships run from £20 to £80, depending on training frequency and discipline.
| Training Option or Fee Type | Average Cost | Details & Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Pay-As-You-Go Drop-In | £5 to £15 per session | Single class pass for casual community sessions |
| Budget Part-Time Membership | £20 to £38 per month | Basic package covering one scheduled class per week |
| Standard Unlimited Membership | £50 to £65 per month | Unlimited access to weekly group classes |
| Premium Combat Gym | £70 to £80 per month | Unlimited multi-discipline access and gym equipment |
| Private One-on-One Tuition | £33 per hour | Private coaching with an instructor |
| Annual Licence & Insurance | £15 to £55 per year | Mandatory student insurance through governing bodies |
| Training Uniform (Gi or Shorts) | £22 to £55 one-off | Standard training attire required for belt gradings |
| Belt Grading Examination | £25 to £40 per test | Formal assessment fee to advance to the next rank |
1. Harbourne Warriors Eskrima
Website: https://harbournewarriors.github.io/
Address: Harborne
Contact: 07735 521787 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Friday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Harbourne Warriors Eskrima stands out for delivering an integrated curriculum in traditional weapon-based martial arts. They offer Eskrimastick fighting, Panantukan boxing, and Dumog grappling.
Students train in bladed-weapon defence, double-stick drills, and empty-hand striking under one unified system. This hands-on approach teaches you to use natural reflexes and improvised tools against sudden street threats.
Our team had a fantastic session when we tried them out. The coach broke down weapon disarms and close-range takedowns with brilliant clarity, and every concept felt immediately intuitive, even for some of us without prior martial arts experience.
But their focused Filipino martial arts syllabus means you won’t find conventional karate, Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), or Muay Thai classes here.
Rewarding martial arts experience
They offer a rewarding martial arts experience for those seeking personal development, self-defense skills, and a sense of community taught by an engaging, experienced, inspiring and patient instructor in a clean specialised training hall. I highly recommend this academy to anyone interested in learning a practical martial art around the Harborne area.
- Jason Ross | Google Review
Its truly amazing
I have been going to this class for over 2 years, its truly amazing. There is a mixed age group that attendeds every week, very friendly people. The class offers a lot to learn, of this type of martial arts is Filipino martial covering a range from knife, weapons,street fighting,boxing showing how to attack from different heights and angles for self-defense, Close Quarters Combat. There is much more this class offers. Graham Williams, who is one of the instructors that has many years of experience and knowledge from different an martial arts background, is a superb teacher…
- Dave s | Google Review
2. Black Widow Martial Arts Academy
Website: https://blackwidowmartialarts.com/
Address: 858 Washwood Heath Rd, Ward End
Contact: 0121 785 0900 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Tuesday, Thursday: 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM; Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Black Widow Martial Arts Academy delivers cross-training across multiple fight styles. Here, you have the chance to learn Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and BJJ.
Female students can join dedicated Sunday Muay Thai classes taught by a qualified female instructor. They can even book a free trial to try it out before committing.
Plus, parents can enrol their children in daily junior sessions led by instructors vetted through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), ensuring they’re suitable to work with kids.
We’re also impressed by their fully equipped combat facility. The main floor features a full-sized boxing ring, padded matted areas, heavy bags, and strength gear.
However, their dedicated ladies-only programme only covers Muay Thai, leaving out other female-only grappling or wrestling hours.
One of the best Muay Thai/MMA gyms in Birmingham
Black Widow Martial Arts Academy – 5 stars
Proper gym. No fluff, just solid training.
Head Coach Will Connolly is the real deal. Came through the academy himself, now a dual ELITE Midlands Area Champion (Super-Lightweight 🏆 and Welterweight 🏆) with an 8-second KO title win on his record. He coaches the same way he fights — sharp, technical, and high standards.
Sessions are focused, technique is prioritised, and the atmosphere is serious but welcoming. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to compete, you’ll get pushed properly.
One of the best Muay Thai/MMA gyms in Birmingham. Highly recommend.
- shazif gul | Google Review
Supportive, high-quality martial arts program
Ive had a wonderful experience with this gym, and I couldn’t be happier with the impact it’s had on my lifestyle and health/fitness in general. The coaches are knowledgeable, patient, and truly care about everyone’s growth. I personally go for PT sessions myself but I have been to the classes during the week. The environment is positive, welcoming, and motivating. I look forward to every session and not only helps physically but mentally as well. I highly recommend this gym to anyone/any parent looking for a supportive, high-quality martial arts program.
- Umair Hussain | Google Review
3. Temple Martial Arts
Website: https://www.temple-martialarts.co.uk/
Address: 16 Digbeth High Street
Contact: 0121 616 1169 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
If you want to learn self-defence while toning up your body, Temple Martial Arts is worth a try. This city centre dojo offers kung fu and core kickboxing sessions.
There’s a variety of classes, such as ladies-only kickboxing, Temple Tigers for children, and mixed kickboxing programmes.
Their regular kickboxing classes are non-contact, perfect for full-body conditioning and learning defensive striking combinations.
Plus, the instructors welcome beginners and advanced fighters. They adapt drills so everyone learns at a comfortable pace.
Best of all, new students can book a free one-to-one introductory session to learn essential footwork before entering group classes.
Keep in mind the facility closes on Sundays, restricting weekend workouts to Saturday afternoons.
Temple Martial Arts is an amazing gym
Temple Martial Arts is an amazing gym! I’ve been training here for 3 years and it’s always welcoming, clean, and supportive. Coach Keele and Coach Bianca are fantastic—they push you to improve while building your confidence. Highly recommend to anyone looking to train in a positive environment!
- Qasim Aleem | Google Review
The best decision I ever made
Team temple has been incredible in my martial arts journey.
I was quite nervous when I joined but coach zahra and the team has really helped me increase my self confidence. She’s made classes enjoyable and fun but also taught me some great ninja moves 😃
I can honestly say joining was the best decision I ever made!
- Aliya Akthar | Google Review
4. Martial Arts & Fitness
Website: https://www.martialartsfitness.co.uk/
Address: Unit 2, 72 Hazelwell Street, Stirchley
Contact: 0800 772 0781 | [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday, Wednesday-Thursday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Martial Arts & Fitness brings age-specific training and distinct self-defence programmes for young children, teenagers, and adult women. This ensures everyone trains in a targeted environment built to develop practical protection.
They complement their defence courses with traditional Wing Chun kung fu, boot camps, and kickboxing fitness. This creates a versatile blend of traditional martial arts discipline and functional movement for every goal.
We like their transparent pay-as-you-go pricing that lets you join a 60-minute kickboxing training for only £8. You can even try your first self-defence session for free before committing to a monthly plan.
However, some programmes have limited slots, mainly the kids’ classes. We recommend booking as soon as you can to secure a spot.
By far the best
I have been to lots of fitness classes in and around Birmingham and Martial Arts & Fitness is by far the best. Mark is really knowledgeable and keeps the classes fun and varied. I have seen a significant improvement to my fitness and strength in a short perope of time. My son and daughter also attends Defence lab which has helped their confidence and coordination. A great place if you want to have fun and get / keep fit.
- Ben | Google Review
Real focus when you train there
Sifu (Mark Poleon) is excellent, explains why and how from both a scientific and natural body movement perspective. This is the first atmosphere I have ever trained in where it is both relaxed and professional at the same time with extremely high expectations and a great bunch of people to train with. You immediately get the sense of a serious, non-posturing atmosphere with real focus when you train there. I can only recommend this. You learn both the martial arts aspect as well as the immediate relevance and application for defence on the street
- B T | Google Review
5. Zen-Shin Martial Arts
Website: https://zen-shin.co.uk/
Address: 176 Soho Hill, Handsworth
Contact: 07976 401214 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Friday: 5:00 PM – 8:15 PM; Saturday: 10:30 AM – 2:45 PM
Zen-Shin Martial Arts is a family-run institution established in 1980. They’re led by founder and chief instructor Kyoshi John Richards, a 9th Dan black belt with over 40 years of experience.
The Soho Hill headquarters deserves a mention. It features two dojos (one for large classes, the other for smaller sessions), training equipment, exercise gear, and on-site parking.
As for their classes, they teach traditional Shotokan Karate and kickboxing for kids and adults. They offer dedicated ladies-only sessions, too.
Students progress through disciplined youth karate programmes or sweat through high-energy evening kickboxing classes. Plus, free trials let prospective members test the dojo culture before signing up.
But class availability can be limited, as some sessions get full fast. If you can’t get a slot, you’ll have to join the waiting list.
The best martial arts academy in Birmingham!
This is the best martial arts academy in Birmingham! If you’re looking to get fit, learn a new skill and be part of a community, then this friendly and professional club is for you. I have been training for over 16 years and started my journey when my daughters joined the karate academy as young students. They all excelled in their karate journey and are now confident young ladies. Thank you Zen-Shin for the positive influence you’ve had on my family and I over the years🥋😃
- Sylvia John | Google Review
Fantastic club run by fantastic people
Fantastic club run by fantastic people with great knowledge and passion about martial arts, very friendly and helpful instructors, however hard work and self discipline is the key to success. Here I’ve found my peace of mind and happiness, Karate itself has changed my life for the better as it is much more than just kicking and punching.
- Grzegorz Rajkiewicz | Google Review