5 Best Martial Arts Classes in London That Kick It Up a Notch
Being in yoga studios taught me to breathe through discomfort and find my inner calm. Still, a warrior pose won’t help much if trouble follows me home.
So I searched for the best martial arts in London to build strength, confidence, and practical self-defence skills. After all, a proper punch now feels like the natural next step after perfecting my downward dog.
I compared classes across the city, from striking sessions to grappling on the mats. Here are the places where you can sweat, sharpen your reflexes, and discover your tougher side.
How much do martial arts classes cost in London?
Martial arts classes in London usually cost £10 to £25 per drop-in session. These typically last one to two hours.
Weekly or multi-class passes range from £45 to £70. They may cover five days or a bundle of 10 sessions.
Limited memberships cost around £60 to £95 per month. These generally include one to three classes per week.
Unlimited plans range from £80 to over £160 monthly. They provide broader access to classes, mats, and gym facilities.
Budget another £15 to £95 for sign-up costs. This may cover registration, club uniforms, or required sports insurance.
1. Legacy Martial Arts London
Address: Railway Arch 403 Cremer St, Hoxton
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Book to schedule a class
Legacy Martial Arts London has enough variety to keep me from settling into a single fighting stance. Its Hoxton timetable covers Bob Breen’s 4D Combat system, JKD, BJJ, and Capoeira, alongside boxing and kickboxing.
I’d be tempted to try a few disciplines before picking a favourite, especially with striking and grappling under one railway arch. Children have BJJ and Capoeira classes too, with a free trial available for new young students.
For regular training, the academy offers several memberships, including a three-class weekly plan and an unlimited option. That gives you room to choose a pace that fits your diary and appetite for sore muscles.
They cater well to kids and adults alike with multiple membership tiers and a free trial for children.
The extra cost to watch for is the £40 annual membership and insurance fee, payable when you join. Adult trial classes currently cost £10, so the children’s free trial doesn’t extend to everyone.
A welcoming environment all round from the coaches to other members
Been at Legacy for over a year and always look forward to training with the team. A welcoming environment all round from the coaches to other members, plus no shortage of tough training rounds. If you’re looking for a place to begin or further your Jiujitsu journey get yourself down to Legacy. 🥋 …
- ASJ | Google Review
I’m really looking forward to continuing my training here.
Since joining Legacy Academy as a complete beginner in Jujitsu a few months ago, I couldn’t be happier with how things have gone. Everyone is really helpful and I’ve felt incredibly welcomed from day one. The free taster session was a great way to get a feel for the place, and the fundamentals classes have been eye-opening. I’m really looking forward to continuing my training here.
- Robi | Google Review
2. Ryu-Kai Martial Arts
Address: 117 Notting Hill Gate
Contact: 020 3336 9040 | [email protected]
Hours: Book to schedule a class
Ryu-Kai’s kickboxing blend of Wado-Ryu Karate, Muay Thai, and Western boxing feels refreshingly hard to pigeonhole.
It’s a lively option if you’d rather learn varied striking techniques than spend every class repeating one traditional style.
Classes welcome students from age three, while private sessions are available from age two. I like that children, teenagers, adults, beginners, and seasoned martial artists can all find a suitable route onto the mats.
Sensei Nicolas brings 15 years of martial arts experience and holds a fifth dan in kickboxing. The Japanese-inspired approach adds discipline without making the dojo sound like a punishment camp.
However, some group sessions welcome different age groups, which may not suit adults wanting age-specific training. The striking-heavy programme won’t be the best match if you’re mainly after BJJ, judo, or another grappling discipline.
I highly recommend!
My two kids (11 and 13) will start a 3rd year at this club. They are very professional and highly invested in the progress of each child. The class is super dynamic and engaging, and I love the fact that they also instil important life skills such as self-discipline and self-control in my children. I can already see the difference in their behaviour after only a few months of training! I highly recommend!
- Romain VIOLET | Google Review
10/10 recommend
The classes at Ryu-Kai are an addictive combination of demanding and fun – a full body and mind workout! I love the technical challenge, and have seen a rapid improvement in my strength and endurance. The dojo community is friendly and inspiring, and Senseis Nicolas and Julien are world class at what they do. 10/10 recommend.
- Sally Foreman | Google Review
3. AVALON Mixed Martial Arts Academy – MMA, BJJ, Wing Ch
Address: 2nd Floor Cypress House, 2 Coburg Road, Wood Green
Contact: 44 (0) 7976 855 259
Hours: Monday: 7 PM – 10 PM, Tuesday: 6 PM – 9:45 PM, Wednesday: 6:30 PM – 10 PM, Thursday: 6 PM – 9:30 PM, Friday: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM, Saturday: 11 AM – 1 PM, Sunday: 9 AM – 1 PM
Avalon MMA gives indecisive fighters plenty to work with, from BJJ and MMA to San Da kickboxing, boxing, and Wing Chun.
I like that beginners can test the waters without being thrown straight into the deep end—or onto the mats unprepared.
Head instructor Dr Mark Phillips brings nearly 40 years of martial arts experience, plus fourth-degree BJJ black-belt credentials.
The Wood Green academy backs its broad programme with free weights, heavy bags, wooden dummies, open mats, and showers for a post-training rescue.
The catch is that all weekday sessions begin in the evening, despite the academy opening seven days a week. That’s handy after work but less accommodating if you prefer an early-morning class before battling the North London commute.
My skills in striking and ground game have increased greatly since arriving
Been training here consistently for almost a year, and my skills in striking and ground game have increased greatly since arriving as a complete beginner, along with my overall strength and fitness. Everybody in my experience has been warm, encouraging and will put in the extra effort to help if you are just starting or having difficulty. The gym feels like a strong community with people from many backgrounds.
- Football Forever | Google Review
A brilliant place for anyone interested in studying martial arts!
An incredible and knowledgeable staff body; they are welcoming and supportive, making sure everyone participate anyone can participate in the class regardless of ability. The facilities are good and the on-site parking is very handy! The other participants are kind and considerate, keen to help each other out with explanations and extra practice. A brilliant place for anyone interested in studying martial arts!
- Sela Arnsberg | Google Review
4. London Fight Factory
Address: 19 Ebenezer Street
Contact: 07944 574046
Hours: Open 6 days a week (Monday to Saturday)
If my training mood changes faster than a London commute, London Fight Factory has plenty of ways to keep up. The Old Street gym covers Muay Thai, BJJ, boxing, MMA, wrestling, judo, and more, just a short walk from the station.
I like that beginners can find classes suited to their level, while experienced fighters can sharpen their skills. Muay Thai and gi BJJ run six days a week, giving regulars plenty of chances to get back on the mats.
Drop-ins are welcome, so you don’t have to commit to a membership straight away.
There are two weekly open mats when you’d rather practise than follow a coached class.
However, Judo runs only twice a week, which could be awkward if those sessions clash with work. The open mats are scheduled too, so you’ll still need to check the timetable before heading over.
I appreciate how considerate the timetable is for working parents,
Joining LFF has been one of the most positive and transformative decisions I’ve made in the past year. When I first joined, I was simply looking for a place to train BJJ, what I found was more than that – a strong, supportive community and a gym that helped me grow.
I appreciate how considerate the timetable is for working parents, it’s possible to stay consistent with training even with a busy schedule, which makes committing to progress much better.
- J Sarb | Google Review
Highly recommended. 👊🥊
I’ve trained with Silviu in both boxing and MMA and can highly recommend him. He’s a great coach – skilled, professional, patient, and genuinely passionate about what he does.
He explains things clearly, pushes you to improve, and creates a great atmosphere in every session. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, you’ll learn a lot from him.
Top coach and a great person to train with. Highly recommended. 👊🥊
- Cosmin Herban | Google Review
5. Xin Dojo
Address: Unit 1B King Street Mews, East Finchley
Contact: 07878 901049
Hours: Daily: 8 AM–9 PM
Xin Dojo operates as a highly structured, coach-led academy with a strong emphasis on small class sizes. You receive incredibly focused technique correction and coaching across their MMA and kickboxing programs. They operate every single day with long opening hours to accommodate almost any tricky schedule.
You always know your exact progress level thanks to their clear syllabus and regular belt gradings. Their facility even features dedicated weight training areas to help you build raw power. However, their physical location in North London poses a tough commute for anyone traveling from the southern districts.
Although they offer a free trial, it only lasts for one day, which could be not enough for some prospective customers.
The Muay Thai class was well-structured, challenging, and a lot of fun.
I had a fantastic experience at this gym. The coaches were knowledgeable, welcoming, and took the time to make sure everyone understood the techniques, regardless of experience level. The atmosphere was friendly and supportive, making it easy to feel comfortable from the moment I walked in.The Muay Thai class was well-structured, challenging, and a lot of fun.
- Nile | Google Review
It’s a great place where kids (and parents) can learn and have fun.
My 7-year-old son and I train at Xin Dojo every week, and we couldn’t recommend it more highly. Iliiar is a fantastic instructor. He’s patient, encouraging, and genuinely great with kids. My son looks forward to every single class and has grown so much in confidence and focus since we started. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the instruction is top-notch. It’s a great place where kids (and parents) can learn and have fun.
- Kavit Tolia | Google Review