The 5 Best Martial Arts Classes in Birmingham to Train, One Kick at a Time
Combat training offers more than just fitness. It’s a way to learn self-defence when things go awry, build unshakable mental focus, and gain confidence that carries into every part of your life.
If you’re itching to try something new, martial arts will give you a sweat-drenching workout and teach you practical skills that your personal trainer won’t be able to match (shh, don’t tell them we said that).
We picked the best martial arts classes in Birmingham for all skill levels, where kids and adults can sharpen their striking techniques and unleash their inner warrior.
Read on before you step into the ring!
How much do martial arts classes cost in Birmingham?
The cost of a martial arts class in Birmingham usually goes from £5 to £15 for drop-in sessions, with monthly memberships ranging from £20 to £80, depending on your training frequency.
| Training Option or Fee Type | Average Cost | Details & Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Pay-As-You-Go Drop-In | £5 – £15 per session | Single class pass for casual community or discipline training |
| Budget Part-Time Membership | £20 – £38 per month | Basic package covering one scheduled class per week |
| Standard Unlimited Membership | £50 – £65 per month | Full access to weekly group classes |
| Premium Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) & Fitness Gym | £70 – £80 per month | Unlimited multi-discipline training, open mat, and gym facilities |
| Private One-on-One Coaching | Around £33 per hour | Tailored individual tuition with an instructor |
| Annual Licence & Insurance | £15 – £55 per year | Mandatory student insurance via martial arts associations |
| Training Uniform (Gi or Shorts) | £22 – £55 one-off | Standard uniform required for belt ranking or sparring |
| Belt Grading Examination | £25 – £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 prepares you for real-life encounters. They offer a complete Filipino martial arts system that blends stick fighting, bladed defence, and improvised weapons.
They offer Panantukan boxing, Dumog grappling and locking, and Arnis. With these disciplines, their instructors can teach you to move smoothly from stick and blade defence into empty-hand strikes, takedowns, and joint locks.
You also receive hands-on drills that are practical and intuitive. The coaches explain how everyday body mechanics translate into swift disarms and improvised weapon defence.
The only drawback is that the curriculum focuses on Filipino arts, so you won’t find common disciplines like karate or Muay Thai classes here.
Very diverse in different parts of Filipino martial arts
Excellent class . It’s not a massive class so you get alot of help to further your skills without feeling ignored. The lads there are very friendly and helpful. Found Graham the instructor very patient and an excellent instructor who will take the time showing you the moves even if you’re struggling. Id definitely recommend this class as it’s very diverse in different parts of Filipino martial arts especially for self defense in today’s times
- Dave Allum | Google Review
Practical and enjoyable martial art style to learn
Great classes. Ive learnt alot of practical self defense skills in a short amount of time. The instructor Graham and the advanced students are welcoming and supportive. I always have a good class its a practical and enjoyable martial art style to learn.
- Naomi L | 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 runs a fully equipped combat facility in Ward End with a ring, bags, and weights. You can juggle multiple combat styles, as they offer Muay Thai, MMA, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ).
Their youth programme runs daily sessions led by instructors cleared through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Meanwhile, women can join dedicated Sunday Muay Thai classes led by a qualified female instructor. This even comes with a free trial.
If you want tailored guidance, they offer personal training with customised plans and nutrition support to help accelerate your fitness goals.
Just keep in mind that female-only sessions currently cover only Muay Thai, leaving out separate women-only grappling or MMA blocks.
The best place to get your children trained in martial arts!
The best place to get your children trained in martial arts! The coaches here are fantastic and always go above and beyond. My both sons love coming here and they like to get here way before time. Black widow has supported my son to build his confidence, teach him Discipline and make him aim higher. Amazing place with fantastic staff and ethos.
- Shanaz Ahmed | Google Review
Fantastic facilities
Fantastic facilities including punch bags, weights etc, professional staff that are always available and approachable. Anyone looking for personal growth, building physical strength, learning self defence and confidence should really give Black Widow Martial Arts Academy a go…suitable for men/women and children over 5yrs. 1-to-1 training available with the trainers who are professional and help motivate you along the journey!
- Sanna Ghafoor | Google Review
3. The Eagle Kickboxing Academy
Website: https://eaglekickboxing.co.uk/
Address: 21a St Helens Passage
Contact: 79045 01287 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM; Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The Eagle Kickboxing Academy is led by founder Alex Vorfi, a 2nd-degree black belt recognised by international kickboxing bodies. He has also served as a K-1 national coach and official referee, showcasing his deep expertise.
We like their focus on both technical combinations and ring conditioning since they’re experienced in martial arts and personal fitness.
Plus, they offer distinct classes for beginners, children, and active combat competitors. One-to-one personal training is available, too.
New members can even test the waters with a free trial class before committing to regular training.
The fully equipped facility deserves a mention, as it spans three floors. It has a dojo, pads, punch bags, and weights, as well as a recovery zone with a sauna and ice bath.
Unfortunately, the gym is closed every Sunday, narrowing weekend training to Saturday.
The best kickboxing gym in Birmingham
Although I was hesitant to start a new challenge in kickboxing, I am glad I took it up. Staff and students at Eagle Kickboxing have been extremely generous with their time and knowledge. The collegiate atmosphere and teaching style facilitates learning, and most students notice rapid improvements in their abilities. Eagle Kickboxing is the best kickboxing gym in Birmingham, and this strong reputation is reflected in their focus on technique, fitness, discipline and other elements central to martial arts. Give it a try!
- Y I | Google Review
The BEST Martial Art dojo in Birmingham UK
After many years of military training and a couple of years of Krav Maga experience, I decided to try K-1 kickboxing at the Eagle Kickboxing Academy. I have been taking private one-to-one lessons with Alex for about a year now and it’s definitely the best decision I’ve made and the BEST Martial Art dojo in Birmingham UK. Coach I am proud to know you, not only because you are a fantastic coach but also because you are a great person, you have my respect!
- Andreas Trevor | Google Review
4. 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
Temple Martial Arts is a city centre spot that specialises in kung fu and kickboxing. Their classes welcome everyone from beginners to seasoned artists looking to refine footwork.
Their regular kickboxing sessions focus on non-contact combinations, making them ideal for burning calories without taking punches to the nose.
We like that they offer age-appropriate Temple Tigers martial arts for children, whilst women can join dedicated ladies-only training. Plus, they have one-to-one sessions for individuals who prefer focused guidance.
To boot, they offer a free one-to-one introductory session for new members, perfect if you want to try them out before committing.
On the downside, the studio is closed on Sundays, so you’ll need to schedule your weekend sessions on Saturday instead.
Excellent place if you want to learn self defence
Temple martial arts is a excellent place if you want to learn self defence I have learnt alot from all the coaches they are highly trained professionals, friendly and welcoming always willing to help. If you want to learn kickboxing I highly recommend coming here and I’m sure you won’t regret it.
- Chad Everitt | Google Review
Tailored techniques for all different levels
Recently joined temple after 5 years away from training martial arts. The coach has been great and really motivating. Tailored techniques for all different levels shows quality of the coaching and lesson plans. The classes fly by when you’re enjoying them so much. 100% recommend
- Bethany Burt | Google Review
5. Team Renegade BJJ
Website: https://matr-bjj.com/
Address: Unit B, 1585 Bristol Rd S, Longbridge, Rednal
Contact: 07902 822441
Hours:
- Monday, Friday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Team Renegade BJJ stands out for building a versatile ground game by combining Gi and No-Gi BJJ with Greco-Roman wrestling and striking. This way, you’ll learn serious technique, body control, and leverage over brute force.
Their coaches (composed of black belts and champions) structure sessions for both novices and experienced competitors preparing for tournaments.
Plus, there are dedicated women’s and children’s classes, making getting onto the mats far less intimidating.
You don’t even need a heavy contract to start, since day passes cost just £15 for adults and £7 for kids.
But keep in mind that classes run on a select schedule with limited daily slots, so you’ll want to plan ahead of time.
This is the place to go!
Brilliant place to train, experienced instructors, flexible scheduled classes and students who genuinely try to help better each other. For anyone looking to get into martial arts or general self defence, this is the place to go!
- Aamir Zaman | Google Review
One of the best BJJ/MMA Gyms in the UK
A great team of coaches and a very addictive environment to be a part of. Credit to Chiu and the coaches for creating a buzz of one of the best BJJ/MMA Gyms in the UK. A very structured approach to the 12 week beginners programme makes it possible for everyone and anyone to give it a try. No sneaky contracts to get tied into sums up the culture of Renegade.
- Umz N | Google Review