The 36 best martial arts schools in Bristol

Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA classes run throughout the week at Trojan Free Fighters Bristol. The gym welcomes beginners, experienced athletes and children, with Kids BJJ alongside adult sessions and classes in Muay Thai, wrestling and yoga.

Memberships can cover a chosen discipline or several, including an unlimited adult plan with access to Boxing, BJJ and MMA. BJJ sessions include technique, live drilling and sparring, while MMA classes combine striking, grappling and takedowns. New visitors can book a free trial session, with equipment hire included if needed. The gym has a full-sized boxing ring and a large matted BJJ facility.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training at Roger Gracie Academy North Bristol covers children, adults and beginners, with more than 40 classes across seven days. Members can choose Gi or No-Gi sessions, alongside kids and teens classes and competition training.

Newcomers do not need previous martial arts experience. Trial sessions include an introduction to the coach, training areas and changing facilities, followed by warm-up, technique instruction and practice. Guests receive a clean uniform for the trial. The academy also provides a large matted area, spectator seating, separate changing rooms, showers and adjoining free parking. Trial guests are provided with a clean uniform ready for the class.

Practical self-defence training combines Krav Maga with striking, grappling and sparring at Bristol Titans Krav Maga. Adult classes run for 90 minutes, with step-by-step coaching for beginners and options for more experienced martial artists. Kids’ classes are also available, focusing on confidence, awareness and age-appropriate self-defence skills.

The club trains in Kingswood and offers trial sessions and monthly memberships. Students can work at their own pace, with classes designed around realistic situations and controlled pressure. No special kit is needed for a first session, just comfortable clothing and clean indoor trainers. Beginners are welcome without previous fitness or martial arts experience.

Bristol Martial Arts Academy teaches children’s and adults’ martial arts through a training system combining techniques and drills from karate, taekwondo and boxing. Children’s programmes are divided into Little Dragons for ages four to six and Junior Dragons for ages seven to 12, with a teens programme from 13 upwards.

Adult classes are open to men and women from age 13, with a ladies-only option also listed. The academy offers birthday parties and a free trial class, while its children’s programme is designed to develop martial arts skills alongside confidence, self-esteem and life skills. Training takes place at Central Park in Hengrove, Bristol.

Wing Chun Kung Fu forms the core of City Gongfu KIDS’ martial arts classes for children and families in Bristol. Sessions are available at clubs in Clifton and Horfield, with school clubs and free taster sessions at the out-of-school venues. Parents and siblings can train alongside children, and complete beginners are welcome.

Classes combine warm-ups, striking drills and pad-work, alongside games and partner exercises. The syllabus includes elements of Jujitsu, Muay Thai and Arnis, while the club code of conduct develops respect, self-discipline and teamwork. Children can progress through structured belt levels, with classes available from age four when accompanied by a parent.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training for children, teenagers and adults is offered at Gracie Barra Bristol Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The school runs fundamental and advanced classes, self-defence sessions, fitness programmes and private training, with classes available for different ages and experience levels. Children over three can begin the kids programme, which adapts the curriculum to age and skill level while introducing routine, cooperation and self-awareness.

Adult students can progress through fundamental classes and advanced sessions with stated belt requirements. The school’s coaching team includes a certified and DBS-checked instructor, and the programme places emphasis on physical and mental wellbeing alongside technical training. A free class is available for prospective students, and the school also provides access to Gracie Barra’s wider training resources.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, kickboxing and practical self-defence classes are taught at StandStrong Academy in Brislington. The programme includes women’s-only kickboxing, mixed adult kickboxing, Hybrid Krav Maga, children’s martial arts and kids’ BJJ. Children aged four to 15 are placed in age groups, with activities adjusted to their confidence and ability.

Beginners can book a free trial and do not need previous martial arts experience or special equipment. Children learn age-appropriate striking, defensive movement, wrestling, ground skills and personal safety awareness. Smaller-group BJJ coaching supports coordination, confidence and problem-solving, while adult programmes develop practical skills and fitness. Beginner-friendly Krav Maga classes give new participants a clear starting point.

PCT Gym provides Muay Thai, K1 kickboxing, combat training, fitness classes and personal training for complete beginners through to professional fighters. Its programme is open to different ages, interests and skill levels, with multiple Muay Thai and K1 classes each week.

Sessions are supported by qualified and accredited trainers, including coaches with backgrounds in strength and conditioning, personal training and competitive Muay Thai and kickboxing. Members can also use the gym and sauna. The training environment is designed around inclusivity, and fitness levels do not need to be established before starting. We offer a wide range of combat training classes for all ages, interests and skill levels.

Children and adults can join freestyle kickboxing classes at Red Dragons Martial Arts School Bristol, with sessions across Bishopston, Henleaze, Horfield and Pill. The school combines physical training with its Champions for Life programme, which develops positive characteristics alongside movement skills.

Classes are structured around disciplined fun, and the club follows the WUMA grading syllabus. Free trials are available at its venues, with separate adult, kids and ladies’ classes. The programme covers fitness, flexibility and coordination, while members can progress through martial arts grades. Free trials are available at all venues for people wanting to experience a class before joining.

Kickstart Health, fitness and martial arts academy combines a functional fitness suite with martial arts classes, personal training, massage therapy and an infrared sauna in Hanham. Kick Start Kidz begins at age four, while Tang Soo Do and kickboxing classes start at seven and also welcome adults. Sessions are structured and supervised, with safeguarding and first aid on site for children and young people. The academy also runs Body Blast, small-group sessions and 1:1 coaching for strength, conditioning, nutrition support and accountability. Members can combine martial arts with the fitness suite, and beginners do not need to be fit before starting. A taster session is available, and the first martial arts or Kick Start Kidz session is free.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Capoeira classes are available for adults and children at Art of Movement Bristol, alongside self-defence training. Beginners can join classes from three years old, with training designed around movement, confidence and physical challenge.

The academy also runs self-defence workshops covering threat recognition, space awareness and responses to common holds. Members can train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Capoeira or both, while children’s and adult memberships are offered separately. Beginners are welcome, and the central Bristol academy offers regular classes from Monday to Saturday.

Muay Thai and MMA classes for adults and children run throughout the week at Cool Heart Combat Sports. Beginner-friendly sessions are available every day, while advanced classes and an active fight team support students who want to develop further or compete.

The independent Bristol gym is designed for all levels and bodies, with coaching focused on safe progression, technique and individual development. Facilities include a ring, mats, heavy bags and a small strength and conditioning area. All classes must be booked in advance because space is limited. Pay-as-you-go classes cost £10, with separate unlimited monthly memberships for students and adults.

Impact Gym teaches MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and submission grappling from beginner to advanced level. Adult programmes support people seeking fitness, self-defence or a new skill, as well as amateur and professional athletes.

The junior programme covers children aged 5 to 15, combining BJJ, submission grappling and striking with routes towards competition and gradings. Female-only open mat sessions and a free submission grappling session for police and blue-light workers are also available. All martial arts classes are included in the stated membership, alongside open-mat use of the martial arts area.

K1 kickboxing and Muay Thai classes are designed for women and marginalised genders at Athena Combat Club. Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday sessions welcome complete beginners through to seasoned fighters, while Thursday evening is reserved for fighters. The club also has an active fight team for people seeking competition opportunities.

Classes are structured around different levels and can be taken at each person’s own pace. Equipment is provided at all-level sessions, and Wednesday and Saturday training takes place in studios with gender-neutral changing cubicles. The club runs regular socials, a WhatsApp chat and Saturday coffee or breakfast meet-ups. All equipment is provided at Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday classes, although members may bring their own gloves and handwraps.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA and K-1 Kickboxing classes form the core of Bristol Dojo’s combat sports programme. The 6,000-square-foot training facility welcomes beginners through to advanced practitioners, with separate sessions for juniors, teenagers and adults.

Classes also include NoGi Jiu Jitsu with wrestling, kickboxing with boxing, and children’s traditional karate, sport karate and self-defence. Adult memberships include a fitness room with cardio and strength equipment. Junior classes are available for children aged 7+, while adults can access the full weekly class programme. Prospective members can try any or all our great classes FREE for 7 days, allowing them to experience the timetable before joining.

Vortex Martial Arts Bristol runs beginner-friendly martial arts and kickboxing classes for children and adults at Headley Park Community Centre. Children can start from age four, with age-appropriate sessions supporting confidence, focus and coordination. Adult classes focus on fitness and mental wellbeing.

A free trial is available, and training kit is provided for classes. Sessions run on Mondays and Fridays in Bristol, giving newcomers a structured setting in which to learn. The club’s junior and adult programmes make it suitable for families as well as adults starting martial arts for the first time.

Shorin Martial Arts Bristol teaches Matsubayashi-Ryu Okinawan Karate and Kobudo for children and adults, with beginners welcome. Training develops traditional karate skills alongside self-preservation, fitness and mobility, while introducing the history and culture of the Okinawan style.

The not-for-profit club is licensed by Matsubayashi Ryu in Okinawa, Japan, and offers a dedicated Kobudo class covering traditional weapons. Mixed ages and abilities can train within the same community, with advanced students progressing through the syllabus. The dojo accepts students from around age 10, although another description refers to classes from age six.

Adult learners can study practical Karate Jutsu, Tai Chi or both at Mushin Martial Arts. The Kingswood club teaches in a calm, non-competitive setting, with structured sessions for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Training focuses on controlled movement, fitness and practical martial arts skills rather than aggression or ego.

New members can try their first two classes free before choosing a schedule. Sessions include separate tuition alongside group work, while the club’s adult-only format keeps the training focused. Karate and Tai Chi can be studied independently or combined, allowing members to build complementary skills and a regular practice that suits their aims.

Boxing classes and personal training at Bristol Boxing Gym are supported by two rings, heavy bags and fitness rooms for children, adults, keep-fitters and amateur or professional boxers. BOXFIT, technique and junior boxing classes are available, alongside weekly women-only sessions led by a female coach.

Beginners can build strength, stamina and boxing skills, while experienced boxers can join amateur-club sessions if they aim to compete. The gym welcomes all fitness and boxing abilities and supports young people through Empire Fighting Chance. Junior classes are for children from age nine.

Children and adults can learn TaeKwon-Do at Bristol South Taekwondo - Hengrove, with classes covering fitness, techniques and self-defence. Beginners are welcome without previous martial arts experience, and children can start from age six.

The Hengrove club trains twice weekly, while students can use any of the three Bristol clubs on the same subscription, for up to six nights of training. Children’s and adult classes are scheduled separately, and competitions in sparring, patterns or destruction are available once students reach 9th kup yellow tag. Training is based on attending at least two sessions each week.

Bristol South Taekwondo - Ashton Park teaches TaeKwon-Do to children from age six and adults, including complete beginners who do not need previous martial arts experience or existing fitness. Training develops self-defence, movement, fitness, concentration and discipline through a structured syllabus.

Students can train at Ashton Park, Bradley Stoke or Hengrove, with each club running twice weekly and members able to attend any of the six weekly nights. Competition in sparring, patterns or destruction is available after the required grade, but it is not compulsory. The club welcomes different ages, abilities, genders and aims.

Revolution Taekwondo - Bradley Stoke teaches TaeKwon-Do to children from six and to adults of all ages and abilities. Classes develop physical fitness, flexibility and self-defence, with beginners welcome without previous experience.

Students can train twice weekly at Bradley Stoke and access the club’s other Bristol training nights where suitable. Competition is available from 9th kup yellow tag, but participation is encouraged rather than compulsory. Beginners are always welcome and training is built around a minimum of two sessions each week.

MMA, NoGi Brazilian jiu-jitsu and striking classes are available at One Step Ahead MMA & Fitness in Clifton. The gym welcomes complete beginners, regular members and experienced fighters, with children’s sessions, ladies-only box fit and private coaching also on the timetable.

Training is led by UFC veteran, Cage Warriors champion and BJJ black belt Nad Narimani, alongside grappling coach Will Southern. Members can drop into individual sessions, follow the adult timetable or focus on a particular discipline. Most sessions last an hour, and beginners can tell the gym what they would like to try before starting.

Children, teenagers and adults can train in karate and kickboxing at Bristol School of Karate. Little Dragons classes are for ages 4 to 6, junior karate covers ages 7 to 12, cadet kickboxing is designed for teenagers, and adult karate and kickboxing cater for ages 13 and over.

Traditional karate training includes Kihon, Kata, Bunkai and technical sparring, with progression through ten belt ranks. Adult kickboxing adds pad combinations, bag work and conditioning, while junior sessions combine quick movements, striking combinations and fitness circuits. A first class is available free.

Combat Jujutsu teaches practical self-defence through structured classes focused on awareness, decision-making and responses to real-world situations rather than sport competition. Training includes realistic application, with pressure and complexity introduced progressively as students develop.

Beginners can train alongside experienced members in a safe, supervised environment at Impact Gym in Soundwell, Bristol. The programme is led by experienced martial artists and includes a structured grading system, optional open mat practice and one or two weekly classes depending on membership. New students can try their first three classes free without a commitment.