Learning Martial Arts is fast becoming one of the most popular ways to get fit. The physically demanding sport is competing with other more conventional sports as the best get-fit-quick form of exercise. So many different practices fall within the broad martial arts bracket, and luckily Brighton caters for most martial arts enthusiasts. Here are some of the best martial arts gyms currently operating in Brighton and Hove.
Elements Martial Arts Brighton
Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, is followed the world over with stars such as Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor helping to give the sport international recognition. In short, MMA incorporates various techniques from several combat sports including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and wrestling. It’s a physically gruelling sport and has a reputation as being ferociously physical.
However, there is a difference between learning the skills and actually putting them into practice in a cage or ring. Elements Martial Arts gym in Brighton offers beginner’s training which is a great way to get fit outside of a conventional gymnasium. The gym offers a variety of different services catering to every skill level from complete beginners, to more experienced martial artists.
Address: St James’s St, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN2 1RU
Website: elementsmartialarts.co.uk
Kenshiro Muay Thai
The ancient form of kickboxing, Muay Thai, originated in the 16th century and was developed by the Siamese army as a form of self-defence. Kenshiro Muay Thai gym in Brighton offers Muay Thai training at every level with expert and experienced trainers offering their services throughout the week.
Whether you are a complete novice looking for a fun way to get fit, or a more experienced fighter looking to test yourself against a stable of established professionals, Kenshiro is the gym for you.
Address: Racecourse, Freshfield Rd, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN2 9XZ
Website: kenshiromuaythai.com
Grand Union Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brighton
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most respected and feared forms of martial arts around, but those who learn this specialised form of combat often wax effusive about its addictiveness. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ, is a highly controlled form of martial art and is a great alternative for those who would prefer to stay away from flying wayward fists.
Grand Union Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is Brighton’s premier BJJ training gym and is a perfect destination for those wishing to learn the sport and progress through the accreditation system. Kids are also encouraged to join and the gym runs specialised classes for all age groups and skill levels.
Address: 10 High St, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN2 7HR
Website: grandunionbjj.com
The Choi Foundation
Outside of competitions, Martial Arts training is often shorthand for self-defence training. The Choi Foundation offers classes in a wide range of martial arts with an emphasis on coaching beginners in the sport.
The gym offers classes in both Martial Arts and self-defence and is a friendly and welcoming place for those looking to improve their fitness whilst picking up essential skills and training. The gym operates out of the Dorothy Stringer school and more information on how to book a session can be found on their website.
Address: Dorothy Stringer School, Loder Rd, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 6PZ
Website: thechoifoundation.co.uk
Dragon Martial Arts Association
For fans of Bruce Lee and Kung-Fu movies who want to learn the same skill sets as their heroes on the screen, the Dragon Martial Arts Association offers training in traditional Chinese kung-fu, tai chi, and qi gong.
Those who train at the gym can channel the teachings of Grandmaster Lam Yiu Gwai and the celestial Chinese dragon. The sport is heavily linked to mindfulness and spiritualism and is great for conditioning yourself both physically and mentally. More information on how to join can be found on the association’s website.
Address: 205 Dyke Rd, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN3 6EG
Website: https://www.dmaa.co.uk/
Kickboxing Brighton
Kickboxing is fast becoming one of the most accessible and popular forms of martial arts. Kickboxing gyms have a reputation as being friendly and welcoming places for all skill levels from beginners to more experienced fighters. Many use kickboxing primarily as a way to get fit as it is such a physically demanding sport that working the pads for just a few minutes at a time can give you a workout like no other.
Kickboxing Brighton is designed to nurture you from a complete beginner to a more seasoned practitioner. There is a strong emphasis on cardio in their training programmes, so if you’re looking for a fun way to get fit quickly then look no further than kickboxing.
Address: Knoyle Hall, Knoyle Rd, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 6RB
Website: kickboxingbrighton.co.uk
Nam Yang Brighton Community Association
Learning a martial art doesn’t need to be an intimidating prospect. Many gyms are incredibly inclusive and welcoming places and only want to see you better yourself and achieve your goals. With this inclusive philosophy in mind, Nam Yang Brighton is a community martial arts club which prides itself on its welcoming nature.
The Association is a community by name, community by nature, and as well as being community-led, it is also a not-for-profit organisation. Nam Yang only wants to give to its community and as such is one of the most respected places to learn martial arts in Brighton.
Address: Enterprise Point, Melbourne St, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN2 3LH
Website: namyangbrighton.co.uk
WUTAN Brighton
This gym specialises in the ancient martial art forms of kung-fu and tai chi, and their mantra helps to promote “a healthy society from which we can all benefit.” The aim of WUTAN Brighton is to create an environment where training can improve both physical and mental health.
The gym offers specialised courses for beginners and can help to improve the styles of more experienced kung fu enthusiasts. The gym is based in the heart of Hanover and is easily accessible from all corners of the city.
Address: Hanover Community Centre, Southover St, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN2 9UD
Website: wutanbrighton.co.uk
KAMON Martial Arts Federation
Situated in the heart of the busy North Laine district of Brighton, this small Martial Arts club focuses on perfecting the skills of members who wish to learn the art form of Wing Chun kung-fu. The class hopes to alleviate all forms of stress, anxiety, and anger by channelling it into an expressive martial art form that is respected the world over.
Run by instructor, Alberto Kavadellas, a black belt in Wing Chun, KAMON is a friendly and relaxed place to hone valuable martial arts skills. More information on how to join the club can be found on the federation’s website.
Address: 40-42 Upper Gardner St, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 4AN
Website: kamonwingchun.com/brighton-wing-chun-kung-fu-class/
Kicks Martial Arts Centre
Founded by local martial arts legend Chris Kent, Kicks Martial Arts Centre offers classes in no less than five fundamental and popular martial arts forms including Karate, Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, Thai Boxing, and Aikido.
The gym is a welcoming place for martial arts enthusiasts of all skill levels and is a vibrant place to hone fledgling skills in a variety of martial arts forms. Visit their website for more information on how to join.
Address: 185 Lewes Rd, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN2 3LD
Website: https://kicks.org.uk/
