Master self-defence at these 5 best martial arts centres in Newcastle, UK
We always thought martial arts were only for people who already looked disciplined. You know, the ones who wake up early, stretch like it is a lifestyle, and somehow move with the same control you see in rock climbing or with personal trainers.
Then we tried a basic session and realised coordination is a whole different story. Balance, timing, and control did not come as naturally as expected, even compared to other activities we have tried.
But exploring martial arts in Newcastle, UK, made us see that it is not just about strength. It is about focus and consistency too. So, for anyone curious about building both skill and confidence without feeling out of place, we rounded up places worth checking out.
How much does a martial arts class cost in Newcastle, UK?
A martial arts class in Newcastle typically costs between £5 and £10 per session, or between £50 and £90 per month, depending on the gym and class frequency.
1. Team Phoenix Martial Arts
Address: 51A Lime St, upon Tyne NE1 2PQ
Contact Details: +441912610001
Business Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 5 PM – 9 PM
- Friday: 6 PM – 7:30 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 3 PM
Team Phoenix Martial Arts has been teaching since 1997, with a full-time academy operating in Ouseburn Valley since 2002. The 195 sq m space feels purpose-built, and it shows once sessions start.
Classes run across Muay Thai and shoot wrestling/MMA, which isn’t a combination we usually see in Newcastle. That mix builds striking, grappling, and even weapons training into one system.
Their “Infinite” programmes structure training into progressive levels like Infinite Kickboxing and Infinite Grappling. It gives a clear path rather than random drop-in sessions, which helps track progress week by week.
Facility here includes heavy bags, kettlebells, and even a “frame of pain” rig, so conditioning is part of every session. Plus, a free one-week unlimited trial and £60–£70 monthly plans make it easy to test everything before committing.
Then again, peak classes can feel packed. For us, it might affect how much direct coaching you get per session.
Great environment to train
“Absolutely incredible gym with the most welcoming and friendly community! Sometimes joining a martial arts gym can be intimidating but Phoenix will welcome you with a warm smile. A really great environment to train in with skill-full coaches who have years of expertise. Can’t recommend this place enough whether you’re just starting out or an experienced martial artist!”
- Kim Bridgeman, Google Review
By far the friendliest one
“A great club to train at. I’ve been going for over a year to both the Thai boxing sessions and the weapons sessions. Both are brilliant and mix the technical aspects of the sport with fitness and fun. I’ve trained at other gyms in the past and I can say this is by far the friendliest one I’ve trained at.”
- Rory Kaufhold, Google Review
2. The Advanced Fighting Centre
Address: 10 High Bridge, upon Tyne NE1 1EN
Contact Details: +447876043480
Business Hours:
- Monday: 7 AM – 8 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday: 5 PM – 8 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM – 2 PM
The Advanced Fighting Centre has been around since 1993. It’s based near High Bridge in central Newcastle and runs as a family-led gym under coach John Atkin.
Their classes cover the full spectrum of MMA, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and ground striking. There’s also boxing with ring work and Thai boxing sessions focused on combinations and conditioning.
Ninjutsu is part of the schedule too, which adds throws, joint locks, and even weapon-based techniques. Just note that their taster session costs about £10, so trying it out isn’t free.
Even so, their training includes 90-minute open-mat sessions where different styles are mixed in one slot. Cage drills and wall work are also built into sessions, adding a more realistic fight setup.
Their “Scrap Pack” fight team has produced title winners, so the competition pathway is clear. Pricing sits at about £9 per class or £120 monthly, and the setup feels more suited to consistent training.
Everyone is supportive and there to learn
“Brilliant gym. John is hugely knowledgeable and has a gift for breaking techniques down into practical details that actually work under pressure. The atmosphere is genuinely friendly — everyone is supportive and there to learn, with none of the egos you sometimes see elsewhere. A great mix of styles and experience levels too, so there’s something for everyone. Strongly recommend to anyone considering giving it a go.”
- Angus McVittie, Google Review
So much knowledge
“Was made to feel welcome by everyone straight away. John is a fantastic teacher, he has so much knowledge and is fantastic at every art that he practise. I have learned already so much from him with every training and it is explained in a great way that is understanble and with a good dose of humor. You notice that it is a family owned gym as not only John but his whole family truly care and have a big heart for the gym and for the people that train there.”
- Frederike Scheeve, Google Review
3. Universal Martial Arts
Address: Unit B7, Benfield Business Park, Benfield Rd, upon Tyne NE6 4NQ
Contact Details: +448081341963
Business Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 4 PM – 9 PM
- Friday: 4 PM – 7 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 2 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 3 PM
Universal Martial Arts brings over 30 years of coaching experience and runs from a two-floor facility in Walkergate. The space includes three training areas, so kids and adult classes can run at the same time.
Training covers boxing and Muay Thai, with MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu added into the weekly schedule. Karate is also included, with a clear belt system that moves from beginner to advanced levels.
Coaches here have over 20 years of boxing experience and have produced regional and national-level fighters. Sessions include pad work, sparring drills, and conditioning blocks rather than just fitness routines.
Also, programmes are split by age, from Little Dragons (4–6) to teen and adult classes. A free one-week trial and sessions from about £5 also make it easy to start without a high upfront cost.
One limitation here is that there’s no clear fight team or competition pathway highlighted, which limits progression for those aiming to compete.
Extremely friendly and very inclusive
“My daughter has been going here for about a year and she absolutely loves it. All the instructors are amazing and I noticed how they know all of the kids names, strengths and weaknesses which they work on with them. The club is extremely friendly and very inclusive for all. I highly recommend this place to anyone thinking of joining.”
- Gaynor Higginbotham, Google Review
Great environment and encouraging culture
“My 7 year old daughter absolutely LOVES coming to Universal. Such a great environment and encouraging culture. All the coaches are fabulous and ensure all children feel included at all times. Would highly recommend!”
- JenTopp, Google Review
4. Moi Fa Martial Arts and Fitness
Address: 20-22 Byker Bridge, Byker, upon Tyne NE6 1PE
Contact Details: +447710170245
Business Hours:
- Monday: 3:30 PM – 8 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday: 5 PM – 9 PM
- Thursday: 10:30 AM – 1 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM
- Friday: 3 PM – 6 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 1 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 1:30 PM and 4 PM – 7 PM
Moi Fa Martial Arts and Fitness has been running since 1995 under Sifu Paul Tennet, with senior instructors bringing over 30 years of experience. Classes are kept small and require booking, so sessions don’t feel crowded or rushed.
Training focuses on 7 Star Praying Mantis and Yang Style Tai Chi, each taught as a full system rather than short courses. Filipino Kali and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are also included, adding weapons work and grappling into the mix.
Their kali sessions cover double stick and knife defence drills, building reaction speed and coordination. Praying Mantis goes deeper with 16 weapon systems and Qigong, so it feels more technical than typical classes.
Additionally, the structure follows a foundation-to-advanced pathway, with options for private lessons and workshops. There are also seminars and international camps, which extend training beyond weekly sessions.
However, there’s no focus on MMA or cage-based competition, so it doesn’t suit those aiming for modern fight sports.
Very friendly and inclusive environment
“Amazing variety of martial arts taught there from Mantis Kung Fu, Filipino Martial Arts, Wing Chun, Tai Chi, Brazilian Ju-jitsu, and also some fitness with Kettlebells. These are all taught in a very friendly, inclusive environment. I could not recommend enough!”
- Michael Smith, Google Review
Clean and friendly gym
“This is the best martial arts gym I’ve ever been to. The owner has more black belts to his name than I thought possible. From strength and conditioning classes with kettle bells to Brazilian Jiu-jitsu for adults and kids. With Kung Fu and Tai Chi thrown in the mix too. This clean and friendly gym is definitely worth a look no matter what your age, experience or martial arts preference. Great location next to walkergate metro and the first class is FREE! Keep up the great work Moi Fa”
- Stephen Middleton, Google Review
5. Newcastle Goju-Ryu Karate Academy
Address: 112a Newton Rd, upon Tyne NE7 7HN
Contact Details: [email protected]
Business Hours:
- Monday and Wednesday: 6 PM – 9:15 PM
- Tuesday and Thursday: 6 PM – 9:30 PM
Newcastle Goju-Ryu Karate Academy has been running since 2006 under Sensei Aaron Milan-Vega, based in High Heaton. Classes are split by age, keeping training structured from the start.
Plus, training focuses on Goju-Ryu Karate, which combines strong strikes with softer circular movements and joint control. But know that they don’t include other disciplines, so there’s no cross-training in MMA or grappling systems.
Nevertheless, sessions follow a set format with kihon drills, kata practice, and controlled kumite sparring. Bunkai is also taught, breaking down kata into real applications, so movements aren’t just memorised.
Additionally, membership is tiered from £25 to £60 per month, and it already includes insurance. A one-month free trial is available too, which is longer than most gyms offer.
It is also great that training here runs mainly in the evenings from Monday to Thursday, which keeps the schedule consistent.
Fully equipped and all-around nice guy
“My son joined Aaron at the age of 6 years, he’s 13 in a couple of weeks and is more dedicated than ever. He really looks up to Aaron, he’s a fantastic Sensei and all round nice guy. The Dojo is fully equipped and nipping clean. It’s lovely being part of the karate family, and I know we’ll be there for many more years to come, it’s a huge part of our lives supporting our son with his love for martial arts. I couldn’t recommend this place more.”
- HRH, Google Review
Welcoming and supportive community
“I joined the dojo almost 2 years ago looking to get some exercise and learn self defense. In addition, I have also found a welcoming and supportive community. There’s an eclectic mix of people of all ages and backgrounds and not a single bad egg amongst them. This is a special community, and I feel privileged to be a part of it. I’ve grown and developed as a person since joining, thanks to the other students and of course Sensei Aaron.”
- Michael Vasey, Google Review