
Karate
A traditional Japanese striking martial art focused on powerful punches, kicks, blocks, and disciplined forms known as kata.
Do you know your Karate from your Judo? If you’re looking for Martial Arts classes near you, understanding the different styles can help you choose the best fit for you or your child.
Some Martial Arts focus on discipline and technique. Others are more fitness-based or centred on throws and grappling. Many families choose a club based on the instructor, class atmosphere and location, not just the style.
Discover all the different styles, including what they involve, what you’ll learn, and who they’re suited to.

A traditional Japanese striking martial art focused on powerful punches, kicks, blocks, and disciplined forms known as kata.

A Korean martial art known for its fast, dynamic kicking techniques, athletic movement, and Olympic sport competition format.

A Japanese grappling martial art that focuses on throws, takedowns, and ground control using balance, leverage, and technique.

A ground-based grappling martial art that teaches practitioners to control and submit opponents using leverage, joint locks, and chokeholds.

A striking combat sport combining punches and kicks, often blending elements of traditional martial arts with modern fitness and competitive

A broad term for traditional Chinese martial arts characterised by fluid movements, forms training, and a balance of striking, philosophy,

A modern combat sport that combines striking and grappling techniques from multiple martial arts such as boxing, wrestling, Muay Thai,

A combat sport focused exclusively on punching techniques, footwork, defensive movement, and ring strategy.

Thailand’s national Martial Art known as the “art of eight limbs,” using punches, kicks, elbows, knees, and clinch fighting.

A practical self-defence system developed for real-world situations, emphasising instinctive movements, threat neutralisation, and situational awareness.

A Japanese Martial Art focused on redirecting an opponent’s energy through flowing movements, joint locks, and throws rather than direct

A Chinese internal Martial Art practised through slow, controlled movements that develop balance, relaxation, breathing, and overall wellbeing.

A traditional Japanese Martial Art associated with the historical ninja, incorporating stealth tactics, striking, grappling, and weapon training.

A Korean Martial Art that blends joint locks, throws, strikes, and kicking techniques with a strong emphasis on self-defence.

A striking Martial Art that combines rapid punches, kicks, and flowing combinations designed for practical self-defence.

A Martial Arts philosophy developed by Bruce Lee that encourages adaptability, efficiency, and using techniques from multiple fighting systems.

A Japanese sword Martial Art where practitioners use bamboo swords and protective armour to simulate traditional samurai combat.

A traditional Korean Martial Art that combines striking, kicking, joint locks, throws, forms, and weapons training within a structured syllabus.

A practical training style focused on awareness, avoidance, and simple effective techniques to protect yourself in real-world situations.

A traditional Japanese martial art combining throws, joint locks, strikes, and grappling techniques designed for self-defence.

A Russian Martial Art focused on natural movement, breathing, relaxation, and adaptable self-defence techniques.

A Brazilian Martial Art that blends acrobatic movement, kicks, rhythm, and music in a flowing, dance-like combat style.

A modern self-defence system that focuses on instinctive responses and scenario-based training for real-world threats.