The classes listed are trial lessons hosted independently by Rob Locks Academy.
"I trained at Rob Locks as an adult and wanted my children to also train with thr academy. My son joined Rob Locks academy when he was around 5 years old and has been training in karate for around 7 years. His sister now trains too. They have both developed in confidence, increased their coordination and levels of fitness. The classes are adapted to suit their age and skill. It is also great that you can attend on different days so its easier not to miss a session."
Danielle Pearson
"Sam had his first session at the Academy on the weekend of his 4th Birthday and this was the best thing we ever did! He was very nervous for the first few months but now has so much confidence and absolutely loves his training. Sam recently achieved his 1st Dan Black Belt after months of hard work and we couldn’t be more proud. We would like to say a massive Thank You to all the amazing team at Rob Locks Academy for your continued support over the last 3 years, here’s to many more.
from Sam, Becky and Kevin"
Rebecca Chandler
"Our son Ethan than has been coming to Rob Locks Martial Arts Academy for over 2 years and is now on his 3rd brown belt in Sankukai Karate. Through the whole teams exceptional teaching and guidance, his confidence has come on leaps and bounds! The enviorment is friendly, warm and welcoming for both students and parents. The classes are well structured and fun. All the instructors take the time and effort to help each child achieve their full potential. They not only learn self defence skills but also discipline, health and fitness, respect and friendship. I would highly recommend Rob Locks Academy to anyone."
Katherine Leary
"My 4 year old Son has recently joined Rob Locks Academy after being highly recommended by my Brother and Niece who has been attending here for a while. My Son loves the little dragons Karate, and already loves the instructors. They are all so good with all the children, creating a wonderful balance between having fun, learning, building confidence, fitness and good values. I love watching the class and seeing my Son blossom each week.
We would highly recommend Rob Locks Academy
Charisse (Daniel's Mom)"
Charisse Northwood
"I have been training with Rob for just over 3 years now. I’d always wanted to do martial arts and always had lots of respect for it but I’d never plucked up the courage to try.
My daughter started training with Rob, I started to get to know a few people and how thought it was great just how welcoming and friendly the students and instructors were.
So, a few weeks before turning 40 I finally decided to take the plunge, and I’m so, so glad that I did.
I started off once per week with Muay Thai and fell in love with it. About 18 months later I decided to try karate, and instantly loved that too.
Aside from the obvious benefits of confidence and fitness (I have managed to lose and keep off over a stone and a half since starting) but I feel much healthier and am definitely fitter now than I was in my 30s.
I genuinely can’t thank Rob and the whole team enough. If like me, you’ve always had a fascination with martial arts, I urge you to give it a try, I’m sure you’ll be glad you did."
Martyn Clews
"My kids Ziggy and Eva have been training at Robs Locks for just over a year now. We joined there in a hope that they would build their confidence, self esteem and improve their discipline.
Rob alongside with the other instructors have been so amazing with my children and especially in getting them involved when they were at first shy and nervous. Rob has an amazing way with kids and his unique mix of sparing, drills and even games, teaches the kids the needed skills for martial arts.
The staff are always friendly and have lots of time for both the students and the parents.
You could not ask for a better more inclusive club to join."
Neeta Ranga
"Rob Locks and team are absolutely amazing. My daughter started when she was 7 years old and she has learnt a lot through her 4 year journey. She started off as a shy and timid girl and is very confident now. I would highly recommend this team. My younger one will be joining karate too. Thanks for all your training and support. ."
Pooja Chandrakanth
"I joined Rob Locks accademy for my then 5 year old son , I used to bring my then 7 year old along and she used to watch , she started begging me to join aswell she was so taken by how nice the instructors were /are she even gave up her gymnastics class to do karate instead , my son stopped going as I felt he was a little young at the time but my daughter has excelled at karate and out of all I she clubs she’s attended , dance , gymnastics, swimming this is the one she’s succeeded in she try’s so hard and even practices at home . She’s just obtained her purple belt and always wants to achieve the next level !!! I’ve found the staff owners Rob and Lena to be very professional and friendly."
Charlotte Lillis
"Oliver started Karate at Rob Locks in October 2020 aged 5, he is a very enthusiastic and energetic boy, we wanted him to learn to channel his energy doing something physical and fun. Over the last 18 months he has grown in confidence and determination, and puts his all into working towards and gaining each level belt. He loves the instructors and how they encourage him to keep going and get better. He says "I like it when they teach him new moves and Japanese words". He has also made some lovely likeminded friends. As a parent it's wonderful to watch your child doing something they enjoy, while learning a great skill."
Kerrie Tisdell
"I joined Rob Locks Karate just after my 5th birthday.
From the very first session I loved it!
Rob is really friendly and helpful and always makes lessons really fun!
All the instructors are great!
I am now a black belt and look forward to going every week!
My little brother and Grandad have joined too! Karate is for all ages!
See you soon!
Reece Deeley."
Reece Deeley
"I love going to karate. It's great fun! The instructors are kind and helpful and really good fun!
Zack Deeley"
Zack Deeley
"Both my boys do karate at Rob Locks. My eldest has been going now for 7 years and my youngest has been going for three years.
All the instructors are absolutely fantastic with the kids. They know how to get them focused and keep them focused.
The training is brilliant and really encourages the kids to train and to want to reach their next belt.
My youngest was very nervous when he first started but the instructors were so supportive and helped him find his confidence.
Thank you and Rob and all the team, keep up the good work!
Stacey Deeley"
Stacey Deeley
You will receive a booking confirmation by email to the email address provided when making your booking.
This email confirms details of the lesson you have booked, the school’s location, the day and time of your class and other useful information you may need to know before attending your class.
You can either print the email confirmation and bring it with you to your lesson, or you can show the instructor the email on your phone.
Trial lessons vary in length from school to school but details relating to the class you have booked will be outlined in your booking confirmation email, along with the school’s contact details if you’d like to speak to them direct. Details of lessons can also be found on the booking page for each club.
No. The trial lesson is obligation-free and there are no extra charges for this introductory session beyond the trial fee if there is one.
We generally recommend that you wear loose comfortable sports clothing, such as a tracksuit for your taster session. There is no need for specialist martial arts clothing.
The special suits are only generally required if you choose to join a school. Schools often provide free suits when you join. Check with your school first if you have any queries.
Apart from wearing the right clothes, there is nothing else which you have to bring with you on the day. Changing and refreshment facilities vary so we advise that you come prepared in case there are limited facilities available. For example: You may wish to bring a bottle of water.
No. There should be no extra charges for the introductory lesson and there will be no hidden charges.
If you choose to join a school after your trial, there may be a joining fee. Joining and tuition fees vary from school to school. Speak to the instructor if you would like to find out more about their class pricing or membership fees.
You are welcome to bring a friend with you for a trial lesson but your friend will need to have first booked a trial lesson with the school through this website, in order to check there are sufficient spaces available. Your friend may need to pay a trial lesson fee if the lesson has a fee.
If you would like to attend the same class with a friend, we recommend that you make both of your class bookings at the same time.
If you need to cancel your booking, please contact the Instructor, either by telephone or email no less than 24 hours before your scheduled lesson time.
After booking your session through this website, you will receive a confirmation email containing the contact details for your school.
NEST has several hundred members across the UK and so in most cases, there is likely to be a school near you.
If however you are struggling to find a school near you, contact us by using the form on the contact us page. We have many members who do not currently feature on our website who we may be able to put you in touch with.
You have a few choices. You can either choose to book a lesson with another school or you can choose to book a different class type, date or time with the same school or select the enquiry next to the lesson you’d like to attend.
Yes. The purpose of the trial lesson is for you to find a martial art style and a school that you’ll love.
In almost all cases, people choose the school they try first but if for whatever reason you would like to try another school, simply book another lesson through this website in the same way as you did with the first school.
It is the school’s responsibility to ensure that anyone attending a class is adequately insured. If you would like to see evidence of a school’s insurance, ask to speak to the Chief Instructor who will happily make this available for you to see.
Almost all schools require students to become members if they wish to continue lessons after the trial lesson. However, all schools differ and your chosen school may choose to offer an extended introductory period.
When you attend your lesson, ask the instructor what the school’s membership policy is. They will be able to tell you about the different schemes they run, for both adults and children.
Complete the form below.