Martial Arts in Sunderland

Martial arts classes are one of the more popular ways for children in Sunderland to build confidence and fitness, and plenty of adults train too, whether for self-defence, competition or simply a different kind of workout. Three of the academies in this guide sit on the north side of the Wear, around Southwick and Castletown, with a fourth in Washington town centre. This guide covers four academies we have confirmed are running classes in 2026, between them offering kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, mixed martial arts, self-defence and taekwondo. Most offer a taster session, which is the best way to see whether the style and the atmosphere suit you.

The Combat Academy Sunderland

The Combat Academy opened its Sunderland academy on Riverside Road in Southwick in 2023 and is part of a wider network of Combat Academy sites. The Sunderland team is led by senior instructor Stu Roper, and the building has on-site parking.

Children start in Little Ninjas, for ages four to seven, before moving into the junior programme for ages eight to twelve. Teenagers and adults train in kickboxing, and there is a ladies-only kickboxing class as well as a fighter development programme for students who want to compete. The academy's published hours are 4pm to 9pm from Monday to Thursday and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. New students can book a taster through the website.

Best for: Families wanting a clear progression from age four upwards, and women looking for a ladies-only kickboxing class.

The Dungeon BJJ & MMA Academy

In Castletown, The Dungeon BJJ & MMA Academy has been running since 2005, which makes it one of the longest-established Brazilian jiu-jitsu gyms in the North East. Its founder and head instructor, Aaron Naisbet, received his BJJ black belt in 2011.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a grappling art built on leverage and technique, with most training done on the ground. The Dungeon's timetable includes lunchtime and evening gi classes, no-gi grappling, striking and MMA sessions, open mats and a Saturday class. Lunchtime sessions are useful if evenings are difficult. Check the website or contact the gym before your first visit.

Best for: Adults interested in grappling, from complete beginners to people training for competition.

KM Martial Arts

Also on Riverside Road, KM Martial Arts, known as KMMA, is run by owner and head coach Kriss Morton, who has more than 40 years of martial arts experience. The academy puts self-defence, discipline and confidence at the centre of its teaching.

The youngest students join KMMA Tots and Cubs, aimed at children aged three to six and built around games that develop coordination and listening. From age seven, the Bully Proof programme teaches striking, throws, escapes and practical self-defence. Older students can move into the Fight Class, which covers kickboxing and mixed martial arts with controlled sparring, conditioning and groundwork. Contact the academy by phone or through its website about joining.

Best for: Parents who want their child to learn practical self-defence and confidence, starting as young as three.

Blue Wave Taekwondo

In Washington, Blue Wave Taekwondo teaches from Arndale House on Victoria Road, close to the Galleries. It is a family-focused school, and some members train alongside their children.

Taekwondo is a kicking-led striking art and an Olympic sport, and classes combine technique and patterns with fitness and flexibility work, with students progressing through belt gradings. Classes are split by age: Titans for four to six-year-olds, Juniors for seven to eleven, Cadets for twelve to seventeen and adults, plus a ladies-only class for women aged 16 and over. Taster sessions can be booked through the school's website.

Best for: Washington families, and anyone attracted to a traditional belt system with an Olympic sport at its core.

Choosing a club

Each martial art feels different. Kickboxing and taekwondo are striking arts, with kickboxing closer to boxing and taekwondo built around high, fast kicks. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is mostly grappling on the ground. MMA combines both. For children, the style matters less than the instructor, so watch a class first if you can and ask how classes are structured, how sparring is introduced and what safeguarding checks instructors have.

Ask about all costs at the start, as many clubs charge a monthly membership plus separate fees for licences, kit and gradings. Comfortable sportswear is usually fine for a first session. If you are looking for more ways for children to stay active, see our guides to after-school clubs and family activities, and for adults, our gyms guide.

Know a martial arts club we have missed? Get in touch.