Are you bored with the repetitive gym routines you were doing in your front room throughout lockdown? Are you looking for a new sport or activity to pursue? Well look no further, Mixed Martial Arts classes might be the way for you. If you are local to the Nottingham area, then here are some of the best places for you to access Martial Arts classes – in a post-Covid world of course.

Martial Arts are made up of various fighting based sports that originate from Japan, Korea and China. The sports are both a form of self-defence as well as attack. The different types of fighting under the ‘Martial Arts tree’ include Karate, Jujitsu, Judo, Aikido, Hapkido, Kung Fu, Capoeira, Krav Maga, Tae Kwon Do and Tai Chi.

So if you are unsure what Martial Art you would like to pursue, it seems you are spoilt for choice!

Gracie Barra

Locations: 30 Miall Street, Nottingham, NG7 2AQ / Unit 2, 178 St Albans Road, Arnold NG5 6GW

Gracie Barra Martial Arts Class Nottingham
Source: Gracie Barra Facebook

After teaching all ages of MMA to Notts locals for 30 years, Master Carlos lives by his dedication to MMA and to “build a brotherhood to lead the expansion of Jiu-Jitsu while respecting the essence of our art.”

The school is a tight close community as each student is a part of the Gracie Barra extended family. Classes are offered to all ages. For children, the classes are designed to teach self-discipline and run from age three and upwards. For adults, there are three different levels of classes, depending on your level of expertise towards the sport.

From when students sign up, their personal goals are taken into account, so your individual MMA experience is tailored for. The best thing at the moment is you can book a free class online!

Martial Art School

Location: Bestwood Park Community Centre, Beckhampton Road, Nottingham, NG5 5NE

Martial Art School Nottingham
Source: Martial Art School Nottingham

After being founded in 2003 by Sensei Ilja Hoffman, the Martial Arts School sets out to teach a variety of MMA classes including Budo Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, Ju-Jutsu as well as personal teaching and self-defence courses.

The first two sessions are free as it gives you the opportunity to explore the facilities on offer, as well as meet some of your fellow students. After this, if you want to take your learning even further, then you are given an application form. The initial joining fee is £65, which includes your first month of training, insurance, registrations costs and an annual membership for related organisations. After the second month, the monthly payment is £25.

For students, the joining fee is £50, and the monthly fee will be £20.

The dojo is located at Bestwood Park Community centre and can be easily located by Nottingham public transport on the number 89 bus.

JJBBA

Location: 700 Woodborough Road, Mapperley, Nottingham, NG3 5GJ

JJBA Martial Arts Classes Nottingham
Source: JJBA

After teaching MMA for over 30 years to students throughout Nottingham, it was no wonder they opened their Martial Arts Super Centre in 2010. The MMA school teaches an array of styles including boxing, karate, kickboxing, MMA, Ju-Jitsu and Thai Boxing.

Not only do they teach separate child classes – from age 3 upwards – and adult-only classes, but there are family classes available.

Even better is you can get your first class for free!

Shudokan Black Belt Academy

Location: 37 Haydn Road, Carrington, Nottingham, NG5 2LA

Shudokan Martial Arts School
Source: Shudokan Black Belt Academy Facebook

Opening in 2001, the Shudokan Black Belt Academy has provided students throughout the years with “a road map to success based on self-defence, confidence and goal-setting skills.”

Run by Sensei Ken Robson, the programs on offer through the MMA school focus on personal development for the children’s classes. For the adults, the MMA classes provide a perfect alternative to the boring gym routine you are used to and even make individuals reach their maximum potential – both physically and mentally.

The classes include the ‘Little Dragons’ for four to seven years old, the ‘Juniors & Cadets’ for eight and 13 years old and for 14+ there is the ‘Adult Martial Arts’. At the moment, online classes are available for students.

Nottingham Mixed Martial Arts

Location: Unit G9, Roden House, Roaden Street, Nottingham, NG3 1JH

Nottingham Mixed MArtial Arts Classes
Source: Nottingham MMA

Formally known as the Bushido MMA, the Nottingham Mixed Martial Arts has produced top fighters including Dan Hardy, Paul Daley and Jimmy Wallhead – who all started their fighting careers at the school.

The school was previously headed by BJJ Black Belt and Pro Fighter Lee Livingstone. However, he has since moved on to teach his own academy in Thailand. In 2014, Paul Lukowski took over the school and decided to re-brand and even located.

Through this new image, he introduced new coaches and developed a new unique style of teaching and classes for his students. However, due to Covid, unfortunately, the classes are unable to run at the moment.

For a membership – to access all classes – it cost £65 a month where you can learn new skills, get fit, lose weight and most importantly have fun! For students, if you have a valid NUS card, you can access all the same benefits at a reduced price of £59 a month.

So, if you are looking to get fit but want to spice things up, why not try Martial Arts?