Juniors Martial Arts

Help your child build confidence, discipline, focus and self-defence skills with fun, structured martial arts classes for ages 8–12.

REACH YOUR FULL POTENTIAL

Helping Children Grow Through Martial Arts

Our Junior Martial Arts programme gives children aged 8–12 a structured way to learn martial arts and kickboxing skills while building fitness, confidence and self-belief. 

Children improve their fitness, coordination, strength and agility, but the real value goes much further than physical training. 

Through structured kids martial arts classes, students learn respect, resilience, self-belief and how to keep going when things feel challenging. 

Every class gives your child a positive place to learn, make friends, celebrate progress and grow in mind, body and character. 

And of course, Martial Arts is Tons of Fun! 

Junior Martial Arts Program Teaches Life Skills

Positive Mindset
Goal Setting & Self Belief
Respect for Self & Others

What Our Junior Martial Arts Classes Include

Every class is designed to keep children active, engaged and learning in a positive environment. 

Sessions can include martial arts techniques, kickboxing skills, movement drills, pad work, fitness games, teamwork activities and goal-setting challenges. 

Children are supported step by step by experienced coaches, helping them build skill, confidence and pride as they progress. 

Parents may notice small changes early on, such as better listening, growing confidence and a stronger sense of achievement.

Your Partner in Your Child’s Progress

Your child’s health, happiness and confidence are at the heart of everything we do. 

Our classes help children build courage, commitment, self-belief, discipline and respect in a positive, family-friendly environment. 

We work alongside parents to reinforce the positive habits children develop in class, helping them grow both on and off the mats.

Building Character That Lasts

In a busy digital world, children benefit from positive places where they can learn, grow and spend time around supportive role models. 

Our classes help students develop confidence, respect, discipline and resilience through martial arts training, supportive coaching and positive friendships. 

As they learn new skills and work through challenges, children build habits that support them at home, at school and in everyday life.

Fitness Disguised as Fun

Getting children active is not always easy, especially with screens, busy routines and endless distractions competing for their attention. 

Our kids martial arts classes are packed with movement, games, drills and challenges that keep children engaged while helping them build fitness, coordination and healthy habits. 

Children can use their energy positively, learn new skills and have loads of fun without training feeling like a repetitive workout.

Self-Defence Skills for Confidence and Safety

Every parent wants their child to feel safe, confident and able to handle challenges in the right way. 

Our classes help children learn age-appropriate self-defence skills, awareness, discipline and respect, all taught in a safe and supportive environment. 

Just as importantly, students learn that martial arts is not about looking for trouble. It is about confidence, control and making positive choices whenever possible.

More Benefits of Martial Arts for Kids

Supports focus at school and in everyday life

Teaches respect, discipline and self-control

Helps children grow in confidence

Keeps kids active while learning new skills

Ready for a Class Your Child Will Love?

Our junior classes are designed to keep children active, focused and smiling, with games, drills and challenges that make learning feel fun. 

Along the way, they build confidence, respect, fitness and friendships in a positive environment with supportive coaches. 

With academies in Barnsley, Rotherham, Chesterfield, Wath, Sunderland, SleafordBurton and Clay Cross, you can choose the location that works best for your family. 

Book a free taster and see how much your child can enjoy learning martial arts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages are Junior Martial Arts classes for?

Our Junior Martial Arts classes are for children aged 8–12. The programme gives children a structured, age-appropriate place to build confidence, discipline, fitness and martial arts skills while learning at their own pace. For younger children aged 4–7, explore our Little Ninjas programme.

Are Junior Martial Arts classes suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. No previous martial arts experience is needed. Our coaches guide children step by step, helping complete beginners feel comfortable, learn safely and grow in confidence as they progress.

What happens in a Junior Martial Arts class?

A Junior Martial Arts class can include warm-ups, martial arts techniques, kickboxing skills, pad work, movement drills, fitness games, teamwork activities and goal-setting challenges. Classes are structured to keep children active, focused and having fun while they learn.

What are the benefits of martial arts for kids?

Martial arts can help children build fitness, coordination, focus, discipline, respect, confidence and resilience. It also gives children a positive environment where they can make friends, work towards goals and feel proud of their progress.

Will my child learn self-defence?

Yes. Children learn age-appropriate self-defence skills alongside awareness, confidence and self-control in a safe, supportive environment. We also teach students that martial arts is about respect, discipline and making positive choices – not looking for trouble.

Where can my child join Junior Martial Arts classes?

Junior Martial Arts classes are available at The Combat Academy locations in Barnsley, Rotherham, Chesterfield, Wath, Sunderland, Sleaford, Burton and Clay Cross. Book a free taster session and choose the academy that works best for your family.

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MARK WILLIAMS profile picture
MARK WILLIAMS
1 month ago
Very friendly, supportive leadership with a student mix of experience and ages. The lower grades are separate classes to the higher grades, so teaching stays within a certain experience level, making it accessible for newbies to join in and enjoy learning and not feel intimidated. Higher belts in the classes also willing to help lower belts with skills required to progress. Classes are well planned and vary each session and move at a pace to keep you on your toes, but build on fundamentals. The building is well maintained and plenty of space with good range of equipment to use, from gloves to bags to use and parking available. Anyone looking to get fit, be part of something and learn a martial art won't go wrong giving it a go. This is from 50plus stiff jointed overweight old fart, that's a little less fat and stiff each week, and having fun (hard work but fun).
Alan Chapman profile picture
Alan Chapman
1 month ago
I honestly can’t recommend The Combat Academy Barnsley highly enough.

Our son Teddy, who is 7 years old, has absolutely flourished since joining. His confidence, discipline, fitness and kickboxing ability have improved beyond anything we could have imagined. Every week he looks forward to training, and watching him grow both as a kickboxer and as a young lad has been incredible.

A huge thank you to Gasan, Blaine, Guyvin and all of the instructors. The passion, patience and dedication they show to every child is second to none. They know exactly how to get the very best out of each student, making every session fun, challenging and rewarding. Teddy is flying under their guidance, and we’re so grateful for everything they do.

A special mention also has to go to Nikki, the centre manager. She is one of the friendliest, most welcoming people you’ll ever meet and will genuinely bend over backwards to help you and your family achieve your goals. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and she makes everyone feel like part of the Combat Academy family from day one.

What makes this place so special is the atmosphere. It’s supportive, encouraging and full of people who genuinely want to see each other succeed. It’s much more than a martial arts gym—it’s a community.

If you’re looking for somewhere that will help build confidence, respect, resilience and life skills while learning from exceptional coaches and amazing people, then The Combat Academy Barnsley is the place to be. We couldn’t be prouder to be part of it.
Natalie Harrison profile picture
Natalie Harrison
1 month ago
We have been coming since my son was 4 years old. He was shy, clingy and hated crowds of people. He had no self confidence to go out and play with other children. After we started his combat academy he grew and grew in confidence. He is now 7 and thriving. He loves kickboxing and the changes it has made to him. He now thrives in school, will try anything new and doesn’t have any issues with crowds of people. Combat academy has changed his life for the better. He is now determined to reach his black belt ! Cannot thank the staff at Barnsley combat academy enough for the support they have given him over the years and continue to give him now.
Jamie Seres profile picture
Jamie Seres
2 months ago
Been training at TCA for around 4 years now ,I never thought I would have achieved what I have achieved when starting .
This community help me grown and do thing I never thought I could.
From the coaches , staff and team mates they have all helped me get to this point .

Could not recommend enough
Give it a go , you will not be disappointed.
More reviews
MARK WILLIAMS profile picture
MARK WILLIAMS
1 month ago
Very friendly, supportive leadership with a student mix of experience and ages. The lower grades are separate classes to the higher grades, so teaching stays within a certain experience level, making it accessible for newbies to join in and enjoy learning and not feel intimidated. Higher belts in the classes also willing to help lower belts with skills required to progress. Classes are well planned and vary each session and move at a pace to keep you on your toes, but build on fundamentals. The building is well maintained and plenty of space with good range of equipment to use, from gloves to bags to use and parking available. Anyone looking to get fit, be part of something and learn a martial art won't go wrong giving it a go. This is from 50plus stiff jointed overweight old fart, that's a little less fat and stiff each week, and having fun (hard work but fun).
Alan Chapman profile picture
Alan Chapman
1 month ago
I honestly can’t recommend The Combat Academy Barnsley highly enough.

Our son Teddy, who is 7 years old, has absolutely flourished since joining. His confidence, discipline, fitness and kickboxing ability have improved beyond anything we could have imagined. Every week he looks forward to training, and watching him grow both as a kickboxer and as a young lad has been incredible.

A huge thank you to Gasan, Blaine, Guyvin and all of the instructors. The passion, patience and dedication they show to every child is second to none. They know exactly how to get the very best out of each student, making every session fun, challenging and rewarding. Teddy is flying under their guidance, and we’re so grateful for everything they do.

A special mention also has to go to Nikki, the centre manager. She is one of the friendliest, most welcoming people you’ll ever meet and will genuinely bend over backwards to help you and your family achieve your goals. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and she makes everyone feel like part of the Combat Academy family from day one.

What makes this place so special is the atmosphere. It’s supportive, encouraging and full of people who genuinely want to see each other succeed. It’s much more than a martial arts gym—it’s a community.

If you’re looking for somewhere that will help build confidence, respect, resilience and life skills while learning from exceptional coaches and amazing people, then The Combat Academy Barnsley is the place to be. We couldn’t be prouder to be part of it.
Natalie Harrison profile picture
Natalie Harrison
1 month ago
We have been coming since my son was 4 years old. He was shy, clingy and hated crowds of people. He had no self confidence to go out and play with other children. After we started his combat academy he grew and grew in confidence. He is now 7 and thriving. He loves kickboxing and the changes it has made to him. He now thrives in school, will try anything new and doesn’t have any issues with crowds of people. Combat academy has changed his life for the better. He is now determined to reach his black belt ! Cannot thank the staff at Barnsley combat academy enough for the support they have given him over the years and continue to give him now.
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