Martial Arts Classes in Sunderland for Kids, Teens & Adults
Looking for a Positive, Powerful Way to Build Confidence, Focus & Fitness? Join Our Friendly Martial Arts Community in Sunderland – Led by Expert Coaches, Backed by Real Results
Since opening in 2023, The Combat Academy Sunderland has been helping local families and individuals experience the long-term benefits of martial arts training. Whether you want your child to grow in confidence and discipline, or you’re ready to challenge yourself physically and mentally, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Whether you want your child to grow in confidence and discipline, or you’re ready to challenge yourself physically and mentally, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our martial arts classes in sunderland are fun, focused, and welcoming to all – no matter your experience level.
Led by Senior Instructor Stu Roper, alongside Jamie Roper and Ryan Foster, our Sunderland team creates an environment where students of all ages can grow, improve, and thrive – both on and off the mats.
Why Choose The Combat Academy Sunderland?
- Inclusive, welcoming classes for all ages and abilities
- Proven programs that build real-world confidence, discipline, and fitness
- Supportive, high-quality instruction from passionate coaches
- Friendly atmosphere that helps students feel comfortable and motivated
- Backed by a national network with a strong record of success
REACH YOUR FULL POTENTIAL
Little Ninjas (Ages 4 - 7)
Build confidence, listening skills and body control in a safe, playful environment with our Little Ninjas program. These fun-filled martial arts classes are designed to help young children stay active while developing focus, balance and coordination.
Little Ninjas gives children aged 4–7 in Sunderland a brilliant foundation, helping them build confidence and positive habits that carry through into school and everyday life. It’s an ideal introduction to martial arts in a friendly setting where children can learn, grow and enjoy being part of a group.
Juniors (Ages 8-12)
Support your child’s development with our junior martial arts classes, to promote discipline, self-belief and physical fitness while still being fun and social. Training is engaging and structured, helping children stay active while learning valuable skills.
Juniors classes focus on building confidence, focus and resilience through a balanced mix of martial arts techniques and age-appropriate fitness. Children are encouraged to challenge themselves, work towards personal goals and develop positive habits that support them both in and out of the academy.
If you’re looking for junior martial arts classes in Sunderland that help children grow in confidence and enjoy staying active, this programme offers a supportive next step. It’s a great way for young people to build skills, friendships and a strong sense of achievement as they continue their martial arts journey.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Whether you’re a parent looking for something meaningful for your child, or an adult ready for a new challenge – martial arts at The Combat Academy Sunderland is a powerful place to start. Book your FREE Taster Session today and come see what we’re all about.
Teens & Adults
Looking for a way to de-stress, get fitter or learn something new? Our Kickboxing classes for teens and adults in Sunderland help students build real-world confidence, resilience and practical self-defence skills in a supportive environment.
Training is structured, engaging and suitable for all experience levels, whether you’re completely new or returning to training. Classes focus on improving fitness, coordination and mental strength, while encouraging students to challenge themselves at a pace that feels comfortable.
If you’re ready to try something positive and rewarding, our kickboxing classes offer a great opportunity to stay active, meet like-minded people and build confidence both on and off the mats.
Fighter Development
For those who want to push their limits, our advanced Fighter Development sessions provide higher-level martial arts training for committed students. This program is for individuals who want to challenge themselves and develop beyond regular classes.
Training offers a clear path towards competition for those who choose to pursue it, delivered in a focused and supportive environment that encourages progression at a higher level.
The Combat Academy - Sunderland
Unit 16a Riverside Rd, Southwick, Sunderland, SR5 3JG
Free onsite Parking
Easy access via public transport
0191 562 3248
sunderland@thecombatacademy.org.uk
We offer a full weekly schedule of classes for all ages and abilities – including after-school, evening, and weekend sessions. Try it for yourself with a FREE Taster Session – and see what makes us different.
| Monday | 4pm - 9pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 4pm - 9pm |
| Wednesday | 4pm - 9pm |
| Thursday | 4pm - 9pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9am - 1pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Meet The Team
Our instructors are here to guide, motivate, and support every student, whether you’re starting your first session or training toward high-level goals.
At Sunderland, you’re not just learning martial arts – you’re building positive habits for life.
Stu
Roper
Known for his calm leadership and technical coaching, Stu brings years of experience and a passion for student progress to every session
Jamie
Roper
Brings high energy and a personal approach to his coaching, making every student feel confident and encouraged
Ryan
Foster
Supportive, approachable, and focused on helping students improve both their skills and their mindset
What Our Members Say
You're made to feel welcomed and comfortable the second you walk through the door, by the team and everyone who attends, they're all amazing and you really feel like you are a part of a community, a family, which motivates you further.
I love coming to every class and couldn't imagine where I'd be without them!
If you're thinking about it....DO IT!
An update since writing this....
After months of my son Jaxon wanting me to teach him at home I finally convinced him to come along and do a trial. Speaking with Stu, I was worried with how shy and held back he was and that they'd probably not get a word out of him let alone any real effort, now I look at his journey and I am so overwhelmed with the positive impact each coach has had on him.
From being a very shy, quiet boy to becoming someone who confidently expresses himself, learns to embrace challenges, steps out of his comfort zones, and has found a voice that was once sadly hidden.
He idolises Jamie, hangs on every word throughout the classes and beyond, he loves that he will help with any task even the little ones like tightening gloves. He knows that Ry is always happy to help - when he now confidently asks 😁 and likes stu best for explaining things like stance and which way to face.
After joining many different activities before this and feeling he never managed to fit in he has found a place he can happily be himself and has been accepted by coaches who give him the time and make him feel he is capable and now he has proudly gained his red belt and I can really see him going the whole way.
It has been a journey of personal growth for the both of us and I hope it long continues.
I really can't thank all three coaches enough 🥊🖤
I was about to give up hope and accept that maybe I was just destined to stay unhappy, unfit and miserable. However, destiny had other plans. I spotted a 6 week taster course for kickboxing, advertised on Facebook, and took the chance of trying it. I arrived half an hour earlier than the start of the class, and sat in the car terrified, watching the clock.
What did I think I was doing? I’d watched dozens of lean and fit looking women walking into the academy, laughing and giggling with each other. I put my hand on the keys to turn the ignition, start the car and drive away. But something in me made me get out of the car and before I knew it, I was walking through the door.
I can honestly pin point this as the moment that changed my life.
That was November 2023 and I’ve recently earned my orange belt in kickboxing. Kickboxing has taught me acceptance, discipline (although my coaches may disagree 🤣) and provided me with goals that have pushed me through some really tough times in life.
I wouldn’t know where to begin to thank Stu, Ry and Jamie for their continued dedication, empathy guidance and support in each and every session, providing me with a support network, which can only be matched by the outstanding friends that I’ve made there, and continue to welcome.
Apologies for the essay, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg. At the combat academy Sunderland, we don’t just “fight”, we fight for each other.
See you on the mats 🫡
It's great for building your confidence and fitness as well as a good laugh. It is well worth the time and effort the team put in always to help with every kick and punch you learn to throw. (Even the bruises or badges of hard work)
