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 discover the life-changing benefits of martial arts.
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 classes 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?
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Inclusive, welcoming classes for all ages and abilities
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Proven programs that build real-world confidence, discipline, and fitness
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Supportive, high-quality instruction from passionate coaches
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Friendly atmosphere that helps students feel comfortable and motivated
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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 and playful environment. A brilliant foundation for success at school and in life.
Juniors (Ages 8-12)
Support your child’s development with classes that promote discipline, self-belief, and physical fitness – all while having fun and making friends.
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 martial arts classes help adults build real-world confidence, resilience, and self-defence skills.
Fighter Development
For those who want to push their limits, our advanced sessions provide elite-level training and a clear path to competition, should you choose to pursue it.
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 | 9am - 9pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9am - 9pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 9pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 9pm |
| Friday | 9am - 7pm |
| Saturday | 9am - 1pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
What Our Members Say
First session today and a must say was a very enjoyable experience. Looking forward to Monday and Wednesday night. I would highly recommend this place great people, great instructors which a very passionate and patient if you are struggling. More than happy to help. The price may put some people of but in all honesty I've seen much more price other places. A would say its well worth £69 a month. So yes people want to try something new get fit learn a new form of martial arts ie kickboxing get yourself to the Combat Academy 😁💪❤️
My 14yr old daughter joined in September and has never looked back since. She has grown in confidence and strength and character....she is so happy....the community and superb coaches are so supportive and help give life skills and build character....she has just received her red belt.....we are sooo proud of her and recommend anyone hesitating to give it a go!
This is great place to train all of the instructors are brilliant friendly and approachable they get the best out of you.I signed up after my first session then got my son to sign up it's that good . It's a great environment to learn martial arts and everyone is friendly, probably the best decision I have made this year joining the Combat Academy Sunderland.
TCAS has changed my life! I joined in Nov last year...really was the best decision I could have made!! The training routines felt hard at first, but because of the support they gave I have never felt as confident or stress free in my life. I owe this to the dedication of Stu in running the Academy – he has shown belief in me that has built my self esteem and confidence, to Ry who is always a fantastic support, really motivates us and makes every session a great laugh and to Jamie who pushes us for our very best every session and is a great teacher with fab advice on how to perfect our technique.
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 🥊🖤
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 🥊🖤
After trying every fad diet and trending exercise regime out there, nothing worked, nothing stuck. I attempted to get into a routine of going to the gym, however, feelings of insecurity, anxiety and fear, prevented me from adapting to this.
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 🫡
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 🫡
What a journey the last 10 months have been! From a nearly 50, unfit person to a 50 year old fitter person who has achieved her orange belt. Coaches Stu, Jamie & Ry are amazing guys who support you at every step and is unwavering. When you don't have the confidence in what your doing they help you through with understanding and patience. They have built the most amazing community/family that is growing & growing. Why don't you join us............😉 You won't regret it!
If you want to learn a skill and defence yourself, this is the place to be. I started 4 months, and it's the best thing I've learned in a long time.
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)
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)
If you’ve been thinking about trying something new, I can’t recommend The Combat Academy in Sunderland enough. It’s been a life-changer for me, and I’m so excited to keep going on this journey! The team at TCA have supported me, encouraged me and really helped my confidence grow. I've lost a stone so far since starting and have made lots of new friends as well as learning something i never thought I could. Theyve also helped me overcome some servere anxiety and depression recently and brought me out of a pretty dark place. The team make you feel part of the family as soon as you walk through the door. I do ladies and adults classes, there is no BS when you read these other reviews, the support is immeasurable 😍😍😍
Where too start! My daughter joined this class as a taster on day one. She begged me to join immediately after. Her confidence and love for the sport is outstanding I cannot keep her away from the place! The support from her instructors is phenomenal nothing is too much of an ask. They have the coaching skills and techniques to be able to tailor the training for each individual depending on their own needs to ensure they are getting the best out of the classes which is something you struggle to come across anywhere else. After sitting around watching for months wanting to join I can honestly say it was the friendliness and professionalism I seen displayed class after class that gave me the confidence to give it a go. Now i couldn’t imagine my life without my TCAS community! Never ever did I think I would be comfortable exercising in-front of people as this was always something I was self conscious about! Now I’m uncomfortable if I don’t exercise! Complete different mindset! I’ll always remember not been able to do sit ups and been quite embarrassed about this and my instructor believing in me saying in a few weeks you will be able too! I didn’t ever think I would but guess what I can!!! Biggest achievement of 2024! Thank you for this! I walk away from every class feeling fantastic and energised! Leaves me always wanting more! My mindset towards exercise has been completely changed by the coaches and peers here. Not only my mindset to exercise has changed but my mindset to dealing with struggles out of the academy has been improved! I can walk into that academy in the foulest of moods but guaranteed to walk out feeling brilliant and proud. The instructors ought to be proud of them selves for this community they have built it’s rare to come across something so special! I have made friends for life along the way! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
