Manchester is an excellent place for studying martial arts. Regardless of your level or desired discipline, these centres and gyms should have you covered. Check them out.
| Gym Name | Disciplines | Pricing | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Basics MMA Gym | MMA, BJJ, Kickboxing, Boxing, S&C | Free trial; £85–110/month; drop-in available | Unit 10G, Wilson Park, Newton Heath, Manchester M40 8WN |
| Fighting Fit Manchester | MMA, BJJ, Boxing, Kickboxing, Capoeira, S&C | Free trial; £70–100/month; £10–15 drop-in | City centre, Manchester |
| Ludosport Manchester | Lightsaber Combat, Sparring, Fitness | £12–15 intro; £45/month membership | City centre, Manchester |
| Missing Link Martial Arts | Karate, Boxing, MMA, Self-defence, Fitness | Drop-in or monthly; Family packages available | Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1PE |
| Predators MMA & BJJ Academy | MMA, BJJ, Kickboxing, S&C, Kids classes | Free trial; Membership (contact for pricing); Drop-in | Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester |
| SBG Manchester | MMA, BJJ, Wrestling, Boxing, S&C | Free trial; Membership tiers; Drop-ins available | City centre, Manchester |
| Tides Within (Capoeira Manchester) | Capoeira, Music, Movement | Trial; £60/month; Drop-in options | Stockport, Greater Manchester |
| White Tiger Taekwon-Do | Taekwon-Do, Cardio Kickboxing, Family classes | Free trial; Family membership; Drop-in rates | Multiple venues across Manchester suburbs |
Advanced Basics MMA Gym
Like most of the UK's best martial arts centres, Advanced Basics MMA Gym is a welcoming yet professional option for all fitness levels. This academy focuses on development with coaching in MMA, boxing, kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Disciplines and Classes Offered
Fees and Membership Options
Location and Accessibility
Address: Unit 10G, Wilson Park, Newton Heath, Manchester M40 8WN
Accessible via bus and car; free on-site parking available
Clean, spacious facility with dedicated ring, mat areas, and gym equipment
If you are in Manchester this is your go-to... Overcoming barriers through this sport is an incredible way to gain confidence.”
Lorena Idrovo
How to Join
Step 1
Book your free trial week through the Advanced Basics website or Instagram (@advanced_basics_mma_gym_)
Step 2
Choose from drop-in sessions or a monthly membership
Beginners and experienced athletes are all welcome. On-site sign-up and online booking options available.
Fighting Fit Manchester
Fighting Fit is a versatile fitness and combat sports centre. It offers sports like MMA, BJJ, boxing, kickboxing, Capoeira, and strength and conditioning. You can find it in the centre of Manchester.
Disciplines and Classes Offered
Fees and Membership Options
Location and Accessibility
City centre location. Convenient for day and evening classes
Easy access via tram, bus, and nearby parking spots
Full on-site facilities with showers, changing rooms, mats, and bag zones
How to Join
Step 1
Book your trial via the Fighting Fit website or social platforms
Step 2
Select between drop-in sessions or a monthly unlimited membership
Programmes tailored to beginners, families, and aspiring fighters. Move seamlessly from trial to full membership with online sign-up.
Many of Manchester's top MMA gyms, such as Advanced Basics MMA and Predators Academy, offer free trial sessions so you can experience the vibe before committing.
Ludosport Manchester
The kind of thing you'd expect to find in London's martial arts centres, Ludosport Manchester is based near the city centre and offers something very different to a lot of the other centres. This place offers “Lightsaber Combat”, a sport fencing programme inspired by the Jedi from Star Wars. This focuses on technique, athleticism, and theatrical flair.
Disciplines and Classes Offered
Fees and Membership Options
Discovery session: approx. £12–15 for a 1-hour introductory class
Monthly memberships: approx. £45/month for weekly group sessions
No contracts. Drop-in friendly and pay-as-you-go options
Location and Accessibility
City centre location. Easily reached by tram or bus
On-site changing rooms and equipment storage
A cosy training area blended with fencing safety mats
How to Join
Step 1
Book a Discovery Session or regular class via their website or social media
Step 2
Choose from drop-in or monthly group pass options
Beginners and experienced fencers are both welcome. Ideal as a fun, engaging complement to traditional martial arts in Manchester.
Yes, really. Ludosport Manchester offers lightsaber combat, a mix of fencing, agility training, and Star Wars-style fun. A unique option in the local martial arts scene.
Missing Link Martial Arts
Missing Link Martial Arts is based in the Northern Quarter, blending traditional and modern disciplines. With a variety of classes, including karate, boxing, MMA, and self-defence for all ages, this is an excellent environment for beginners, families, and more serious students alike, just like some of Birmingham's best martial arts centres.
Disciplines and Classes Offered
Fees and Membership Options
Weekly classes via drop-in or term-based packages
Monthly memberships tailored to individuals or families
No long-term commitment. Cancel anytime approach
Location and Accessibility
Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1PE
Easy walking access from central tram, bus, and train stops
Cosy space with mats and basic equipment; atmosphere is casual yet focused
How to Join
Book a class or trial via the Missing Link website or visit in person
Options for drop-ins, term passes, or monthly memberships
Beginners are welcome alongside intermediate and advanced students
Predators MMA & BJJ Academy
Predators MMA & BJJ Academy is a martial arts gym on Cheetham Hill Road. This gym offers training across a range of different disciplines with structured progression and regular seminars. Predators comes highly recommended for its strong sense of camaraderie and skill development.
Disciplines and Classes Offered
Fees and Membership Options
Location and Accessibility
Address: Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester (near the centre)
Be sure to check the academy's website or contact them for the exact address and transport links
Clean mats and a full range of training equipment; a supportive and encouraging atmosphere
How to Join
Step 1
Book your free trial via the Predators website or social media
Step 2
Choose between drop-in, monthly membership, or family plans
Open to all fitness levels, youth and adult martial artists welcome. Phone or online booking options are available.
SBG Manchester
SBG Manchester is part of the Straight Blast Gym network, which has locations across the UK, but with its only Scotland location in Aberdeen, those looking for the best martial arts gyms in Edinburgh will have to look for something else. It offers world-class coaching in MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, and strength and conditioning. Known as one of the best martial arts facilities in Manchester, it offers a high-energy and professional environment that focuses on technique, progression, and personal growth.
Disciplines and Classes Offered
Fees and Membership Options
Location and Accessibility
Address: 12 Sheffield St, Manchester M1 2ND. City centre studio, accessible via nearby tram and bus routes.
On-site showers, lockers, matted training areas, and pro-level equipment
Clean, professional layout suitable for serious training and fitness
How to Join
Step 1
Book your free trial via the SBG Manchester website or social media
Step 2
Choose from flexible membership plans or drop-in sessions
Ideal for all ages and experience levels. Register online or drop in during open training hours.
Tides Within (Capoeira Manchester)
Tides Within provides a unique flavour to martial arts classes in Manchester. Focusing on the musical, cultural, and physical core of Capoeira, sessions are available for everyone, from beginners to advanced practitioners.
Disciplines and Classes Offered
Traditional Capoeira – musical/acrobatic martial art
Group roda (circle) sessions with music and live instruments
Fitness-focused practice and creative movement classes
Fees and Membership Options
Trial class via ClassPass or website booking
Monthly membership (~£60) for weekly Capoeira sessions
Pay-as-you-go drop-ins are also welcome. No contract required
Location and Accessibility
Based in Stockport, accessible by train and bus
Requires pre-booking. Studios are equipped for movement and safety
How to Join
Step 1
Sign up for a trial Capoeira class via ClassPass or the club’s site
Step 2
Choose between a monthly membership or drop-in attendance
Open to all ages and levels; instruments provided on-site. Good for those seeking a cultural twist to martial arts clubs in Manchester.
White Tiger Taekwon-Do
White Tiger Taekwon-Do is a martial arts school that offers Taekwon-Do and cardio kickboxing. Beginners can join through trial sessions, while the group-focused training is excellent for families.
Disciplines and Classes Offered
Fees and Membership Options
Location and Accessibility
Multiple class venues across the Manchester suburbs
Convenient for school commuters and local families
Well-equipped halls with mats, music, and spacious layouts
How to Join
Step 1
Book a free trial via the White Tiger website or email contact
Step 2
Select from drop-in classes, monthly membership, or family packages
Open to everyone. Recommend booking in advance for availability. Structured belt-grading and instructor-led progress tracking.
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