KAIZEN ACADEMY / LANCASTER

Kids martial arts in Lancaster

Kids MMA for ages 3–8, plus junior Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing for ages 9–14, on Ridge Lane in Lancaster. Joe Butler heads our kids programme. Book a free first taster or ask us which class suits your child.

A FIRST CLASS FOR YOUR CHILD

Start with their age.

Find the right group, choose a time
and book one free first taster.

One booking is for one child. If you would like help choosing, send us an enquiry.

A coach helping children practise a grappling technique

AGES 3–8 · TWO AGE GROUPS

Kids MMA in Lancaster.

Our youngest groups train on Saturday mornings, with a separate class for ages 3–5 and ages 6–8. Children can start without any previous training. A taster gives your child a chance to meet the coaches, try the activities and see whether they enjoy being on the mats.

  • Ages 3–5 · Saturday · –
  • Ages 6–8 · Saturday · –

AGES 9–14 · GRAPPLING

Junior Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Lancaster.

For children interested in grappling, our regular junior Gi BJJ classes run on Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Beginners are welcome. Gi is the training uniform used in these sessions; bring one if your child has one, or ask the team about hiring one before the class.

  • Thursday · –
  • Saturday · –

AGES 9–14 · STRIKING

Junior kickboxing in Lancaster.

Kickboxing focuses on punches and kicks. Our Tuesday junior class is for ages 9–14 and welcomes children who are new to martial arts. Gloves and shin pads are available to borrow, so there is no need to buy those before trying the class.

  • Tuesday · –

Junior MMA and advanced training.

Junior MMA for ages 9–14 runs on Wednesday, 16:30–17:30. Contact the team first so a coach can check your child’s foundation and suitability. For a beginner interested in junior MMA, we recommend starting with BJJ and kickboxing.

Advanced Junior Gi BJJ runs on Monday, 16:30–17:30. The team must confirm suitability for this session too. Ask us about junior MMA or advanced training

"Martial Arts will improve the discipline and confidence of your child"

You’ve probably read that a thousand times, maybe even seen the several studies that give strong evidence for it. At this point it’s just accepted wisdom when talking about martial arts for children.

We don’t want to knock that view too hard, but in truth we believe the benefits of martial arts for children are something far more valuable and intangible than a simple “stat boost” in their discipline and confidence. It shouldn’t be like you’re merely levelling up a video game character. 

Don’t get us wrong, increased confidence and discipline are absolutely valid and true benefits. However, they are merely an easily-packaged-and-sold, simple-to-explain fraction of a child’s true experience. It’s not simply about building skill, discipline and confidence, but HOW you do it, and what memories the process creates: The nerves and thrill of their first competition, the glee of getting a move they’ve been working on to finally work, the camaraderie and friendship formed amongst team mates along the way, or maybe simply building up the confidence to join in with class for the first time ever.

These are the things that we really get excited about at Kaizen, not simply skills and discipline, but the range of experiences that we seek to provide, no matter whether a child wants to one day be a world beating MMA champion, gain a confidence boost in the face of adversity, or just have a fun and healthy hobby!

Our coaches are all successful athletes in MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing. We understand the grind and drive that success in these fields requires at the competitive level. However, we also understand that everyone’s journey is different, and that having an environment where everyone can be comfortable and thrive will be a much more fertile ground for passion and success in martial arts (and life) than putting everyone through the same ringer, falsely assuming the same starting point and goals.

We will also be planning events with our sister gym Scramble Academy Leeds!

BEFORE THEIR FIRST CLASS

Questions from parents.

Plan your journey
What age can my child start?

Our youngest class starts at age 3. Saturday kids MMA has separate groups for ages 3–5 and 6–8; junior BJJ and kickboxing are for ages 9–14. For ages 15 and over, enquire about our adult BJJ, kickboxing or MMA classes so the team can help with the next step.

Can I stay and watch?

Yes. Parents can watch their child’s class from the seating at the side. If you have questions about an individual support need or first-visit arrangements, contact the team before coming. Our safeguarding policy (PDF) is available to read.

What should my child wear and bring?

Bring water and clean, comfortable sports clothing without hard fittings or excessively baggy clothing. There are no shoes on the mats; use sliders or flip-flops in changing and toilet areas. Gloves and shin pads are available to borrow when needed.

Junior Gi BJJ requires a Gi. Your child can bring their own, or rent one for £5 per session. Let the team know before the class if you need to hire one, and check the size with them.

How do I book a free first taster?

Open the timetable and click your child’s suitable class time. Each booking is for one child: enter their name and age, together with your email address as their parent or guardian. The confirmation email states the exact class date, time and what to bring. Tasters must be booked in advance. If you are unsure which class to try, use the enquiry form and we will help.

Choose a class time · Ask the team

What do we do when we arrive?

Arrive 10 minutes before the booked class and introduce yourself and your child to the coach. Let them know it is your child’s first session. We are on Ridge Lane, Lancaster, LA1 1EB, with on-site parking and step-free access.