I have spent about 5 years training in Taekwon Do over in Hove. I have constantly been bugging…read moreflatmates and friends to come train in the martial ways, usually to limited response. Thankfully, I finally saw some light at the end of the tunnel with a flatmate who had trained in a little amateur boxing. Now he was wanting something a little more akin to his fighting background, so we decided to go try out a session at kicks. Rather than my usual school hall venue, kicks boasts a proper ring and is a permanent feature of Lewis road. This is especially relevant if you choose to train in kick boxing or Muay Thai. The established feel does create a 'proper' training environment. Beginners are grouped together according to grade and you are expected to work up the syllabus and belt gradings no matter what your prior martial experience. With the kick boxing or Muay Thai there is some leeway on this. For beginners, this is a very good approach and means that less fit or confident initiates won't feel 'kicked' out of the dojo or be intimidated by more proficient adepts. There is also a wide range of classes for children and this dojo is an excellent place to teach some of the honourable sides of etiquette that you wouldn't find inn the school classroom. Whilst you will have to buy some equipment and insurance, there is only a base membership fee then you can pay as you go per lesson, or take advantage of some direct debit offers. I would say that it is well worth checking out the extensive website that has a very good timetable of when classes occur for the different grades and age ranges. Sadly, I was still committed to my Taekwon Do training when I went, so I did not keep up my sessions. Also, my flatmate fell into the response that all my other friends did and stopped going (his loss!). I have since taken a step back from TKD and when I return to renting in Brighton I would make this dojo my first point of call to resume my martial arts journey.

Master Ken James has been teaching children and adults Tae Kwon Do in Brighton and the surrounding…read morearea for a long time. He runs his clubs with the aid of his wife Sue and offers a great atmosphere to learn the Korean art of Tae Kwon Do. I trained for about 6 years with Master James and thoroughly enjoyed every lesson. Sadly, financial limitations meant that I had to stop training about 1 year ago. If I returned to learning martial arts I would certainly return to this club. The lessons are a mix of technique with an emphasis on fitness. As TKD is not a full contact sport, it may be better suited to those not quite so keen on getting stuck in, but still with a strong martial arts base. The club is part of the TAGB organisation and this means that there are regular national competitions, should you wish to test your skills in sparring or pattern events. Gradings take place quarterly, although once you reach the senior grades you will have to wait 6 months between examination. To train you must be fully insured (at a reasonable rate) and to spar you are expected to wear full protective gear. This means that children can train without unexpected injury and adults don't have to turn up for work with black eyes or other inconvenient injures. The Brighton club has a lot of very skilled black belts and the overall atmosphere is very welcoming and encouraging for beginners. Ken is a really great guy and i could think of no one better to suggest to teach you martial arts than this master.

This is a full time Kung fu school and has a great atmosphere. They teach Kung fu, self defence and…read morewomen's fitness. The kids classes are an ideal way to get them fit and active while learning how to defend them selves. They teach discipline and improve confidence through positive reinforcement.

I've been interested in martial arts classes since I was really young and my dads's a big Bruce Lee…read morefan so I thought i've give kung fu a try at the school on spindle way crawley. To be honest i'm not sure what I was expecting but some high kicks and acrobatics wouldve looked good to me. The school was really nice and their were a couple of really good and very pleasant instructors there who took lots of time to help me out and put me with a more experienced student. I thought I was in for a beating and was quite nervious to start. Looking back I've no idea why I was worried. I learnt some reallly practical stuff , self defence and when I asked about high kicks they said they're not great for self defence because you can lose balnce, get your leg grabbed etc which makes total sense. The kung fu school was great, the best venue in Crawley by far and I had a fanstastic time there. I've now had 3 lessons, a great time and look forward to working up the food chain : ) Highly recommended but only 4/5 stars because so high kicks would be cool!

What began four years ago as let's give Tai Chi a bash has now evolved into a journey of self…read morecultivation which now influences every aspect of my life in a very positive way. Tai Chi Wisdom teach the full Yang curriculum in a relaxed, friendly and supportive manner, starting with basic postures that lead into to the learning of short and long versions of the form, two person sparing and weapons training. Turn up to a class - you might like it !!

Going to Tai Chi Wisdom really can be a life changing experience. Simon, Cher and their growing…read morefamily of excellent teachers are brilliant and they really know how get the teachings across and to make everyone feel really welcome and cared for. Recently I've been a somewhat absent student due to a very busy period in my life but with weekend workshops and various classes throughout the week I still manage to enjoy their company. Classes are wonderful friendly places and they attract a really good sort so it's always a pleasure to return. Go and see for yourself how much fun the classes are and most importantly, that the guys and girls at Tai Chi Wisdom really know their stuff.

There is a small but very friendly group of people who train here in the village hall. You do not…read moreneed any equipment or any special clothing to start with as the club has some bokkens (wooden swords) for beginners to use. Costs for beginners are very reasonable. It does not even cost you a penny for your first session, and the BKA (British Kendo Association), who provide the insurance, offer a trail of 3 months for only £10. Visit their website http://sussexiaido.110mb.com/ for some pictures and more information.

Without doubt, the best Martial Arts learning experience I've ever encountered! While most schools…read moreand clubs offer a more customized offering, Master Lee Banda offers newcomer and experienced alike a far more wider spectrum of disciplines. All of my visits to his lessons were fun and eye-opening; the last a fascinating 90-minute education in how to disarm a knife carrier. Explained succinctly and articulately, Lee is a true master of his profession, a must for improving fitness, awareness and confidence. Age, gender and experience are never a barrier to improving each and every human being; a philosophy clearly running through everything that this former World Champion seems happy to impart. I cannot speak highly enough of the experience.

Really fun lessons teaching a wide range of disciplines. The instructor Master Lee Banda really…read moreknows his stuff and breaks it down into such a simple system for you to understand and follow. The lessons are full of fun and friendly people that are very welcoming to any new starters and its a great confidence boost to anyone involved. I would really recommend giving it a try if your looking for a fun yet effective martial arts class to join in the area.

Been going to this gym for over 3 years now. This is the first gym have ever joined a perfect place…read morefor anyone taking up gym excersise for the first time. Staff are really friendly if u need any advice go see Matt or Pete 2 very good trainers there. Open 24 hrs and cheap bargain

The gym may have limited weights, but it is certainly the cheapest and cleanest gym in Brighton…read more For only £16 (£10 for students) a month and views of the beach from every machine on the ground floor, it is certainly the one to join. There are usually 2-3 week wait lists, so make sure you join in advance! There don't seems to be any classes... For people looking for spin/yoga/aerobic classes then this is not the one to join... It is very much a place where people work out independently.

This was my regular gym for a while. The facilities are first class, it's a clean and peaceful…read morelocation and the personal trainers are all very nice.