Best Martial Arts Classes for Kids in Wicklow

Last Updated on November 2, 2020

There are many martial clubs in county Wicklow ran by experienced instructors who are not only experts in various fighting styles & self-defence systems but most importantly specialise in providing safe & fun martial arts lessons for children who are based in Wicklow. The choice is big from Muay Thai & Brasilian Jiu-Jitsu classes in Bray to Greystones School of Taekwon-Do and Krav Maga academy in Kilcoole.

Check out our comprehensive list of best martial arts clubs for kids in Wicklow:

Bray:

East-Coast Jiu-Jitsu Academy Bray

East Coast Jiu Jitsu Academy Bray Logo

Chris Leddy, head coach of this academy is a black belt in BJJ and runs each class with enthusiasm and lots of attention to his students. Brasilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques are going to increase your kids’ ability for self-defence, strengthen their confidence and getting them fit. Junior classes are run in a playful way with games and teamwork, building the groundwork for learning basic techniques. There is no sparring in classes for kids below eight years old. Classes for children above eight years old are three times a week and train kids to become martial artists. Beginners are always welcome. 

Address: 34a Ardee St, Bray, Co.Wicklow

Kids BJJ groups are for: age 4 – 7 and 8 + up to teens

Masters Temple Martial Arts Bray

Kickboxing and Sin Moo Hapkido classes for kids. This martial arts gym pays a great amount of attention to children’s developments and focusses on building their strengths based on their age and character. Massan Ghorbani is a professional coach who emphasizes in his training the connection of body and mind to build fitness and discipline. He teaches Hapkido, which is a Korean self-defence style and Ultimate Kickboxing for children. His classes are split into various age groups to focus in detail on each child’s potential. 

Address: 2nd Level Bray Bowl Complex, Quinsboro Rd, Bray, Co. Wicklow, A98 E6X4

The age groups are: Tiny Dragons age 3&4, Little Dragons age 5&6, Red Dragons age 7-9, Blue Dragons age 10-15

Jai Sua Muay Thai Bray

Jai Sua Muay Thai Logo

Muay Thai also known as Thai boxing is a martial art that is an elite fighting sport. Muay Thai teaches various striking and grappling techniques as well as respect and self-awareness. Coach Rob Carry puts a lot of effort into keeping kids active physically and mentally. At this martial arts gym, you can pay as you go, rather than pay a seasonal fee.  Kids classes are open to beginners at any time. At the classes, your child will build their strength, speed and self-confidence. 

Address: Shoreline Leisure Centre, Southern Cross Road, Bray, Co Wicklow

Classes are for age 6 + 

Greystones

Greystones School of Taekwon-Do

Greystones Takewon Do Logo

At this martial arts training centre children become part of a group that is inclusive and has the strive to build a more peaceful world. Children of any fitness levels are encouraged to join and learn to use techniques of combat and self-defence within the philosophy of Taekwondo-Do. Greystones School of Taekwon-Do is run by black belt Master Kenneth Wheatley and has four further instructors of which two are female instructors. 

Address: St Kilian Family Parish Centre, Kimberly Road, Greystones, Co. Wicklow

The age groups are for age 3 – 5, age 6 & 7, age 8 – 11, age 12 – 16

Kilcoole

Krav Maga Academy Kilcoole

Krav Maga Kilcoole Logo

This martial arts’ main focus is on realistic self-defence. Kids will learn how to deal with conflict and potentially violent situations, how to avoid them and how to protect themselves if necessary. Each age group faces different conflict situations which are addressed in the age-specific classes to ensure the students get the most from their training. In this specific martial arts discipline, children and teens are taught to defend themselves against stronger adults, how to escape dangerous situations and reporting incidents to the police. All of this is taught in a child-friendly environment including games and group exercises by highly qualified male and female instructors. Pavel Hroch is the head instructor, a black belt in Kickboxing and Krav Maga. For kids classes, Susanne is one of the coaches. She is certified in early childhood care and education and a great Krav Maga instructor. 

This gym also offers private martial arts classes for families if you want to give it a go together to learn some basic self-defence, increase your fitness levels and learn some cool kicks. 

Soon you will also be able to join coach Rafal to train Krav Maga for kids in Arklow, County Wicklow. 

Address: Unit 4a, Glenfield Industrial Estate, Newcastle road, Kilcoole,Wicklow A63 K201

The age groups are: kids 4 – 7, juniors 8 – 12, teens 13 – 15 

Blessington 

Fight Fit Dojo

Fight Fit Dojo Blessington

This Dojo does offers multiple martial arts classes for your kids to try out. They offer Kenpo Karate classes taught by black belt, Sensei Len Stokes. This class is internationally accredited with its success. Kids classes are made to be fun, safe and confidence-boosting for everyone. 

Another class they offer for kids is MMA in combination with fitness. MMA is a combination of martial arts and teaches students how to do stand up and ground fighting. A great focus of this class is the fitness element to increase physical stamina. 

Blessington Jiu-Jitsu Club also found its home at Fight Fit Dojo. Maciek, a very passionate Jiu-Jitsu black belt instructor guides teens through this ground-based martial art.

Address: Unit 1A, Blessington Business Park, Blessington, Wicklow, W91 X894

Kenpo Karate class: age 5 + 

MMA class: age 11 –  15

Jiu-Jitsu class: age 12 + 

Wicklow Town

Wicklow Karate Academy

Kenpo Karate was founded upon the principles of Chinese Kung Fu and Jiu-Jitsu. Its aim is to teach self-defence through mind and body exercises. Children’s classes at Wicklow Karate Academy are taught with lots of patience by well-established trainers to make your child feel safe and welcomed. Kids will learn to grow their self-esteem and be confident in their abilities to defend themselves. Kenpo Karate puts a lot of focus on the connection of mind and body and teaches respect and emotional control to its students through ancient techniques interpreted in a modern world. Another great aspect is the teaching of taking part in your community and increasing your positive impact on your environment. 

Wicklow Karate Academy also has summer camps available. 

Address: Broomhall, Wicklow

Classes are for kids 7 + years old

Arklow & Bray

Eagle Martial Arts

Eagle Martial Arts Arklow Logo

Eagle Martial Arts is a Kickboxing academy, however, their little eagles, children’s classes are more varied, combining important martial arts skills for children to excel. As all martial arts, Kickboxing increases awareness, control and self-defence skills for kids. Children are also encouraged to participate in training assessments at the end of the year to strengthen their sense of achievement and reach their goals. Classes are structured and follow a curriculum to enhance your child’s mental and physical abilities. At the same time, the coaches put a lot of focus on children to master the learned techniques and believe in their abilities. At this martial arts class, your child is also going to learn cooperative skills and supporting one another by taking on a role model function for younger students. Classes are taught by world kickboxing champion Julie McHale.

Arklow Location: Unit 2 Port View, Knockenrahen Industrial Estate, Arklow

Bray Location: St. Kilians Sports Hall, Boghall Rd, Bray

The age groups are: Little eagles age 4 – 8, Junior eagles Kickboxing age 9 – 14 

In case your kids still have some stamina left after training martial arts and you are looking for other sports activities, check out our comprehensive list of soccer clubs in Wicklow.