Striking And Grappling Academy

Hall, The Cl, School Ln, Southam, Cheltenham GL52 3NS, UK

5.0 (10 reviews)

Disciplines

Judo MMA Self-Defense Striking

Classes

Adults Classes Fundamentals Kids Classes Private Lessons

Facilities

Mat Space

Culture

Welcoming Environment

Access

Free Trial

Karate, Judo & Kudo academy, offering training showcasing a comprehensive selection of Mixed Martial Arts for Adults & Children from the centre of Cheltenham.

Reviews

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Dean Botham

Great experience when we took our little one and rob was so engaged and enthusiastic!

Instructors
Posted 5 months ago
Alissia Esah

Rob’s a great coach he’s really energetic and engaging with everyone in the club. There’s great opportunity’s for grading that rob helps you to strive towards which is rewarding. Really recommend the club!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 months ago
carters pressure washing

Rob is a great coach! Highly recommended, very knowledgeable in his field! If this is something you are looking to get into, he’s definitely the guy to contact!

Instructors
Posted 5 months ago
Ciara-Louise Botham

Highly recommend SAGA. The coach, Rob creates a safe, welcoming environment where kids feel comfortable to learn and grow. His enthusiasm is infectious, and he has a real talent for keeping the sessions engaging while maintaining a strong focus on safety. Rob is incredibly accommodating and always takes the time to support each child at their own pace. Highly recommend to any parent looking for a positive and structured space for their child to build confidence, skills, and discipline, whilst having fun!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 months ago
Robert Pike

My daughter (13) joined Rob at SAGA just a ver a year ago. Throughly enjoys her sessions at the academy and has learnt so much in self confidence, self discipline and biult some lovely friendships all under the guidance of her Sensei. If you are looking for a martial arts group for your daughter or son SAGA is a great starting place!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 months ago
ULTIMATE KARATE

⭐ Review from Ultimate Karate We were honoured to welcome Sensei Rob Thornton to Ultimate Karate as our guest instructor for our first-ever Japanese MMA workshop. From the moment he stepped onto the mats, his expertise, energy, and passion for teaching were unmistakable. What made the workshop truly special was the way students of all ages and classes came together to learn, train, and share the experience. Sensei Rob commented more than once on the positivity and warm welcome he received from our community—something that clearly made a lasting impression on him. As Chief Instructor, I can say without hesitation that Sensei Rob’s knowledge, professionalism, and enthusiasm for teaching are outstanding. His ability to connect with students, adapt coaching scenarios for all ages, break down complex concepts, and inspire confidence is rare and deeply valuable. We would welcome him back anytime, and I’m already looking forward to the next opportunity to train together. I also had the pleasure of visiting Sensei Rob’s SAGA as a spectator at his invitation. I can honestly say that his passion for martial arts is matched only by his ability, and I highly recommend anyone take the opportunity to learn from him. Chief Instructor Neil Bennett (7th DAN) Ultimate Karate

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 months ago
Chloe Duke

Rob at Striking And Grappling Academy is amazing at what he does. You can really see how passionate he is about teaching, and he always goes above and beyond to make sure everyone understands and improves. He takes the time to help each person and creates a really positive environment to learn in. Highly recommend!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 5 months ago
Penny Steel

My daughter joined at the age of 11, was very shy and lacking confidence. However she is becoming much more confident now and loves this group thanks to the brilliant coaches
Posted 1 year ago
Nick Such

Rob is a fantastic coach, he is engaging and patient. My daughter loves attending SAGA and has learnt so much in just a few months and is approaching her second grading. My Son also attended for several months and only stopped due to another commitment & i hope he will return in the future as he too was thriving under Rob’s coaching.
Posted 1 year ago
Lloyd N

My son previously attended another martial arts school, and we left due to feeling like he wasn’t learning anything practical. SAGA on the other hand is really hands on, and Rob is incredibly knowledgeable and patient with his teaching. His lessons are a mix of Judo, Karate and other martial arts providing a really well rounded mixed martial arts experience. My son loves attending and looks forward to it every week. I can highly recommend SAGA!
Posted 1 year ago
Charlotte Tomlin

My son has been going to SAGA since around Sept 2024 and he has learnt so much in that time. Rob is so good with the kids and clearly knows his stuff! He makes the classes so engaging and fun and he is so patient with the kids, I can tell they all love going each week. I would definitely recommend to anyone whose kids are looking for a new hobby 🥋☺️
Posted 1 year ago
Laurence Whitty

Rob is a warm, friendly and passionate person who has created an environment that a person of any level of martial arts experience can get something out of his class. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and is eager to share what he knows. I’m looking forward to future lessons and when my daughter is old enough I think she couldn’t have a better teacher than Rob.
Posted 1 year ago