The Combat Academy Sunderland

Unit 16a Riverside Rd, Southwick, Sunderland SR5 3JG, UK

5.0 (24 reviews)

Disciplines

MMA

Classes

Adults Classes Kids Classes

Facilities

Mat Space

Culture

Welcoming Environment

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David Essl

I can't recommend The Combat Academy highly enough. The atmosphere is incredibly inclusive, and it genuinely feels like one big family. The coaches,Stuart Roper, Jamie Roper, and Ryan Foster,are exceptional. They're highly experienced, approachable, and know exactly how to challenge you while providing the support you need to improve. Every session is well-structured, motivating, and pushes you towards real advancement, whatever your starting level or advanced. One of the best things about The Combat Academy is the people. The environment encourages you to work hard, support one another, and build lasting friendships along the way. Whether you're looking to get fit, learn kickboxing, or compete, The Combat Academy offers outstanding coaching in a welcoming and motivating environment. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 months ago
Erin Elliott

Great academy 👍🏿
Posted 2 months ago
Sophie Vickerson

Incredible coaches,welcoming environment and endless opportunities to grow learn and become the best version of yourself. I started on opening night with no idea where my journey would go. Now a fighter, assistant coach with the itp programme and i'm not done yet. A truely life changing place with the best people ✨️🌻✨️

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 2 months ago
Lynne Davidson

Where do I begin? A few years ago I was walking along the river near where I live, and it was really secluded and I remember just feeling so incredibly vulnerable. I already knew Stu (the head coach) and I told him I wanted to learn how to throw just a basic punch or a little self defense, and he suggested I try his kickboxing classes….to which I laughed at the ridiculousness of the idea! I hadn’t long turned 40, I couldn’t fight my way out of a paper bag, what on earth would I do in a kickboxing class?! Absurd! But I did just that, I started doing his classes a couple of times a week, and when he launched The Combat Academy Sunderland I was a member from day one. TCA Sunderland has changed my life…in so many ways! What started as a bit of fun and a hobby, has become so much more. The confidence it has given me, and the belief in myself is incredible. I’m also so much stronger and fitter, and I’m achieving things I never dreamt possible - I made the fight team and have won several gold medals at tournaments, I’m currently 2 belts away from black belt, and I’m also doing the Instructor Training Programme and assisting in/leading classes with the dream of becoming a coach in the future. So not only can I now fight my way out of a paper bag, and not feel remotely ridiculous doing it…I get to help others do the same. It's a pretty amazing feeling! We’ve also built the most amazing community of people here, every single person just wants to help each other, support each other, and push each other. I’ve never experienced anything like it, and I have genuinely made friends for life! Whether you’re there for fitness, to lose a bit of weight, or just for a hobby…or whether you want to see just how far you can go and what you can achieve…whatever your "why", there’s a place on these mats waiting for you, and you’ll be so welcomed :)

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 months ago
Julie Milner

My partner has been going to this gym for a few months and I can see how his confidence has grown and how much he enjoys the sessions.

Classes
Posted 2 months ago
Scott Trembath

Excellent gym coaches all have fantastic experience and expertise Sue, Jamie, Ryan and Sophie are my favourite coaches. Iv only been training since January 26 my confidence has shot through the roof, skills have advanced dramatically, fitness improving, lost my beer belly and can see good physical changes. What I like about this club is the positive start program you get quite technical technics from the start with no pressure no egos great help from the coaches and no pressure to start sparring (which happens in some clubs) first punch to the head and quit which isn't great for confidence. I highly recommend this club fantastic facility.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 months ago
Abby

I cannot recommend the combat academy enough. The instructors are great and know how to teach in a way that is applicable to everyone, they are super passionate about the sport and they always push you to go to your maximum potential. The atmosphere is amazing and everyone is so friendly. The gym is always so clean and the gloves get sanitised every night.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 months ago
Anna Bury - Dobrowolska

If you are looking for an academy that teaches real life skills alongside elite martial arts training, this is it. ⁠The Combat Academy Sunderland has been an absolute game-changer for our son.The instructors are fantastic. I have watched my child transform from being incredibly shy to stepping onto the mats with total self-belief, focus, and a hard-working attitude. They truly treat every student with care and respect. It is a safe, positive, and deeply rewarding Highly recommended!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 months ago
Anthony Chambers

I started this journey through my friend 3 years ago. At that time I was an alcoholic and a drug addict and I was at rock bottom but I just thought I can't get any lower in life I'll try this place that my friend said try. I can honestly say I'm no longer that person who walked through the doors 3 years ago. The coaches guided me and the friends I met in there I made the choice to change my life and I honestly believe it is through the combat academy. The guidance and support of both my coaches and team mates is something I'll carry on thr8the rest of my life . It's the best thing I ever did and it saved my life I recommend that anyone who is feeling down or low come to my club or as I call it my second family and we will change your life ,how do I no this because it changed mine and without the combat academy Sunderland I would probably be dead.. thank you TCAS....

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 3 months ago
Kevin Place

d the Combat Academy in Sunderland a year ago at the age of 62, and I can honestly say it has transformed my life. What started as a step into something completely new has become one of the best decisions I have ever made. Over the past year, my fitness, strength, confidence and overall wellbeing have improved massively. I feel healthier, more motivated and more positive in myself. Training has given me focus, discipline and a real sense of achievement, proving that it is never too late to challenge yourself and make meaningful changes. A huge part of that journey has been the support, encouragement and patience shown by Stu, Jamie and Ryu. They are not only excellent coaches but have also become friends. Their guidance has helped me push myself safely, believe in what I can do, and keep turning up even when something felt difficult. The atmosphere at the academy is welcoming, supportive and genuinely inspiring. I have always felt encouraged, never judged, and that has made such a difference. Joining the Combat Academy has improved my fitness, confidence and brought something really positive into my life

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 3 months ago
Bal and Bambi Nahal

My 14yr old daughter joined in September and has never looked back since. She has grown in confidence and strength and character....she is so happy....the community and superb coaches are so supportive and help give life skills and build character....she has just received her red belt.....we are sooo proud of her and recommend anyone hesitating to give it a go!
Posted 1 year ago
Michelle Morgan

After trying every fad diet and trending exercise regime out there, nothing worked, nothing stuck. I attempted to get into a routine of going to the gym, however, feelings of insecurity, anxiety and fear, prevented me from adapting to this. I was about to give up hope and accept that maybe I was just destined to stay unhappy, unfit and miserable. However, destiny had other plans. I spotted a 6 week taster course for kickboxing, advertised on Facebook, and took the chance of trying it. I arrived half an hour earlier than the start of the class, and sat in the car terrified, watching the clock. What did I think I was doing? I’d watched dozens of lean and fit looking women walking into the academy, laughing and giggling with each other. I put my hand on the keys to turn the ignition, start the car and drive away. But something in me made me get out of the car and before I knew it, I was walking through the door. I can honestly pin point this as the moment that changed my life. That was November 2023 and I’ve recently earned my orange belt in kickboxing. Kickboxing has taught me acceptance, discipline (although my coaches may disagree 🤣) and provided me with goals that have pushed me through some really tough times in life. I wouldn’t know where to begin to thank Stu, Ry and Jamie for their continued dedication, empathy guidance and support in each and every session, providing me with a support network, which can only be matched by the outstanding friends that I’ve made there, and continue to welcome. Apologies for the essay, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg. At the combat academy Sunderland, we don’t just “fight”, we fight for each other. See you on the mats 🫡
Posted 2 years ago
Gail Walker

What a journey the last 10 months have been! From a nearly 50, unfit person to a 50 year old fitter person who has achieved her orange belt. Coaches Stu, Jamie & Ry are amazing guys who support you at every step and is unwavering. When you don't have the confidence in what your doing they help you through with understanding and patience. They have built the most amazing community/family that is growing & growing. Why don't you join us............😉 You won't regret it!
Posted 2 years ago
phillip watson

If you want to learn a skill and defence yourself, this is the place to be. I started 4 months, and it's the best thing I've learned in a long time. It's great for building your confidence and fitness as well as a good laugh. It is well worth the time and effort the team put in always to help with every kick and punch you learn to throw. (Even the bruises or badges of hard work)
Posted 2 years ago
Caroline Dodsworth

If you’ve been thinking about trying something new, I can’t recommend The Combat Academy in Sunderland enough. It’s been a life-changer for me, and I’m so excited to keep going on this journey! The team at TCA have supported me, encouraged me and really helped my confidence grow. I've lost a stone so far since starting and have made lots of new friends as well as learning something i never thought I could. Theyve also helped me overcome some servere anxiety and depression recently and brought me out of a pretty dark place. The team make you feel part of the family as soon as you walk through the door. I do ladies and adults classes, there is no BS when you read these other reviews, the support is immeasurable 😍😍😍
Posted 2 years ago