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1. Get in touch
Call or email us and tell us who is training, their age and which venue suits you best. We will answer any questions before you commit to anything.
Urban Combat The Leading Martial Arts Authority in East Anglia and Essex
Improve fitness, strength and overall health through structured martial arts training
1967
Established
6
Training venues
9
Classes to choose from
4+
Ages from four upwards
Getting started
Four Simple Steps to Begin
Starting martial arts with us is straightforward. Here is exactly what happens from your first enquiry to your first class.
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2. Book a free trial
We will place you in the class that matches your age and experience, and confirm a day and time that works around your week.
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3. Come and train
Turn up in loose clothing — no uniform or equipment needed for your first session. Our instructors will look after you from the moment you arrive.
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4. Join the academy
If you enjoy it, we will talk you through membership, uniform and the grading syllabus, and get you started properly.
Programmes
Find the right programme
Little Dragons Karate
Upcoming Classes
Mon, 05:00 PM · Wed, 05:00 PM · Sat, 10:00 AMLittle Dragons Karate
Mon · 05:00 PM
Wed · 05:00 PM
Sat · 10:00 AM
Junior Karate
Upcoming Classes
Mon, 05:00 PM · Mon, 05:45 PM · Mon, 07:00 PMJunior Karate
Mon · 05:00 PM
Mon · 05:45 PM
Mon · 07:00 PM
Adult Karate
Upcoming Classes
Mon, 07:40 PM · Tue, 05:45 PM · Tue, 06:50 PMAdult Karate
Mon · 07:40 PM
Tue · 05:45 PM
Tue · 06:50 PM
Family Karate
Blackbelt Karate
Krav Maga Self-Defence
Upcoming Classes
Mon, 07:00 PM · Wed, 07:00 PMKrav Maga Self-Defence
Mon · 07:00 PM
Wed · 07:00 PM
Kickboxing
Upcoming Classes
Mon, 06:20 PM · Wed, 06:20 PM · Sat, 11:20 AMKickboxing
Mon · 06:20 PM
Wed · 06:20 PM
Sat · 11:20 AM
Urban Combat Fitness Suite
gym
Learn more
The Urban Stage Company
Upcoming Classes
Fri, 05:00 PM · Fri, 05:45 PM · Fri, 07:00 PMThe Urban Stage Company
Fri · 05:00 PM
Fri · 05:45 PM
Fri · 07:00 PM
F.A.S.T. Recreational Gymnastics
Fun, foundational gymnastics skills in a non-competitive setting.
Thu · 07:10 PM
Sat · 12:00 PM
Creative Sword
Expressive weapon-forms training for all ages, using practice swords.
Thu · 07:50 PM
Sat · 12:40 PM
Creative Bo Staff
Traditional Okinawan bo staff, taught with a creative, expressive edge.
Learn moreOur team
Meet the Instructors
Our senior instructors carry the Urban Combat lineage, including Hall of Fame inductees, a 4th Dan Master Instructor and current world-level competitors.
Peter Owen
4th Dan — Chief Instructor
Chief Instructor of Urban Combat and a Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee (2026). Head of WTKA GB South, and the coach who developed WTKA World Kickboxing Champion Kirsten Owen along with multiple World medallists.
Master Mick Blackwell
10th Dan — Founder
Founder of Blackwell Academy in 1967 and creator of the EKKA syllabus in 1974. Still actively teaching on the mat — no other club in the region has a 10th Dan grandmaster instructing students.
Kirsten Owen
WTKA World Kickboxing Champion
World Kickboxing Champion, training and competing out of Urban Combat Ipswich. Leads the Creative Sword programme and oversees F.A.S.T. Recreational Gymnastics.
Since 1967
How Long Has Urban Combat Been Teaching in Ipswich?
Urban Combat has taught continuously in Ipswich since 1967 — longer than any other martial arts club in Suffolk. The school grew from Blackwell Academy and the EKKA syllabus, created in 1974 by Master Mick Blackwell 10th Dan, who still teaches here today.
We started as a karate school. Kickboxing came later. Krav Maga later still. Every black belt we have ever produced traces to the syllabus Master Blackwell created in 1974 — a direct, unbroken lineage very few clubs anywhere in the country can claim.
More about us: Awards & Recognition · Competitions · Creative Sword · F.A.S.T. Gymnastics
Our heritage
Established in 1967 — Trusted Across East Anglia and Essex
Established in 1967: Operating continuously for nearly 60 years across Colchester, Ipswich, Leiston, Stowmarket and Woodbridge.
Hall of Fame Coaching Lineage: Run by multiple Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductees.
World-Class Instruction: Led directly by a 4th Dan Master Instructor, a current World Champion and a current World Medallist.
Build confidence, discipline and resilience that supports success in school, work and daily life
Join a supportive martial arts community where teamwork and respect are encouraged
Develop essential life skills including focus, self-control and perseverance
Train under experienced instructors with a proven history of developing confident students
Trusted Training That Develops Skills for Life since 1967
Confidence-Building Martial Arts Classes for Children and Adults
The Premier Martial Arts Authority in East Anglia and Essex Since 1967.
Why Choose the Region’s Lead Authority?
Elite Fitness & Health: Improve strength, cardiovascular health, and functional mobility through structured training cycles.
Character & Resilience: Build the discipline and mental toughness required for success in school, the workplace, and daily life.
Proven Pedagogy: Train under senior instructors within the Urban Combat lineage—a 50-year history of developing confident students.
Supportive Community: Join a professional network where respect, teamwork, and traditional martial arts etiquette are the foundation.
Essential Life Skills: Master focus, self-control, and perseverance through our nationally recognised syllabus.
What to expect
What Every Student Can Expect
✅ Professionally maintained training mats designed for safe martial arts practice
✅ Clean, organised facilities inspected daily
✅ Structured training zones supporting focused learning
✅ A safe and welcoming environment for children and adults
✅ Experienced instructors delivering professional instruction
✅ A supportive atmosphere that builds confidence from day one
✅ A facility trusted by families across Essex and Suffolk
✅ A proven training environment developed through decades of experience