01
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
3+
Ages from three 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.
02
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.
03
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.
04
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 AM · Sun, 09:00 AMLittle Dragons Karate
Mon · 05:00 PM
Wed · 05:00 PM
Sat · 10:00 AM
Sun · 09:00 AM
Karate
Upcoming Classes
Mon, 05:00 PM · Wed, 05:00 PM · Sat, 10:00 AM · Sun, 09:00 AM
Mixed classes for juniors and adults. More about Junior Karate · Adult Karate
Mon · 05:00 PM
Wed · 05:00 PM
Sat · 10:00 AM
Sun · 09:00 AM
Family Karate
Upcoming Classes
Tue, 05:00 PM · Thu, 05:00 PM · Sat, 10:00 AM · Sun, 09:00 AMFamily Karate
Tue · 05:00 PM
Thu · 05:00 PM
Sat · 10:00 AM
Sun · 09:00 AM
Blackbelt Karate
Upcoming Classes
Mon, 07:40 PM · Wed, 07:40 PM (Dan Grades)Blackbelt Karate
Mon · 07:40 PM
Wed · 07:40 PM
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, 10:40 AMKickboxing
Mon · 06:20 PM
Wed · 06:20 PM
Sat · 10:40 AM
Urban Combat Fitness Suite
24-hour gym in Ipswich, open 7 days a week.
Learn more
F.A.S.T. Recreational Gymnastics
Fun, foundational gymnastics skills in a non-competitive setting.
Tue · 07:25 PM
Thu · 07:10 PM
Sat · 12:00 PM
Sun · 10:40 AM
Creative Sword
Expressive weapon-forms training for all ages, using practice swords.
Tue · 08:05 PM
Thu · 07:50 PM
Sat · 12:40 PM
Sun · 11:40 AM
Creative Bo Staff
Bo staff weapon forms, taught with a creative, expressive edge.
Tue · 06:45 PM
Thu · 06:30 PM
Sat · 11:20 AM
Sun · 09:40 AM
Our core values
Community, Team and Leadership
Everything we teach at Urban Combat is built on three core values. They shape how we run every class, at every venue, for every age.
- CommunityA welcoming club where families, children and adults train side by side and look out for one another.
- TeamTraining partners, instructors and squad-mates who push each other on, on the mat, at gradings and in competition.
- LeadershipStudents learn to set the example, take responsibility and help newer students find their feet.
Our team
Meet the Instructors
Our senior instructors carry the Urban Combat lineage, including a Hall of Fame inductee, a 4th Dan Chief Instructor and a current World Champion.
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.
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.
Jordan Owen
Instructor
Jordan Owen is a double 2026 WTKA European Champion, 3rd Dan Black Belt in Karate, international Karate and Kickboxing competitor and member of the WTKA Team GB Coaching Team. As a Karate and Kickboxing Instructor across Urban Combat's venues in Suffolk and Essex, Jordan combines international championship success, advanced martial arts qualifications and a passion for developing students of all ages and abilities.
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 courses and specialist sessions 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