What Martial Arts Hastings is All About
Self-Defence, Fitness, Confidence, Real Martial Arts Training in Hastings, East Sussex
At Martial Arts Hastings, we're dedicated to building confidence, fitness, and practical self-defence skills for all ages and abilities. Our club welcomes complete beginners through to experienced martial artists, offering professional martial arts training right here in Hastings, East Sussex.
You'll experience our unique approach that blends traditional martial arts, including Han Guk Mu Sool®, with real-world combat platforms covering effective striking, grappling, takedowns, and weapons training.
Whether you're interested in karate, kickboxing, judo, or self-defence, our structured and inclusive classes help you improve fitness, build resilience, and develop essential skills to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Our Classes
Explore Our Martial Arts Classes in Hastings
Junior Warriors - Kids Martial Arts Classes
Our fun, high-energy kids martial arts classes in Hastings blend martial arts training, self-defence, and games to keep kids engaged and excited to learn. Specifically tailored for children aged 7–10, Junior Warriors teaches confidence, respect, discipline, and basic martial arts skills in a safe, friendly environment.
Additional detail: We also offer optional intro sessions in staff and sword work, providing a safe and enjoyable first step into the world of traditional Korean martial arts weapons.
Beginner Martial Arts Classes
A family-focused martial arts class designed for ages 11 through adults, allowing parents, teenagers, and siblings to train simultaneously. Classes are carefully structured so each age group learns at the appropriate level. Safeguarding is prioritised, adults and children always train separately to ensure everyone's safety and comfort.
Additional detail: Optional introductory lessons in wooden staff and wooden sword handling are available, offering a fun first experience with traditional martial arts weapons.
Advanced Martial Arts Class (Red Belt & Above)
An intensive, high-energy martial arts class specifically for red belt holders and above, designed to help students prepare for achieving their black belt.
Classes focus on advanced striking, grappling, takedowns, Korean weapons forms, and real-world self-defence techniques, pushing you further and enhancing your martial arts skills, fitness, and discipline.
Martial Arts Weapons Forms Class
A specialist martial arts class dedicated exclusively to traditional Korean weapon forms. Perfect for students who wish to deepen their martial arts practice through the use of classical weapons such as swords, staffs, spears, and more. Ideal for coordination, discipline, and precision.
Private Martial Arts Coaching in Hastings
Unlock your potential with focused, one-to-one or small group martial arts instruction. Our private lessons offer tailored coaching across all areas of Han Guk Mu Sool®, including striking, grappling, weapons and forms. Whether you're preparing for a grading, refining specific techniques or seeking deeper understanding of the art, private training gives you the time, space and personal guidance to elevate your skills faster.
Meet Our Expert Instructors
Meet the Martial Arts Hastings Team
Brenden
Owner & Chief Instructor
With over 24 years of martial arts experience, Brenden specialises in teaching precise technique, practical weapons skills, and strong martial arts fundamentals.
His high-energy classes are motivating, challenging, and designed to build confidence and excellence in every student. Brenden is a multiple medal winner at national tournaments and the creator of the Han Guk Mu Sool® Association.
Emma
Junior Warriors Head Instructor
Emma leads our Junior Warriors programme for ages 7–10, bringing over 15 years of martial arts experience to every class. She’s passionate about teaching and nurturing young students, with a style that’s motivating, supportive, and engaging.
As the first female black belt in Han Guk Mu Sool in Hastings, Emma is a role model and inspiration to many. She’s also a multiple winner herself at national martial arts tournaments, helping every Junior Warrior grow in skill, confidence, and character.
Perry
Senior Instructor
Perry is a key figure at Martial Arts Hastings, known for his calm authority and precise technical skill. With over 12 years of experience, he has a deep knowledge of traditional weapons and striking technique, which he brings to life in every class.
Perry has guided many students from white belt to black belt, and his sharp eye for detail helps students fine-tune their movement, power, and control. When it comes to advanced sparring and weapons handling, Perry’s classes are a firm favourite.
Mark
Senior Instructor
Mark has over 12 years of martial arts experience and brings a supportive, approachable style to every class. He is especially known for his skill in sparring and dynamic staff spinning, making him a go-to instructor for students looking to improve their timing, flow and confidence under pressure.
Whether helping beginners feel at ease or pushing experienced students to refine their technique, Mark’s focus on steady progression makes him a valued part of the Martial Arts Hastings team.
Simon
Instructor
With 14 years of martial arts experience, Simon is known for his calm presence, clear instruction and commitment to helping students grow. He specialises in teaching core techniques and leads by example in every class.
His style is supportive, direct and patient, making him a trusted guide for students at all stages of their martial arts journey. Simon’s ability to break down technique and bring out quiet confidence in others is a key part of what makes training at Martial Arts Hastings so effective.
Beth
Instructor
Beth has 10 years of martial arts experience and brings a supportive, nurturing energy to every class. She specialises in grappling and technical development, helping students build confidence through strong foundations and consistent improvement.
Known for her quiet determination and ability to connect with others, Beth draws on her own tournament success and personal journey of overcoming adversity to inspire those around her. Her presence on the mats is calm, steady and deeply encouraging.
Marc
Assistant Instructor
Marc is a newly promoted black belt with five years of dedicated training at Martial Arts Hastings. Having recently completed the journey himself, he brings a relatable, encouraging perspective to students starting out.
Marc has a strong interest in weapons forms and is known for his precision and enthusiasm in this area. With previous experience in other martial arts styles, he offers a well-rounded view of training and a real passion for helping others progress.
Eden
Assistant Instructor
Eden is a newly promoted black belt with five years of martial arts experience and a clear passion for training and personal development. Always keen to challenge himself, he actively seeks out new material to broaden his skills and deepen his understanding.
Eden’s energy and positivity make him a natural role model, especially among our junior members, where his patience and encouragement help young students thrive on the mats.
Review by Sam Phyall
Both myself and my two daughters train at Martial Arts Hastings, we love the family atmosphere and the ability of the instructors to get the best out of everyone regardless of fitness and ability levels.
Review by Rasim Karibov
Amazing school. Our kid is very happy. Highly recommend.
Martial Arts Hastings Info
Location
ARK Alexandra Academy: Sports & Gymnastics Centre
41 Park Ave
Hastings
TN34 2PG
Hours
Monday 7pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday & Friday 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Saturday 9:00 am - 11:30am
Frequently Asked Questions
We welcome students from age 7 and up, with tailored classes for kids, teens and adults. Our training is structured to suit all ages and experience levels.
Absolutely. Most of our members started as beginners. Our friendly instructors and beginner-friendly classes make it easy to get started, no matter your fitness level.
Just wear comfortable clothes you can move in, like a T-shirt and joggers or leggings. You don’t need any special gear for your free trial.
Yes. Our training blends traditional martial arts with real-world self-defence skills, including striking, grappling and practical scenario work.
Yes, our Beginner Martial Arts Classes are perfect for families. While each age group gets focused instruction, families often train in the same session.
We’re based in Hastings, East Sussex. You can find our full address and map further down the page, or visit our contact section for directions.
