⭐ Kids & Youth

Building the next generation of champions — on and off the mats.

Young Champions Start Here

Martial arts is one of the best activities you can give a young person. Beyond the physical benefits — fitness, coordination, strength — it teaches discipline, focus, respect, and perseverance in ways that few other sports can match.

At Strabane Martial Arts Academy, our Kids & Youth classes provide a structured, age-appropriate introduction to kickboxing and martial arts. Classes are led by experienced coaches who are passionate about working with young people and understand how to make training fun, safe, and genuinely developmental.

We maintain a safe, encouraging environment where every child is celebrated for their individual progress — not just compared to others. Whether your child is naturally confident or needs help coming out of their shell, they'll thrive here.

What Young Members Learn

  • Fundamental kickboxing techniques — punches, kicks, and basic combinations
  • Proper stance, movement, and guard position
  • Pad work with coaches and supervised partner drills
  • Fitness and coordination exercises adapted for their age
  • Respect for coaches, training partners, and the sport
  • Discipline and focus — skills that transfer to school and everyday life
  • Confidence through achievement and progression
  • Competition preparation (for those who choose to compete)

For Parents

We understand that placing your child in a martial arts class is a big decision. We want you to know that the safety and wellbeing of every young member is our absolute priority. Our coaches are experienced in working with children and young people, and sessions are structured to be positive, progressive, and enjoyable.

We welcome parents to watch classes and see for themselves the environment we've created. Your child will come home tired, happy, and looking forward to the next session.

Safety & Safeguarding

Every child's safety is our highest priority. You can send your child to train with complete confidence:

  • All coaches are fully vetted with up-to-date criminal background checks (AccessNI)
  • All coaches hold current Safeguarding training certification
  • All coaches are qualified in First Aid
  • A defibrillator (AED) is on site at all times with trained operators always present

Want to enrol your child? Contact us to find out about age groups, current availability, and timetable. You're also welcome to view our full Youth Programme for more detail on what we offer.

Class Information

See Also
Full Youth Programme → 🥊 Adult Kickboxing →
Benefits for Young People

Why Martial Arts for Kids?

The benefits of martial arts training for children and teenagers go far beyond the gym.

💪

Physical Development

Kickboxing builds coordination, balance, strength, and cardiovascular fitness in a way that's engaging and fun — far more effective than traditional PE for many children.

🎯

Focus & Discipline

Martial arts requires concentration and consistent effort. Children who train regularly show improved focus at school and a greater ability to persevere through challenges.

😊

Confidence

Learning new skills and earning the respect of coaches and peers builds genuine self-confidence. Shy children often come out of their shell remarkably quickly in our youth classes.

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Respect & Manners

Respect for coaches and training partners is foundational to martial arts. Children leave every session with better social skills and a greater understanding of how to treat others.

🛡️

Self-Defence Awareness

While we hope children never need it, knowing they can handle themselves gives both kids and parents enormous peace of mind — and bullying becomes far less of a problem.

🌱

Life Skills

Goal-setting, resilience, humility in victory and defeat — martial arts teaches young people lessons that serve them for the rest of their lives.

For Parents

Enrol Your Child Today

Give your child the gift of martial arts. Contact us to check availability and book a free trial session.

Book a Free Trial Full Youth Programme