Teen and Adult Martial Arts Classes in Kettering
Learn practical martial arts skills, improve your fitness and become part of a friendly training community at Amity Martial Arts.
Our teen and adult martial arts classes in Kettering are open to students aged 14 and above. Complete beginners are welcome, including people who have never taken part in martial arts or regular exercise before.
Through ITF Taekwon-Do, you will develop your fitness, confidence, coordination and self-defence skills in a structured but supportive environment. You can train for fitness and enjoyment, progress through the belt system or work towards competing at national and international events.
Your first lesson is free. All new students must complete the UTA enrolment form and receive confirmation of their trial date before attending.
Martial Arts for Complete Beginners
Starting martial arts for the first time can feel daunting, particularly if you are joining as an adult. You may be concerned about your fitness, flexibility, coordination or being less experienced than other students.
You do not need to be fit or flexible before you begin. Training is what helps you develop these qualities.
Our dedicated beginner classes introduce the foundations of Taekwon-Do at a manageable pace. Instructors explain each technique clearly and allow students time to practise before progressing.
You will train alongside other beginners and receive guidance suited to your current ability. Nobody is expected to know what to do when they first arrive.
All you need is a willingness to learn.
What Is ITF Taekwon-Do?
Taekwon-Do is a Korean martial art that combines kicking, striking, blocking, movement, patterns, controlled sparring and self-defence.
The name is commonly translated as:
- Tae: Foot or kicking
- Kwon: Fist or striking with the hand
- Do: The art, way or method
ITF Taekwon-Do places importance on both physical ability and personal development. Training is guided by five central tenets:
- Courtesy
- Integrity
- Perseverance
- Self-Control
- Indomitable Spirit
These principles influence the way students behave, respond to challenges and treat their training partners.
What You Will Learn
Taekwon-Do covers a wide range of physical and technical skills. Rather than trying to cover everything in every lesson, our instructors focus on manageable areas and give students the opportunity to develop genuine competence.
Training may include:
Fundamental Techniques
You will learn how to perform punches, kicks, blocks, strikes and stances with the correct balance, control and body position.
Fundamental movements form the basis of every other area of Taekwon-Do.
Patterns
Patterns are defined sequences of movements performed against imaginary opponents.
They help students develop technique, balance, coordination, rhythm, power and an understanding of how individual movements work together.
Pad and Bag Training
Pad and heavy-bag exercises allow students to practise combinations, improve accuracy and develop power against a physical target.
Our dedicated martial arts centre provides access to heavy bags, focus pads and other specialist training equipment.
Controlled Sparring
Sparring helps students apply their techniques against a moving partner while developing timing, distance, reactions and defensive awareness.
It is introduced gradually and practised with clear rules, suitable protective equipment and an emphasis on control.
Self-Defence
Self-defence training explores how martial arts techniques can be applied in practical situations.
Physical techniques are only one part of self-defence. Awareness, confidence, decision-making and avoiding unnecessary confrontation are also important.
Fitness and Conditioning
Classes include physical activity that can help develop cardiovascular fitness, strength, mobility, balance and coordination.
Exercises are adapted where appropriate so students can build their fitness progressively.
Improve Your Fitness Through Martial Arts
Martial arts provides an engaging alternative to repetitive gym workouts.
Every class is different. You may work on kicking combinations, pad drills, technical movements, partner exercises, flexibility or controlled sparring.
Regular training can help you improve:
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Strength and muscular endurance
- Flexibility and mobility
- Balance and coordination
- Agility and reaction speed
- General energy and wellbeing
Everyone begins at a different level. You are not expected to keep up with the most experienced or physically fit person in the room.
Build Confidence and Mental Resilience
Progress in martial arts is not always immediate. Some movements take time to understand and even longer to perform consistently.
Training teaches you to respond positively when something is difficult. You learn to accept feedback, correct mistakes and keep working towards gradual improvement.
As your fitness and technical ability develop, you may also become more confident in unfamiliar or challenging situations.
The aim is not to create aggression. Taekwon-Do emphasises control, discipline and responsible use of the skills being taught.
A Social and Supportive Training Community
You may join martial arts for fitness or self-defence, but the people you train with can become an equally important reason to continue.
Classes involve partner exercises, group activities and students helping one another improve. More experienced students are encouraged to support beginners without judgement or unnecessary pressure.
Amity means friendly and peaceful relations between people. Our logo shows two people bowing, representing the mutual respect that sits at the centre of the club.
We are not simply a group of people attending the same exercise class. We train as a team, celebrate one another’s progress and create an environment where people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities can feel welcome.
Separate Beginner and Experienced Classes
Students aged 14 and above are divided according to experience where appropriate.
Beginner Taekwon-Do
The beginner class is suitable for:
- Complete beginners
- Students returning after a long break
- People with limited recent exercise experience
- Anyone who wants to learn the foundations at a manageable pace
The class introduces fundamental techniques, basic movement, fitness and the principles of Taekwon-Do.
Yellow Belt and Above
Once students have developed the required foundation and reached yellow belt, they can attend the main 14+ class.
This class develops more advanced techniques, patterns, sparring, self-defence and physical conditioning.
Students are not rushed from the beginner class. Progression is based on competence and readiness, not simply how long someone has attended.
Training for Fitness, Progression or Competition
Not everyone joins Amity with the same objective.
You are welcome to train recreationally for fitness, enjoyment and personal development. There is no expectation that every student must compete or work towards a black belt.
Students who want to progress through the grading system will receive structured instruction based on the ITF Taekwon-Do syllabus.
Those interested in competition can also develop their patterns and sparring through additional squad training and suitable national or international events.
Our approach is centred on helping each student work towards their own goals without compromising the technical standard of their training.
Learn from Championship-Level Experience
Amity Martial Arts is led by Elliott Callahan, a fifth-degree black belt and multiple World and European Championship gold medallist.
Elliott is the current ITF Taekwon-Do World Champion, having won gold in both patterns and sparring at the 2025 World Championships in Barcelona. He was also named Overall Adult Male World Champion.
His experience extends beyond competition. Elliott has trained in several martial arts, including kickboxing, MMA, Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, giving him a broad understanding of martial arts training and practical application.
The same attention to technical quality applies whether a student wants to compete internationally or simply attend a weekly class to improve their fitness.
Elliott is supported by an experienced team of Amity instructors.
Train at Our Dedicated Martial Arts Centre
Classes take place at Amity’s dedicated martial arts centre in Kettering.
The centre provides a permanent and professional training environment with:
- A fully matted training area
- Heavy bags
- Focus pads and specialist equipment
- Toilets
- An outdoor social area
- On-site parking
- A separate rear entrance
Having a dedicated facility allows students to train in an environment specifically adapted for martial arts.
Amity Martial Arts
Rear of 75–83 Bath Road
Kettering
Northamptonshire
NN16 8ND
The car park and entrance are located at the rear of the building.
What to Expect at Your First Lesson
Your first lesson will introduce you to the class, instructors and basic training environment.
You should:
- Wear comfortable sports clothing
- Bring a bottle of water
- Remove jewellery before training
- Arrive approximately 10 minutes early
- Tell the instructor about any injury or medical concern
- Be prepared to learn at your own pace
You do not need to purchase a martial arts uniform or protective equipment before your trial.
Your trial is free, but it must be confirmed before you attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I too old to start martial arts?
No. Adults can start martial arts at many different ages. Training can be adjusted to suit your current fitness, mobility and experience.
If you have an existing health condition or have not exercised for some time, you may wish to speak to your GP before beginning a new physical activity.
Do I need to be fit before joining?
No. You can begin at your current fitness level and improve progressively through training.
Do I need previous martial arts experience?
No. Our beginner classes are designed for people with no previous experience.
Is the class suitable for teenagers?
Yes. The classes on this page are suitable for students aged 14 and above. Younger students aged 9 to 13 attend separate junior classes.
Can I train just for fitness?
Yes. Competition and grading are optional. You can train for fitness, enjoyment, confidence and the social experience.
What happens after the free trial?
If you enjoy your first lesson and want to continue, we will explain the membership options and provide a separate registration process.
Completing the trial enrolment form does not commit you to paid membership.
Book Your Free Martial Arts Trial in Kettering
Your first lesson at Amity Martial Arts is free.
To meet UTA participation, safeguarding and insurance requirements, every new student must complete the full enrolment form before attending.
Once we receive your form, we will contact you to confirm the appropriate class and an available trial date. Please do not attend until you have received confirmation from Amity.