Lil Dragons student in his fighting guard at a CT-Martial Arts kids kickboxing class in Reading

Learn. Progress. Evolve.

Kickboxing classes in Reading that build confidence for life

Fun, structured martial arts for children from age 4, teens and adults, in Tilehurst, Calcot, Theale, Burghfield and Compton. Beginners are always welcome.

  • No experience needed
  • No kit required for your first class
  • No payment, no obligation
5.0 Google rating200+ active members24+ classes a week5 venuesTeaching since 2004
Programmes

Find the right class

Every class follows a structured syllabus, with a clear grading pathway from first lesson towards black belt.

Two young girls at a Lil Dragons kids kickboxing class in Reading

Lil Dragons

Ages 4–8

Kids kickboxing that turns energy into focus and confidence.

  • Short, fun, high-energy lessons
  • Listening, coordination and self-control
  • Belts that reward every step forward
£45per month, Standard
£55 Premium
Book a free trialMore about Lil Dragons
Junior kickboxing student at a Dragons class in Reading

Dragons

Juniors · Ages 8–13

Real kickboxing skills with a clear path through the belts.

  • Technique, pad work and fitness
  • Grading pathway towards black belt
  • Confidence, discipline and respect
£50per month, Standard
£60 Premium
Book a free trialMore about Dragons
Teens and adults doing pad work at a kickboxing class in Reading

Teens & Adults

Ages 13+

Get fit, relieve stress and learn real kickboxing at your own pace.

  • All fitness levels welcome
  • Technique, pads and conditioning
  • Grade towards black belt if you choose
£50per month, Standard
£60 Premium
Book a free trialAdult kickboxing classes in Reading
Illustration of a woman at a ladies kickboxing class in Reading

Ladies Kickboxing

Ages 15+

A friendly, ladies-only class for fitness and confidence.

  • Ladies-only, supportive group
  • A great workout through kickboxing
  • Practical self-defence skills
£35per month, Standard
£45 Premium
Book a free trialMore about Ladies Kickboxing

Monthly membership by Direct Debit. New members pay a one-off £35 joining fee. See full pricing

Membership

Simple, transparent pricing

Start with a free trial class. If you love it, choose Standard or Premium. Monthly Direct Debit, no hidden extras.

ProgrammeStandardPremium
Lil Dragons Ages 4–8 · up to 4 classes a week£45£55
Dragons Juniors, ages 8–13 · up to 4 classes a week£50£60
Teens & Adults Ages 13+ · up to 5 classes a week£50£60
Ladies Kickboxing Ages 15+ · 2 classes a week£35£45

Per month. Train at any of our venues, as often as you like, within your programme. Siblings get 10% off each additional child.

Standard

  • All classes for your programme
  • Gradings paid separately
  • MYBMA insurance £25 a year from your second year

Premium

  • All classes for your programme
  • Gradings included (excluding black belt, when your instructor says you're ready)
  • MYBMA insurance included
  • WAKO licence & membership included: covers your training and is needed to enter WAKO competitions
  • 15% off Urban Dojo merchandise
  • 5% off eligible Blitz equipment
  • Priority access to workshops and events
£35 one-off joining fee for new membersIncludes your CT-Martial Arts outfit, your first 12 months of MYBMA insurance and your onboarding.
Teenage girls practising self defence techniques at a class in Reading
Girls Self Defence · Ages 11–16

Girls self defence classes in Reading

Sundays 10:30am · Theale Village Hall

A weekly girls-only class that builds the confidence and practical skills to stay safe, at school, out with friends and as she grows more independent. It is not a sparring class.

  • Personal safety and recognising risk
  • Situational awareness and avoiding trouble
  • Confidence and assertiveness: a strong voice and body language
  • Practical self-defence: simple techniques to get away and get help
“My daughter absolutely loves the female-only self defence classes. They’ve really improved her confidence and fitness.”Francoise Woolley, parent
Your head instructor

Over 25 years in martial arts. Teaching since 2004.

CT-Martial Arts is led by founder Dan, a 5th degree black belt who also holds a 3rd Duānwèi in Dim Mak. Every class follows a structured syllabus, taught with patience, high standards and a real focus on each student’s progress.

1999Began martial arts training
2004Started teaching
2017Founded CT-Martial Arts
200+Active members today
5th degree black belt3rd Duānwèi, Dim MakDBS checkedSafeguarding trainedFirst aid trained
Founder and head instructor of CT-Martial Arts kickboxing in Reading, Berkshire

Meet the team

Dan, Stefan, Becca and our assistant instructors

Every class is led by a CT-Martial Arts black belt. Tap a name to find out more.

Dan, founder and head instructor of CT-Martial Arts in ReadingDanFounder & Head Instructor · 5th degree black belt · 3rd Duānwèi, Dim Mak

Dan began training in 1999 under eight-time world champion Peter Edwards of the South East Academy of Martial Arts, president of WAKO GB (now Kickboxing GB). He earned his black belt in 2006 and his 5th degree in 2023, and since 2015 has also trained in Chinese martial arts with Master Stephen Burton of Five Thunder.

Teaching since 2004, Dan founded CT-Martial Arts in 2017. His specialities are weapons, particularly the bo staff, and practical self-defence using Dim Mak pressure-point techniques.

DBS checked · Safeguarding trained · First aid trained

Stefan, kickboxing instructor at CT-Martial Arts in ReadingStefanInstructor · 1st degree black belt

Stefan has trained with CT-Martial Arts since the academy opened in Reading in 2017. He earned his 1st degree black belt in 2023 and stepped up from assistant instructor to full instructor.

He focuses on our children's classes, and his background in judo and taekwondo brings safe breakfalls and groundwork into our training.

Becca, kickboxing instructor at CT-Martial Arts in ReadingBeccaInstructor · 1st degree black belt

Becca started training with us in 2021 and earned her 1st degree black belt in 2025. Since September 2026 she has led our Tuesday Ladies Kickboxing class, working alongside Anne-Marie and supported by brown-stripe student Hope.

Flexibility and stretching are her speciality, helping students kick higher, move better and stay injury-free.

Assistant instructors

Anne-Marie assists in our Ladies Kickboxing classes, and Alfie assists in most of our Lil Dragons and Dragons classes.

Two of the junior assistant instructors at CT-Martial Arts in Reading
Some of our junior assistant instructors

Junior assistant instructors. Our junior assistants are all black belts who help teach before taking on classes of their own: Ella and Ruby (kids and junior classes through the week), Pavel (Friday sparring for juniors and adults) and Adam and Ethan (Dragons classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays).

Every assistant completes our own instructor training before helping in class. Each is then paired with students to mentor, giving newer members a familiar, friendly face to help them towards their next belt, and developing the next generation of CT-Martial Arts instructors.

Also part of our black belt instructor team, currently on a break from teaching: Chloe (completing her PhD), Glenn (taking a well-earned break; we can't wait to have him back), Michelle (just married!) and Toby (training as a paratrooper with the British Army).

Why CT-Martial Arts

More than a workout

What families and adults across Reading get from training with us.

A clear path to black belt

A structured syllabus and regular gradings, so students can see their progress belt by belt.

Real martial arts skills

Proper WAKO kickboxing technique and practical self-defence, not just an exercise class.

Experienced, supportive coaching

Instructors who push you on without putting you off, whatever your starting point.

A friendly community

A welcoming club where new starters quickly feel at home and make friends.

A class for every age

From Lil Dragons at age 4 to Forever Fit for over 60s, with beginners welcome in every class.

Confidence for everyday life

Focus, discipline and self-belief that carry into school, work and home.

Junior students at a kickboxing class in Reading
Getting started

Your first class is free

Trying a class is simple, and there is no payment or obligation.

  1. Choose your classPick the right age group and your nearest venue.
  2. Book onlineIt only takes a few minutes, on your phone or computer.
  3. Come alongWear comfortable sports clothes and bring a water bottle. Your instructor will welcome you and teach you the basics at your own pace.
Locations & timetable

Kickboxing classes near you

Five venues across Reading and West Berkshire, with parking at every venue.

Classes by day

Tap a day to see every class across our five venues. Full timetable

Our venues

Kickboxing inTilehurst

Cotswolds Sport Centre, Downs Way, Tilehurst, Reading RG31 6SL

TueLadies Kickboxing7pm
WedLil Dragons (4–8)5:15pm
WedDragons (8–13)6pm
WedTeens & Adults (13+)7pm
Book a free trial in Tilehurst Tilehurst classes & prices

Kickboxing inCalcot

Calcot Centre, 3 Highview, Calcot, Reading RG31 4XD

SatLil Dragons & Dragons (4–13)9:30am
SatTeens & Adults (13+)10:30am
SunLadies Kickboxing (outdoors)9am
Book a free trial in Calcot Calcot classes & prices

Kickboxing inTheale

Theale Village Hall, Englefield Rd, Theale, Reading RG7 5AS

MonLil Dragons (4–8)5pm
MonDragons (8–13)6pm
MonTeens & Adults (13+)7pm
SunGirls Self Defence (11–16)10:30am
Book a free trial in Theale Theale classes & prices

Kickboxing inBurghfield

Burghfield Scout Hut, Hollybush Ln, Burghfield Common RG7 3JB

FriLil Dragons & Dragons (4–13)6pm
FriTeens & Adults (13+)7pm
Book a free trial in Burghfield Burghfield classes & prices

Kickboxing inCompton

Downland Sports Centre, Manor Crescent, Compton RG20 6NU

ThuTeens & Adults (13+)5:15pm
Book a free trial in Compton Compton classes & prices

Full timetable

See every class by day. Times can occasionally change, so message us if you are unsure.

View the timetable
Reviews

What parents and members say

Real reviews from our Google Business Profile. Read all our Google reviews

“Our 7 year old absolutely loves these classes and looks forward to them every week… It is the first activity our son has really committed to and we have seen a huge difference in his confidence. He has even made friends through the group which has been wonderful to see.”

Lizzie SibleyGoogle review

“Both my 12-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son attend the CT-Martial Arts Burghfield sessions on Fridays, and I couldn’t be more impressed… The main instructor, Dan, is outstanding.”

Hakan OnurGoogle review

“Dan taught my son … martial arts for nearly 6 years, all the way to him attaining his black belt.”

Shanmuganathan MayuranGoogle review

“I enrolled all three of my sons in kickboxing classes, and it’s been a fantastic experience for them… The classes are well-structured, balancing discipline with fun.”

Gabriela WilcockGoogle review

“Before I started my adventure with kickboxing, I really didn’t think that would be my thing. But from the very first class with CT-Martial Arts I just loved it!”

Jan JaglarzGoogle review

“Danny’s classes are engaging and a great workout! The ladies classes are brilliant for women looking to get into kickboxing and join a positive community.”

Hope RogersonGoogle review

“My son has been at CT Martial arts for over 3 years and still really enjoys the classes… The team are very supportive and helpful to the kids during lessons.”

Toni KirtonGoogle review
Questions

Kickboxing in Reading: FAQs

Is my child too young to start?

Children can start from age 4. Lil Dragons is for ages 4–8, Dragons is for ages 8–13, and Teens & Adults is for ages 13 and over.

What if my child is shy?

Lots of our students start nervous. Instructors keep first classes gentle and pair new starters with friendly members, so they can build confidence at their own pace.

Do I need any experience? Are beginners welcome?

No experience is needed and beginners are welcome in every class. Most people start with a free trial at their nearest venue.

I'm not very fit. Can I still join?

Yes. Everyone works at their own level, and instructors adapt drills so you can build your fitness gradually.

What should I wear to my first class?

Comfortable sports clothes, with bare feet or trainers. Bring a water bottle.

Do I need to buy equipment?

No kit is required for your first class. If you decide to join, your £35 joining fee includes your CT-Martial Arts outfit, and your instructor will explain anything else you need.

What happens at the first lesson?

Your instructor will welcome you, introduce you to the group and teach you the basics at a comfortable pace. You can ask any questions before or after the class.

Can I try a class before committing?

Yes. Your first class is free, with no payment and no obligation to join.

How does grading work?

Students progress through a series of coloured belts. Regular gradings assess each student against our syllabus, on the pathway towards black belt.

How much do classes cost?

Monthly memberships (Standard / Premium): Lil Dragons £45 / £55, Dragons £50 / £60, Teens & Adults £50 / £60 and Ladies Kickboxing £35 / £45. New members pay a one-off £35 joining fee, which includes your outfit and first 12 months of insurance. Siblings get 10% off each additional child. Your first class is free.

Where are your classes?

We teach at Cotswolds Sport Centre in Tilehurst, the Calcot Centre, Theale Village Hall, Burghfield Scout Hut and Downland Sports Centre in Compton. There is parking at every venue.

What style do you teach?

We teach WAKO kickboxing, with classes focused on fitness, confidence, discipline and practical self-defence.

Partners and associations

Five Thunder logoPartner logoPartner logoBlitz logoTop Ten logo

Ready to give it a try?

Your first class is free. Come and see what you think.

Book your free trial
  • No experience needed
  • No kit required for your first class
  • No payment, no obligation
Book your free trial