Business Details
31 Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts School in Newcastle
Universal Martial Arts has been dedicated to delivering high-quality martial arts training and fitness solutions in Newcastle for over three decades. Our Walkergate-based facility welcomes individuals of all ages and abilities, offering a comprehensive range of disciplines including boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and mixed martial arts. With a team of experienced instructors, we focus on enhancing both physical and mental well-being through structured classes tailored to beginners, advanced students, and competitive athletes. Our commitment to fostering a supportive environment ensures every participant receives personalized guidance to achieve their goals.We provide flexible scheduling across six days a week, complemented by personal training options for those pursuing specific objectives. The studio's emphasis on community, discipline, and skill development has established us as a trusted choice for martial arts enthusiasts in the region. Our 1-week free trial allows newcomers to experience our services before committing, while our proven track record of producing competitive athletes underscores our expertise. Through continuous improvement and adherence to traditional values, we remain dedicated to helping students of all ages build confidence, fitness, and self-defence capabilities.
Services
Boxing
Kickboxing
Muay Thai
MMA Training
Kids Karate
Junior Boxing
Ladies Only Classes
Beginners Sessions
Personal Training
Indoor Boot Camps
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in martial arts instruction
- Our team includes award-winning instructors with competitive backgrounds
- We offer a 1-week free trial for all new members
- Flexible scheduling with classes 6 days a week
- Proven track record in developing competitive martial artists
What people say
Positive impact on confidence
Supportive community
Experienced instructors
Family-friendly environment
Great workout
Services
Boxing
Our boxing classes combine traditional techniques with modern training methods to develop core strength, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness. Suitable for ages 14+ and children under 13, sessions focus on fundamental skills through bag work, partner drills, and optional sparring. With experienced coaches holding professional boxing licenses, we cater to both recreational participants and competitive athletes seeking to refine their skills in one of the world's oldest combat sports.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai instruction emphasizes the 'Art of Eight Limbs' using punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes. Led by BFBA titleholder Lewis Keen, classes incorporate technical drills, conditioning exercises, and practical self-defence applications. Students benefit from structured progression paths while experiencing the physical and mental discipline inherent in this traditional martial art, with opportunities to compete at regional and national levels for those pursuing competitive development.
Kids Karate
Designed for children aged 6-13, our karate classes focus on foundational martial arts principles while promoting physical development and character building. Instructors emphasize discipline, respect, and perseverance through structured belt progression systems. The curriculum balances technical instruction with fun activities that improve coordination, balance, and social skills, creating a positive environment for young practitioners to build confidence and self-discipline.
Ladies Only Kickboxing
This women-specific program combines martial arts techniques with high-intensity fitness training in a supportive environment. Sessions focus on practical self-defence skills, cardiovascular conditioning, and strength development tailored to female participants' needs. The classes foster camaraderie while maintaining technical rigor, making them ideal for beginners through advanced students seeking both physical fitness and practical self-protection capabilities.
MMA Training
Our MMA program integrates multiple combat disciplines to develop well-rounded fighters. Expert coaches deliver technical instruction in striking, grappling, and ground fighting techniques, with structured sparring sessions to apply skills in controlled environments. The curriculum caters to both recreational practitioners seeking comprehensive fitness and competitive athletes preparing for regulated bouts, emphasizing safety, technique, and strategic thinking throughout the learning process.
People
Stephen Savage
Head Instructor
With martial arts experience since age 7 and professional instruction since 21, Stephen combines decades of competitive experience with formal teaching training from international experts. He established Universal Martial Arts' foundational philosophy and oversees curriculum development.
Brogan Johnstone
Kickboxing Coach
A former competitive kickboxer with 8 world titles, Brogan transitioned to coaching after overcoming childhood confidence issues through martial arts. He specialises in helping students build self-esteem while developing technical proficiency in kickboxing disciplines.
Dale Blacklock
Boxing Coach
With over a decade of boxing experience and a Level 3 England Boxing certification, Dale brings expertise from multiple gyms including North Shields and Unit 13. He focuses on technical development for junior and adult boxers at all skill levels.
Lee Graham
Boxing Coach
A veteran boxing instructor with 20 years' experience, Lee holds a professional boxing trainer's license. He has developed numerous regional and national champions, emphasizing fundamental techniques and detail-oriented coaching developed through mentorship with world-class trainers.
Lewis Keen
Muay Thai Coach
BFBA lightweight titleholder Lewis Keen specialises in Muay Thai instruction, drawing from extensive competition experience across the UK. He focuses on technical precision and practical application while fostering a supportive training environment that emphasizes community and mutual growth.
Questions
Do you offer trial sessions for new members?
Yes, we provide a 1-week free trial allowing newcomers to experience multiple classes before committing to membership.
What age groups do your classes cater to?
We offer programs for children aged 4+ through adult classes, with specific sessions tailored to different age groups and skill levels.
Are there women-only martial arts options available?
Yes, we run dedicated ladies-only kickboxing classes providing a supportive environment for female participants of all experience levels.
How flexible are your class schedules?
With over 30 sessions weekly across six days, including weekday evenings and Saturday mornings, we offer extensive scheduling flexibility to accommodate various commitments.
Do you provide personal training options?
Yes, we offer one-on-one personal training sessions tailored to individual goals, subject to instructor availability.
What martial arts disciplines do you teach?
Our curriculum includes boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, MMA, and karate, delivered by specialist instructors in each discipline.
