How to choose a martial arts club in Amsterdam
Amsterdam's listings span full-contact sports such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, MMA, and Muay Thai-style kickboxing alongside traditional disciplines like judo, aikido, taekwondo, kung fu, and pencak silat. Start with your goal - fitness, self-defense, or competition - since a school built around grading and sparring is a different commitment than a drop-in combat-fitness class.
Many Amsterdam schools teach in both Dutch and English given the city's international population, but not every club does, and children's classes are more often Dutch-only. Confirm the teaching language directly with the school before booking, especially if you or your child are not yet confident in Dutch.
Some addresses on this list are dedicated martial arts academies with belt or grading systems, while others are general gyms running a boxing or kickboxing class alongside a wider fitness timetable - closer to what's covered in our guide to Amsterdam Gyms & Fitness. If structured, style-specific progression matters more than a general workout, our guide to Finding a Martial Arts Club in Amsterdam goes deeper on how to tell the two apart.
Questions people ask
How much does a martial arts class cost in Amsterdam?
Pricing is not standardized across styles or schools, so ask the specific club for its membership rate or per-class price rather than assuming a figure. Some Amsterdam studios also accept class-pass style memberships that bundle several studios under one plan, letting you sample a session before buying a block of classes.
Can I try a class before joining?
Several Amsterdam academies offer a free introductory lesson so you can test the coaching style and group before committing to a membership. Where a school doesn't offer a trial directly, a class-pass style platform is a lower-commitment way to attend a single session first.
What martial arts styles are available in Amsterdam?
The category page lists clubs teaching Brazilian jiu-jitsu, MMA, judo, aikido, taekwondo, kung fu, Krav Maga, capoeira, and pencak silat, among other styles. Filter by the discipline you want rather than by location alone, since two clubs a few streets apart can teach entirely different arts.
Are classes taught in English?
Instruction language varies by school; some run classes in both Dutch and English to serve Amsterdam's international residents, while others teach primarily in Dutch. Confirm the language of instruction directly with the club, especially for a children's class or if you're not yet confident in Dutch.
What age can children start training?
Some academies run dedicated children's programs, often starting around age 7, that focus on discipline, coordination, and basic technique rather than full-contact sparring. Age minimums and formats differ by school, so check directly before enrolling a child.
Can I train one-on-one instead of in a group class?
Yes: alongside group classes, some academies offer private or personal training sessions built around individual goals, whether that's fitness, technique, or competition preparation. If one-on-one coaching is the main draw rather than the martial art itself, our guide on How to Choose a Personal Trainer in Amsterdam covers what to check before hiring a trainer separately from a club membership.