Taking your first step into martial arts should be an empowering experience. At Kinetic Zen, we provide a structured, supportive, and highly technical environment designed specifically for beginners.
Whether you are looking to build everyday confidence, enhance your physical resilience, or develop elite skills, our Islington classes are the perfect starting point. We use the proven frameworks of 360 Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to teach you how to move safely, de-escalate conflict, and protect yourself in the real world
Wondering what your first class will feel like? “Within ten minutes, I realised everyone was just like me—focused, friendly, and there to learn.” > Read how one of our students experienced her first day on the mats: [Read: My First Self-Defence Class at Kinetic Zen]
The full schedule including our BJJ can be found here. The classes listed below are the three classes we suggest you start with as a first self defence class.
| Day | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6:30pm | Krav Maga fundamentals |
| Thursday | 6:30pm | Krav Maga weapons and striking |
| Saturday | 11:00am | Hybrid wrestling for self defence |
The rolling regular monthly membership gives full access to all of our classes and first priority on any events we run.
* We offer discounted pricing for first responders, military and students, please contact us for details.
** Prices are valid from 1st Jan 2026
*** Special offers only open to new members. One special offer at a time please
Kinetic Zen’s self defence classes in London deliver a proven system taught by highly qualified instructors in a bright well lit, airconditioned studio upstairs in Finsbury Leisure Centre. Your training should be fun, practical and cover all the aspects of self defence that actually work and are relevant to a civilian living in London. At the end of every class you will have practiced skills and approaches that we know actually work and while strength and conditioning isn’t our main goal everybody who trains regularly reports not just feeling more confident but feeling stronger, fitter and more agile. Our main system is 360 Krav Maga and we are the first school in Europe with the credentials and black belts to teach that system. Our Brazilian JiuJitsu programme (run by the truly extraordinary Abbie O’Toole) is a lot more relaxed and welcoming than the variety you find in most testosterone heavy fight gyms. If the idea of welcoming beginner friendly training in a bright cool studio near Old Street station and Barbican appeals check out the location map at the bottom of the page or book a trial class.
What should I wear to my first class? Comfortable workout clothes are all you need. We train barefoot or in clean indoor shoes, and for BJJ a gi is recommended but not required for your first few sessions.
Do I need to be fit, or have trained before? No. Most people who join have never done martial arts before, and classes are built around real beginners and real feedback, not exceptions made for them.
Is it just for men, or a certain age group? No. Classes are open to everyone 18 and over, and it’s one of the most genuinely mixed rooms in London: different ages, fitness levels and backgrounds training side by side. Looking specifically for women’s self defence guidance? See our advice for women.
How much does it cost to start? A trial class is £15, with membership from £75 a month after that.
What’s the difference between Krav Maga and BJJ here? Krav Maga is instinctive self protection: getting out of a dangerous situation fast. BJJ is control: what to do if things end up on the ground. Read more on how we teach both
Any questions, please just drop us a line on WhatsApp:
Friends and Family policy – want to bring someone to class? No problem and no charge (for occasional visitors). Just drop me a line to let me know when you are bringing them.
Cancellation policy – if you need to suspend or cancel your membership, no problem, just give us four weeks notice and we will stop your renewal.
Referral thank you policy – if you introduce a friend who subscribes as a gesture of thanks have 30% off both of your month’s membership. (When they have been a member for a month)
Want to know more about our main system Krav Maga ? Need some advice on what Self Defence is and isn’t? Worried about how much stuff you will need to get started?
