The Academy was established in 1989 by instructors qualified in a variety of martial arts and combat disciplines. We offer high-quality, safe and fun classes in a friendly and appropriately relaxed environment. Our three main training programmes are Integrated fighting arts, Savate and Canne de Combat. You can chose to train in one or all of these programmes. Find out more in The Arts. Our instructors are DBS checked and fully insured. You can find out more about our instructors by visiting the Instructor menu, in About Us.
Joining the Academy
The Academy welcomes new members, whether beginner or experienced. We are community-based club, with a mission to open up the martial arts and combat sports to the widest range of people.
Our instructors are qualifed, friendly, trained in First Aid and have been CRB/DBS checked. If you are unsure which class(es) to try, and you would like to talk with one of the instructors, you are welcome to call or email.
Our Instructors
High quality training, with qualified trainers, is essential to good and safe progression. Our instructors are carefully selected, and encouraged to continue their own development in martial arts. CAMA instructors, who are responsible for running any training sessions, are required to hold a First Aid certificate and be CRB checked.
Introduction to Integrated Fighting Arts – Tuesday 5th September 2023
Taking Bookings Now for an Introduction to Integrated Fighting Arts
Get fit and increase your confidence at the same time!
The Integrated Fighting Arts system combines some of the best techniques for striking, trapping and grappling.
Continue reading “Introduction to Integrated Fighting Arts – Tuesday 5th September 2023”
Adult Savate Beginners Course – starts 30th August 2023

Now recruiting new members. Train for the Fun of it, or for improved Fitness & Conditioning, to Compete (if that prospect takes your fancy), or simply to make New Friends. New Four-week Adult Savate Beginners course starts on Monday 30th August
This course is designed for adult beginners, and will introduce the skills in a safe and fun environment. You must be at least 14 years old to join. A course of 4 lessons costs £20. Contact us to register
Date: Monday 30th August 2023
Venue: St Bede’s Sports Hall
Birdwood Road
Cambridge
CB1 3TB
Time: 6.30 – 8.00pm
Adult Classes : New members 2023
New members are always welcome at the Academy whether complete beginners or experienced martial artists. There are many reasons why people begin training in martial arts: to improve fitness, an interest in self-defence, to try something new or meet new people? Do you want to enter competitions and/or test for higher ranks in a system?
The Academy offers a two session trial so you can find out more about our classes. You can see our class schedule on the Timetable in the “Joining the Academy” menu. You will train with qualified and experienced instructors, keen to help you learn and improve your fitness and self-confidence.
You must contact us in advance to register. Use our contact form, which you can find in the “About Us” menu. Or call Ollie for further information – phone 077 09 814 422
Class Timetable September 2023
Cambridge Academy Classes from September 2023
We are based at St Bede’s, in the Sportshall and Gym, with great facilities.
We have free and ample onsite parking. St Bede’s is on the Citi 2 bus route, which runs from Cambridge North to Addenbrooke’s.
Junior classes are for children aged 7 to 12 years, and are run separately from Adult classes.
Teens, aged 13 to 17 years, are welcome in our Adult classes.
We can run corporate and college events, both in-house and at our venue. Contact us for more information!
Pre-registration essential for all classes
Monday | St Bede’s School Sports Hall, Birdwood Road, CB1 3TB | |
6.30-7.30pm | Juniors, ages 7 to 12 years | Savate & Integrated Fighting Arts, with the emphasis on fitness, fun and confidence |
7.00 – 8.00 / 8.30pm | Adults & Teens | Savate French Boxing including technique, conditioning and sparring |
6.30 – 7.30 / 7.30 – 8.30pm | Adults & Teens | Canne de Combat including technique, conditioning and sparring |
Tuesday | St Bede’s School Gymnasium, Birdwood Road, CB1 3TB | |
7.00-8.30pm | Adults & Teens | Kali & Integrated Fighting Arts |
Wednesday | St Bede’s School Gymnasium, Birdwood Road, CB1 3TB | |
7.00 – 8.00 / 8.30pm | Youth, ages 13 to 17 years | Savate French Boxing or Canne de Combat |
Thursday | St Bede’s School Gymnasium, Birdwood Road, CB1 3TB | |
6.30-7.30pm | Juniors, ages 7 to 12 years | Savate & Integrated Fighting Arts, with the emphasis on fitness, fun and confidence |
7.00 – 8.00pm | Adults & Teens | Integrated Fighting Arts |
8.00 – 8.45pm | Adults & Teens | Focus Mitt Workout |
7.30 – 8.30pm | Adults & Teens | Canne de Combat |
Senior Instructors Ollie and Julie are both available for private training or day time classes. For more information, click “Contact Us” in the “About Us” menu |
Savate Grading Success – April 2023

Three adult and six junior members took part in the Savate grading held on 16th April at St Bedes, in Cambridge. Members had been working hard to prepare, so we were pleased to see some good results:
Josh Emms and Kyrill Tkachov were both awarded red glove, and Seraina Blumli gained her blue glove, with merit. All 6 juniors passed, 3 gaining Savate Tiger 1, level 1 and 3 gaining Savate Tiger 1, level 2.
Success for Bella!
Bella entered the Talent Competition of the World Youth Festival, which was held in Saudi Arabia and online. Senior Instructor Ollie Batts presented Bella with her bronze medal.

Martial Arts Cross-Training Seminar – 23rd October 2022
Thanks to everyone who attended the Martial Arts Cross-Training Seminar at St Bede’s. Senior Instructor Ollie Batts covered a wide range of empty-hand and weaponry skills from Kali, JKD, and Savate, with some bonus walking cane defences. It was good to see some old friends and make some new ones, and to get some great feedback.