The 5 Best Martial Arts Classes in Amsterdam to Learn the Art of Defence!
If you’re looking to build your confidence or want to learn self-defence, enrolling in one of the best martial arts classes in Amsterdam can kickstart your journey. But we know how overwhelming it can be to find the right place.
Don’t worry, we’ve got the solution. Our team looked high and low for top-notch spots that provide training programs that honour discipline in the sport.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking for new things to do in Amsterdam, here are the best places to level up!
How much does martial arts cost in Amsterdam?
Signing up for martial arts classes in Amsterdam generally costs between €50 and €85 per month for standard adult group memberships, whilst single drop-in classes typically cost €12.50 to €17.50.
| Membership Type | Average Cost | Key Features |
| Light Plan (1x per week) | €35 – €50 / month | Single class per week |
| Standard Plan (2-3x per week) | €50 – €70 / month | Ideal for steady progress |
| Unlimited Plan | €60 – €89 / month | Unrestricted access to all group classes |
| Trial / Drop-in Session | €12.50 – €20 | Single class or trial package |
| 10-Class Punch Card (Strippenkaart) | €130 – €150 | Valid for 3 to 6 months |
| Private Coaching | €75 – €120 / hour | One-on-one custom instruction |
1. Fight Beck Center
Website: https://www.fightbeck.nl/
Address: Tweede Weteringdwarsstraat 41H, 1017 ST
Contact: 0031-6-29455162 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Saturday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Fight Beck Center impressively delivers a powerful blend of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Krav Maga tailored specifically toward empowering women and children.
Founder Shimi Beck, who’s a highly qualified personal trainer and veteran practitioner, designs sessions around raw physical empowerment and functional conditioning.
You get an intense body-shaping workout and valuable real-world awareness tactics that leave you feeling genuinely confident.
On top of that, they offer private sessions and parent-child classes that make training together a breeze.
When we dropped by for a weekend workshop, the energetic coaching made complex escape techniques feel intuitive within minutes.
Just remember that the heavy focus on combat realism means you won’t find traditional discipline structures like karate or judo here.
Customer Reviews
Empowering & comfortable women’s workshop
My sister in law and I attended Shimi’s 3 hour workshop and we both really enjoyed. Shimi made all the girls and women who were in the group feel comfortable but confident at the same time. It was a good mix between explanation, practice and answering questions. Will definitely come back here. Thanks Shimi and good luck with continuing your mission to make girls and women feel more protected.
- Solange Timp, Google Review
Exceptional teen safety training
Recently I took my 15 year daughter and 3 of her friends to a 3 hour workshop. Instantly I could see the Shimi was fiercely dedicated to teaching personal safety, and was passionate about helping people gain confidence and to learn how to protect themselves. He is a wonderful and caring person, and was an excellent facilitator for the teen group. The training was exceptional and we learned a lot in three hours. The girls became more aware and more confident to assess situations and to know what to do if ever they feel uncomfortable.
- Alison Funk, Google Review
2. Kei Kung Fu Academy
Website: https://keikungfu.nl/
Address: Lijnbaansgracht 215
Contact: 020 233 5137 | [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday 3:30 – 9:30 PM
- Tuesday 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM, 6:00 – 9:30 PM
- Wednesday 2:00 – 9:30 PM
- Thursday 7:30 – 9:00 AM, 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Friday 3:00 – 6:30 PM; Saturday 9:30 AM-1:00 PM; Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Kei Kung Fu Academy is a centre that specialises in Wing Chun, smoothly blending traditional Chinese martial arts with modern self-defence principles and internal relaxation.
The coaches break down posture, breathing, and centerline control so well that complete beginners never feel out of place. This method allows you to balance mindful body awareness with tactical skills.
The atmosphere is calm and focused, making them a great alternative to high-intensity sparring gyms if you want to train without risking heavy bruises. They’re ideal for those who prefer mental focus over brutal conditioning.
They also feature fantastic youth and junior programs, along with tailored workshops for corporate teams looking to de-stress.
On the downside, the curriculum is strictly centred on Wing Chun striking without any ground-fighting or grappling elements.
Customer Reviews
Wonderful teachers & great life skills
My son had attended Kung Fu at Kei for over a year and loves it. It has been beneficial for sport and training as well as skills such as self discipline and concentration. The teachers are wonderful, great with children, a balance of warmth whilst being firm and fair when it’s needed. A plus is also the great location near Elandsgraght and center, very easy to get to also by Bus and tram when the weather is bad.
- Salome Wilson, Google Review
A huge confidence boost for the kids
My twins have been going here for two years. My son has truly matured and my daughter’s confidence is boosted. I can’t wait for my youngest to start in a couple of years.
I would choose Kei Kung Fu again and again in every lifetime.
- Abena Higgins, Google Review
3. Amsterdam Training Center
Website: https://amsterdamtrainingcenter.nl/
Address: H.J.E. Wenckebachweg 6V5
Contact: 020 737 2885, [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday 7:00 AM-10:30 PM; Saturday to Sunday 11:00 AM-2:30 PM
For combat athletes and fitness fans who want everything under one roof, Amsterdam Training Center is an excellent choice. They have a massive schedule combining martial arts with strength and conditioning.
Their extensive programs cover 10th Planet Brazilian jiu-jitsu, MMA, and bag work. On top of that, they have open mat sessions and high-energy mats that help with grip strength and endurance.
The venue is equally impressive, as they’re fully equipped with clean dressing rooms and private showers.
It’s also a massive plus that they support local families through the Youth Sports Fund (Jeugdfonds Sport).
However, their high-volume classes can make peak hours rather busy, so classes may feel more crowded than usual.
Customer Reviews
Top-notch technique & a super clean gym
Rafles is the prime example on how training and technique should be thaught. He is open to questions and always shows topnotch technique during drilling/training movements.
The gym is clean, has a weights section and even a rope that leads to the ceiling.
- Bas Rijnberg, Google Review
Welcoming vibe & the highlight of our trip
Me and my friend came to Amsterdam for the weekend and popped in to train. The coach was welcoming, even from before, and his session was well structured, and there were lots of time to drill and at the end of the class, roll. It might not seem like much to the Coach there but it added to the best day we had in Amsterdam. We will return and roll 💪🏽
- Syed Rizvi, Google Review
4. Gracie Jiu Jitsu Amsterdam
Website: https://www.gracieamsterdam.com/
Address: Van Ostadestraat 155 De Pijp 1073 TK
Contact: 06 275 54489 | [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 7:00 – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, 8:00 – 9:00 PM
- Friday 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Anyone searching for pure ground defence will appreciate how Gracie Jiu Jitsu Amsterdam operates as the only certified Gracie centre in the Netherlands.
They teach a standardised, highly structured self-defence system so you always know what skill you’re building each week.
Active members will also receive full access to an online learning platform to review moves at home, along with free visitor privileges at satellite centres worldwide.
They even offer a generous 10-day free trial covering core fundamentals, allowing you to try their classes before committing to a contract.
A student here told our team that the instructors shine at breaking down leverage-based submission escapes without the aggressive ego found in typical fighting gyms.
However, the schedule is somewhat restrictive because the doors are closed on Thursdays and Sundays.
Customer Reviews
First-class training & amazing vibes
Gracie Jiu Jitsu in Amsterdam is a great place to add to your Amsterdam visit and get some first class training in. Of course if you live in Amsterdam this is the place to be. Great vibes and great classes. Highly recommended!
- Guido Jenniges, Google Review
Perfect vacation drop-in & detailed instruction
While on vacation, I dropped in for a Master Cycle class since our schedules lined up. I went in early to watch the remaining few slices of the Combatives Class & to get a feel of everything. The environment was nice & friendly even towards a new comer like myself. Once MC started, Adrian provided a well detailed stand up lesson while hitting the safely aspects of the moves. There’s plenty of mat space for drilling moves & rolling afterwards. I highly recommend Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Amsterdam to anyone looking to start training or even just to stop in like I did.
- Ernie, Google Review
5. UCT Academy Amsterdam
Website: https://uct-international.nl/
Address: Zamenhofstraat 108
Contact: 020 669 3212 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Sunday. Schedules vary by program
UCT Academy Amsterdam is an internationally affiliated school offering Practical Wing Chun, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and specialised armed defence programs. All these make them ideal for learning the fundamentals of self-defence.
Their coaches also integrate essential verbal de-escalation skills and physical manoeuvres, teaching students how to diffuse tension before throwing a single strike.
Youth programs are especially popular here too, building confidence and balance for school-aged kids in a supportive setting.
To top it off, they host specialised corporate security workshops for local businesses, complete with custom-made programs.
The catch is, you aren’t allowed to cancel the 12-month membership before it expires. You need to be fully committed and willing to complete a year of the program.
Customer Reviews
Super friendly & patient with beginners
Came to amsterdam for an internship this summer and I decided to take up Jui-Jitsu with my spare time. All members of the club are very friendly and patient with beginners, and I have learned so much at my time here.
- Cillian Thomas, Google Review
World-class instructors & always welcoming
World class Master Instructors who are super friendly and helpful.
The gym is always clean and well maintained and I am always made to feel very welcome even though I am not there regularly.
1000% recommend!!
- James de Vries, Google Review