Taekwondo and martial arts for children in Wiltshire

If you are looking for taekwondo or martial arts for your child in Wiltshire, you want more than a place to burn off energy. You want somewhere safe, well run and personal, where your child is known by name and comes home a little more confident each week.

I started The Warrior Academy in the village of Rode, on the Somerset and Wiltshire border, and since 2011 we have run small, personal programmes for children across the area. This guide explains what we teach, who it is for, where we train and what happens when you first come along.

What freestyle taekwondo at The Warrior Academy involves

Our head instructor, Matt Hillier, teaches freestyle taekwondo. It takes the dynamic kicks and structured patterns of taekwondo and blends them into a modern martial arts programme designed around children. Every session is built on our three Cs: confidence, conduct and concentration.

Kicks and techniques

Taekwondo is known for its kicks, and children love learning them. Students build up from simple front kicks to more advanced spinning and jumping techniques, alongside blocks, strikes and stances. Each skill is broken down so that children succeed early and keep progressing.

Patterns

Patterns are set sequences of movements that students learn and perfect. They train memory, balance and focus, and they are a big part of every grading. Practising a pattern at home is one of the best ways for a child to build concentration.

Fitness

Sessions are active from start to finish. Children improve their strength, flexibility, coordination and stamina without it ever feeling like a workout, because they are busy learning and having fun.

Discipline and character

This is what makes martial arts different from many other activities. Students learn to bow, listen first time, show respect to partners and keep going when something is difficult. We talk about courage, kindness and responsibility, and we expect children to bring those values home and to school.

Ages and programmes

We welcome children from age 4 and up. Students train with others at a similar age and stage, through our junior, senior and teen programmes, so that every session is pitched at the right level. Younger children focus on listening, coordination and confidence. Older children and teens take on more technical skills, sparring and leadership, including helping newer students.

Children earn coloured belts through gradings, all the way to black belt. Each belt gives a clear goal to work towards and a real sense of achievement. For students who want to go further, we run competitions, Summer Samurai and Winter Warrior, plus Advanced Training Days. You can read more on our events and competitions page, and see the full range on our programmes page.

Where we train in and around Wiltshire

We run clubs across Wiltshire, Somerset, Bath and North Dorset, so most families are a short drive from a session.

Character Development Centre, Salisbury

Our headquarters at High Post, near Amesbury, serves families across Salisbury and the surrounding villages. It is our home base and the centre of our programmes. Find out more about our Salisbury club.

Corsham, near Chippenham

Our Corsham club serves families in Corsham, Chippenham and the nearby villages of north Wiltshire. Find out more about our Corsham club.

Rode, for Frome and Trowbridge

Rode is where The Warrior Academy began. Sitting between Frome and Trowbridge, it is easy to reach from both. Find out more about our Rode club.

Freshford, for Bradford on Avon

Our Freshford club is a good fit for families in Bradford on Avon and the villages south of Bath. Find out more about our Freshford club.

Bath, Combe Down

Our Bath club at Combe Down serves families across the city and its southern edge. Find out more about our Bath club.

Motcombe, for Shaftesbury and Gillingham

Just over the border in North Dorset, our Motcombe club serves Shaftesbury, Gillingham and the villages around them. Find out more about our Motcombe club.

We are also launching after-school clubs in January 2027. Visit our after-school clubs page for details. For days and times at every location, see our timetables.

Your child’s first session

Trying something new can feel like a big step for a child, and for parents too. We keep the first session simple and welcoming.

What happens

1. Arrive a few minutes early so your child can meet the instructor and see the space.
2. The instructor introduces your child to the group and explains how the dojo works, including how we bow and line up.
3. Your child joins the warm-up, then learns some basic stances, blocks and kicks at their own pace.
4. There is plenty of encouragement, and most children leave with a big smile and something to show you at home.
5. Afterwards, you can ask questions and talk through which programme would suit your child.

What to wear and bring

• Comfortable clothes your child can move in, such as a T-shirt and tracksuit bottoms. No uniform is needed for a first session.
• Slip-on shoes make arriving and leaving quicker.
• A bottle of water.
• Jewellery removed and long hair tied back.

How to book

Many parents ask whether their child is too shy, too young or not sporty enough for martial arts. In our experience, those are often the children who gain the most. Our instructors are used to welcoming children of every personality and fitness level, and nobody is expected to know anything before they arrive. Parents are welcome to watch, and we will happily answer any questions.

Booking is simple. Choose the club nearest to you, check the timetables for a session that suits, and then book a free taster online. If you would like to know who will be teaching your child, you can meet our instructors, a world class international team, on our team page.

Key takeaways

• The Warrior Academy teaches freestyle taekwondo-based martial arts led by head instructor Matt Hillier.
• Sessions combine kicks, patterns and fitness with discipline and character, built on confidence, conduct and concentration.
• Children from age 4 and up train in junior, senior and teen programmes and earn belts all the way to black belt.
• We have clubs in Salisbury, Corsham, Rode, Freshford, Bath and Motcombe.
• No uniform is needed to start: check the timetables and book a free taster.