17 October 2026 · Mighty Mites ages 3–6
Mighty Mites: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes in Northampton for Ages 3–6
A planned first step into Jiu-Jitsu for ages 3–6. Not yet running; start date and timetable to be confirmed.
Explore Mighty Mites →
Onyx Knowledge Hub
Martial Arts Blog Northampton
Practical guides for beginners and parents, comparisons between combat sports, training advice and selected competition news from the wider martial-arts world.
Latest from Onyx
Community stories. Competition experience.
Community initiatives, coaching stories and competition news from Onyx.
17 October 2026 · BJJ culture
Can You Train at Another BJJ Gym? The Great Open Mat Diplomatic Incident
A light-hearted look at cross-training, gym politics and what loyalty ought to mean in Jiu-Jitsu.
Read about cross-training and gym culture →
11 October 2026 · European Kids No-Gi
Two Golds. Two Different Stories. One Stronger Team.
Monét defends her title with two submissions; Naimah steps into the coaching corner. Onyx ZR Team Northampton returns from Lisbon with two golds and new knowledge.
Read the Lisbon championship report →6 October 2026 · Community
More Than a Fight Gym: Social Impact at Onyx in Northampton
Bullyproof UK, free female-led training for girls aged 11–17 and our REORG-approved role: how Onyx opens the door to martial arts.
Read our community story →ZR Team · Updated 6 October 2026
Alain Pozo: Police Commendation and the ZR Team Pedigree
The award, verified European titles and the coaching network connecting Onyx through ZR Team Milton Keynes.
Read Alain’s story →6 October 2026 · No-Gi competition
Onyx Coach Gee Hallacy Set for No-Gi Superfight at Final Kumite 6
Gee Hallacy faces Rae Hussey in a 60kg No-Gi superfight at Final Kumite 6 on 24 October 2026.
Read the match announcement →5 October 2026 · European Kids No-Gi
One More Time: Monét David Heads to Lisbon to Defend Her European Crown
Monét returns to European competition on 10–11 October, representing Onyx / ZR Team Northampton.
Read Monét’s competition story →5 October 2026 · Submission Grappling
Tom Mearns: Still Competing, Still Winning – Next Stop OXO Brighton
Tom faces Allaeldein Elmaghrabi in a 79kg submission-only BJJ match on 14 November 2026.
Read Tom’s competition story →3 October 2026 · WAKO Youth World Championships
GB Tops 2026 Youth Worlds as Chris Collymore Returns to Northampton
Great Britain finishes top of the overall medal table for a fourth consecutive year.
Read the championship report →Start here
Beginner guides
Useful answers for people deciding what to train, what to expect and how to choose a class in Northampton.
Starting Martial Arts
Best Martial Art for Beginners in Northampton
Compare Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA for first-time students.
Read the guide →Kickboxing
Kickboxing for Beginners: Your First Class
What to wear, what happens in class and whether you need to be fit before starting.
Read the guide →MMA
MMA for Beginners in Northampton
How complete beginners can start MMA and what the first stages of training look like.
Read the guide →Kickboxing content cluster
Kickboxing beginner questions answered.
Start with the first-class guide, then use these supporting articles for the questions adults commonly ask before and during their first months of training.
Training Routine
How Often Should Adults Train Kickboxing?
One, two or more weekly sessions, recovery and how to build a routine you can maintain.
Read the frequency guide →Equipment
What Equipment Do You Need for Kickboxing?
Gloves, wraps, shin guards, mouthguards and what can wait until you train regularly.
Read the equipment guide →Fitness
Do You Need to Be Fit Before Kickboxing?
Why you can start before you feel fully conditioned and build fitness through training.
Read the fitness guide →Adult Beginners
Can You Start Kickboxing in Your 30s, 40s or 50s?
A practical approach to beginning later, adapting intensity and managing recovery.
Read the adult beginner guide →Sparring
Kickboxing Sparring for Beginners
What sparring is for, when it may be introduced and why control matters.
Read the sparring guide →Fitness Comparison
Kickboxing for Fitness vs the Gym
Compare cardio, skill, coordination, motivation and conventional gym training.
Read the comparison →Parents & young athletes
Kids martial arts pillar guides
Start with the main parent guide, then use the supporting articles for specific questions about age and class choice.
Cluster Pillar
Kids Martial Arts in Northampton: A Parent’s Guide
The main guide covering class choice, safety, confidence, age, competition and first visits.
Explore the kids cluster →Parents
What Age Should a Child Start Martial Arts?
Readiness, listening, coordination and why there is no single perfect starting age.
Read the guide →Comparison
Boxing vs Kickboxing for Beginners
A broader comparison of the skills, fitness demands and learning curve of two striking sports.
Read the comparison →First content cluster
Kids martial arts: parent questions answered.
Six closely related supporting guides strengthen the main Kids Martial Arts Northampton article and give parents direct answers to the questions they search before joining.
Safety
Is Kickboxing Safe for Kids?
Contact, sparring, supervision, equipment and what parents should look for.
Read the safety guide →Comparison
Kids Boxing vs Kickboxing
Compare technical focus, coordination, fitness and which class may suit your child.
Compare the classes →First Class
What Should Kids Wear?
A simple first-class checklist covering clothing, water, jewellery and equipment.
See the checklist →Training Routine
How Often Should Kids Train Martial Arts?
Consistency, recovery, other sports and how to build a manageable weekly routine.
Read the frequency guide →Confidence
Martial Arts for Shy Children
How hesitant children can settle into training without being pushed too quickly.
Read the parent guide →Northampton Guide
How to Choose a Kids Martial Arts School
A practical checklist covering coaching, safety, pricing, timetable and trial lessons.
Use the checklist →Training & value
Make a better choice.
Articles covering self-defence, fitness and the real costs involved in martial-arts training.
Self-defence
What Is the Best Martial Art for Self-Defence?
A measured comparison of Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA without unrealistic promises.
Read the guide →Fitness
Kickboxing for Fitness vs the Gym
Compare cardio, skill, coordination, motivation and conventional gym training.
Read the guide →Cost guide
How Much Do Martial Arts Classes Cost in Northampton?
Memberships, joining fees, equipment and how to compare real value.
Read the guide →Combat-sports news
WAKO Youth Worlds 2026
A current-event article on the world youth kickboxing championships taking place in Jesolo, Italy.
19 September 2026
WAKO Youth World Championships 2026: What Young Kickboxers Can Learn
The event, the standards that matter at elite youth level and lessons that apply even to non-competitors.
Read the article →