Bushin Mixed Martial Arts, based in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire (Herts), at The Ridgeway Academy. Bushin Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is an all round effective martial art system. We offer a fun, friendly and family orientated atmosphere to train in. All ages and experience welcome, we teach from the age of 4. Although our roots are classical, our outlook is contemporary. We also incorporate many two man drills, pad work and sparring through our wealth of knowledge and experience. So whether your goals are health, fitness, self defence,
build confidence or to become a formidable fighter, we are here to help you achieve them. Every journey begins with a single step...
simply come down to one of our classes or contact us.
Bushin Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a fusion of Martial Arts including Thai Boxing (Muay Thai), Karate, Boxing & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). We use hands, feet, elbows and knees as striking tools, then takedowns and groundwork, which show you how to control and submit an opponent using pressure or submission techniques.
It blends traditional and modern techniques along with combat based martial arts.
MEET THE COACHES
James Sparshott
James has over 32 years Martial Arts experience. He started out studying Thai Boxing (Muay Thai) and then explored Karate, Kung Fu, Boxing and Muay Boran. James has competed in both full and semi contact fights both in the UK and internationally. He also offers adaptive training and specialist 1-2-1 sessions for SEND children and adults. He currently works with many local kids and has experience with ASD, ADD, ADHD, PDA, SPD, (Autism, Aspergers etc).
Some of his achievements and qualifications are listed below:
WTKA & IAKSA World K1 Kickboxing champion 07/08
WTKA & IAKSA Low kick - World Bronze medalist 07/08
WTKA Low kick - World Silver medalist 06/07
Nationals Open Continuous fighting - 2nd Place 06/07
WOJJBF European Open Kickboxing champion 06/07
WOJJBF European Open Points fighting - Bronze medalist 06/07
Fire fighters Boxing Challenge Award
​
International Muay Boran Academy - IMBA GB representative
WMC / UKMF recognised Thai Boxing coach
WTKA recognised Club instructor
AMA insured and registered
'Ricky Hatton Academy' Elite instructor
Outbox Boxing coach
Accredited by the British Boxing Board of Control
UKMF certified Corner-man
Fully Qualified ABA Boxing Tutor
CoachMark registered coach
UKSCA Strength & Conditioning Member
UKSCA Foundation in Strength & Conditioning
Attended Safeguarding & Protecting Children workshop
East of England Mental Health Champion
Dom Walsh
Dom has over 15 years of Martial Arts experience from Thai Kickboxing to MMA, he has competed at amateur level in both. However, Dom's passion lies in the 'gentle art' Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ).
​
Dom still competes regularly on the National BJJ circuit and is the current English BJJ Open Silver medallist.
​
Other achievements are listed below:
​
IBJJF London Open Nogi - Gold Medallist 24
English Open - Silver Medallist 23
IBJJF London Open Nogi - Silver Medallist 23
British Open - Silver Medallist 23
UMAC MK Open - Gold Medallist 23
All Stars Europeans - Silver Medallist 23
All Stars Europeans Nogi - Silver Medallist 23
Surrey Open - Gold Medallist 22
Kent Nogi - Gold Medallist 18
London Warriors Cup - Bronze Medallist 18
Hertfordshire Open - Silver Medallist 18
English Open - Silver Medallist 17
English Open - Bronze Medallist 16
Kent Open - Silver Medalist 16
Chelmsford Open - Gold Medalist 14
Spirit Cage Fighting Championship - Winner (TKO)
MAGB insured and registered
​
Both instructors are fully insured, first aid trained and CRB checked to ensure the health and safety of students under their supervision.
FAQ's
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
When you first come you should wear loose sports clothing such as jogging bottoms, t-shirt and trainers. You can buy the club uniform when you become a member so there is no need to buy a special outfit straight away. Bring a bottle of water as well, Martial Arts is thirsty work.
WHAT DOES A CLASS CONSIST OF?
ARE THE CLASSES SUITABLE FOR GIRLS/WOMEN?
Yes the classes we run are open to all regardless of sex, religion or age.
Everyone is treated equally.
WILL I GET HURT?
DO I HAVE TO
BE FIT?
Absolutely not. Martial Arts will build the fitness you require to train. Martial Arts is famous for training the mind and internal health as well as fitness. All we ask is that you do your best.
CAN I COME ON
MY OWN?
Typically a class is made up of three main areas. Fitness, Technical & Sparring. Within this we teach self defense techniques with a partner, plenty of pad or ground work and supervised sparring (once students have reached a certain level).
Martial arts by its nature is a contact activity, and yes accidents can happen. Therefore, you should expect very occasional bumps and knocks (Nothing more than you expect in the school playground). Every precaution is taken to ensure your safety. The aim is to improve your ability to defend yourself and not for you to get injured each time you attend a class.
We recognise that it can be intimidating for some people to take that first step through the door. We make sure that everyone is made welcome. Your first lesson is free of charge with no commitment so that you can make sure that you are happy with both our teaching style and the atmosphere of the school before joining.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be pleased to help.
2024 PRICES
KIDS PRICES
KIDS
15 & UNDER
£8
A LESSON
KIDS
15 & UNDER
£25
ONE MONTH
(1 CLASS A WEEK)
KIDS
15 & UNDER
£45
ONE MONTH
(2 CLASSES A WEEK)
KIDS
15 & UNDER
£65
ONE MONTH
UNLIMITED CLASSES
ADULT PRICES
ADULTS 16+
£12
A LESSON
ADULTS 16+
£35
ONE MONTH
(1 CLASS A WEEK)
ADULTS 16+
£65
ONE MONTH
(2 CLASSES A WEEK)
ADULTS 16+
£95
ONE MONTH
UNLIMITED CLASSES
A student watches on as Dom demonstrates inverted guard drills - an extraordinary tool to add to your arsenal and make sure your guard becomes impassable.
James demonstrates a front push kick (teep), a powerful and frustrating kick to punish your opponent with.
Pad work is an essential tool in our training. Drilling and repetition is what puts the techniques/movements we learn into muscle memory.
Dom teaching the fundamentals of the scarf hold for grappling.
We select our best students to compete at all levels, from amateur grappling and strike events to cage fights. If you feel you have what it takes to compete give us a call.
More pad work with one of our high level students.
One of our regular junior fighters showing off his winning trophy at a fight night.
CLASSES & TIMES
Thai Kickboxing
MONDAY
7.00pm - 8.00pm Ladies only - Beginners
8.00pm - 9.00pm Adults - Beginners
​
TUESDAY
6.15pm - 7.00pm Kids 4-7 year old
7.00pm - 8.00pm Kids 8-12 year old
8.00pm - 9.30pm Adults
​
THURSDAY
6.15pm - 7.00pm Kids 4-7 year old
7.00pm - 8.00pm Kids 8-12 year old
8.00pm - 9.30pm Adults
​
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)
WEDNESDAY
6.15pm - 7.00pm Kids 4-7 year old
7.00pm - 8.00pm Kids 8-12 year old
8.00pm - 9.30pm Adults
​
​
The Ridgeway Academy (Attimore Hall)
Herns Lane, Welwyn Garden City
Herts. AL7 2AF
​
​
We also offer Private Lessons, 1-2-1 tuition or small groups.
This is a great way to speed up progress!
Our aims are for you to have fun while learning self defence within a safe, friendly and controlled environment. The object is to develop personal protection rather than aggression.
We teach self discipline and respect as part of the syllabus.
Parents please note - Your childs safety and development is paramount.