Vortex Martial Arts Academy, Lancaster
Lancaster's martial arts academy. Every age, every level.
For the child who needs an outlet. For the adult who has been putting it off. For the parent who wants somewhere proper to send their kid. Five classes, one academy, every age from four to adult.
Independent. BMABA-recognised. Run by a coach who has been doing this for nearly twenty years. First class is free.
First class free. Free uniform when you join. No joining fee. No contracts.
Five ways to train
Find your class
Each class has its own page. Take a look, see which fits.
Ages 4-7
Dragons
Our youngest class. Game-led, gently structured, built around how four to seven year olds actually learn.
About Dragons →
Ages 7+
Cadets
The non-sparring version of Taekwondo. Smaller class, more games, more individual coaching time.
About Cadets →
Ages 8+
Taekwondo
The main Taekwondo class. Real syllabus, monthly gradings, mixed ages from eight up.
About Taekwondo →
Ages 8+
Kickboxing
Kickboxing taught as a sport, run as a fitness class. Beginner-friendly, progression built around what you can do rather than what you can pass.
About Kickboxing →
Ages 13+
Adult Taekwondo
Taekwondo in an adult-designed class. Built around adult bodies. Beginners and returning practitioners both welcome.
About Adult Taekwondo →What you are signing up to
Why Vortex
What you are choosing when you choose us.
Two decades of coaching
You won't get a coach who learned the job last month. Andy started teaching at 15 and has been refining the method ever since: nearly twenty years of figuring out what each age group actually needs. Hundreds of students taught by name. Double figures in black belts produced.
Recognised coaching standards
Belts that mean something. Recognised by the British Martial Arts and Boxing Association (BMABA), an independent UK martial arts governing body, which means your belt isn't just a Vortex belt: it's a documented grade in a system other schools recognise. Same syllabus, same standards across every class.
DBS-checked and first aid trained
Your child, in safe hands. Anyone teaching the kids classes is DBS-checked and first aid trained. Class sizes stay small enough for proper supervision. Parents are welcome to stay and watch.
No contracts, beginner-friendly
Try before you commit. First class free, free uniform when you join, no joining fee, no contracts. If you decide to come back, the membership terms are sensible. If you don't, you've lost nothing.
Reviews
What members say
From adult students who started with no experience. From parents whose kids have grown up in the academy.
“I started at Vortex a couple of years ago as an adult with no martial arts experience, and I've been attending weekly ever since. It's the best thing I've ever signed up for. Andy is such an amazing, helpful, patient instructor. I love the sense of achievement I get with each new belt.”
Paige H.
Adult student · Google review
“My two sons have both worked their way through Dragons and are now Cadets. Over the five years we've been involved, we're delighted to see how they've grown in confidence, ability and self-discipline. They now have leadership opportunities to coach their younger peers. A friendly and inclusive martial arts academy for all abilities.”
Jonathan M.
Parent · Google review
“Andy is a great Taekwondo coach. He's engaging and makes the lessons fun for the kids. There are tiered age classes so they are age-appropriate. My son has been going to classes for three years now and his skill and confidence have grown significantly under Andy's guidance. Would highly recommend.”
Emily F.
Parent · Google review
When & Where We Train
Classes run every Thursday in Lancaster.
St. Paul's Parish Hall
LancasterScotforth Rd, Lancaster LA1 4ST
First class.
Free.
One class. No commitment. Pick the route that fits.
Bring your child, or come yourself. Train alongside everyone else, see how it feels, decide from there. If you want to come back, the first uniform is on us. No joining fee. No contracts.