Best martial arts academies in Marbella: find options near you

We absolutely love Olympic Karate. Our son started here when he was just three years old and it’s been such an amazing experience. The Senseis are so patient and great with kids, always making sure the classes are fun but also teaching important things like focus, respect, and discipline. It’s been incredible to see how much our son has grown over the years, not just in karate skills, but in confidence too. He looks forward to every class and we couldn’t be happier with the positive impact this school has had on him. Thank you so much! We are honored and grateful to be part of your school. 💯 recommended!

My son and I are very happy with Olympic Karate Marbella. Amazing teachers!!! Lovely families. Such a wonderful energy!!! My son is very proud to be in this club

My son enjoys the classes, he comes back upbeat and happy and talks what he learnt. He likes the sensei. There is a nice atmosphere. What a great environment of respect for the children. Well done.

A wonderful Karate school and gymnasium in Marbella. Highly recommended for all! The gym has all the latest equipment and the karate school has an amazing team with the best Sensai, providing a fun and caring environment for children and adults to practice Karate whilst developing great values, such as positivity, respect and discipline!! 🥋💪🏼🏋🏾‍♂️

The lady who runs the show is truly disgusting. She didn’t let my 4,5 yr old boy go toilet. Another day he forgot his bottle of water and she didn’t let him get me give it to him even though the class wasn’t started yet and she even dare to humiliate my son in front of all his class putting on a belt that downgrade his category. If your son likes Karate kid the movie, she is worst than the trainer at the academy. Furthermore if a parent disagrees with her awful manners to kids and parents this lady Alejandra who runs the show punish the kid and kick him out of the school regardless the exemplary behaviour of the kid. I’m complaining to the Comunidad de Andalusia for her unacceptable practices and for mistreating the kids.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the olympic marbella team for their contribution and love for my child. respect, mutual understanding and love for each student.

Amazing place for you’re child’s karate journey. This place is just the best. The entire team is very dedicated, professional and loved by the kids. A truly special place.

Amazing family owned Muay Thai gym in the center of Marbella. Top training for all ages mixed with a sense of humor and family feeling. Little Thailand in Spain/Marbella 🙏💯🇹🇭

By far the best authentic Muay Thai Gym in Marbella/Malaga area. Amazing staff/coaches. Respecting the Thai culture and teaching both young and old in a serious but fun/humble way. Anyone from any culture are welcome to join this beautiful Muay Thai Family

So grateful to have found a real Muay Thai gym, I’ve trained in Thailand and can say it feels like I’m back there with real Thai pro’s, coach is world class, super attentive to details.

Probably the most authentic combat sports gym in the area. The coaches are top notch 👌🏼 If your in the area and want to experience real Muay Thai and other combat sports, this is the place.

Thank you for everything, you are the best of the countryGracias por todo, your are the best of the countryTranslated commentShow original

Excellent well equipped gym with friendly staff. Very well priced too.

Trained do plenty of gyms and this has to be one of the best! Pedro and the gang can’t be beaten💪

Since I was little, this has been my club. A club that has taught me values, a martial art like karate that my master has imparted to me and which has made my qualities such as patience, respect, serenity, perseverance, and discipline emerge. I have never seen two teammates at this club fight, argue, or get angry. I believe that is the greatest achievement of this club and I feel very proud to say that I belong to the Sho-Dan club. Thank you for all these years of constant learning!Desde pequeño este fue mi club. Un club que me ha enseñado valores, un arte marcial como el karate que me ha impartido mi maestro y que ha hecho que aflorase en mi cualidades como la paciencia, el respeto, la serenidad, la constancia y la disciplina. Nunca he visto en este club a dos compañeros pelearse, discutir o enfadarse. Creo que ese es el mayor logro de este club y me siento muy orgulloso de decir que pertenezco al club Sho-Dan. Gracias por todos estos años de aprendizaje constante!Translated commentShow original

Sensei Dani and Sensei Miguel teach the children at ShoDan that Karate is more than just a simple physical exercise… it helps children develop strength, coordination, agility, and balance while teaching them the importance of discipline and respect. The Professors help the children develop self-confidence and also the skills that will be useful to them throughout their lives, such as problem-solving and decision-making. Our children participate in every lesson at ShoDan with great enthusiasm.Sensei Dani y Sensei Miguel enseñan a los niños de ShoDan que el Karate es más que un simple ejercicio físico…ayuda a los niños a desarrollar fuerza, coordinación, agilidad y equilibrio mientras les enseña la importancia de la disciplina y el respeto. Los Profes ayudan a los niños a desarrollar la confianza en sí mismos y también las habilidades que les serán útiles durante toda la vida, como la resolución de problemas y la toma de decisiones. Nuestros niños participan en cada lección en ShoDan con gran entusiasmo.Translated commentShow original

Since we moved our 2 children to karate classes at Gym Sho Dan Marbella, we have been surprised by the great professionalism of the coaches, their good work, their great technical and tactical knowledge, and above all, how they work with values: companionship, self-esteem, self-confidence, motivation, empathy, among others, to instruct through the sport they perform daily with the children who attend classes. We are very happy with the sports education our children receive, instructed by the team of professionals at Sho Dan such as Miguel Sr. and his two sons Dani and Miguel Junior.Desde que trasladamos a nuestros 2 hijos a clases de karate al Gym Sho Dan Marbella nos ha sorprendido la gran profesionalidad de los entrenadores, el buen hacer, su gran conocimiento técnico y táctico y sobre todo cómo trabajan con valores : compañerismo, autoestima. , confianza en uno mismo, motivación, empatía entre otros para instruir a través del deporte que realizan diariamente con los niños que asisten a clases. Estamos muy contentos con la enseñanza deportiva que reciben nuestros hijos, instruidos por el equipó de profesionales de Sho Dan como lo son Miguel Sr. y sus dos hijos Dani y Miguel junior.Translated commentShow original

Good gym to practice martial arts, excellent treatment, good behavior and great human quality. GREAT PROFESSIONALS! TOTALLY RECOMMENDABLE! Extremely happy that my daughter is part of the Sho-dan dojo-family.Buen gimnasio para practicar artes marciales, excelente trato, buena conducta y gran calidad humana. ¡GRANDES PROFESIONALES! ¡TOTALMENTE RECOMENDABLE! Contentísima de que mi hija forme parte del dojo-familia Sho-dan.Translated commentShow original

Great gym to learn martial arts and get into spectacular physical shape! Highly recommended! And I must highlight the great atmosphere you receive throughout the environment, like a family!, a gym where great champions have been created. OssGran gimnasio para aprender artes marciales y coger una forma física espectacular! Muy recomendable! y destacar el buen ambiente que se recibe en todo el entorno, como una familia!, un gimnasio donde se han creado grandes campeones. OssTranslated commentShow original

Personally, I have been training here since I was a child and they have treated me like family. I learned karate for a few years and then switched to K1. I am very grateful for everything I learned and the experiences they provided me.Personalmente entreno aquí desde que era un niño y me han tratado como una familia. Aprendí karate durante unos años y después me pasé al K1. Estoy muy agradecido por todo lo aprendido y experiencias que me han brindado.Translated commentShow original

My daughter is delighted and always goes with a lot of enthusiasm. Before starting karate, they advised me to try several gyms and stay with the one she felt most comfortable in. She chose this one and has been going for almost 4 years now. Both Miguel and his children are a 10.Mi hija esta encantada, y va siempre con muchas ganas. Antes de comenzar a karate me aconsejaron que probara varios gimnasios y que se quedara en la que más a gusto se encontrara. escogió este y ya va para 4 años Tanto Miguel como sus hijos un 10Translated commentShow original

I can’t recommend this football club highly enough! From day one, it’s clear that the coaches and staff genuinely love what they do and are passionate about helping athletes grow—both on and off the field. The training sessions are structured and challenging, yet always fun, with a strong emphasis on developing technical skills, tactical understanding, and overall athletic ability. What really sets this club apart is the personal attention every player receives. Coaches take the time to understand each athlete’s strengths and areas for improvement, giving constructive feedback and encouragement that truly makes a difference. I’ve seen massive progress in my own skills and confidence in a short time. It’s more than just a club—it’s a community where players are supported, pushed to be their best, and inspired to reach their goals. Couldn’t be happier with the experience!

My son joined La Academia in September, and we are so happy we chose this football academy. The coaches are amazing, the training sessions are well organized, and every child gets individual attention to help them improve and enjoy the game. The atmosphere is fantastic, and you can really see how much the coaches care about the children and their development, both on and off the pitch. They also organize great football camps, which are another wonderful experience for the kids. I highly recommend La Academia to any parent looking for a professional, friendly, and supportive football academy. We couldn’t be happier!

We are very happy with this football academy, The coaches are professional, supportive, and truly care about every childs development both on and off the field. Since joining, my child has improved not only football skills, but also confidence, discipline, and teamwork The training sessions are well organised, motivating, and always enjoyable. The atmosphere is positive and friendly, making children feel comfortable and excited to come to practice. I highly recommend this academy to any parents looking for a safe , encouraging, and high quality environment for their child to grow and enjoy football.

My son Jack who is a goal keeper has been having coaching sessions we are very happy with the coach’s such a good atmosphere they have taught him a lot . Wish we had started sooner. Thank You ⚽️

“I highly recommend this academy for any young athlete looking to maintain their performance levels while traveling. During a recent trip to Spain, my 13-year-old son participated in both private 1-on-1 sessions and evening group training. The coaching staff is exceptionally professional, enthusiastic, and skilled at encouraging players to reach their full potential. The facilities are truly immaculate, featuring perfectly maintained pitches that provide an elite training environment. Their immediate responsiveness and seamless organization made the entire experience outstanding.”

My two boys have been attending La Academia for a few months now and there’s nothing I can fault. The trainers are so friendly and welcoming my kids are very happy attending here. The coaching is very impressive with a high standard. I would highly recommend!

My son Luca has been attending the Academy since May 2025. He has improved considerably in his skill level, fitness and understanding. The Academy agreed to train him with a view to him getting trials for clubs, after 2 months of training he was accepted into 2 clubs, and able to make his choice. This was down to the training he received. He loves his training, the facilities are excellent and always improving. The coaches are fantastic, great with kids of all ages. I would highly recommend this Academy, thanks to all the coaches involved, it has been a great experience

Can highly recommend training with Moe, both for beginners as more experienced levels. During my stay in Marbella I trained 4 times with Moe and immediately liked his eye for detail and professionalism. There were so many small things, with big impact that Moe was able to spot, build a plan for, and managed to improve. Can’t wait to continue working with Moe when being back in Marbella!

Honestly having tried countless striking coaches, he does the best job in condensing 25 years of experience into a one month program. What caught my eye is the fact that he pays attention to the mental aspect, be prepared because he will break you mentally and reshape you into an assassin.

Mahmoud is a great coach that genuinely wants you to improve! Thanks for 3 good months of training

Highly reccomend from beginners to experienced fighters. Moe is very reliable and communication is always promot, please respect and be on time he’s a busy man. Make sure to let Moe know what your goal is so he can adapt training style for specific improvements for example fitness boxing to fighting boxing to strength training and mobility. I trained boxing with Moe, I do sparring every week and for those that looking for a good trainer to teach actual boxing/fighting and not fitness boxing / BS etc. I am sure Moe can add value to your game as he did for mine.

Been training with Moe past week at my holiday in Marbella. He’se truly an amazing coach. Realy cuts to the core fast. Trains realy effective and patient. Will be training with him next time i’m there for sure!

Training here has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.. The coach is incredibly skilled and truly dedicated to helping you improve. He makes sure you learn the real fundamentals of kickboxing, not just the flashy stuff. What really stood out to me is how much he cares about your progress. I also valued the way he focuses on the mental side of the sport, helping you build not just physical strength but also confidence

Hello, I’ve been working with Coach Mo for almost 4 months now. We work together through online coaching program because I live in Belgium. Coach Mo speaks French, and that’s truly amazing. Last year, due to a toxic work environment, I gained 10 kilos at the age of 24. Over the past few months, my mindset has completely changed thanks to him. Sport used to feel like a chore to me, but now it has become my main source of happiness. Coach Mo helped me change my mindset and adjust what was on my plate without any frustration. I eat everything I like, but in a balanced way. We started in September, and today I’ve lost the 10 kilos I had gained. I feel amazing in my body again, and it’s a pleasure to wear beautiful outfits! I’m so thankful to Coach Mo for changing my perception of sport, and because of that, everything in my life has improved! Now we’re moving to the next level! Definitely the best coach I’ve ever had!

Top Gym. Very friendly and smart guys. Super training and sparring. Good mood there. Felt pretty welcome. Nice and small

This is the second time that my son has trained at Leo Galati Team. He just spent 5 weeks at this very special club, training every day. Leo, the other coaches and members made him feel welcome and part of the team from day 1. We couldn’t recommend anywhere else more, they are dedicated, friendly and now very close friends. My younger son also trained in the kids class, his first time, and he loved it. They made the kids classes fun but with great BJj instruction and gave my son so much more confidence to get on the mat back in England. Thank you so much to the whole team for another unforgettable experience.. if I could give 10 out of 5 stars I would!!!

I’ve had the privilege to train at multiple jiujitsu gyms around the world and I can honestly say Leo Galati Team and gym is one of the best gyms I’ve ever trained at. High level instruction, amazing people and friendly atmosphere. Very happy to have found this place. Thanks Leo and the team!

Visited while on vacation, was met with great, positive atmosphere. I fly with hand luggage so no place for kimono, but nevertheless was allowed to participate in gi session, much appreciated, it’s not always so in other gyms. When demonstrating, coach Leo makes sure everyone gots details clear, including me 🙂 I am new blue belt myself, was partnered with purple belt who friendly helped to get movement right. In English of course, I don’t speak Spanish. But in fact very first time in my life counted in Spanish till 10 – something I learned during the session too 🙂 It was during an intense warm-up session, after rolls and animal movements we did neck/spine strength exercises while counting in row. Great coach, strong gym (and vice versa I guess 🙂 ), recommended

I’ve been training with Coach Leo for many years now, and I can confidently say this is one of the best academies you’ll find anywhere. The atmosphere is incredibly friendly and welcoming, and from the moment you walk in, you feel part of the team. Leo’s teaching style is clear, effective, and easy to follow, making every class both enjoyable and valuable for all levels. It’s a real privilege to learn under him and to be surrounded by such a positive, supportive community. The kids’ classes are also excellent, producing not just talented young athletes but confident and disciplined individuals. I owe a lot of my own progress in Jiu-Jitsu to Leo’s guidance, and I would recommend this academy without hesitation to anyone looking to start or continue their Jiu-Jitsu journey.

This academy and team is very friendly and welcoming. If you want to drop in during holidays, you can just send a message to the head coach Leo or pass by during training hours.

My whole family trains at this gym, Master Leandro is the best in all of Spain.

I love this gym, clean, quite & good equipment, unfortunately due to back injury not been able to go from past few months, but I miss this gym.

The gym is clean and the equipment is decent, but the chlorine smell is overwhelmingly strong. It honestly feels like working out inside an indoor swimming pool 😷 It’s hard to breathe properly while exercising. They really need to improve ventilation or reduce the chemicals used, because the experience was very uncomfortable.

Tried it some years ago and the cupboards with locks where all broken so you couldn’t lock your bag away. But I heard from a friend they fixed it all and he said they have better machines and a gym outside. As he hasn’t Maps this is his rating.

When I was looking for a new gym about a year ago, I visited quite a few in my area to see which one would appeal the most. Panatta immediately felt welcoming; a friendly smile & hello from the daughter of the owner at the reception desk and a large open space with lots of light & windows. Not like the many basement gyms I have been to! My friend and I joined and soon started to attend the classes. I love all the teachers! Sheena, Begoña, Lynne and not to forget Maria, for them being there is not just a job, it’s a passion! They stimulate and motivate me, every time and without fail, I always come away feeling happy and revived. Exercise has never been fun for me, I think I was born lazy lol but now I can safely say, I enjoy it! Thank you Panatta & all the team for a great job done and now that we have the new mats as well, I could not be happier haha!

The staff wasn’t polite and seemed anoyed by the fact that I just wanted to try out the gym once for free. Overall, the gym equipment is okay but its very messy, lack of organisation of plates and floors are dirty. I would suggest to the old blonde woman at the reception to lighten up a bit. Would give 1 star but because of the excellent pump I had its a 2 star.

Everything u need is here! Clean bathroom & dressing rooms

Well maintained and air-conditioned in the summer

Very welcoming gym environment, started from zero experience and worked my way under the guidance of Mr Vinicius to competition level. And also helped me develop a love for the sport and art of BJJ. High level training partners, good knowledge, great school.

Very serious discipline for my kids. But at the same time Vinicius is very cute and friendly to all the kids. Of course if they take things seriously at the training class. :))

Great teacher, great environment, and great teammates. Whether a hobbyist or competitor, would recommend.

Best place to train BJJ in Marbella. Vinicius has been my trainer and friend for now 5 years. See you all on the mats!!!

Great class and open Matt with Vini! Top

Master Vinicius changed my personality and perspective of life with the whole team together, they took me to the next level as a person and as a teammate and elevated me ONLY for the better! Highly recommend for kids so as for adults(parents)for personal self-defense lessons so as for self-confidence and self improvement! Great people and professionals and the gym is high quality and very clean! Ossss

One of the best places I have trained. Everybody was super friendly, and a few of them knew English. Huge shout-out to the professor; he is very professional and will create a proper space to suit your needs.

I’ve been dancing with VDA for over a Year now, and it has truly felt like finding a new family. The teachers are exceptional, fully dedicated to ensuring we not only learn but also enjoy the experience every step of the way. The variety of classes available daily, combined with the relaxed atmosphere, makes learning here a pleasure. The students are supportive and open-minded, and every Saturday evening, we get to practice together at La Clave, our lively dance venue.

Amazing place, friendly atmosphere and best dance teachers Marisa and Niko A true welcoming family feeling where your passion for dance gets ignited and your life becomes more meaningful and full of joy. Don’t miss it, give it a try and you will get addicted. Dance is fun therapy!

I have been dancing with VDA for a few months now and I have found not only a new family but great teachers dedicated to our learning experience day in and day (or night) out. Marisa, Niko, Amanda and Nuria are amazing teachers, fully committed to our learning and enjoyment. Joaquin gets the crowd enthralled with his Bachata/Kizomba classes. Marisa and Amanda’s styles are to die for yet they are very humble. As for Niko, he is a rigorous teacher whose advices I can actually apply daily. There are plenty of classes to choose from daily in laid back atmosphere. The people taking classes are non judgmental and on Saturday evening we all get to practice in our dancing venue La Clave.

It is absolutely the best dance school. Nico and Marisita are the sweetest and most talented teachers. Can highly recommend coming by. Even if you are only in Marbella for a short time, there is clearly room for you and you can learn a lot and have fun

I love “La Clave” and especially VDA with Marisa and Niko. They are the best teachers I could have wished for, so patient and although I don’t speak spanish yet it’s easy for me to follow the course. The prices are super fair and the groups/people there are amazing: you never get the feeling of doing something wrong or limiting a dance partner or so. Going to dance classes there are my favorite hours of the week! ☺️💃🏽

Fabulous experience. We had a class and cocktails for 12. So much fun. It made a great night out activity for our group. We were not rushed at all. 25 euro for 1 hour class cocktail and VIP pass. Thank you all 🕺💃

Excellent place to learn how to dance and have a lot of fun! They offer a variety of styles so one way or another, something or all the classes will grab your attention! The best part is that they have a social every Saturday to practice what was learned in class! 100% recommended! Available in english also!! 😉Excelente lugar para aprender a bailar y divertirse un montón! Ofrecen variedad de estilos así que si o si algo o todas las clases te atrapan! Lo mejor es que hacen social todos los sábados para practicar lo aprendido en clases! 100% recomendado! Available in english also!! 😉Translated commentShow original

I haven’t trained in 12 years and thought I was getting too old. However Carlos has time for everyone in his classes and it is an extremely welcoming environment. Some very high level guys and also very new people. But everyone works together and it’s a really great atmosphere to learn in

My son just took his first BJJ class here to see if he liked it, I can safely say he will be going back. He has taken various martial arts since he was 4 years old, but this was the most I’ve seen him excited and enthusiastic about going back. He really enjoyed it, and I found everyone there to be very friendly and welcoming. Great place!

I recently started my BJJ journey with Carlos and Alex at The Flow Academy. They are both highly experienced instructors who have provided much care and attention which has helped create a warm and welcoming space for all levels. The venue is the best I’ve seen, new, fresh and imaculately clean. Huge windows open up the gym and let in plenty of light. The yoga studio is equally impressive and well recommended to complement your BJJ training. If you want to practice BJJ or yoga in the Costa del Sol, look no further.

The Flow Academy offers best quality Jiu-Jitsu & No-Gi Grappling programs for kids, teens, and adults (men and women). Our programs are designed to meet the needs of all students, whether you are looking to get in shape or fight competitively. We have built a family-like community with the team and although we love to train hard, safety is our main priority. We are also the home of many national and international champions yet the majority of our team are everyday people from all walks of life. Join us for a free class today!

The Flow Academy – a place where you will feel at home from the moment you step in . No matter if you want to practice yoga or train bjj, the super nice and mega qualified instructors will help you to take it to the next level. Come and join the flow movement 🙂

The place to be if you want to learn BJJ. Carlos is amazing teacher and the whole team is great. 5/5 !

Amazing training environment with clean facility and good vibes. Jiujitsu and yoga lifestyle. 🙂