Andy Nugent's Academy of Martial Arts

Andy is a great teacher I have been happily training with him for a number of years and the guys that train there are friendly and approachable.
If you are looking to learn martial arts this is the place to go.

excellent gym, a good choice of martial arts to choose from but most importantly great instructors and a great bunch of people that train there. highly recommend!

Fantastic martial arts club and combat sports training centre. Excellent instruction and coaching from experienced martial artists in numerous disciplines. A friendly group of people who make you feel welcome. Highly recommend it for martial arts and combat sports training.

Andy Nugent's Academy of Martial Arts is brilliant. The instruction is top tier and the coaches are thorough and very encouraging. There are multitude of disciplines available throughout the week, and everyone is made to feel welcome regardless of ability. The classes are the highlight of my week and I have everybody at the club to thank for it.

Great place to train. Very friendly instructors and great bunch of students. Highly recommended high level training

I’ve trained with Andy for a number of years and he’s a fantastic and engaging teacher. I would recommend him and his club to anyone looking to discover or progress with martial arts. The gym is clean, spacious and full of helpful, friendly and experienced people who are more than willing to patiently help you, whatever your ability or fitness level. There are a range of classes throughout the week and unlike some gyms and schools, Ive always found Andy’s is very welcoming with a great atmosphere.

I have to preface this review by confessing that I absolutely loathe gyms. I find them sterile environments, and find gym exercises interminable.

I did start a gym right before the 2nd lockdown because I was out of shape, and wanted to rid myself of my dad bod (father to a 4 3/4 Little Man). I quit the gym after 3 sessions when lockdown restrictions ended, and used that motivation to get back into martial arts for the first time since the mid-noughties.

I wanted to learn a martial art that was (a) effective, (b) was pressure tested, and (c) would keep me fit. I was primarily interested in boxing, but found Andy's Academy and thought I'd give Muay Thai a try after going through numerous martial arts YT videos .

Couple of points to mention right off the bat:
- primary martial arts for adults taught at Andy's are BJJ and Muay Thai (kids are taught JKD)
- there is contact
- there is [light] sparring
- there is a sense of fun, enjoyment and respect for your fellow students

What there isn't are egos, stroking one's belt, and any stupid rough-house hazing.

Warm ups are gruelling, but necessary, and classes are always with a partner (another student) doing drills, pad work, light sparring, friendly competitveness, but most importantly motivating and encouraging your fellow partner to improve.

My first session was a lilttle intimidating, not knowing anyone, not knowing the warm-up routines, drills, etc. The sense of discomfort dissipates as the session progresses, but really starts to disappear after a the first week, as do the aches and pains, if you start generally unfit as I did.

I have now been to 6 sessions, and am greatly enjoying each session, and looking foward to the next.

Costs are £49 for 5 sessions per month; or £72 for unlimited sessions / classes (up to you how many you attend - I attend 3 Muay Thai sessions per week paying the unlimited fee). The fees seem expensive compared to the gym; however the workout, the sense of accomplishment, and the enjoyment working with your fellow students far, far outweigh the gym experience. If you choose unlimited and attend at least a couple of times a week, each session works out to be quite cheap.

I really love the camaraderie that the Academy fosters, especially the group line up at the end of the session, as everyone high-fives one another.

If you want to dip your toes in the water and are feeling hesitant, take advantage of the week free trial and go for it! FWIW, I'm 48 and have been out of any form of martial arts for at least 16 years.

Cheers!

Best gym in Stevenage.