Information about Khalid Ismail Academy

The Drive
IG1 3JE, Ilford
+442080377573

Opening hours

  • sunday: (closed)
  • monday: 18h-21h
  • tuesday: 17h-21h
  • wednesday: (closed)
  • thursday: 17h-21h
  • friday: 18h-21h
  • saturday: 9:30-11:30
Martial arts at our school is for everyone, from beginners all the way up through black belts looking for new challenges. You’ll be addicted before you know it! The classes are designed with adults in mind as well as kids so they’re fun and challenging. Don’t miss out on this unique sport that will have you coming back every week to practice something different each time – whether its Kickboxing or Jiu Jitsu!

Our comment from FitFit UK about Khalid Ismail Academy:

Khalid Ismail Academy, located in Ilford, United Kingdom, is a premier destination for martial arts enthusiasts of all skill levels. With a warm and welcoming environment, it offers an excellent platform for learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, and MMA.

Key Highlights:

  • Experienced coaching under Coach Khalid, a professional MMA athlete with a wealth of knowledge.
  • Structured and methodical classes that enhance the learning experience.
  • A supportive community that fosters camaraderie among members.
  • Classes available for all ages, including specialized programs for kids.
  • Facilities that promote a safe and encouraging atmosphere for training.
  • Focus on personal development, physical fitness, and disciplined training.

Overall, students rave about the high-quality training and the personal attention they receive. The academy's family-oriented approach makes it a favorite among students and parents alike. However, there have been occasional concerns regarding communication about student progress, particularly in younger classes. Nevertheless, the majority of reviews highlight an overwhelmingly positive experience, making Khalid Ismail Academy a standout choice for anyone looking to embark on a martial arts journey.

Services, Machines and Guided Classes

Martial Arts
Boxing

Khalid Ismail Academy: Opinions

4.9/5 (34 Opinions)
Antonio Denis 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Great academy,the coach is really experienced really good place to learn martial arts.

Abdullah 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: The best coaching in an extremely welcoming environment great for entry level and experienced grapplers to learn

Jalal Amin 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Very friendly environment that encourages learning for all levels under a world class coach, great for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, MMA. Best place I've been for martial arts!

Khaleel Burnikell 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: After training At several gyms around east London I can unbiasedly say Khalid Ismail academy is second to none. From the high level of teaching to the friendly, family oriented environment everything is first class!

Generic User 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: This is an excellent training academy, as someone entering my third year of membership, I can attest to brilliant level of coaching and the camaraderie of members of the academy. You should definitely consider joining if you want to develop your skills in martial arts and improve your mental and physical fitness.

Adil I 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Honestly what a fantastic brotherhood. Feel comfortable and at home with a good group of people. Technical, hard working academy

peter arenas 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Great club and atmosphere. I’ve been to many clubs where I felt uncomfortable. By that I mean not really welcoming, unfriendly people, too much egos etc. Also when I’ve tried other clubs, the teaching was all over the place and don’t really follow any real structure or program. I found the classes at the Khalid Ismail Academy to be very structured and well taught. Very friendly members who are very willing to help and encourage you. For me it’s the best club I’ve trained at. I would highly recommend the club for all ages. Khalid has years of experience in MMA which you can see with the teaching and his portfolio of people he has trained and coached.

zayn 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: amazing training. top class coach

Reneta Nikolova 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great athlete and motivator! The entire team of the academy are professionals and very caring and attentive people! We are happy to be part of this amazing academy! Good luck !

A “A” 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Best martial arts gym to train at, not just for the training itself but for the discipline and work ethic that is installed in you by training under Coach Khalid.

Revaldo Zekaj 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Elite level training, beginner friendly and a lot of fun. Most importantly you feel like you're part of a family.

R.Islam “Rsc96” 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: High quality training, drill work, sparring and cardio. Can cross train very easily with their package system and coach Khalid is an excellent teacher. I enjoy my sessions here a lot!

Khalid Ismail Academy

Thanks, glad to hear your enjoying the coaching, happy to have you part of the team!

Ifty A (Ifty) 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Coach Khalids has this incredible ability to teach and breakdown techniques, making them easy to learn and pickup. You definitely feel the great experiences he's gathered from his career and training with the world's best especially when melding techniques from the disciplines. And we get them all on the comfort of East London. Most importantly this is fostered in a safe environment for all which is great for people of all confidences and even injuries. This is the best place to learn MMA, Kickboxing and Jiu-jitsu.

Khalid Ismail Academy

Thank you for your amazing review! We're thrilled that you find Coach Khalids' teaching style effective and our facility comfortable. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to helping you achieve your MMA, Kickboxing, and Jiu-jitsu goals. See you soon on the mats!

Oms 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Khalid is a great guy as well as a coach to the adults and a great mentor to the younger fighters there. His academy has great energy and atmosphere. Always welcoming and knowledgeable due to coming from a world-champion background.

Rishi Patel 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Fun environment and is welcome to everyone. YOU can sign up for kick boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Mixed martial arts

Rohan Khan 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: I’ve been training at KIA for a number of years now, learning under the well renowned Coach Khalid who is a master of the art, knowledgeable, and a specialist in kickboxing and MMA. Khalid isn’t just a teacher, he is a coach, a friend and a brother. And these values are instilled within us, the family at the academy. He’s an inspiration to me and every student who attends. Every session is a period in your day to let your frustrations out … in a disciplined manner. There are variations in the type of lessons depending on the day of the week, and the classes are suitable for beginners all the way to black belt and beyond. My nephew (7 years old) now also attends now and absolutely loves it and is always showing me what he’s learnt at the sessions.

Ulfat Kazmi 3 years ago

Negative experience: My daughter who is 7 years old joined this academy three months ago. After three months of training i was pulled aside as I went to pick up my daughter and was told by Khalids wife that my daughter could no longer train for BJJ. When I asked what the reason was the response I got was that “coach Khalid has decided my daughter shouldn’t attend BJJ as he reckons it’s not for her and that she should not continue with the class for another year”. When I asked why this decision is made I was told my daughter is not improving. Bearing in mind my daughter has only been doing the class for only three months. As a Pt myself for 15 years I would never dismiss a client or student, especially a child after only three months as “not improving” , as my main goal for my students is to train them at their own pace because every single person in life, essentially, learns and grows at their own pace. This is a massive let down for such a well known academy and I would strongly advise anyone who is looking to join this academy to check what the terms and conditions are before hand to avoid having an upset child who now feels demotivated and incapable. Really shocking!!!! Also, whilst I waited for my daughter to finish training I noticed that majority of khalids attention and time was spent on his own kids and wife. They made me buy a uniform for bjj and a T-shirt for kickboxing only to be told my daughter can’t attend. What a waste of time and money. I have now completely cancelled my membership with the academy as I feel the decision made was very unfair. A good coach/teacher would have worked with my child’s current ability and helped to progress instead of kicking them out of the class. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND. I wouldn’t even give this academy a 1 star but had to as Google wasn’t allowing me to post the review. From A very annoyed parent and upset daughter.

Ali Khan 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Khalid is a professional MMA athlete and an amazing coach. He teaches people of all levels and teaches you practical techniques that will help you become an all rounded martial artist.

Amit G 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Having been fortunate enough to have trained at a number of professional gyms within the UK and internationally, I can say, without any doubt, that Khalid is the Gold Standard as a Coach. The MMA and BJJ classes are exceptionally well structured, with hands on instruction, live and consistent drilling of techniques, pressure testing, controlled sparring in an amazing team environment. Whether you are a novice starting out, or keeping your skills sharp, or looking to compete, then look no further. Khalid Ismail Academy should be your first and only port of call!

Enver Ozdemir 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: When it comes to self-defence/martial arts. This is the place to be, with a once in a lifetime coach and amazing training partners, you honestly couldn't ask for more. One thing I've taken away from KIA aside the skills is discipline. Bushido code is the core values of KIA. Ouss

Abdurrahman Miah 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Coach Khalid really cares for his students and gives them his time and attention which really helps individual development. The Academy teaches students with a multifaceted approach, with striking and grappling classes as well as fantastic nutrition advice to improve performance and promote a healthy lifestyle. Using Coach Khalid's E book has been fantastic.

Mr Tox 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Rolled and learnt a lot from coach Khalid. Fantastic and very methodical in his approach. Would definitely recommend for kids and adults alike.

Jay Alcid 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: One of the Best life decision I’ve ever made. I’ve Not really been brought up with a martial arts background so when I joined i was a bit nervous and didn’t really know what to expect. But Speaking to Khalid and his wife Laila made me feel so welcome and the knowledge that he passes on is amazing. Always learning something everytime I attend class. I was immediately hooked. Always looking forward to going. All members of my family attend now and as soon as my younger ones are old enough they also will be going. I highly highly recommend joining. Won’t be disappointed

Faizel Sagir 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Fantastic club. Coach Khalid and Layla always makes everyone feel welcome and gives time to each and every person. I have started all my kids at Coach Khalids classes, and I can already see the positive impact Coach Khalid has on them. The training is intense and top quality. Whether adult or kids classes, you definately feel the experience of being trained by an elite coach at an elite club.

Zoheir Mohamed 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: KIA Gym is the best place you are looking for either for yourself or for your kids and for all levels from just to keep fit or compete or even going Pro,KIA is the right place to go, Coach Khalid will be there to guide you and his wife Leila as well will be assisting you for admin,training and guidance Fitness, Jiu jitsu , Kickboxing and NEW CLASSES MMA and to many things coming up don’t miss out

Haider Qazi 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Amazing gym. Friendly and knowledgeable instructors. Highly recommended

Abigail Connor 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: I challenge anyone to find a better Coach! KI academy is meditation for me, in an energised workout kind-of-way! The club is great, with an encouraging vibe every session! Sensei (Khalid) has great knowledge and patience. He is so inspiring regardless of what point of your training journey you are on; male or female, young or old(er)! Also, Laaila is awesome and will get you setup ! They are a great team!

M J 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: My inspiration! Enrolled my two sons into the Academy absolutely amazing Khalid needs no intro just google or you tube him - so to be taught by the man himself is an honour my kids love it. They bought so much discipline into there daily lives as well as bags of confidence. I myself have also enrolled on the adults Kickboxing love every second of it Khalid is very knowledgeable/experiences and incorporates everything in the sessions so you going away with a holistic session u get the knowledge practice and the physical experience. I always look forward to the sessions as every week is different....looking to enrol on his MMA too! Keep up the good work Khalid and team your a great role model Uss

malik jerrari 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great classes where u come to learn how to fight like a professional! Proper coaching aswell and great team that help teach different styles of fighting! Fellow classmates are all amazing very polite and respectful but also don't mess around when it comes to crunch time !!

Yahya Ahmed 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Been attending for a few years now, coming all the way from South East, i have personally made huge improvements following Coach Khalids pathway, this is the best place to learn Self Defence, and martial arts. Whether your looking to compete, train or even just stay fit, this is the place to be. Family Friendly environment.

Ameer Khan 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Khalid is a great coach and the sessions are brilliant, especially if you are completely new to combat sports.

Abu Dujanah Imraan 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Very professional high level quality training. Coach Khalid Ismail teaches in a very structured way which allows you to constantly develop and track your progress. If you're looking to get into combat sports or want to take it to the next level, this is the place to train no doubt!

Shabs K 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: My daughter attended the Muay Thai sessions and she really enjoyed them, Obviously Khalid is a great teacher and his wife Laila is lovely and is always so accommodating with all my questions.

The Korrupted Skribbler 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: Best martial arts gym in london. Intense sessions mixed with great techniques and good vibes in each of the classes.

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