London, like many other locations, has experienced a surge in the popularity of combat sports in recent years. With English fighters such as Tom Aspinall and Leon Edwards making significant strides in the UFC, and the boxing scene flourishing with figures like Tyson Fury and London’s KSI, it is not surprising that people are developing an interest in martial arts.
A recent study conducted by Harlow Leisurezone analysed search engine data to ascertain the most sought-after martial arts classes in every region and county across England. The findings for London were particularly fascinating, with boxing ranking as the most searched martial art, with an average of 8100 monthly searches for “Boxing classes near me.” Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai closely followed, each receiving around 6600 searches, while Kickboxing rounded out the top three with 5400 searches per month.
This trend was not confined to London alone, as other regions such as North East England, North West England, and South West England also displayed a strong interest in Jiu Jitsu. The East of England and East Midlands favoured Muay Thai, while South East England also leaned towards Muay Thai.
Patrick Arnold, the activity and engagement manager at Harlow Leisurezone, expressed satisfaction with the research results. He pointed out that the increasing interest in martial arts was not only advantageous for physical fitness, but also contributed to the development of respect, self-improvement, and a sense of community. In his view, “It’s more than just learning to defend yourself, it’s about building confidence, discipline, and resilience, whilst also improving mental health and relieving stress.”
Arnold also highlighted the impact of English fighters in the UFC, stating, “I’m proud to see the rise of English fighters in the UFC like Tom Aspinall, Leon Edwards, Paddy Pimblett, and Molly McCann inspire people to take up a martial art.” He encouraged individuals of all ages and experience levels to give it a try, emphasizing the numerous benefits that come with martial arts training.
It is evident that the interest in combat sports, particularly martial arts, is increasing in London and across England. Whether it is the physical fitness aspect, the mental health benefits, or simply the thrill of learning a new skill, there is something for everyone in the realm of martial arts. Therefore, if you have been contemplating trying it out, perhaps now is the perfect time to take the leap.