Martial Arts · Kickboxing · MMA, Blackburn & Darwen

Train. Defend.
Grow in
Confidence.

Genjitsu Martial Arts offers kickboxing, MMA and traditional martial arts classes in Blackburn and Darwen. Expert instruction for all ages, from Little Warriors at 4 years old through to adults, with a syllabus built around real-world self-defence.

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30+ Years Est.
2 Locations
Ages 4+ Welcome
Family Run Club
30+Years Established
5.0★Google Rating
8thDan Instruction
100%Family Run
Why Choose Us

More Than Just Martial Arts

At Genjitsu Martial Arts in Blackburn and Darwen, we don't just teach you to kick and punch. We build confident, disciplined, capable people, one class at a time.

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Practical Self-Defence

Our multi-style system focuses on real-world defensive techniques that genuinely work, developed and refined over 30 years by Grand Master Ed Dillon.

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Family-Run & Welcoming

We're a family business, and that shows in everything we do. New members are welcomed with patience, respect and genuine support from day one.

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Elite Instruction

Train under Grand Master Ed Dillon (8th Dan) and Master David Dillon (7th Dan), decades of expertise and a passion for developing every student.

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Fitness & Conditioning

Improve strength, flexibility, reaction speed, coordination and cardiovascular fitness. Martial arts is one of the most complete physical workouts available.

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Confidence & Discipline

Watch yourself (or your child) grow in self-belief and mental discipline. The lessons learned on the mat carry into every area of life.

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3 Convenient Locations

Train at our clubs across the Blackburn and Darwen area in East Lancashire. Multiple class times to fit around work, school and family life.

Why Genjitsu

Why Choose Genjitsu?

Everything a great martial arts club should be, in one place, for the whole family.

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Beginner FriendlyNo experience needed, everyone starts somewhere
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Family AtmosphereA welcoming community built over 30+ years
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Expert InstructionGrand Master Ed Dillon, 8th Dan qualified
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Structured ProgressionClear belt grading with meaningful milestones
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All Ages WelcomeClasses from age 4 through to adult
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Kickboxing & MMAMultiple disciplines under one roof
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5.0★ on Google27 verified reviews from local families
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Free Trial ClassNo commitment, come and try before you join
Book Your Free Trial
Our Classes

Training For Every Age

Whether you're in Blackburn, Darwen or anywhere across East Lancashire, our classes are structured to meet you exactly where you are, as a complete beginner or returning student.

Little Warriors class at Genjitsu
Ages 4–6

Little Warriors

Our youngest class, specially designed to introduce children to martial arts through games, fun challenges and age-appropriate activities that build confidence from the very start.

  • Fun games & challenges
  • Builds confidence early
  • Listening & focus skills
  • Gentle introduction to martial arts
Little Warriors
Junior martial arts class at Genjitsu
Ages 7–15

Junior Classes

Give your child the gift of confidence. Junior classes teach discipline, respect and real self-defence skills in a safe, structured, fun environment.

  • Build confidence & self-belief
  • Develop focus & discipline
  • Safe, supervised environment
  • Fun & rewarding progression
Junior Classes
Adult martial arts class at Genjitsu
Ages 16+

Adult Classes

Train in a challenging yet supportive environment. Our adult programme covers practical self-defence, physical conditioning, and mental discipline, no experience required.

  • Practical self-defence techniques
  • All fitness levels welcome
  • Structured belt progression
  • Improve fitness & flexibility
Adult Classes
For Parents

The Best Gift You Can Give Your Child

As a parent, you want your child to be confident, focused and able to look after themselves. At Genjitsu, our junior classes are specifically designed to develop the whole child, not just their kicks.

Our experienced instructors create a safe, structured environment where children thrive. Many parents tell us the change in their child is remarkable, calmer at home, more focused at school, and walking taller everywhere they go.

Learn About Junior Classes
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Focus & Concentration

Structured training teaches children to focus their minds, skills that directly improve school performance.

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Respect & Discipline

Martial arts is built on mutual respect. Children learn to respect instructors, peers and themselves.

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Physical Confidence

As skills grow, so does confidence in their physical abilities, reducing the chance they'll ever need to use them.

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Real Self-Defence Skills

Practical techniques appropriate for their age, giving you peace of mind as a parent.

Your Instructors

Train With the Best

World-class instruction from a father-and-son team who have dedicated their lives to martial arts.

Grand Master Ed Dillon Photo
Founder & Head Instructor

Grand Master Ed Dillon

8th Dan Black Belt Founder, Est. 1990

Grand Master Ed Dillon founded Genjitsu Martial Arts in 1990 with a vision to create one of the most effective defensive martial arts systems in the country. Over three decades later, his expertise and passion for developing students remains unmatched.

Master David Dillon Photo
Senior Instructor

Master David Dillon

7th Dan Black Belt Senior Instructor

Master David Dillon brings an exceptional combination of technical brilliance and natural teaching ability. Trained from a young age by his father, Sensei Dillon brings fresh energy to the club whilst maintaining the high standards that have defined Genjitsu for over 30 years.

Meet the Full Team
Google Reviews

What Our Members Say

★★★★★ 5.0 · 27 Reviews on Google
★★★★★

"4 year old daughter went to Genjitsu Martial Arts and absolutely loved it. We will definitely be going regularly. It's a family run business and the family are lovely. Hopefully this will be a part of our lives for many years to come."

N
Natassia AntcliffeGoogle Review, Local Guide
★★★★★

"My young son loves it, his confidence has increased and really looks forward to going."

S
Sam AbbottGoogle Review, Local Guide
★★★★★

"The family atmosphere at Genjitsu is unlike anything I've experienced at other clubs. Professional and skilled, but genuinely caring about every student's journey. My whole family trains here now."

R
Google Reviewer5★ · Darwen
See All Google Reviews
Getting Started

It's Simple to Begin

No experience. No special kit. No pressure. Just come along and see what Genjitsu is all about.

1

Get in Touch

Call us, fill in the contact form, or simply turn up to a session. We'd love to hear from you.

2

Try a Free Class

Come along for your free trial session. Wear comfortable clothing, we'll provide everything else you need to know.

3

Join the Family

If you love it (and most people do), join the Genjitsu family and begin your martial arts journey.

Gallery
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Genjitsu Martial Arts training floor
Genjitsu Martial Arts club banner
Genjitsu Martial Arts heavy bag and conditioning gym
Class Schedule

Find Your Perfect Session

Full Timetable

Darwen

Cotton Hall Mill, Cotton Hall St, BB3 0DW

Classes Monday–Saturday, Little Warriors, Juniors, Seniors, Ladies, MMA & Kickboxing. See full times →

Mellor

Mellor, Ribble Valley, Lancashire

Saturday session: 10am–12pm, all ages welcome. See full times →

Find Us

Two Locations Across Lancashire

Wherever you are in East Lancashire, there's a Genjitsu club near you.

Darwen

Main Club
Cotton Hall Mill, Cotton Hall St, Darwen BB3 0DW
07935 114574
Get Directions

Mellor

Ribble Valley
Mellor, Ribble Valley, Lancashire
[Add full address]
Saturdays: 10am – 12pm
07935 114574
Contact Us
FAQ

Common Questions

Is martial arts good for complete beginners?

Absolutely. Every student at Genjitsu starts as a beginner. Our classes are structured so that complete novices can join at any point and progress at their own pace. No prior fitness or experience is needed, just turn up and we'll take care of the rest.

What age can children start martial arts?

We welcome children from the age of 4 into our Little Warriors programme, a class specially designed for young children using games and fun activities. Junior classes are available for ages 7–15, and adult classes start at 16.

Do I need to be fit before I join?

Not at all. The training itself will improve your fitness. We welcome students of every fitness level and body type. Your instructors will work with you at a pace that suits you from day one.

What should I wear to my first class?

Comfortable sportswear is perfect, jogging bottoms and a t-shirt work well. You don't need to buy any kit before your trial. We'll guide you on everything you need if you decide to join.

How much do classes cost?

Your first trial class is completely free. After that, membership fees are structured to suit individuals and families. Contact us for current pricing.

Does Genjitsu teach kickboxing and MMA?

Yes. Alongside our traditional Genjitsu martial arts classes, we run dedicated kickboxing and MMA classes. Our overall syllabus blends traditional martial arts with MMA elements and is built around real-world self-defence scenarios.

Is martial arts good for building confidence?

It's one of the most consistent things parents and students tell us. Mastering new techniques, earning belt progressions and learning to defend yourself builds real, lasting confidence, on the mat and in everyday life.

Local to You

Serving Blackburn, Darwen & Surrounding Lancashire

Genjitsu Martial Arts Academy welcomes students from Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington, Great Harwood, Rishton, Oswaldtwistle and the surrounding Lancashire area. With two convenient locations and a wide range of class times, expert martial arts, kickboxing and MMA instruction is always within easy reach.

Blackburn Darwen Accrington Great Harwood Rishton Oswaldtwistle Mellor Lancashire
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Start Today

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Your first class is free, no commitment, no pressure. Join students from Blackburn, Darwen and across East Lancashire who've already started their journey.

Book a Free Trial Call 07935 114574