Martial Arts are more than just exercise. They are primarily a form of self-defence and a great source from which to gain personal confidence. Martial Arts can help you avoid threatening situations or enable you to effectively deal with them if unavoidable, being prepared can make all the difference. Xen-Do in particular provides an excellent opportunity for social interaction in a fun, safe and very exciting environment.
Xen-Do is a way of life, based on an authentic and historic Martial Art that can be traced back to the first Shaolin Monks, you can learn more about this on our Club History page.
Xen-Do is a mixture of karate, oriental kicking and punching and western boxing. It combines self-defence, aerobic workout, flexibility, coordination and speed.
Between the four dojos we have now built a fun and skilled community between our students and Senseis. We have Little champs from as young as 4 years old which is fantastic to see their progress and how confidence grows as well as their ability to learn the curriculum. Xen-Do is also proud to say that we have a large female following, as each class gives them strength and awareness of their environment that provides the ability to defend themselves.
Kickboxing has long been viewed as a male dominated sport and here at Xen-Do we can’t think of a single reason why it should be. It’s time to break the mould!
Over half of our members are women of varying ages. Our classes are designed to incorporate everyone and create a fun, friendly and safe environment to get fit, learn a martial art, and enjoy yourself.
Don’t believe us? Ask one of our members. Argie has been attending our group classes since 2017 and this is what she had to say about her experience with us:
"Fast-forward: it is 2017 and I am finishing drama school. At the same time my anxiety is skyrocketing and working out at the gym is just not enough of a stress release, especially as I don’t feel like I’m achieving much. So I’m walking down the street and remember the Xen-Do banner outside my gym: BOOK A FREE TRIAL. I take my phone out, go on the Xen-Do website and fill in my details, I’ve got nothing to lose, the trial is free after all.
Arghierenia Kyrimi
I had no idea what to expect and I had no idea that my life was about to change forever. From my very first class I felt super motivated and as if I was 'getting it', I was in my element. Of course, there was still a LOT to learn and there still is. For my first year, I was on a once a week membership and was going up the grades on a fairly standard pace. As the months past, I felt more and more as a member of the community, I went from mumbling 'hello' and 'goodbye' as I entered and exited the dojo to proudly exclaiming 'Ouss!'"
Thanks Argie, we couldn’t have put it better ourselves! To check out Argie’s full Xen-Do journey head to over to our News Page to read the whole story.
Xen-Do provides World Class instruction at all levels.
The founder of Xen-Do is Dai Master Rafael Nieto, 4 times British Champion, European and World Champion with 30 years of Martial Arts experience. He heads a team of top-class professional instructors including World and European champions. See our instructors bios for more information.
At Xen-Do we follow Dai Master Rafael's 'Fearless Way', this means that everyone at every level can participate without fear or trepidation.
Classes begin with a thorough full-body stretch; once properly warmed up students learn basic kicks, punches and combinations followed by attack and defence techniques practised with a partner.
The classes are non-contact, so there is no risk of getting hurt and the sessions last approximately 1 hour. Separate classes are available for students who wish to practice technical movements with a partner.
We also offer personal (small group) and private (individual) classes.
Enthusiasm and energy, you are going to enjoy your Xen-Do experience!
Wear loose clothing, something you can be comfortable and flexible in, tracksuit trousers/leggings and a t-shirt are best, plus a clean pair of socks. Also bring a towel and a bottle of water.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to their first lesson.
Our membership prices range between £10 and £22 per lesson depending on the type of membership you are interested in. The price will differ depending on how many classes you’d like to attend per week, and also, on the duration of the monthly membership you chose. The rate will also vary slightly depending on which of the dojos you’d like to belong to as a member.
We have so many various programmes to choose from, we have something for everyone! We can help you get what you want out of Xen-Do! We can accommodate any busy schedule, frequent travel and even the school run.
We recommend first coming for a trial class where we can show you around and introduce ourselves, then after, a member of our team will be happy to go through all we have to offer and the benefits of our memberships for example:
- Freezing
- Blocks of classes
- Personal/Privates
- Grading for belts
Should you have any further questions you are always welcome to contact us direct via admin@xen-do.com or 0207 487 3807.
We look forward to meeting you!
Yes! Xen-Do makes for fantastic events for birthday parties, team building sessions and many more. These classes will help motivation and performance.
Please call us on 0207 487 3807 or email info@xen-do.com for further information.
We are always looking for Kickboxing and Martial Arts instructors who can consistently deliver the Xen-Do experience. Please visit our careers page for more information.
Here at Xen-Do we aim to accommodate everyone and their schedules. We understand you need time for yourself after the school run during your lunch break, you might want to get away from the office during your lunch break and some need to let off steam after a lecture. Whatever the reason may be that brings you through our door we have the class for you.
Xen-Do has three types of flexible memberships to offer:-
Group: Every dojo have a fixed timetable for our students, there are multiple classes throughout the week which you are welcome to choose to attend. Once you are a member there is no need to book in advance to attend group classes you are welcome to come along and join. We have separated each class for age groups and belt level.
Personals: These are pre booked lessons via email or calling us directly. They are welcome to run alongside the group classes if that is the time slot you choose. These are lessons are up to four students only to book in at one time allowing Sensei to focus closely on your progress.
Privates: These are one to one classes with the instructor, you have the same flexibility as the personal classes as you can pre book your lesson via email or calling the dojo. These allow you to focus on your personal technique, combinations and pad work with your Sensei until you are feeling great and perfect to grade.
The timetable may differ depending on which dojo you choose to have a membership with.
With all membership questions you are welcome to email our admin team at admin@xen-do.com. They are prompt with response and do their best to thoroughly look into and solve your query.
Why do people to do anything? ...because they want to, ...because they need to, ...because they have to!
We want to because we heard it's the best place to be if you're interested in learning a new hobby or have a passion for martial arts and looking for an outlet! We also know that the classes at Xen-Do teach you not only the most graceful spinning kick but also how to defend yourself.
We need to because we can't stick to our regular gym membership as much as we promise ourselves we will. Another reason is that we would like our summer bodies all year round and know that Xen-Do will give us the motivation and help to get there, to keep and maintain a fitness level we are happy with.
We have to because we may have been brought along by friend or partner to a trial class and now we train everyday and are a green belt bringing everyone we know to join the hype!
Xen-Do knows once you start for whatever reason that brought you through our dojo doors this is a lifestyle choice.
Use the following links to find your nearest club:
Baker Steet
Marylebone
Goodge Street
Mayfair
Or contact us directly.
Covid-19 Frequently asked questions
All group class memberships can be booked in through our online booking system. To log in you will enter your surname and date of birth (if you are registering your child, it will be under the surname and date of birth of the adult that joined them).
If you have any issues with logging into our booking system, please call your dojo or email info@xen-do.com.
For personal and private membership to book in for your class please contact your dojo directly via email or calling.
Students should arrive no more than 5 minutes prior to class start in order to limit the number of people in the studio at any given time. If arriving earlier, you may be asked to wait outside until entrance into the dojo is permitted.
Yes, but we encourage members to shower at home where possible as we limit the number of members allowed in the changing rooms at any one time.
Come to the dojo ready to train if possible. Bring your full training kit, a water bottle and your face mask.
When entering the dojo or in the reception area we advise that you wear a face covering. We recommend wearing a face mask when training unless you are exempt. The gov.uk website says the following on the matter “if you are undertaking exercise or an activity and it would negatively impact your ability to do so” you may remove your mask.
Yes, but all group classes must be booked in advance so we can stick to our class capacity.
Classes will be the same except for a temporary ‘no contact’ policy. Your classes will consist of cardio, combinations, basics, form fighting, bag work, conditioning. Pad work will be permitted with Senseis /members who will be fully protected.
Temporary new dojo etiquette:
1. Touchless temperature checks will be mandatory for everyone upon entry. You will kindly be asked to leave and speak to a doctor if your temperature is above 37º. If you do not feel well, or have been exposed to anyone who is ill, please do not come to the dojo.
2. Social distancing guidelines must always be followed. There are clear markings to follow throughout the dojo.
3. Face masks must be worn by ALL members and visitors when entering the dojo and while in reception. Xen-Do will not supply facemasks, so please come prepared.
4. Water fountain facilities will be temporarily closed.
5. Changing facilities will remain open, with a limited number of people at any one time. However, members are encouraged to come ready in kit where possible.
6. Senseis will be geared up with face masks and/or face shields.
7. There will be a temporary ‘no contact’ policy. Your classes will consist of cardio, combinations, basics, form fighting, bag work, conditioning. Pad work will only be permitted with Senseis and students who are fully protected.
Now that dojos are open, we will be taking all classes indoors. If you wish to continue in the park or at home, you can speak to your dojo about converting to a private membership in order to train out of the dojo.
Membership FAQ
Students who are not ready to immediately return to the dojo should contact admin with their reservations to work out the best solution for you. Contact admin@xen-do.com.
No, while we have been closed all memberships have been frozen so to complete the minimum term you signed up for the same period will be added to the end of your contract.
Yes, in the same way as other memberships.
No, students who call the dojo within 8 hours of the class start time due to illness or possible exposure to COVID-19 can do so without losing the class. Standard late cancel policies will apply to students who do not alert their dojo.
Email admin and notify them of your position, there are various options we can offer to help you through a difficult time (proof may be requested).
No, you can convert all memberships purchased in the park to take in the dojo.
Yes, online training is purchased on a monthly basis and can be cancelled at any time but many of you have expressed a wish to keep online training running.