The Academy was established in 1989 by instructors qualified in a variety of martial arts and combat disciplines. We offer high-quality, safe and fun classes in a friendly and appropriately relaxed environment. Our three main training programmes are Integrated fighting arts, Savate and Canne de Combat. You can chose to train in one or all of these programmes. Find out more in The Arts. Our instructors are DBS checked and fully insured. You can find out more about our instructors by visiting the Instructor menu, in About Us.
Our Instructors
High quality training, with qualified trainers, is essential to good and safe progression. Our instructors are carefully selected, and encouraged to continue their own development in martial arts. CAMA instructors, who are responsible for running any training sessions, are required to hold a First Aid certificate and be CRB/DBS checked.
CAMA Members Shine at 2026 Canne de Combat World Championships
The highlight of the championships was a historic performance from Jacob West, who became the first non-French athlete ever to win the Men’s Canne de Combat World Championship. Competing against the world’s best exponents of the discipline, Jacob’s victory marks a landmark moment in the history of international Canne de Combat and reflects years of dedication, training and commitment.
The championships attracted athletes from across Europe, Asia and Africa, with competitions in men’s, women’s, wheelchair and mixed team categories showcasing the continued international growth of Canne de Combat. While France once again topped the overall medal table, Jacob West’s historic victory demonstrated that the highest honours are now being contested by an increasingly diverse international field.
There was further success for CAMA as Alessandro Nguyen Rievaj claimed the Youth title at the accompanying 3rd Prague World Cup. Alessandro’s impressive performance continues his rapid development and confirms his place among the most promising young Canne de Combat athletes in the world.
CAMA’s contribution extended well beyond the competition area. Senior Instructor Dr Julie Gabriel served as one of the Competition Managers for the championships, while Jon West officiated throughout the event after successfully completing the international Referee Training Seminar held immediately before the competition. Together with the achievements of Jacob West and Alessandro Nguyen Rievaj, CAMA members played important roles as athletes, officials and event organisers at the highest level of international Canne de Combat.
Everyone at Cambridge Academy of Martial Arts congratulates Jacob, Alessandro, Jon, and Julie on their outstanding contributions in Prague. Their performances, professionalism and commitment are a credit to the club and demonstrate CAMA’s continued contribution to the development of Canne de Combat at the highest international level.
Train, Test and Challenge Yourself at the CAMA 2026 Savate Summer Camp
Looking for an exciting way to improve your martial arts skills this summer? Whether you’re taking your first steps in Savate or preparing for your next grading or competition, the Cambridge Academy of Martial Arts® (CAMA) invites you to join us for our 2026 Savate Summer Camp.
Taking place over Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th August 2026, this action-packed weekend offers high-quality instruction, technical development, and plenty of opportunities to put your skills into practice in a friendly and supportive environment.
A Weekend of Training for Everyone
The CAMA Summer Camp is designed for students of all experience levels. You can attend either one day or the full weekend, making it easy to fit around your summer plans.
Throughout the weekend you’ll benefit from:
- Savate General and Technical Training
- Savate Coloured Glove Promotional Testing
- Pre-arranged Inter-Club Savate Assaut Challenge Matches
- Savate Defence training
- Canne de Combat training
Our experienced instructors will help you refine your technique, improve your movement, develop tactical understanding and build confidence, whether your goal is grading, competition or simply becoming a better martial artist.
Challenge Yourself
One of the highlights of the weekend will be the opportunity to take part in pre-arranged inter-club Savate Assaut challenge matches. These friendly bouts provide valuable experience in a safe and well-supervised environment, allowing students to test what they have learned against partners from other clubs.
Students working towards their next grade will also have the opportunity to undertake Coloured Glove promotional testing during the camp.
More Than Just Savate
The weekend also includes sessions in Savate Defence and Canne de Combat, giving participants the chance to experience additional disciplines that complement their Savate training and broaden their martial arts knowledge.
Stay for the Whole Weekend
Training runs from 10:00am until 4:00pm on both days, with the possibility of additional informal training and social activities for those staying overnight.
For visitors travelling from outside the area, local campsites are available, making it easy to enjoy the full weekend and meet fellow martial artists from around the country.
Event Details
Dates: Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th August 2026
Venue:
St. Bede’s School Sports Hall and Gymnasium
Birdwood Road
Cambridge
CB1 3TD
Times:
10:00am – 4:00pm each day
Attend one day or both.
Reserve Your Place Today
We believe in making high-quality Savate training accessible to everyone, with flexible attendance options available.
Adults
- One Day: £20
- Both Days: £30
Youths & Pre-Teens
- One Day: £12
- Both Days: £16
Coloured Glove Promotional Testing
Participants wishing to undertake a Savate Coloured Glove Promotional Test during the camp should add £20 to the appropriate attendance fee (all Adults, Youths and Juniors).
Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
For information and bookings:
📞 Call Ollie: 07709 814422
📧 Email: ollie.cama@gmail.com
We look forward to welcoming CAMA members and visitors from other clubs for a weekend of learning, hard work, friendly competition and plenty of fun.
Train. Test. Compete. Have Fun!
Joining the Academy
The Academy welcomes new members, whether beginner or experienced. We are community-based club, with a mission to open up the martial arts and combat sports to the widest range of people.
Our instructors are qualifed, friendly, trained in First Aid and have been DBS checked. If you are unsure which class(es) to try, and you would like to talk with one of the instructors, you are welcome to call or email.
FLEXIBLE 3-NIGHT-TRIAL
We offer a flexible 3-Night-Trial, costing just £15, for prospective new members.
ONE TIME ONLY JOINING FEES
Adult (18+) & Teen (13-17) = £32.
Junior (7- 12/13) = £28.
MONTHLY TRAINING FEES
Are based on Category (Adult, Teen or Junior) and the number of nights you wish to attend each month. For example : An Adult on the Gold Member Option, who chooses to attend 3 or 4 sessions each week, would be paying less than £5-a-night
Junior members who attend training on 2 nights-a-week would also pay close to £5-a-night.
More information on Training Fees here
OUR TRAINING WEEK
Adults & Teens:
Monday = Savate Kickboxing or Canne de Combat
Tuesday = Integrated Fighting Arts – Martial Arts X Training
Wednesday = Savate Kickboxing or Canne de Combat
Thursday = Integrated Fighting Arts – Eskrima
Juniors 6.30 – 7.30pm :
Monday = Savate Kickboxing
Thursday = Savate Kickboxing & Eskrima
Beginners do not need any specialist clothing or equipment for the trial – normal gym kit and clean trainers will be fine!
Later, depending on your choice of classes, you will need items such as gloves, mouthguard or kali sticks. We are happy to advise.
Class Timetable July 2026
Cambridge Academy Classes from July 2026
We are based at St Bede’s, in the Sportshall and Gym, with great facilities.
We have free and ample onsite parking. St Bede’s is on the Citi 2 bus route, which runs from Cambridge North to Addenbrooke’s.
Our full timetable is below or you can download from here
Junior classes are for children aged 7 to 12 years, and are run separately from Adult classes.
Teens, aged 13 to 17 years, are welcome in our Adult classes.
We can run corporate and college events, both in-house and at our venue. Contact us for more information!
Pre-registration essential for all classes
| Monday | St Bede’s School Sports Hall, Birdwood Road, CB1 3TB | |
| 6.30-7.30pm | Juniors, ages 7 to 12 years | Savate & Savate Defence, with the emphasis on fitness, fun and confidence |
| 7.00 – 8.00pm | Adults & Teens (13 years+) | Savate – technique and conditioning – Suitable for ALL levels of fitness and ability |
| 8.00 – 8.45pm | Adults & Teens (13 years+) | Savate Progression – technique, conditioning, pre- & free sparring – Savate Defence |
| 7.00 – 8.00pm | Adults & Teens (13 years+) | Canne de Combat – Beginners welcome |
| 8.00 – 8.45pm | Adults & Teens (13 years+) | Canne de Combat – Intermeduiate & Advanced – including technique, conditioning and sparring |
| Tuesday | St Bede’s School Gymnasium, Birdwood Road, CB1 3TB | |
| 7.00-8.00pm | Adults & Teens (13 years+) | Essentials Programme, Self Defence & External Courses – Suitable for ALL levels of fitness and ability** |
| 8.00-8.45pm | Adults & Teens (13 years+) | Integrated Fighting Arts [JKD-Kali-Silat] |
| Wednesday | St Bede’s School Gymnasium, Birdwood Road, CB1 3TB | |
| 7.00 – 8.00pm | Adults & Teens (13 years+) | Savate – technique and conditioning – Suitable for ALL levels of fitness and ability |
| 8.00 – 8.45pm | Adults & Teens (13 years+) | Savate Supplements: Fitness, Conditioning and Sparring |
| 7.00 – 8.00pm | Adults & Teens (13 years+) | Canne de Combat |
| 8.00 – 8.45pm | Adults & Teens (13 years+) | Canne de Combat – For intermediate and advanced (by invitation) |
| Thursday | St Bede’s School Gymnasium, Birdwood Road, CB1 3TB | |
| 6.30-7.30pm | Juniors, ages 7 to 12 years | Savate, Savate Defence & Kali, with the emphasis on fitness, fun and confidence |
| 7.00 – 8.00pm | Adults & Teens (13 years+) | Eskrima-Kali-Silat Training |
| 8.00 – 8.45pm | Adults & Teens (13 years+) | Integrated Fighting Arts [JKD-Kali-Silat] and Self Defence |
| Senior Instructors Ollie and Julie are both available for private training or day time classes. For more information, email : info.camauk@gmail.com |
||
** Essentials Programme: October – December; and January – March
External courses: March – June
Pre-University and pre-6th Form Self Defence courses: July – September
Training Fees
We currently offer three different Training Fee Plans payable by Direct Debit. Bronze, Silver and Gold plans are available for available for Adults and Youth/Young Teens (13-17yrs). Bronze and Silver plans are available for Juniors (7-12yrs).
Bronze = training any four nights in each calendar month
Silver = training any eight nights in each calendar month
Gold = unlimited training in all regularly timetabled nights
Training Fees for Adults
Bronze = £32 per calendar month for training any four nights in each calendar month.
Silver = £48 per calendar month for training any eight nights in each calendar month.
Gold = £64 per calendar month for unlimited training in all regularly timetabled nights.
Training Fees forYouth/Young Teens (13-17yrs)
Bronze = £30 per calendar month for training any four nights in each calendar month.
Silver = £45 per calendar month for training any eight nights in each calendar month.
Gold = £60 per calendar month for unlimited training in all regularly timetabled nights.
Training Fees for Juniors (7-12yrs)
Bronze = £28 per calendar month for training any four nights in each calendar month.
Silver = £42 per calendar month for training any eight nights in each calendar month.
Adult Classes : New members 2026
New members are always welcome at the Academy whether complete beginners or experienced martial artists. There are many reasons why people begin training in martial arts: to improve fitness, an interest in self-defence, to try something new or meet new people? Some want to enter competitions and/or test for higher ranks in a system. We will be pleased to welcome you for any of these reasons.
The Academy offers a three session trial so you can find out more about our classes. You can see our class schedule on the Timetable in the “Joining the Academy” menu. You will train with qualified and experienced instructors, keen to help you learn and improve your fitness and self-confidence.
You must contact us in advance to register. Use our contact form, which you can find in the “About Us” menu. Or call Ollie for further information – phone 077 09 814 422
Beginners Kickboxing – April 2026
Train for Fun or for improved Fitness & Conditioning, or simply to make New Friends.
Now recruiting new members! Beginners 3 session trial is just £15 per person.
These sessions are designed for adult beginners, and will introduce the skills in a safe and fun environment. Our instructors are experienced, fully qualified and hold first aid and DBS accreditation. You must be at least 13 years old to join.
If you would like to test for different levels or to compete, we are happy to help you prepare, but it is not compulsory.
Click the button above or use this QR code
If you would like more information first, email: info.camauk (at) gmail.com
Or, if you prefer to speak with someone, please call Ollie on 077 09 814 422
Days & times : Mondays and/or Wednesdays, from 7.00 – 8.00pm
Venue: St Bede’s Sports Hall & Gym
Birdwood Road
Cambridge
CB1 3TB
CAMA Summer Savate Open
The CAMA Summer Savate Open took place on Sunday 17th August at St Bedes Sports Hall. We were pleased to welcome Savate clubs from Birmingham, Coventry and Guildford to join our members for the day.
The morning began with a Canne de Combat session run by instructors Jon and Jacob. This was followed by an introduction to judging and refereeing. Julie explained why it’s useful for competitors to understand judging, and the importance of being objective.
Competitors from Cambridge, Birmingham and Guildford then took part in a friendly competition. Alisa and Misha showed great fighting spirit for CAMA, and instructor Morgan had a good workout as referee for most bouts.
To finish the day, instructor Ollie ran a Savate Defence session, whilst instructor Julie ran some grading tests for our Birmingham guests.
Thanks to all participants for a fun and productive day!
CAMA Members in the British Championships
Cambridge Academy hosted the Great Britain Savate Championships, at St Bedes Sports Hall, on 13th April 2025. Nine members of the Academy participated in the event, supported by instructors, Ollie, Julie, Morgan and Jon.
CAMA members showed great enthusiasm and technique, with a variety of attacking and defensive moves. All participated with good sportsmanship and supported other team members throughout the day. Photos at the end of this article – thanks to Ollie for these.
CAMA Results
Friedemann Waldert 2 fights, 2 wins
Seraina Blumli 2 fights, 2 wins
Arabella Jolley 1 fight, 1 win
Isaac West 2 fights, 1 win
Shea Ostani 2 fights, 1 win
Imaltzin Wong, Srihary Pratheeparaja, Sebastian Ostani and Shree Sharma also took part.
We were honoured by Anglia TV coming along to make a report, and interviewing Ollie and three of our members, who spoke about the origins of the sport and why they enjoy it.
Many thanks are due to the West family – for Clare who organised food for all participants, and to Jacob and Isaac who put on an excellent demonstration of Canne de Combat during the break.
Also during the break, Friedemann Waldert was presented with the Great Britain Savate Federation “2025 Martin Ross Fighting Spirit Award” for his performance at his international debut in Budapest in January. Congratulations Friedemann!
CAMA Members Win World Medals
Twenty members of Cambridge Academy of Martial Arts participated in a worldwide online competition, SavatePlus, hosted by the International Savate Federation, in celebration of its 40th anniversary.
The origin of Savate can be traced back to 19th-century France, where kicking styles practised by sailors in Marseille, merged with the street-fighting techniques of Paris. The influence of English boxing, and the work of pioneers like Charles Lecour and Joseph Charlemont laid the foundations, both technical and philosophical, for what would become Savate, a sophisticated, ethical and modern combat sport.
SavatePlus is an online event in which pairs of athletes demonstrate their abilities in Savate Assaut – a light contact discipline – competing against other pairs. More than 250 entries were received from 40 countries, so we are very proud of our member’s results:
Juniors:
Alisa S & Konrad W took bronze medal
Arabella J & Sebastian O took 4th place
Elsie T, Neha B, Shea O, Mikhail S, Jason Z, Maya Van Wyk, Srihary P, Kajus L and Arman H all came in the top 20 places.
Teens:
Friedemann Waldert & Vikram John came 13th overall in the highly contested teens category.
Seniors:
Jon West & Isaac West, a father and son combination, came 14th in the senior category.
Hamzah Husseini and Juraj Rievaj also put in great performance.
Inclusive category:
Luca LM with partner Jason Z took gold medal with a great performance.
Canne de Combat:
Jacob West & Isaac West took silver medal in the Canne category.
Some of our savate Tigers members with their International Certificates
