About Us | Martial Arts & Kickboxing school in Sheffield

We’re passionate about helping everyone become the best version of themselves.

Founded by Liam Richards, we have been serving our community for more than 11 years. We have the experience to help bring out the best in everyone. That means everything from confidence and focus, to self-belief and a positive mindset.

It is our mission to exceed your expectations and offer you an experience you’ll never find anywhere else.

Our students and their families learn that together they can achieve anything.

It Started With a Family

I remember vividly being bullied as a child. I couldn’t wait for the end of the school day so I could run, as fast as I could, to the safety of home. I lacked confidence and self-esteem.

My parents introduced me to Martial Arts so I could learn to defend myself, but little did I know what that would mean for my future!

As my training progressed I soon realised that I wanted to improve and get better, and help others too. I wanted other kids to be confident enough to make friends and to know that the bullies weren’t in charge, and so in 2007, Excel was born!

Liam Richards

What makes us unique?

We’re not in this to be average, we’re in this to be AWESOME!
• We go above and beyond to make everyone feel included and part of the Excel Family.
• Our programme is fully inclusive with no hidden costs.
• Parents and carers are involved every step of the way.
• Our coaches work full time for Excel so they are dedicated to helping everyone achieve their goals.
• We are open 6 days a week allowing you to be flexible with training days.
• An Academy like no other. Enjoy training with the best quality equipment in a world-class environment.
• Exclusive Excel Member Benefits include discounts with local retailers and sporting events tickets.

Our Styles

We are a mixed martial arts school specialising in freestyle kickboxing. That means our students learn skills from a variety of different martial arts styles during classes, but all with the intention of building life skills in a positive, supportive, and fun environment.

Our award-winning academy is a place for you and your family to experience modern, world-class coaching in traditional and modern martial arts styles.

Our Promise at Excel Martial Arts:

To Train in the
Highest Quality Martial Arts
Program Available

To Focus On
Personal Development
in a Positive Environment

To Offer Programs
Accessible & Enjoyable
by People of Any Age

The Team

Our team live and breathe Excel, and are committed to providing you with an experience that exceeds your expectation. Our Pro-Coaching Team work for Excel full-time, meaning their sole job is to ensure you achieve your goals in a supportive, fun and positive way.

Our Pro-coaches and coaches are supported by a wider Excel Team who are dedicated to making sure you have an amazing Excel experience.

Ready to get Started?

Book a Trial Now!
Experience the Excel way with no commitments!

Which Classes Are You Interested in? :

They have made my son very confident and comfortable. All the staff are amazing with him. He is a very shy boy and does not stick at things but since joining he has wanted to go every day, so thank you.

Lauren Taylor

Chesterfield

Excel Martial Arts have a world-class facility and world-class instructors to go with it. The quality of martial arts is incredibly high, and it suits any ability level. Really positive environment to be in and everyone is so welcoming. I can’t recommend it enough.

Jordan Clark

It has the feel and intimacy of a small class center, yet the reality is so different and it supports hundreds of students. The staff are dedicated and know everyone who enters the academys name and families, It's so friendly, you're welcomed with open arms. When my son's grandparents have taken him they were welcomed in, shown the ropes as it were and helped in getting my son ready for his class. Our family have the Excel bug and are thrilled to be apart of something special. Often an excel widow with my husband and son being members, but I always feel involved and welcome to join in. I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to start in martial arts or looking for something for their children to be apart of.

Lauren Swift

Friendly informative and patient, a great bunch of people who really make you feel welcome

Rik Mellors

Absolutely fantastic for all ages! My son loves the fitness side and sparring and my daughter the techniques, self-defence and tricks and flips class. Amazing coaches who go above and beyond for the kids! Very highly recommended. The kids have become fit and confident and made amazing lifelong friends along their journey to black belt.

Jennifer Cooper

Sheffield

The staff always give 100% with both adults and the children and the kids just love it. Excellent for confidence building and helping them to believe in themselves amongst other great attributes they need to build in life! One of my favourites is that they teach that no matter what the competition is if it's between friends they should always encourage each other to do well and succeed. My boys regularly hi-five each other now when the other has done something they have set out to achieve.

Donna McCole

Well, Excel you have excelled yourself. I would like to thank each and every one of you. You have made my home life an absolute pleasure once again. My son was becoming a handful and being a single parent I didn't know what to do. I brought Dougie to Excel in September and I have to say he's changed into a great kid once again. Thank you to all staff once again you are a credit to everyone. Keep up the good work guys xx

Keeley Kenny

What an amazing place. the instructors are incredibly motivated and have a natural and fun-filled desire to drive the kids and help them focus.

Steve King

I'd been looking for a new martial arts club for months since moving back to the Sheffield area and I couldn't be happier to have found Excel. The instructor team is friendly and dedicated and they foster a real family feel while still making sure you learn the skills and get a great workout! In addition to martial arts skills and fitness, the club also helps with mindfulness and nutrition advice. I am stronger, fitter (and despite my sweet tooth) healthier than I've been in ages and it's all down to Excel! Many thanks to Liam and the team it's a pleasure to be part of the Excel family.

Adam Stark

Went to the new academy yesterday and just WOW. Really professional and great facilities. Really family oriented and wonderful to see so many happy people. Definitely recommend it if you want to try martial arts or do the fitness classes. The daytime classes are really convenient.

Sue Grayson

Sheffield

Excel has saved my life, I was sat getting bigger & bigger & in under a year I have lost 3 stone & dropped 3 dress sizes. Everyone is so friendly, down to earth & supportive. I would encourage anyone to come along.

Karl & Faye Hudson

I have been training at Excel since aged 6, Excel is my second family, I have made so many friends & have gained loads of confidence, I even help out in classes now.

Natasha

I was low in confidence and self-belief, that's not the case now. I'm more than confident in myself now. Excel Martial Arts has helped me in my working life and my family life.

Craig

Thomas’s fitness levels have gone through the roof! He absolutely loves coming to Excel & has even started to excel in his swimming & other activities outside of Excel too – it’s a great place to be, not just for Thomas but for me & my husband who also come too now.

Thomas's Mum

Excel Martial Arts Helping you to Excel in Life through Martial Arts

Member's Area 0114 248 5188

Find Out How We Can Help You and Your Family Excel in Life.

We Care That You Belong.
Together We Excel in Life

0114 248 5188

Find Out How We Can Help You and Your Family Excel in Life.

We’re passionate about helping everyone become the best version of themselves.

The Academy

What Makes Excel Martial Arts Different From other
Karate & Taekwondo Schools?

Our Promise at Excel Martial Arts:

To Train in the
Highest Quality Martial Arts
Program Available

To Focus On
Personal Development
in a Positive Environment

To Offer Programs
Accessible & Enjoyable
by People of Any Age

The Team

Ready to get Started?

Which Classes Are You Interested in? :

Liam Richards

Founder & Pro-Coach

Tia Richards

Pro-Coach

Jack Cocker

Pro-Coach

Brett

Pro Coach

Charlene

Coach & Party Host

Keely Short

Pro-Coach

Diane

Office Manager

Find Out How We Can Help You and Your Family Excel in Life.

We Care That You Belong. Together We Excel in Life

0114 248 5188

Find Out How We Can Help You and Your Family Excel in Life.

We’re passionate about helping everyone become the best version of themselves.

It Started With a Family

What makes us unique?

Our Styles

The Academy

What Makes Excel Martial Arts Different From otherKarate & Taekwondo Schools?

Our Promise at Excel Martial Arts:

To Train in the Highest Quality Martial Arts Program Available

To Focus On Personal Development in a Positive Environment

To Offer Programs Accessible & Enjoyable by People of Any Age

The Team

Ready to get Started?

Which Classes Are You Interested in? :

Liam Richards

Founder & Pro-Coach

Tia Richards

Pro-Coach

Jack Cocker

Pro-Coach

Brett

Pro Coach

Charlene

Coach & Party Host

Keely Short

Pro-Coach

Diane

Office Manager

We Care That You Belong.
Together We Excel in Life

What Makes Excel Martial Arts Different From other
Karate & Taekwondo Schools?

To Train in the
Highest Quality Martial Arts
Program Available

To Focus On
Personal Development
in a Positive Environment

To Offer Programs
Accessible & Enjoyable
by People of Any Age