Family Martial Arts Classes in Whitburn

Award-winning, full-time martial arts centre in Whitburn
Classes for children, teens and adults, led by Master Dowden — helping families build confidence, fitness, discipline and life skills in a safe, welcoming environment.

A full-time family martial arts centre supporting a community of over 100 licensed students across our programmes.

From age 2 through to adults in their 50s, students train under an ITF Master with direct links to pioneers of Taekwon-Do — with classes available up to six days a week.

Learn

Life skills that stay with you for life.

Improve

Get fitter, stronger and more confident — without needing a gym routine.

Fun

Meet new people and build friendships

Classes

Pre-School — Ages 2–4

Fun parent-and-child classes that build confidence, listening skills, balance and coordination through movement and simple martial arts activities.

A warm, positive introduction that helps little ones follow instructions, take turns and enjoy learning with others.

Kids — P1–P3

Fun, structured classes that develop focus, listening, confidence and positive classroom habits.

Children stay active, work towards clear goals and build skills that parents often notice at home and in school too.

Juniors — P4–P7

Positive, energetic classes that build confidence, discipline, resilience, respect and self-control.

Students make friends, become part of a team and develop the confidence to keep trying when something feels difficult.

Teens — S1+

Friendly, beginner-welcoming classes that develop fitness, confidence, martial arts skills and practical self-defence.

Students train at their own pace, build discipline and resilience, and develop real skills in a supportive community with no ego, no judgement and no pressure.

Adults — 18+

Friendly, structured classes that help adults improve fitness, confidence and practical self-defence in a supportive environment.

Ideal for beginners, busy adults and those in their 30s, 40s and 50s who want to get fitter, reduce stress and learn new skills at their own pace.

Classes for Pre-School ages 2–4, Kids P1–P3, Juniors P4–P7, Teens S1+ and Adults 18+. Train up to 6 days a week — choose the sessions that suit your routine.

Who We Are

Dowden’s Martial Arts (DMA) is Whitburn’s leading, family-focused martial arts school. We welcome students of all ages and backgrounds, offering flexible training 6 days a week, 49 weeks a year. Our mission: build champions for life, helping every student succeed on and off the mat.

Accredited SQA Centre – Students can earn nationally recognised qualifications
Led by a 7th Degree Master & ITF International Instructor & Examiner
Inclusive: Instructors trained in autism awareness, safeguarding, and first aid
Full-time gym with a viewing gallery/café – classes for ages 2+, teens, and adults
Train with a school that has direct lineage to First Grandmaster Rhee Ki Ha, who brought Taekwon-Do to the UK in 1967.

Dowden’s Martial Arts has direct lineage to First Grandmaster Rhee Ki Ha — the man who introduced Taekwon-Do to the UK in 1967 and the first person promoted to Grandmaster by General Choi Hong Hi.
“Nearly 60 years of Taekwon-Do heritage in the UK”

Why Choose DMA?

Beginner-friendly
A welcoming, professional school for children, teens and adults.

More than just kicks and punches
We help students build confidence, discipline, resilience and life skills.

Real lineage, real standards
Direct lineage to First Grandmaster Rhee Ki Ha and high-quality teaching.

Flexible training
Train up to 6 days a week and choose the sessions that suit your routine.

See what our members and parents say

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 86 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Kat li 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My son has been attending Dowden's Martial Arts since he was 5 years old, and at 8, he still absolutely loves it! Over the past three years, I’ve seen him slowly grow into a more confident and respectful child. Mr. Dowden genuinely cares about each individual student’s well-being and behavior. The other students are incredibly kind and supportive as well. It’s a wonderful atmosphere for kids to grow up in,highly recommended!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kevin Ramsay 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My Daughter has joined when she was 4 years old. She is now 12 and is a black belt. Master Dowden is fantastic teacher and has created a welcoming, fun and friendly environment for my daughter to learn, grow and now support teaching. Anyone looking to get into Martial Arts or their kids then DMA is for you.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Louise Sweeney 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’ve had such a positive experience at Dowdens Martial Arts. Since joining, my son’s confidence has grown so much, and it’s been amazing to see him develop both in and out of class.

All of the instructors bring something different with their own teaching styles, which keeps the classes engaging, fun and educational. They do a fantastic job of encouraging the children while making sure everyone enjoys learning.

There’s also a great variety of classes available, with plenty of flexibility to attend as much or as little as suits your family. I’d highly recommend Dowdens Martial Arts to anyone looking for a supportive, friendly environment where children can build confidence, learn new skills and have fun at the same time.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shalini Nampally 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great all 4 kids loved it
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kirstin Bowden 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dowden’s Martial Arts has been great for our son. His confidence in new settings has grown, the classes are fun, but structured which he loves and all of the extras that come with the membership are real perks, like the parties and school camps.
All of the instructors are fantastic with the kids and as the kids get older they get to learn leadership by supporting with the younger groups.
Would definitely recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   ivan marchev 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I join Dowden's Martial Arts begining of last year and it help me so much ,rebuild my confidence , body , and mind .you never know how rusty you are at my age 43 if you never try , even that I'm working I still find time to participate ,so far for me it's been fantastic experience,my only regret is why I didn't join years ago , The friendship I build there , the team is fantastic ,feel them like a family at this point , Mr.Dowden is one of the best teachers you can get , if you want to build you're body,self defence, fitness you're flexibility you're knowledge ,it is never too late to join.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jamie McGill 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been training at this school for a few years now and the environment is amazing.

Mr Dowden is an amazing teacher who gives help with both your technique and confidence.

The entire school offers a friendly and fun environment to train and will always over help either from the teacher or the senior graded students.

Couldn't give this place enough praise, fantastic
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Arkadiusz Szewczyk 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We know and attend the Dowden’s Martial Art for over 8 years
Yanek have started when he wasnt even 4 yo now 12 yo and red belt
Ive joined the classes over 5 months ago easy taken once /twice a week sometimes and it is a life changer and eye opener for parents..
Profesional and friendly place with stunning background knowledge decades of hard training and know-how..
Senior black belts and instructors are legit and certified…it is an amazing place
Definitely best in West Lothian maybe even in all Scotland..
Recommended all the way through 🥋🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️🔥
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ewa 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Yes I like, very good 👍
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Daria Hawkins 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great classes, atmosphere and age range. It's fantastic to see how many parents support their kids in these classes by learning Taekwondo too, and how the kids are very comfortable and sociable there, everyone gets along. It's very welcoming, and like a community.

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Martial Arts in Whitburn & West Lothian

Dowden’s Martial Arts is based in Whitburn and welcomes students from Bathgate, Armadale, Blackburn, Harthill, Fauldhouse, Longridge and surrounding West Lothian communities.