Personal Development Through Martial Arts
Development.
Balance.
PDMA.
Muay Thai classes and 1-2-1 personal training built around real personal growth. Train with us today.
2020
Founded
All Levels
Welcome
Our Ethos
PDMA stands for Personal Development Through Martial Arts. We believe martial arts training is more than technique, it's a vehicle for personal growth, building confidence and balance both on the mat and in everyday life. No two people are the same, and everybody learns differently, so every class and every 1-2-1 session is coached to the person in front of us, not a fixed script.
Why We Teach
Personal development sits at the heart of everything we do. We train across a variety of martial arts in pursuit of one goal: helping people learn how to keep themselves safe, and build the quiet confidence that comes from knowing they can.
Who We Teach
Anyone aged 5 and up. Complete beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Young or old, mum or dad, we run a strict no-judgement policy. Whoever you are and wherever you're starting from, you belong here.
What We Offer
Every level, every week
Weekly Classes
Structured Muay Thai training that builds consistency, focus, and resilience week after week.
Coached to you
1-2-1 Sessions
Personal training built entirely around your goals, your pace, and the technique you need to work on most.
Learn from the best
Seminars
Regular guest seminars bring in outside expertise, so development never stops at what happens in our own gym.
Your Head Coach
Callum
“His attention to technique is outstanding – he takes the time to make sure everyone understands the ‘why’ behind everything he teaches.”
Anna Young · Google review
Callum founded PDMA in 2020 and still coaches every class personally, from first-timers finding their stance to fighters cornered on show night.
Fight Team
From First Class
to the Main Stage
At PDMA, we don't force anyone to compete, there is no obligation. However, if your goal is to compete, we have all the tools to support you from your first session all the way to the main stage, getting your hand raised!
What Our Members Say
“Been at PDMA for a year now, it's been so rewarding learning Muay Thai at PDMA. Coach Callum has always supported & never doubted anything. Always given advice when needed and has built a great community and will continue to do so.”
Lucas Cole
“Amazing coach, learnt so much in such little time! Super friendly and welcoming environment and every session is enjoyable. Would recommend for anyone !”
Joe Hurley
“I've recently started training Muay Thai at PDMA Southend with Callum, and it's honestly been an amazing experience. His attention to technique is outstanding – he takes the time to make sure everyone understands the "why" behind everything he teaches, and helps you improve in a way that feels empowering and achievable. What really stands out is how much Callum genuinely invests time and care into every single person he trains. He's not just a great coach, he's someone who makes you feel seen, supported, and capable. The whole PDMA community is incredibly friendly and welcoming, and since joining the mixed classes (which I found incredibly daunting to even think about doing to begin with), I've met so many lovely people. My confidence has grown massively, and I genuinely look forward to every session. Couldn't recommend PDMA and Callum more highly!”
Anna Young
“I would 100% recommend PDMA if you are looking for a way to either learn Muay Thai or are interested in getting fitter – such a welcoming community and Callum is a brilliant coach who will push you. The ladies class is an amazing way to start this journey if you are new to this area of sport as a woman, no matter your age or ability!”
Amelia Hamilton
“I started with PDMA in January of this year following a trip to Thailand and wanting to give Muay Thai a go. I came as a complete novice with zero martial arts experience beyond boxercise classes. But from day one Callum and the team have treated me with patience and openness. I started off as a complete novice and now am capable of holding my own in many sparring sessions and feel myself improving every time. The atmosphere at every class is one of camaraderie and genuine friendship – we are all there to help everyone else improve. This is a great departure from previous experiences I have had. I now do 2 PTs a week as well as regular classes and the seminars, and I am probably the fittest I have ever been. I can't recommend this club enough.”
Daniel Nelson
“I have recently started attending the women's only classes, everyone has been so lovely and welcoming. I have felt so comfortable! I have also attended a few mixed sparring classes as well as a seminar! Lots have been learnt and I would definitely recommend attending!!!”
Megan Papworth
“I've recently started Muay Thai classes with Callum. The sessions are really enjoyable. Everything is explained thoroughly, and I was made to feel really welcome and part of a community. I look forward to it every week. I highly recommend :)”
Claire Livemore
“PDMA facilitate a great environment to learn, train and grow in, with great people at every session!!”
Rudee Brunel
“Always such a chilled, calm place, mixed with new and experienced people, always willing to help and teach. The coach is such a chill guy who is always willing to teach and joke around – an amazing and welcoming place for everyone. 10 out of 10 place.”
Michael Shadow
“I have been training at PDMA and with Callum for the past year – have nothing but high praise for Callum as a coach and for creating a great environment! Nothing but friendly, positive vibes! Having tried a couple of gyms beforehand and feeling a bit out of place due to inexperience, Callum has made myself and everyone feel comfortable, as well as progressing our skill set! Would highly recommend anyone looking to get into a combat sport or any experienced fighters to come give it a try!”
Samiel Thompson
“I forgot to mention Callum in my past review, his professionalism is top tier, his advice and reassurance was uplifting and refreshing. This gym is a great place to start your fitness journey, the gym is like a family and you are always well looked after. He pushes you firmly to get the most out of you.”
Emily B
“Been at PDMA for a year now, it's been so rewarding learning Muay Thai at PDMA. Coach Callum has always supported & never doubted anything. Always given advice when needed and has built a great community and will continue to do so.”
Lucas Cole
“Amazing coach, learnt so much in such little time! Super friendly and welcoming environment and every session is enjoyable. Would recommend for anyone !”
Joe Hurley
“I've recently started training Muay Thai at PDMA Southend with Callum, and it's honestly been an amazing experience. His attention to technique is outstanding – he takes the time to make sure everyone understands the "why" behind everything he teaches, and helps you improve in a way that feels empowering and achievable. What really stands out is how much Callum genuinely invests time and care into every single person he trains. He's not just a great coach, he's someone who makes you feel seen, supported, and capable. The whole PDMA community is incredibly friendly and welcoming, and since joining the mixed classes (which I found incredibly daunting to even think about doing to begin with), I've met so many lovely people. My confidence has grown massively, and I genuinely look forward to every session. Couldn't recommend PDMA and Callum more highly!”
Anna Young
“I would 100% recommend PDMA if you are looking for a way to either learn Muay Thai or are interested in getting fitter – such a welcoming community and Callum is a brilliant coach who will push you. The ladies class is an amazing way to start this journey if you are new to this area of sport as a woman, no matter your age or ability!”
Amelia Hamilton
“I started with PDMA in January of this year following a trip to Thailand and wanting to give Muay Thai a go. I came as a complete novice with zero martial arts experience beyond boxercise classes. But from day one Callum and the team have treated me with patience and openness. I started off as a complete novice and now am capable of holding my own in many sparring sessions and feel myself improving every time. The atmosphere at every class is one of camaraderie and genuine friendship – we are all there to help everyone else improve. This is a great departure from previous experiences I have had. I now do 2 PTs a week as well as regular classes and the seminars, and I am probably the fittest I have ever been. I can't recommend this club enough.”
Daniel Nelson
“I have recently started attending the women's only classes, everyone has been so lovely and welcoming. I have felt so comfortable! I have also attended a few mixed sparring classes as well as a seminar! Lots have been learnt and I would definitely recommend attending!!!”
Megan Papworth
“I've recently started Muay Thai classes with Callum. The sessions are really enjoyable. Everything is explained thoroughly, and I was made to feel really welcome and part of a community. I look forward to it every week. I highly recommend :)”
Claire Livemore
“PDMA facilitate a great environment to learn, train and grow in, with great people at every session!!”
Rudee Brunel
“Always such a chilled, calm place, mixed with new and experienced people, always willing to help and teach. The coach is such a chill guy who is always willing to teach and joke around – an amazing and welcoming place for everyone. 10 out of 10 place.”
Michael Shadow
“I have been training at PDMA and with Callum for the past year – have nothing but high praise for Callum as a coach and for creating a great environment! Nothing but friendly, positive vibes! Having tried a couple of gyms beforehand and feeling a bit out of place due to inexperience, Callum has made myself and everyone feel comfortable, as well as progressing our skill set! Would highly recommend anyone looking to get into a combat sport or any experienced fighters to come give it a try!”
Samiel Thompson
“I forgot to mention Callum in my past review, his professionalism is top tier, his advice and reassurance was uplifting and refreshing. This gym is a great place to start your fitness journey, the gym is like a family and you are always well looked after. He pushes you firmly to get the most out of you.”
Emily B
Ready to train?
No experience needed, just show up. We'll walk you through every technique, every drill, and every round at your pace.