Five pounds a session, no membership required, and nobody makes you buy their kit. That's the most concrete pricing information on any page I've written tonight, and it comes with a warning about the practice it avoids.
One note first: the listing calls this Predators MMA and BJJ Academy, and the website is groundnationwarrington.co.uk. Reviewers all say Predators. If you search and get confused, that's why.
It shows 5.0 from 28 reviews. Small sample, and the newest is May 2024.
The Price, and What Isn't Charged
A student in October 2017: "I've been on a Wednesday for both the MMA Kickboxing and the no gi Jiu Jitsu three times now. Both the instructors and the students are very welcoming and cater to your level of knowledge. The instructor explains everything very well and doesn't make you feel stupid for asking a question or if you haven't got it first time. The price is very reasonable of 5 pounds a session, there are no added fees like membership, or having to buy a uniform and pads etc. only from them (which some gyms force you to!)"
Five pounds a session in October 2017. That's old and I'd expect it to have moved, but it's a real number with a date, which beats "reasonably priced" every time.
The second half matters more. He's flagging kit lock-in, where a club insists you buy their gi and their pads at their prices. He says this place doesn't do it. That's a structural fact about how they make money, not an opinion about the vibe.
And "doesn't make you feel stupid for asking a question" is the sentence I'd want if I'd never set foot on a mat.
The Man Who Tried the Competition
A student in April 2022: "My 2nd home. Trained here consistently for 5 years. Spacious mat area with padded walls. Always clean. No idiots or bravado, all the students are here to have fun and improve each others technical abilities. Safety is of paramount concern, I've never had a major injury. Very chilled and informal. No bowing to the master. No martial arts politics. You can wear any uniform, no pressure to buy their own kit. Reasonably priced per session or can go for an unlimited monthly membership which is ridiculously cheap if you attend every class. I've trained in most martial arts gyms around the Warrington area and this is by far my favourite."
He's trained in most of the martial arts gyms in the area, and picked this one. That's worth more than every rave here combined, because everyone else is comparing this club to nothing while he's comparing it to the actual alternatives.
Five years of consistent training and no major injury. That's not a promise you'll be fine, it's one man's record, but it's the sort of thing you can only learn from someone who stayed.
"No bowing to the master. No martial arts politics." He's telling you the culture in a way a brochure never would. Some people want the ritual. If you do, this isn't your club, and he's given you enough to know that.
He independently confirms the no-kit-lock-in point, five years after the first reviewer. Two voices, half a decade apart, on the same policy. That's the strongest kind of agreement.
Private Lessons, and a Review Worth Respecting
A student in November 2019: "I am a registered disabled female who became disabled through domestic violence. My sister and I have private lessons (quality lessons which are very reasonably priced) with the owner of the academy, Dave. Predators is a warm, friendly and welcoming academy to train, learn and hone a new skill set. I would recommend Predators to anybody who wishes to be empowered, to learn self defence and self discipline. Dave is an outstanding instructor who ensures his instructions are simple and easy to follow for beginners and novices."
She volunteered that context herself, and I'm quoting her because she chose to say it and because it tells you something no other review can: private lessons exist, the owner teaches them, and the instruction was pitched for a complete beginner with physical limitations.
If self-defence is why you're looking, she's the person on this page speaking to you.
The Rest
A student in November 2022: "The teachers demonstrate moves and positions thoroughly and slowly to allow you to grasp the information needed to improve."
A visitor in May 2024: "Was in meetings in Warrington and popped in to train. Was a very relaxed environment and very friendly. Head coach was also very good and showed some fantastic technical drills."
Drop-ins are welcome, as of May 2024. That's the newest thing here.
Hours, and Who It's Not For
Evenings only on weekdays, from 16:45 or 18:00 until 21:00, plus Saturday mornings 09:00 to 13:30. Closed Sunday. That's a club timetable built around people with jobs.
Not for you if you train during the day.
Not for you if you want the formality of a traditional martial arts school. A five-year member says there's no bowing and no politics, and he means it as praise.
Unit 3, Tanning Court, Howley, Warrington WA1 2HF. The number is +44 7802 529468.
FAQ
What does it cost?
A student in October 2017 says five pounds a session with no membership fee required. That's nine years old, so confirm. An unlimited monthly option also exists.
Do I have to buy their uniform?
No. Two reviewers, in 2017 and 2022, both say there's no pressure to buy kit from the club.
Can I just drop in?
A visitor in May 2024 did exactly that while in town for meetings.
Are private lessons available?
Yes, taught by the owner. A student in November 2019 describes taking them with her sister.