Khalid Ismail Academy The Drive, Ilford IG1 3JE

"Khalid is a great guy as well as a coach to the adults and a great mentor to the younger fighters there. His academy has great energy and atmosphere. Always welcoming and knowledgeable due to coming from a world-champion background."

"I’ve been training at KIA for a number of years now, learning under the well renowned Coach Khalid who is a master of the art, knowledgeable, and a specialist in kickboxing and MMA. Khalid isn’t just a teacher, he is a coach, a friend and a brother. And these values are instilled within us, the family at the academy. He’s an inspiration to me and every student who attends. Every session is a period in your day to let your frustrations out … in a disciplined manner. There are variations in the type of lessons depending on the day of the week, and the classes are suitable for beginners all the way to black belt and beyond. My nephew (7 years old) now also attends now and absolutely loves it and is always showing me what he’s learnt at the sessions."

"Khalid has been an excellent coach; educating at the highest level required for any martial artists. Whether it be boxing, kickboxing, wrestling or martial arts, he excels in all at a high degree. For absolute beginners all the way to professionals."

"My daughter who is 7 years old joined this academy three months ago. After three months of training i was pulled aside as I went to pick up my daughter and was told by Khalids wife that my daughter could no longer train for BJJ. When I asked what the reason was the response I got was that “coach Khalid has decided my daughter shouldn’t attend BJJ as he reckons it’s not for her and that she should not continue with the class for another year”. When I asked why this decision is made I was told my daughter is not improving. Bearing in mind my daughter has only been doing the class for only three months. As a Pt myself for 15 years I would never dismiss a client or student, especially a child after only three months as “not improving” , as my main goal for my students is to train them at their own pace because every single person in life, essentially, learns and grows at their own pace. This is a massive let down for such a well known academy and I would strongly advise anyone who is looking to join this academy to check what the terms and conditions are before hand to avoid having an upset child who now feels demotivated and incapable. Really shocking!!!! Also, whilst I waited for my daughter to finish training I noticed that majority of khalids attention and time was spent on his own kids and wife. They made me buy a uniform for bjj and a T-shirt for kickboxing only to be told my daughter can’t attend. What a waste of time and money. I have now completely cancelled my membership with the academy as I feel the decision made was very unfair. A good coach/teacher would have worked with my child’s current ability and helped to progress instead of kicking them out of the class. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND. I wouldn’t even give this academy a 1 star but had to as Google wasn’t allowing me to post the review. From A very annoyed parent and upset daughter."

"Khalid is a professional MMA athlete and an amazing coach. He teaches people of all levels and teaches you practical techniques that will help you become an all rounded martial artist."