About us

Darlington Boxing and Martial Arts Academy (DBMA) is a state of the art training facility for martial arts and general fitness based in Darlington, County Durham. We have a friendly and experienced team with over 30 years combined experience in martial arts and coaching – led by Head Coach Michael Dicks, a former two-time World Muay Thai World Champion.

We specialise in Muay Thai (aka Thai boxing) and amateur boxing, as well as being Darlington’s only professional boxing gym. We also offer a wide range of general fitness, strength and conditioning and targeted sports training and pride ourselves on a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Team DBMA have a rich history of training champions, from regional level to World level and have taken competitors all over the world including USA, Thailand, Argentina, Beijing, Malaysia and all over Europe.

Whatever your goals or fitness levels – from training to be a champion to getting involved in a new sport to building your fitness and confidence – everyone is welcome here at DBMA and the atmosphere in our classes really emphasises this fact. We have a diverse range of fitness and ability levels who all support each other and work as a team

Located at the Northern Echo Arena, DBMA offers a training experience that is unique in the area, as well as a modern and fully equipped boxing and Thai boxing gymnasium, we also have the use of the stadium for specialised stadium circuit training.

We specialise in:

• Muay Thai (Thai boxing)
• Amateur boxing
• Pro boxing
• Ladies-only bootcamp
• Small group personal training & strength and conditioning
• Private tuition
• Beginners’ classes
• Recruitment training for the Armed Forces, Fire Brigade & Police
• Endurance & assault course fitness preparation
• Anti-bullying classes
• Corporate team building
• Suppliers of Thai boxing and boxing equipment
• Thai boxing seminars