About us
About South West Kickboxing Academy | SWKA
Learn about South West Kickboxing Academy – founded in 2008, offering Kickboxing and Spirit Combat (Aiki-Jujitsu) classes in Devon & Cornwall. Meet our instructors and community.
Our Story: Building a Martial Arts Community Since 2008
South West Kickboxing Academy and Martial Arts (SWKA) was founded in March 2008 with a simple mission: deliver safe, effective martial arts training in a supportive, non-threatening environment. Today, nearly two decades later, we’re proud to serve the martial arts community across Devon and Cornwall with Kickboxing and Spirit Combat classes for all ages.
Our Mission & Values
Why We Do What We Do
We believe martial arts should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, experience level, or fitness.
Our mission is to help students develop confidence, discipline, physical fitness, and real self-defense skills while building a community of people who support each other’s growth.
Our Core Values:
Safety First — Every student’s wellbeing is our top priority. We maintain rigorous safety standards, have trained first aiders at all events, and are fully insured. Our safety record speaks for itself: only 3 injuries in 18 years across all classes and competition events.
Inclusive Community — We welcome everyone. Whether you’re 5 or 55, a complete beginner or an experienced martial artist, you’ll find your place at SWKA.
Real Skill Development — We teach practical, effective martial arts—not just impressive-looking moves.
Our students learn techniques that work in real situations.
Personal Growth — Martial arts is about more than physical training. It’s about building confidence, discipline, resilience, and becoming the best version of yourself.
Fun & Enjoyment — Training should be enjoyable. Our classes are challenging but fun, with a supportive atmosphere where students celebrate each other’s progress.
Our History
From Kicksport UK to SWKA
SWKA was established in March 2008 by Head Coach Steve Lilley (6th Dan Kickboxing, 3rd Dan Spirit Combat), with support from experienced black belts from the former Kicksport UK classes in Cornwall.
Initially affiliated with the ISKA governing body, we later joined Martial Arts All Styles (MAAS) to better serve our students and community.
The academy has grown significantly over the years, expanding from a single location in Callington to multiple venues across Devon and Cornwall. Like all martial arts clubs, we’ve experienced periods of growth and rebuilding, but our commitment to quality instruction and student safety has remained constant.
Key Milestones
2008 — SWKA founded by Steve Lilley in Callington
2014 — Launched SWKA fight team with 5 students; 2 students became number-one contenders for national MAAS titles in 2015
2017 — Launched Spirit Combat classes, expanding our offerings beyond Kickboxing
Today — Operating multiple classes in Tavistock and Bere Alston, serving hundreds of students across all age groups
Our Instructors
Meet the Team Behind SWKA
Steve Lilley — Head Coach & Founder
Steve is a 6th Dan in Kickboxing and 3rd Dan in Spirit Combat with nearly two decades of experience in martial arts instruction. He’s a national judge and referee with MAAS, regularly judges at fight days and satellite promotion events. Steve is passionate about developing students who are ready to compete and creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
Steve’s competitive background includes competing in the ISKA World Championship Qualifiers in 2008, where he finished 4th in England in both Semi-Contact and Light Continuous competition—with no prior competition experience or corner team. His dedication to excellence and student development is the foundation of SWKA’s success.
What We Teach
Kickboxing
Our semi-contact Kickboxing classes combine striking techniques, fitness training, and self-defense in a safe, supportive environment. We train under BKBU Kickboxing rules, emphasizing proper technique over power. Classes are available for all ages (7+) and experience levels.
[Learn More About Kickboxing]
Spirit Combat (Aiki-Jujitsu)
Spirit Combat is a unique blend of Jujitsu, Aikido, and Kickboxing, founded by Professor Brian Dossett. We offer dedicated classes for kids (5-13) and adults (14+), teaching throws, locks, practical self-defense, and discipline in a fun, age-appropriate format.
[Learn More About Spirit Combat]
Our Community
What Students Say About SWKA
“The reasons I train with SWKA: the people I train with are good people, there’s always a laugh and a joke to be had. The people are there because they want to learn a new skill set. The instructors are top notch, and we always leave each lesson having learned something new.”
Adrian — 1st Dan Black Belt, Kickboxing
“I love attending classes because it gets me out exercising and meeting new people. While helping me develop as a person and improve my concentration. It’s been transformative.”
Taz — Spirit Combat & Kickboxing Student
Our community is built on mutual respect, encouragement, and celebration of each other’s progress. Students train together across age groups, with more experienced students mentoring newer ones. This creates an environment where everyone feels supported and motivated to improve.
Our Safety Record
Why You Can Trust SWKA
Student safety is our absolute top priority. We’ve maintained an exceptional safety record: only 3 injuries in 18 years across all classes and competition events.
How We Keep You Safe:
•Trained First Aiders — We have trained first aiders present at all classes and competition events
•Full Insurance — SWKA is fully insured and meets all safety requirements
•Experienced Instructors — All instructors are qualified, experienced, and committed to safe training
•Progressive Training — We teach proper technique first, ensuring you build a strong foundation before advancing
•Semi-Contact Rules — We enforce semi-contact rules strictly, prioritizing technique over power
•Supportive Environment — Our community prioritizes your wellbeing and progress
Our Locations
Where You Can Train
Tavistock — Kickboxing classes at Tavistock College Sports Centre, Dance Studio
Bere Alston — Spirit Combat classes (kids and adults) at Bere Alston Parish Hall
We also offer private 1-2-1 sessions and small group training at flexible locations and times.
[View Class Schedule]
Our Commitment to Continuous Improvement
We’re always looking for ways to improve our classes, expand our offerings, and better serve our community. We listen to student feedback, stay current with best practices in martial arts instruction, and invest in ongoing professional development.
Our vision for the future includes expanding our class offerings, reaching more students across Devon and Cornwall, and continuing to build a community where martial arts transforms lives.
Join the SWKA Community
Ready to Start Your Martial Arts Journey?
Whether you’re looking to improve fitness, learn self-defense, build confidence, or join a supportive community, SWKA has a class for you.
FAQ – About SWKA
How long has SWKA been around?
SWKA was founded in March 2008, so we’ve been serving the martial arts community for nearly two decades. We have a proven track record of quality instruction and student success.
What’s your safety record?
We’ve maintained an exceptional safety record: only 3 injuries in 8 years across all classes and competition events. We prioritize student safety above all else.
Who are the instructors?
Our Head Coach is Steve Lilley (6th Dan Kickboxing, 3rd Dan Spirit Combat), All instructors are qualified, experienced, and committed to student development.
Do you offer classes for kids?
Yes! We offer Kickboxing for ages 7+ and Spirit Combat for ages 5-13 (kids) and 14+ (adults).
Can I try a class before joining?
Absolutely. Your welcome to come and try 2 classes—no commitment required. Just come and experience what SWKA is all about.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes. We offer private 1-2-1 sessions and small group training with flexible scheduling.
How do I get started?
Ready to Join South West Kickboxing Academy?
[Book Your Trial Classes Today
No commitment. No hidden fees. Just come experience the SWKA community.
Latest News
January 4, 2022
With todays dangerous world and the tragedies of deaths and violent crimes, its never been a better time to learn how best ...more
January 4, 2022
SWKA sessions return week beginning 10th January 2022. We are looking forward to seeing returning students and meet new stu ...more
March 17, 2021
Following the Government guidance on the road map of leaving lock downs the guidance is as follows returning to classes and ...more