Xen-Do martial arts aiming to kick off expansion

A family-run group of martial arts clubs in London is hoping the launch of the fourth Xen-Do site in Baker Street will be the catalyst for significant expansion.

Xen-Do – a combination of many martial arts including karate, kick boxing, jujitsu and taekwondo – is offered via group classes, personal training sessions or a combination of the two, with members paying as they go.

Having opened his first (dojo) club in 2002, eight times national martial arts champion Rafael Nieto has grown the Xen-Do concept, bringing in a professional team of 8 full-time instructors, including his son Anthony.

With Baker Street joining existing sites in Camden, Golder’s Green and Marylebone, Nieto now hopes to open a number of new locations in 2015.

"We feel the market is ready for a world class martial arts brand – we would like to be country's premier martial arts company,” said Nieto.

“For the time being we aim to grow in London and we’re then looking to expand in the key regional cities such as Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol.”

Though totally independent, Nieto – who won a Henry Cooper Award in 2012 for his work inspiring youths – adds that the company is exploring the possibility of opening Xen-Do studios inside existing health clubs.

“We would really like to partner up with some leisure centre operators,” he said. “We feel we are a great marriage for those who look for more than just a workout in a gym.”