Inspired Martial Arts was founded on 21 February 2011 by Peterborough native Jamie Johannes, a 5th Dan Black Belt who has studied martial arts in the city since childhood. What began with a single student in rented village halls has since grown into one of the region’s largest martial arts communities, with over 1,700 members training each week across multiple locations.
Jamie had long aspired to establish his own martial arts club, but the turning point came after witnessing the remarkable recovery of his brother, who was told he might never walk again following a serious accident. After defying expectations and celebrating his recovery by travelling across Vietnam by bike, Jamie was inspired to pursue his own ambition, giving rise to the name Inspired Martial Arts.
“I’d always wanted to build something of my own,” said Jamie. “But seeing my brother overcome something so life-changing put everything into perspective. It reminded me how powerful confidence, resilience and belief can be and that’s what Inspired Martial Arts was built on.”
Starting with a single student, Jamie taught classes across village halls in and around Peterborough. As demand grew, the business expanded steadily, opening its first permanent dojo in Hampton in 2019. Today, Inspired Martial Arts operates dedicated dojos in Hampton, Eye, Wisbech and Huntingdon, while continuing to run classes in village halls across South Lincolnshire and Milton Keynes.
At the heart of the organisation are five core values - Confidence, Respect, Discipline, Focus and Success - which underpin every class and programme. These values are brought to life through the club’s own characters, known as the Inspired Heroes, and through an inclusive teaching philosophy that places equal emphasis on personal development and physical skill.
Inspired Martial Arts is particularly recognised for its welcoming approach to children who may struggle in traditional sporting environments. The club actively supports students with autism, ADHD and other additional needs, adapting sessions to ensure every child feels safe, supported and able to progress at their own pace.
Beyond regular classes, the organisation plays an active role in the local community. It hosts open events such as its annual Superhero Day, where students and instructors dress as costumed heroes to celebrate positive role models, as well as holiday clubs during school breaks that offer full days of structured activities for children. In August 2025, the club’s Summer Sizzler open community day raised over £700 for charity, reinforcing its commitment to giving back.
As it marks its 15th anniversary, Inspired Martial Arts continues to focus on its original mission, helping children and adults build confidence, character and resilience that extends far beyond the dojo.
More information about Inspired Martial Arts, its programmes and locations can be found at
Primary Dojo Locations (Peterborough):
• Hampton Dojo – Cygnet Park, 4 Phorpres Close, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8FZ
• Eye Dojo – One Retail Park, Peterborough Rd, Peterborough PE1 4YZ
Other Locations:
• Huntingdon – 10 Stonehill, Stukeley Meadows Industrial Estate, Huntingdon PE29 6ED
• Wisbech – Pinnacle House, Nene Parade, Wisbech PE13 3BY
