The owner of Kombat Martial Arts in Stirchley said his programme was tailor-made for learning.
He teaches core skills such as behaviour, non-verbal communication and social skills to “develop them as people so they can go out and do better”.
Malakye, a Year 10 pupil who has autism, said: “Not a lot of schools offer this type of thing, and I think it’s definitely helped a lot of the kids here, including me.”
The student, who was excluded from primary school before his autism diagnosis, said the MMA lessons have improved how he regulates his emotions.
“Being able to go and maybe if I’m angry, or something, I can get my anger out,” he added.
He has developed a passion for the sport and is among a number of pupils now attending lessons at the dojo outside of school.