The Cowpen Quay area in Blyth has major issues with drug abuse and crime.
In a bid to keep children off the streets the class will provide a regular meeting place for youngsters, as well as a healthy and safe after-school activity.
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The funds from Rio Tinto Alcan, through its Community Foundation fund, will help to pay for new equipment including combat equipment, administration costs and fees.
Up to 20 children take part in each class, which is run by professional instructor Jason Anderson.
Classes began earlier this year and the local children seem to be making the most of this extra activity with good attendance and very positive feedback.
Eileen Cartie, centre development manager of the community centre, said: "These kind of activities keep children in the area safe and off the streets.
"Judo and self defence classes give children discipline, valuable lessons for life on how to ignore taunts and walk away from trouble.
"We are so grateful for this donation from Rio Tinto Alcan which will help us to provide something exciting for the community.
"The people living on low incomes in the area will certainly make the most of this class and others like it."
John McCabe, spokesperson for Rio Tinto Alcan, said: "We are delighted to be able to help the youngsters of Blyth learn new skills and take part in community-based activities.
"By promoting community learning and engagement, we can ensure that children have access to fun and inspiring ways of development, regardless of where they live.
"We are always looking into ways of improving the lives of local people and are very keen to support exercise-based classes, where children can not only learn new skills, but get healthier."
The addition of a new martial arts class came about after consultations with local young people who identified what they would like to gain from the centre.
