FAQ

Childrens FAQ

Can I try a class before I start training?

You can try two weeks of classes before you decide if you would like to join. We want you to experience as much of the Academy and meet as many of our great students as you can. So knock yourself out (Not literally please). Have two weeks free training on us. Enjoy.

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Are the instructors qualified?

Yes! All the instructors are qualified and have over 24 years experience teaching 6 styles of martial arts. All our instructors are fully insured, are qualified in first aid and are CRB checked. You are in safe experienced hands.

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Will I get hurt?

No. Everything is strictly monitored and controlled. You will begin slowly and work at your own pace. You will work someone else who is also a beginner and we have assistants in class to help you. You can rest at anytime. You will not do any sparring/ contact unless you want to. We pride ourselves on looking after beginners!

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What clothing and equipment do I need?

Initially you can wear loose fitting clothing e.g. jogging pants, t-shirt and socks. After you have decided if you want to continue your training with us we have a club uniform that you can buy. Other than your uniform you don’t need anything else.

We invest a lot of money in providing up to date kit for our members, which is replaced every 6 months. We have all the training equipment you will ever need including;

  • Boxing Gloves
  • Striking Mitts
  • Thai pads
  • Kick paddles
  • Kick shields
  • Speedballs
  • Various Hanging Bags
  • Free standing bags
  • Body Opponent Bags
  • Skipping ropes
  • Boxing bands
  • Hand weights
  • Medicine balls
  • A cage wall
  • and loads more…

 We also have a fully stocked pro shop where you can buy uniforms, gloves, pads and other bits of kit at reasonable prices if you want.

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What does a class consist of?

Typically a class will consist of the following:

Warm up:                    Mobilizing and stretching the body before exercise

Shadow boxing:          The guard, footwork, movement and execution of techniques

Bag Work:                  Using the punch bags to develop fitness and strength

Pad work;                   An intense cardio workout striking the pads with a partner.

Drill work:                   Practicing controlled techniques with a partner

Optional Sparring:      Controlled free practice with a partner.

Fitness & conditioning: Skipping, body weight exercises, stretching

We vary the classes every session so the training is always new and interesting. You will never do the same workout twice at Masters Academy, so boredom will never be a problem. We also update our training with professional bodies (such as the YMCA) to improve our skills and stay ahead of current fitness developments.

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I’m totally unfit will the classes be suitable for me?

We make sure that we cater to a range of fitness levels from total beginner to the superfit athlete. The instructors will make sure that you are comfortable at all times and will gradually increase the intensity as your fitness develops.

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What types of classes are there?

The different classes are as follows:

Adults kickboxing
These fitness based classes are suitable for anyone wishing to get in great shape in a fun, interesting class. We work equally on developing solid martial arts skills whilst building fitness gradually.

Women only kickboxing classes
We offer several women only classes. These are aimed predominately for individuals who would prefer to train with women only. These classes are taught by our expert team of women instructors. We offer classes during the day and evening

Kids Kickboxing
We teach children from 5 yrs -16 yrs. The younger classes are focused on developing discipline, control, self confidence, balance, fitness and self defense skills. Older children also work on developing a high level of martial arts skill and developing athleticism.

We also offer adults classes in  Escrima, Keysi Fighting Method and MMA

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How big are the classes?

As classes are divided according to grade/ experience they tend to be smaller in nature which means that the instructor can pay more attention to each individuals development. The maximum number of students we allow in each class is 20. In most classes there are at least two instructors teaching at the same time so you get lots of attention and support.

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Can I get personal coaching?

We can arrange private training sessions if you want to top up your training or want to work on a specific goal. These lessons are with Matt or James for one hour and can be on any topic that interests you. Please enquire for information about cost.

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Do you hold gradings?

We hold gradings every four months which will allow you to track your progress as you develop into a capable, confident martial artist. There are ten grades which mean it takes roughly three years to get to black belt. Gradings are done as a group in a relaxed atmosphere and you will be assessed by our chief instructors Anton St James 7th Dan. Gradings are however optional, some people just like to train and not grade which is fine with us.

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What are you childrens classes about?

We emphasise fun during martial arts training. If kids are not having fun they will not come back or be motivated to train. We have over 200 drills and games that increase fitness, build character, teach self defense skills and are FUN! We believe kids should be learning and enjoying themselves at the same time. So fun is our primary focus.

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Are the classes safe for my child?

Yes. All classes taught are strictly monitored by our Black Belt instructors to ensure complete safety. All of our instructors attend regular child safety courses through recognised training bodies and are CRB checked. We also operate a recognised child safety policy and an anti-bully policy. All of our instructors are qualified in emergency first aid.

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Do I have to buy a uniform and equipment?

After your free trial period we do require all students to have the club uniform. You can buy other bits of kit if you want but they are not compulsory.

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Will martial arts make my child aggressive?

Children are taught that the martial arts are not to be used as an offensive weapon, but rather to defend oneself in certain situations. Aggressive behavior is channeled into assertiveness to increase the child's self esteem, improve self-discipline and build character. Our programme also helps the shy child to develop self-confidence and become more assertive. We do not tolerate any bullying or bad behavior from parents or kids.

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What about children sparring?

We do not allow children under 10yrs old to spar. After that age, sparring is to the body and legs only (no head punches as we do not believe a growing brain should be smacked around) Participation in sparring activities is not suited to all students so is not compulsory. All students interested in sparring are required to wear protective equipment (head, foot, and hand gear, mouth-guard, and protective cup for boys) and are strictly supervised.

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