FIRST LESSON

Please make sure you have a booked and confirmed place before attending.

What to expect...

First lessons are usually tough, especially if you are new to Martial Arts.  We will do our best to make the whole process as pleasant as possible.

When you enter the Academy you will be greeted by one of our instructors who will take you through the relevant information and give you an orientation of the Academy.  You will also receive a comprehensive Information pack that will provide you with basic information about lessons, timetable, cost, etc.  All new students will be asked to complete an enrolment form disclosing standard information such as contact details, date of birth, medical history, criminal record and martial arts history.  The details on the enrolment form should relate to the student taking part,  naturally parents may fill out the form on behalf of their children.  If you are attending a Junior Combat Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts class and are under 18 years of age you may fill out the form yourself but it must be signed by a parent or guardian before you can attend a lesson.

What to wear...

You do not require a uniform to attend your first class.  Choose comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely.  We request that clothing is free from zips, buckles, studs and any other sharp objects; such items can cause injury and are therefore a danger both to you and to other students.  We recommend loose garments such as jogging pants or shorts and tshirt.  In the winter months it is advisable to wear a sweatshirt at the beginning of the lesson.  For Lil' Dragons we also allow sandshoes during the colder weather however we ask that the sandshoes are kept for indoor wear only.

We have a no shoes policy throughout the Academy.  Both floors of our Dojo are matted and most of our training is done barefoot.  By not allowing outside footwear across our mats we can ensure that our floor remains clean and free from debris.

There is a shoe rack behind our front door, please leave your shoes there when you enter the building - this applies to everyone.

What to bring...

First lesson is free.  Water may be purchased at the Academy or you may bring your own.

You do not need any equipment to attend your first lesson, we will supply everything you need to start you off.  That said you are welcome to bring you own pads if you already have some.  You will only require the use of boxing or bag gloves on your first lesson.  All other protective padding is used when sparring and we cannot allow students to spar until they are fully insured.  

(For more information on insurance please follow the Cost link)

What will I be doing...

Class content will depend upon what the Instructor wants to achieve with his/her students during that lesson.  Expect a mix of pad work, exercise and technical drills both solo and with a partner.  The only thing you will not be doing on your first lesson is sparring; we cannot allow any uninsured students to take part in any contact.  As a new student or beginner you will not be singled out and asked to do something different - the Academy works on a bookings basis which to a great extent, allows our Instructors to prepare their lessons suit the students; allowances will have already be made to accommodate you as a new student.  Please bear in mind that for many students new to martial arts your first lesson can feel uncomfortable; you will be asking your body to move and train in a new and unfamiliar way - it may protest!  Like everything else it takes time to learn a new skill so don't expect instant results.  For Adults and our more mature Junior students we recommend pacing yourself a little during your first lesson to give your body time to adapt and become familiar with a new form of exercise.  If you turn up and give 100% (although this would greatly impress us) there is a high chance you will be very sore the following day.  

What happens next...

If you enjoy yourself and would like to attend again you will be able to make another booking with the Instructor after your lesson.  The Instructor will also make sure you are fully informed about Membership and Insurance Costs aswell as the different ways in which you can pay for your lessons.  For more information on pricing please follow the Cost link.

On lesson two you will be due to pay Licence and Class Fees.

On lesson three you will be given your Martial Arts Licence along with Insurance & Membership forms and a Terms of Membership Agreement to sign.  You will also receive a comprehensive student Handbook relating to your chosen style.

On lesson four just train hard and enjoy!