Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
Whether you attend Tai Chi, Kickboxing, Krav Maga or the Kids classes you should wear loose sports clothing such as jogging bottoms, t-shirt and trainers. You can buy the club uniform when you become a member so there is no need to buy a special outfit straight away. Bring a bottle of water as well, Martial Arts are thirsty work.
 I am not sure if I should come on my own?
We recognise that it can be intimidating for some people to take that first step through the door. We make sure that everyone is made welcome. On your first session we will try to pair you up with a member of our Instructor Development Programme, who will introduce you to everyone in the class, show you where to put your bags and work with you throughout the lesson.
If you would like to attend a class as a spectator, or have someone spectate whilst you take part this is absolutley fine.
(Pictured on the left are Kirsten and Lucy, both members of our IDP).
What ages are your classes suitable for?
- Kickbox Kids, we accept children aged 6 to 10 years only, we cannot accept children under 6 years of age for insurance and first aid purposes.
- Kickboxing, we accept children and adults aged 10 years and over, there is no upper age limit at our kickboxing sessions, our oldest student is 61!
- Krav Maga, we accept children aged 14 years and over and adults only. Some of our techniques require the practitioner to be responsible and mature as to when they can be used
- Tai Chi, we only accept Adults at our Tai Chi classes.
 What does a typical class consist of?
All our classes include a good warm up and stretching appropriate to the class or activity that the instructor has planned. At TMA we are famous for delivering a different type of class each session, so you can be guaranteed that your session will be energetic and fun.
Can I see the syllabus for each class?
Of course, a copy of our syllabai can be requested via our contact page.
Will I get hurt in class?
Martial arts by their nature is a contact activity, and yes accidents can happen. Therefore, you should expect very occasional bumps and knocks (Nothing more than you expect in the school playground or on your way home on a Saturday night?!). Every precaution is taken to ensure your safety. The aim is to improve your ability to defend yourself and not for you to get injured each time you attend a class.
Do I need to be a member and how do I join?
 All students may take advantage of a Free trial session prior to joining the Academy as a full member.
There are various membership options depending on the number of classes you wish to attend so it would be best to discuss this in person with your instructor, alternatively call the office on 0845 094 8805 and ask for Paula or Chris.
 Will I be expected to spar?
- Kickboxing - all kickboxing classes with exception of Sparring / Squad training sessions are non-contact, there is a small element of contact when we practice defence / blocking, but we will never ask you to deliberately strike someone or be struck by someone else unless it is under strict supervision with control.
- Krav Maga - Krav Maga requires much more contact than our other classes as we practice techniques on each other. This is performed with a sliding scale of resistance, ensuring that beginners get the opportunity to perfect the techniques and more experienced students get challenged.
 Are the classes suitable for girls/women?
Of course, at the last count 55% of our membership is made up of girls/women.
I am conscious of my body will I be embarrassed?
Most certainly not. We are here to help everyone achieve their full potential, avoid bullying and ensure a safe, fun and friendly training atmosphere for all our students.
Do I have to be fit to come to the classes?
Absolutely not. Martial Arts will build the fitness you require to train. Martial Arts is famous for training the mind and internal health as well as fitness. All we ask is that you do your best.
I see all the information for beginners but I want to fight or become a fighter?
No problem, many of our students compete and if you want to train to fight you will be welcome to train at our dedicated Sparring / Squad training sessions once we feel that you are ready.
I am worried about being bullied in class?
We run a zero tolerance policy for any kind of bullying. Everything we teach is based around this philosophy.
I am interested in becoming an instructor, what is the IDP?
Our Chief Instructor, Christopher Allen has designed a very indepth and exciting
InstructorDevelopmentProgramme which is open to all students who are interested in learning how to teach martial arts for themselves. The IDP programme is only available to students who are enrolled as full members of the club and willbe by invitation only. The IDP is aligned to your training and grade, starting as a Class Assistant you will work through various modules and progress to Coach, Assistant Instructor, Instructor and ultimately Senior Instructor.
Each level has its own set of responsibilities and duties and your progress will be tracked and evaluated at ourmonthly meetings.
(Pictured (left) are Jonathan Williams 1st Degree Black Belt & (right) Peter Willmore Brown Belt 3rd Black Tag who are both instructors who developed their skills through our IDP).
 Will my medical conditions prevent me from training?
If you have an existing medical condition we strongly recommend that you consult your GP before training. If they give you the okay to train you should then inform your instructor of any known medical conditions, any medication you are on and if there are any special arrangements or precautions you may need to take. If you feel that there is something in the training that may make a medical condition worse then you should explain to your instructor and you will be allowed to stop. At no point should you risk injury or illness as a result of training.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be pleased to help.
About the photos on this website - all persons in the photographs on this website are students of Tring Martial Arts, some could be models and have received some interest from modelling agents / photographs following the photo shoot. All photos are protected by Copyright, any organisation found using these images without permission will be prosecuted for breach of copyright / intellectual property.
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