Q. Are your instructors qualified?

Q. How long does it take to get
any good?

A. Of course! Our instructors and trainee-instructors are all fully qualified by the GBMAA to instruct both children and adults in all programs offered by the GBMAA. To help ensure that our instructors maintain the high standards set by the GBMAA, our managerial staff perform regular, unscheduled “sport-checks”, in addition to running weekly assessment meetings.

A. Well that entirely depends upon the person. Some people strive to reach the top of the Martial Arts ladder, while others are quite content to take things as they come. On average it takes three to four months to complete our Basic Program, and three to four years to achieve your First Degree Black Belt. However, if it's sporting success you're after, the majority of Sport Martial Arts competitions have novice and intermediate categories, so you could be bringing home trophies within six months. Miss Bannan, now a senior instructor with the GBMAA, trained with us for five months before being awarded a place on Team England. She then went on to compete at the WPKA World Championships a month later and came back with a Gold Medal, making her the Ladies <64kg World Champion!

Q. Is it dangerous? Will I have to
fight people?

A. Not if you don’t want to. Our beginners programs are all non-contact, to ensure that no one begins to spar before we are confident that they have full control of what they are doing, or before they are confident in their technical ability. Once sparring becomes available, it is not compulsory, although it is recommended. Anyone that does wish to spar or compete must wear full protective equipment (head-guard, gloves, foot-pads, shin-guards, gum-shield, groin/chest guard and bodyguard if desired) to avoid any injuries. All sparring is kept under control and the GBMAA also runs Inter-Academy competitions throughout the year, so that anyone not too sure about competitions can get a feel for it, in a more relaxed and controlled environment.

Q. What about CRB checks?
Child Protection policies etc?

A. Again, all GBMAA instructors and members of staff have up to date CRB checks and First Aid qualifications. In addition, instructors and staff must attend Child Protection courses, Equality in Sport courses and every Academy must also pass regular Health & Safety checks, performed by a dedicated Health & Safety Officer. The GBMAA even requires all Instructors to become GBMAA and WAKO qualified referees, to help ensure that any sparring is performed correctly and is consistent with the current rules of competition.

Q. You seem to be doing really well in competitions. What about people who are just looking to get fit?

Q: I have a previous Injury. Can I still join? Are their any accommodations for my condition?

A. The GBMAA has something for everyone. Our wide range of programs and courses give you plenty of opportunities to do more than just learn Martial Arts, Kickboxing or Self-Defence. So, whether you're looking to lose some weight, meet new friends, improve your confidence or if, indeed, you do have dreams of becoming a World Champion, there’s something here for you. See our benefits page for more details.

A: Anyone that desires fitness training is welcome. Our Academies, however, do not provide focused classes for any specific injury or disabilities. Depending on the nature of the injury, professional medical advice should be sought out prior to training.