Everyone has their concerns when it comes to contact sports. We have gathered a list of our most frequently asked questions to address some of our most common issues. If their are concerns that you have that are not listed here, please feel free to call us, we will be more than willing to answer any additional questions you may have.
Answer:
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.
Answer:
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.
Answer:
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.
Answer:
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.
Answer:
Of course not! All of our classes are split up into beginners, intermediates and advanced practitioners, so your classes will always be catered to your level of skill. It is our duty to ensure that no one gets left behind and that everyone receives the same quality instruction that has made the GBMAA so successful.
Answer:
Not necessarily. Depending on your level of experience, we may be able to grade you straight to the equivalent level on our syllabus. We usually recommend that those with junior and intermediate grades work their way up, to ensure that they have covered all of the basics, but we appreciate that most people with senior grades should have these mastered.
When you come in for your first, free class, one of our instructors will be able to do a quick assessment of your skills and put you in with the relevant group.
Answer:
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.
Answer:
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.
Answer:
Well, your best bet is to book yourself in for a free trial class at your local Academy. The free trial will give you a chance to try our classes for yourself. Remember, if you have no experience in the Martial Arts, don't worry. All of our classes are split into beginners, intermediates and advanced practitioners.
Well, fortunately for you, our tuition costs work out less than the average cost per class anywhere else and to help you make your decision, all of our academies offer free trial classes and family offers.
To make things even easier the GBMAA will also provide you with the following:
All of the above are included in one payment to get you started, so there are no hidden costs later on. Also, to keep everything official and legal, we do not collect payments "cash-in-hand".
Instead we make sure that everything is down on paper, in standard financial contracts that give you several options on how to pay, from one-off-payments for any of our courses, to ongoing monthly payments by direct debit.
Don't worry if you work shifts or go abroad a lot. Any time spent away from the Academy is bolted on at the end of your course, so you're always getting what you paid for.