Getting Started

It is never easy stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new, but we know that and look to make it as easy and as enjoyable as possible as every Warrior has started at the beginning too.

We know all the thoughts you'll be having of, I won't be fit enough, I won't know what to do, I'll make a fool of myself, it's going to hurt. But trust us, we have all been through the same and everyone in our community is looking to help all the newbies as they would like to do what was done for them when they started.

Making that first step is all down to you but we will be there every step of the way to help. After a few sessions you will feel your confidence grow just like your fitness and you will wonder why you worried so much to begin with. For us Warriors our community keeps going through new people so every beginner is more than welcome.

What do I need to do?

Get in contact with Jack Procter via social media, email, text or call to discuss the best class for yourself or children (it is always a good idea to speak to him prior to the session to ensure there are spaces.) Then once you've decided and spoke with Jack just turn up. 

Look to wear comfortable clothing that you can move in - either a gym or PE kit. We train all sessions in barefoot so theres no worries about footwear. 

Try your first session for free as a taster then have a think if you enjoyed yourself. 

Once you've done 3 sessions and you know you are going to keep training then you will need to enquire about getting a membership (more on this below) and either at the same time or a few weeks later you can look to get any kit which may be required eg a Gi (suit.)

Then you just keep training regularly and put the effort in.

It is as simple as that.

Membership

Membership to the Traditional Warriors Martial Arts Association will give you access to train at any art or session run by TWMAA and will insure you to do so under one fee. It is an annual fee of £25.

If you are training within a grading art such as Aikido, Karate or Judo you will also receive a grading record book to mark your progress. If you wish to train within more than one style then your membership will allow you to do this (as long as the art/session is run by TWMAA) and your grading book contains sections on all three arts therefore there is no extra fee.

A passport photo is needed to stick inside your book. This helps with gradings when other instructors sit on the panel.

When to get one?

Students will need to purchase a membership after 3 training sessions, this will give you a few sessions to decide whether or not the classes are for you.

Gi aka Suit aka the kit!

A ‘Gi’ is a suit. These can be bought through the club or you are more than welcome to buying one yourself, just check with Sensei Jack what you are looking for from a thickness and colour point of view.

There is no need to have a Gi to start so do wait until you have decided to carry on with the martial art before purchasing one as they are not much use for anything else except a fancy dress party.

A suit is not as an important as the membership and can be bought a few weeks after the membership, but a suit will be required to do a grading.

The difference in the Gi’s are that the Judo ones (also used for Aikido) are thicker and stronger making them better when grabbed and less likely to rip, a Jiu Jitsu Gi is also allowed. The standard Karate Gi is much thinner than the aforementioned ones as they are rarely grabbed unlike in Judo and Aikido. Obviously you can get more expensive and better Gi’s but the standard ones are fine to start with. If you are interested in a better standard then ask Jack or check out www.blitzsport.com 

We have an account with this company so asking me before purchasing anything from them could mean a slight discount depending on the product.

Belts & Gradings

Gradings are where students earn their next belts by being able to demonstrate the techniques they have learnt at the correct standard. Students will need the above membership and Gi to take part in the grading and will need to be training regularly before hand to have the opportunity to grade.

Grading Fees

Full gradings - When passed you will be awarded a certificate and new belt.

Children (Under 18yrs) £15        Adults (18yrs+) £20

Mon grades £5

These are a stepping stone belt towards the full grade. They are a great way to focus on specific content within a whole grade enabling more students to move up through the belts at a better standard. Jack will discuss with you if he feels this approach will benefit you/your child. Within our Pee Wee classes this is the standard practise.

At these grades, students will receive a Mon belt.