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 feelings. Everyone in our community is looking to help everyone, just as they were helped 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 meaning every beginner is more than welcome.

So…

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 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, discount on kit and the opportunity to take part in our annual club competitions. There is no fee become a member, but there is an online form to fill in with all the relevant info needed. A link to the form is below.
This is needed for the STRIKE (MMA) classes, but you won’t need a grading book.

MEMBERSHIP FORM LINK

If you are training within a grading art such as Aikido, Karate or Judo you will need to pay a one off fee of £25 to receive the required grading record book to mark your progress.
If you wish to train within more than one style run by TWMAA, there is no extra fee as your grading book contains sections on all three arts.

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 not grabbed as much, 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 or www.progress.co.uk

We have an account with both companies, so asking Jack 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.

At these grades, students will receive a Mon belt.

Online Payments

Payments for classes, kit or grading books can be made either online or by cash.

For cash payments, please put the cash in an envelope with a reference to what the money is for on it.

For online payments please use the Bacs details below and use a “reference” so we know what you are paying for.
For a grading book reference “book”
For training kit like gloves, a suit etc reference “Kit”
For termly fees, competitions or gradings there will be a unique reference to put in, so check on social media, in the parent groups or with Jack.
For BACS payments;

Account Name J Procter

Sort code 09-01-36

Account number 57683884

Parent and Training Messenger Groups

I know, I’m not found of a group chat either, but they are handy for me to pop reminders in there about things coming up. They are also super useful incase I have to cancel a class last minute (which only happens if it really has too.)
Even better, you may have a question and you can pop it in the group chat and one of the other Warriors can answer it - saves me a job.

There is no requirement to be in one of the group chats, but you I won’t be messaging people individually. You’'ll either have to be on the ball or checking social media.

To be one just let me know you need to be added and the fowllowing info;
To be on the FB Messenger group, let mew know what name you use one Facebook
To be in the "What’s App chat, let me know the mobile number to link to the chat.

Finally

I think that’s everything you need to know to get started.
Obviously, if you have anymore questions please feel free to ask me in person or vis email/social media.

To end, thank you for choosing the Warriors to part of your martial arts journey!