Our answers to many of the common questions about martial arts. Please do contact us if we haven't answered your question below!
Kung Fu - 4yrs +
Kick Boxing - 4 yrs+
Ju Jutsu - 10 yrs+
BJJ - 10 yrs+
MMA - 12yrs+
Chinese Martial Arts - 12yrs+
Self Defence - 14yrs+
Please note classes are split so students are grouped together in size and ability for safety.
No way! Martial Arts is about peace, harmony and diplomacy. It teaches children how to AVOID fights - not pick them.
Check out our Why Martial Arts? page for more info.
Martial Arts is an excellent way to develop and improve coordination, flexibility, strength, stamina and more, whether you are athletic or not.
Our Self Defence classes are for 14yrs + but all our disciplines contain elements of self defence and are therefore the ideal starting point for younger students.
Check out our Self Defence page for more information.
We work with adults and children with a variety of needs and always endeavour to make our sessions accessible to everyone. If you want to talk to us about how we can make our sessions a positive and welcoming place for you or your child then please drop us an email.
Yes we do but if a specific class is particularly close to being over-subscribed we will let you know when you book your taster session.
Please look at our Class By Age Group page to find a suitable class. It is worth noting that some of our higher grade older junior students do attend the adult sessions.
New students (of any age) are partnered with experienced students who help them through learning the basics.
Our BJJ classes start from age 10 and are suitable for beginners of all ages. Please note that initial training is No Gi i.e. grappling without the traditional uniform, instead you wear shorts and a t-shirt.
Check out our BJJ page for more info.
All our Thai Kik Jitsu classes incorporate White-Collar boxing (good for beginners).
Check out our Kick Boxing page for more information.
Even though our classes start from age 4 we welcome beginners of all ages. New students (of any age) are partnered with experienced students who help them through learning the basics.
Absolutely, competing is a personal choice, not a requirement.
People take our Martial Arts classes for many different reasons including getting into shape, learning a new skill, getting their ‘adrenaline’ fix, learning self defence, etc.
Definitely, we'll help you fine tone & perfect your technique to give you an edge over your opponents and in addition, our training will increase your endurance and stamina, and boost your strength.
Yes they definitely are, for both adults and children. Children are encouraged to keep going even though it may be a struggle, as this is pivotal for perseverance and confidence. The way we structure our syllabus means that goals are achievable and tangible, and we focus on effort and perseverance over achievement.
Peer to peer learning forms a big part of what we do, which is useful for cementing techniques and developing confidence. We do not rank students against each other, everyone works at their own pace to achieve their own goals.
Check out our Why Martial Arts? and Why TMAS? pages for more info.
Absolutely! In fact, kids usually have to drag their parents to Martial Arts class. We have our serious moments here where kids work hard and learn, but we have just as much fun time where they goof off and have a blast!
Not at all, in fact many people use Martial Arts as a way to get in good shape. They come to us out of shape and quickly become more athletic and limber.
The key is to pace yourself in first 5 sessions and condition your body, then you can step up each session safely without injury and push yourself towards your goals.
The class format generally consists of:
Warm up
This involve exercises to raise the heart rate, increasing blood flow and preparing muscles for work.
The warm up is especially important in Martial Arts as many of the techniques taught expose the muscles to explosive movements. The warm up may also involve techniques to help with building strength, core strength or reaction times.
Main section
This part of the class takes many varied forms, keeping classes interesting for students. A class might focus on one aspect such as group of techniques, a section of self defence or fitness circuit training.
Sometimes classes focus on sparring (if you do not wish to spar the other options are always available). In addition to the above, classes may involve multiple activities with different coaches.
Just when you think you have it all worked out, your coach might throw in one of a number of fun games (for all ages) designed to supplement the syllabus and enhance core skills. Whatever the activity classes are designed to be safe friendly and fun!
Cool down
Also called warm down this is carried out at the end of the class. It's purpose is to stretch out and re-oxygenate the muscles used during the work out.
Gi and No Gi are the 2 forms of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Gi Jiu Jitsu is grappling with the use of a traditional Gi, which allows you to grab the clothing of your opponent. No Gi is grappling without the traditional uniform, instead you wear shorts and a rash guard.
Check out our BJJ page for more info.
Compiled by our expert head instructor who has over 20 years of martial arts experience, TMAS uses a structured curriculum for all our disciplines. It is a comprehensive, step-by-step system which provides our students with an easy to follow road map. Our instructors closely monitor progress, giving focused feedback and making sure nobody ever feels left behind. Students can clearly follow their progression within the curriculum and therefore know when they are ready for their next grading.
Progress is also monitored by Sifu Ross and when ready, students are invited to take part in a *Grading Workshop which takes place few weeks before the Grading. These 2 hour workshops* normally take place on a Sunday and help students hone their techniques in preparation for the Grading.
Gradings normally take place 3 – 6 times per year (depending on the number of students ready to progress) on a Saturday and / or Sunday and the dates are published at least 2 months in advance.
The Grading sessions are 2 hours long and students are awarded their belt in a short presentation ceremony at the end.
* Separate Grading Workshops are run for Juniors and Seniors and cost £15 if booked in advance or £25 on the day.
Many of our students train in glasses and/or contact lenses without any issues. We also sometimes encourage students to spar without glasses on as often, in real-life situations, glasses get knocked off.
Some students prefer to use an elasticated strap to keep their glasses in place.
Juniors (pay monthly TMAS members):
Juniors & Seniors (pay monthly TMAS members):
Juniors & Seniors (pay as you go members):
Notes:
Please note: This includes the cost for both the grading and belt. Advance payment in cash or email us for an online payment link.
Our toughest sessions are on Tuesdays at 18:30 and 19:30 (Kickboxing HIIT classes) and Thursdays at 19:30 (strength and conditioning).
As a parent I'm sure you've seen that kids can get injured doing just about anything. Martial Arts is no different, however we take safety very seriously. Yes, injuries do sometimes happen but we do everything in our power to avoid them including exercises and stretches to make your child's body limber and flexible and we're always keeping a very close eye on everything going on.
Thai Kik Jitsu is a street based Kickboxing discipline whereas Muay Thai is more sport based. Thai Kik Jitsu includes self defence and Jiu Jitsu and our curriculum therefore includes elbows, knees and clinch work.
Check out our Kick Boxing page for more information.
We will provide the necessary gloves and pads for your initial sessions until you get your own. Please note that we do not provide spare sparring gear and only members with club insurance can spar.
Please contact your doctor and see what he/she says. If your doctor has any questions for us, let us know and we'll gladly answer them!
The great thing with Martial Arts is that you can learn to train around injuries e.g. when a student can’t use legs they can work on boxing, Jiu Jitsu and their upper body & core.
Yes we do, please check out our Personal Training page and contact us via email for more information.
Ideally 2 - 5 times per week to get the fitness benefit. However, if you do other sports then some students train only once a week.
