FAQ

Our Answers

What should I wear on my first class?

On your first class you should wear comfortable sports clothing. Jewellery should be taken off where possible and hair should be kept neat and tidy. All members are encouraged to shower before their sessions and wear deodorant. All equipment is supplied by the Academy. All that you need to do is come in ready to have a great time.

What martial arts style do British MMA do?

While British MMA (also known as British Mixed Martial Arts) grades through British Martial Arts & Boxing Association the classes are really made for the needs of the group it caters for and as such our class content is developed to ensure students are well rounded mixed martial artists with positive attitudes who take care of their health. Each program has a 52-week curriculum uniquely created by our BMMA team, incorporating different elements of martial arts styles to meet the needs of members and to keep classes exciting with new equipment drills each week.

Our classes focus on acquiring the following:

Physicality: speed, flexibility, strength, co-ordination and cardiovascular fitness all while burning approximately 2000kj per class
Skill: technique, control, muscle memory, focus and FUN!
Life Skills: positive attitude, goal setting, stress relief, confidence, friendship and respect
Along with bully busting and self defence strategies that are age appropriate and effective

How the timetable works?

BMMA encourages all members to attend classes as regularly as possible and the flexible timetable means that you can change your class times and days to another suitable class time or day without notice. That being said a regular class time and day is recommended to ensure healthy habits and routine can be set up where possible.

When is the best time to get started?

At BMMA we have a 52 week curriculum and do not work in terms (I.e school terms) which means that you can start at any time if you are over 6 years of age. Everybody begins as a white belt grade, learning the basics and improving with each and every session. The sooner that you can get started the sooner that we can help you to reach your goals.

How do I know if my child is ready to get started?

Over the years we have recognised that lots of parents worry that their child is too young or too unfocused to do martial arts. Being operating for over 5 years, we know the skills that your child should be developing and have the patience and expertise to know how to help them to develop these. Ultimately if your child doesn’t have the concentration, focus or co-ordination that they need this is the place to help them to develop the skill in our safe and friendly environment. The sooner they can start practicing these skills the better prepared they can be for school and beyond.

How many classes a week should I or my child attend?

At BMMA we recommend a minimum of two classes per week. Many of our members even do two classes back to back on the same day including 1-2-1 sessions.

This is for a number of reasons:

1. Fitness, physical strength and flexibility. The more that you can practice the faster that your results will be in regards to training responses by your body.

2. Confidence – On your second lesson for that week, this will mean that you get a chance to practice all of the skills that you completed in your first session for the week and notice your improvements.

3. Skill acquisition: the first time you experience the skill you will pick up the basic components and in subsequent classes for the week you will pick up the finer details of the skill.

Am I too old or unfit or uncoordinated to get started?

One of the best things about doing martial arts is that it is an individual sport with the onus on self improvement and enjoyment, meaning that you can take everything in your own time and that their is no rush to do anything other then have fun and give it your best.

Can I make up missed class or change classes?

BMMA offer one of the most flexible timetables out there to help their members make it to class as often as possible.

How much does it cost?

Martial arts classes typically cost about £10-15 per session depending on location, inclusions and number of classes attending. All equipment is provided for classes and access to curriculums for all levels of memberships.

Please contact us for British MMA Membership prices.

How often should I attend?

Like any sport the more often you can practice the faster you will pick up the results.
In order to get the benefits that come along with martial arts training and the confidence that comes along with seeing improvement in yourself or your child it is recommended by martial arts schools to attend a minimum of two sessions per week and at BMMA there are a number of sessions where you can even do two classes on the one day back to back. Many members choose to do many more classes too including 1-2-1 sessions with one of our coaches.

Am I locked into a contract?

At BMMA you are not locked into contract any longer than the one month notice period necessary for changes to payments, such as freezing or cancellation. If for any reason that you wish to stop completely then you simply give more than one months notice as per terms and conditions and you can cancel your membership at any time.

How does the grading system work and how do I progress through the belts?

BMMA gradings (or belt promotions) are a really exciting and fun way to celebrate your achievements in technique, fitness, discipline, focus and confidence. BMMA grading promotions provide members with clear goals on how to improve and something fun to work towards.

The standards for grading and belt promotions vary between martial art clubs and styles, but the widely accepted measures of a person’s skill and rank at British MMA are:

(1) the amount of technical knowledge they can demonstrate, and

(2) their performance in sparring and competition.

Technical knowledge is judged by the number of techniques a student can perform, and the level of skill with which he/she performs them in sparring and competition. This allows for younger and older students to be recognised for their attendance, skills and experience.

It is a distinctly individual sport, and practitioners are encouraged to adapt the techniques to make them work for their body type, strategy, and level of athleticism. The ultimate criterion is the ability to execute the technique successfully, and not stylistic compliance. Making sure they can use these skills in sparring or competitions.

Promotion may be given after success in a competition, particularly at the lower belts. A promotion might also be awarded when a person can submit most students in their club of the same rank, e.g. a white belt who consistently submits or fights most other white belts in sparring and is starting to catch red belts.

We also take the personality of the student and their behavior outside of class into account, and may refuse to promote someone if they exhibit antisocial or destructive tendencies. It is by these and other criteria that most instructors promote their students.

British MMA belts (all ages but with varying time scales)

* White

* Red

* Yellow

* Green

* Purple 1/2

* Brown 1/2/3

* Black

Some clubs use slightly different belt systems, such as having more coloured belts before yellow belt, but the above are the only widely accepted ranks as they are the standards for tournaments. Stripes may be awarded to any rank below black belt, but like the belts themselves, tend to be given at the instructor’s discretion, and may be in recognition of accomplishments like noticeably improving or victories in a tournament. However, not all clubs award stripes, or award them consistently, so the number of stripes a student has is not necessarily a good measure of their accomplishments or time in training. When they are used it, it is standard for a student to receive 4 stripes before being promoted to the next rank.

Will my child or I get hurt?

As with any sport there is always a risk of injury however the academy aims to minimise injuries through these steps
1. Age appropriate classes for kids, to avoid older kids or younger kids injuring others
2. Protective, padded, non slip flooring in training areas for grappling and wooden floors for striking
3. Curriculums based on safe, appropriate contact with most of the session completely non-contact.
4. Trained coaches to support and help students to perform techniques safely.
5. Any student not respecting the rights of others to train without being hurt are reprimanded-expelled from the academy ensuring a safe and friendly training environment suitable for the whole family.
6.Separate training sessions are available for those wishing to have a larger amount of contact.