Frequently asked questions

Your first session is FREE and thereafter we charge a monthly fee dependent on how many sessions you want to train.

Not straight away. When you’re ready and know this is the sport for you, we’ll have a chat about getting a uniform for you

Yes. You’ll love how you will have fun and become fitter with martial arts. You’ll find people of all shapes and sizes in our classes, and people of all abilities. Come along. It’s a judgment free sport.

We have very few injuries in our martial arts classes. We focus on training you in a technique that works, and then you and your child perfect that technique. In the adult classes there may be a bruise or two. Like all contact sports there are injuries but we try to limit them by maintaining a safe environment for everyone to train in

Yes, we are fully insured with over £10 million public liability insurance

Over the years we’ve trained children and adults with different levels of able-ness. Come along, have a chat and we will see how we can help. Please note there may be some elements of martial arts that are not possible, but we won’t know until we meet and have a conversation.

As well as being a 5th Dan Black belt in Japanese Jujitsu, I’m also a qualified boxing coach,MMA and a fitness coach. I’m also the person that trains security teams, border patrol and police officers in self defense techniques. I’m available to train teachers and other small groups in restraint techniques etc. We are all Enhanced DBS checked and minimum Level 3 Coaches with Sensei Scott being a Level 4 Coach All of our Sensei's are coaches as well, and we help support and develop their coaching skills. I have plenty of other qualifications in safe guarding, first aid etc, and I’m happy to reassure you in person, so come along to a class.

Of course you can. Teens also love martial arts. It gives them space to be themselves, when all the world is changing around them. Parents of teens love martial arts as it’s a space where energy can be channeled into something positive. It’s also excellent for mental health.

Old? The concept of being ‘too old’ for martial arts is a myth that’s long overdue for debunking. Martial arts are like a fine wine—enjoyable and beneficial at any age. You’re not just hopping on a trend; you’re embarking on a transformative journey that respects the individual capabilities of each practitioner, no matter their age. Martial arts schools (like mine) offer a plethora of options for adults, from beginner to advanced classes, and often feature age-specific sessions that accommodate the needs of older participants. Far from a young person’s game, martial arts are increasingly attracting adult learners who find immense value in the physical conditioning, stress relief, and the mental clarity it brings. So forget age and ignore those creaking joints. The real question is, are you ready for a rewarding challenge that will enrich your life in countless ways? If the answer is yes, then you’re precisely the right age for martial arts.

One of the most pervasive misconceptions about martial arts is that it’s a dangerous pursuit, especially for children. While it’s understandable to have concerns, it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction and appreciate the rigorous safety protocols in place. Firstly, let’s acknowledge that any physical activity carries some level of risk—be it football, rugby, or even a simple game of tag. The question isn’t whether martial arts are dangerous, but how these risks are managed and mitigated. Safety First: The Instructor’s Creed In any reputable martial arts academy, safety isn’t just a priority; it’s a creed. Instructors are usually certified professionals trained in first aid and risk management. They are well-versed in teaching techniques that progressively build skill and confidence, without pushing students into situations they aren’t prepared for. Protective Gear: The Armour of the Modern Warrior Protective gear like mouth guards, headgear, and padded gloves are integral to training and sparring. These aren’t optional extras but mandatory equipment that drastically reduce the risk of injury. Many academies (like ours) also utilise padded floors to further mitigate risks. The Power of Technique: Safety in Knowledge Contrary to popular belief, martial arts are not about brute force. They are about technique, control, and discipline. Students are taught how to execute moves correctly to minimise the risk to themselves and their partners. Incorrect form is immediately corrected, ensuring that bad habits (and potential safety risks) are nipped in the bud. The Controlled Environment: No Room for Recklessness Sparring and fighting, if involved, are conducted under strict supervision and in controlled conditions. Rules are clearly laid out, and any form of recklessness is not tolerated. Unlike a real-world altercation, where anything goes, martial arts academies have guidelines designed to protect all participants. The Benefits Outweigh the Risks: The Real Picture It would be an oversight to discuss safety without mentioning the myriad benefits of martial arts. Beyond physical fitness, they offer invaluable life skills—discipline, self-control, resilience, and a sense of responsibility—that far outweigh the minimal risks involved. So, when you ask, “Are martial arts dangerous?”, consider the broader perspective. When practised under the right conditions and with the appropriate precautions, martial arts are a safe and profoundly enriching activity for individuals of all ages. Remember, risk is an inherent part of life. The key lies in understanding and managing it, rather than avoiding potentially life-changing opportunities out of fear. It’s time to put the ‘danger myth’ to rest and embrace the transformative power of martial arts.

Absolutely, we don’t just train girls; we offer a team of accomplished female sensei for your daughters to look up to and emulate. These instructors don’t just teach; they actively compete, earning a commendable collection of medals along the way. Many of our female sensei have trained with us since they were 5 years old. Trust us, your daughters will be absolutely thrilled with their martial arts classes. Martial arts are a level playing field, offering a wealth of physical, mental, and emotional benefits to all, irrespective of gender. Many girls experience a heightened sense of empowerment as they master techniques that have been traditionally dominated by males, and they find they’re more confident in their teens when they’re training in martial arts.

Yes, each year I hold trials for the members, and select a team who go on to compete at National and International & World competitions. Every year so far, our squads have exceeded expectations and blown our minds with their level of skill and commitment. Some members of our martial arts classes have gained elite athlete status which has helped with university applications. Competing has many benefits. Participating in martial arts competitions sharpens your concentration, fine-tunes your skills, and schools you in the art of keeping cool when the stakes are high. These aren’t just bouts or matches; they’re transformative experiences that propel you to excel not just in martial arts, but in life’s numerous challenges as well.

No, not in comparison to football, ballet or other sports. There’s your class fee, and your gi. And every so often a grading. Compare that to the cost of ballet with shoes, tights, leotards, etc with exams and auditions… You don’t have a lot of change out of £250 a month when it comes to ballet. A martial arts class is a fraction of what ballet costs.

Our address is: The Combat Academy for Sport, Billet Recreation Ground, Billet Lane, Stanford le Hope, SS17 0AR. We are short walk from Stanford le Hope town centre. There’s parking for around 50 cars. Most people find the site easy to find, and easy to park.

Quite the opposite. Martial arts instills discipline, self-control, and respect for others. Martial arts teaches children how to diffuse situations peacefully and only use physical skills as a last resort. Far from encouraging violence, martial arts often cultivate a more balanced, peaceful temperament.