FAQ

 

Do I need to be fit to take part?

Not at all. You can work at your own pace and set your own goals, we are there to help you reach them!

What equipment do I need?

For the beginner you may want to use our gloves however you will be advised to come with some hand wraps for the protection of the wrists and hand. If you wish to take part in sparring it would be advised to bring a gum shield and martial arts shin pads. We do have some available at the gym however they might not fit properly. We also have our own range of equipment for sale.

Do I have to join a membership to take part?

No. We do have a pay monthly scheme which allows you save money by being able to attend all the sessions you wish, however for all our sessions you can turn up on the day and pay as you go.

I have done kickboxing/Thaiboxing before. Which AFK class would be suitable for me?

If you have done kick or Thai boxing to a decent standard you will find our more advanced classes suitable for you. If you only did it for a short time then you would be better off trying a beginner session first.

Do AFK offer an official grading syllabus?

AFK have a full comprehensive Grading syllabus from White Belt to Black Belt. Our grading system is as follows.

Beginner stage = White, Red, Yellow
Intermediate Stage = Orange, Green, Purple
Advanced Stage = Blue, Brown (junior instructor), Black (Instructor grade)

In the higher grades, instructor training is incorporated into the syllabus and higher grades will be allowed the opportunity to have a go at helping out with beginners. This in turn increases standards within the club.

How long will I have to train for before I can take my first grading?

Its really down to how fast you learn, however the 1st grading, which is the White Belt, only requires you to have a grounding in the absolute basics. By the time you are ready for the grading you will probably have already covered the syllabus for the first two belts.

White Belt basics are as follows: Jab and Cross, Front Kick, Roundhouse kick, Use of the Knee. Defences against the Jab and against the Front kick. Candidates will also be assessed on how to hold a pad safely. At this level sparring or any contact drills are not required so White Belt is accessible for everyone.

I would like to train only, Do I have to fight/spar?

No, of course not. Most train without fighting or sparring. The option is there for you but no pressure is put on you to compete.

Im too old and overweight, is kickboxing for me?

Age is never a barrier. We have even had top-level competitors in their 40's take part. As for being overweight, training at AFK should soon sort that problem out. Many people who are older will take up kickboxing as a form of exercise and even take grading, not everyone is interested in the contact side of the sport. Equal Opportunities are what we are all about.

I want to train in a female only class and due to being new to it all can I be in a less busy class?

We have the women’s only private class on Thursdays. This class is for women who are new to kickboxing (although some of the girls who are more experienced have been known to book this class sometimes as well). In this class you will be given a lot more One on One time than in any of the other classes. The cost for the women’s only class is more but still works out less than paying for a private lesson. If after the induction period you wish to continue to the next class up you can do. If you want to stay in the women’s only class then that choice is also available to you.

I want to be an MMA Fighter/Cage Fighter is AFK Suitable?

We already have had and still do have people who are training for MMA fights at AFK. However we concentrate on the striking side of MMA but we can direct you towards a suitable facility for the Ground game of MMA.

I would like to train by myself or with a friend, how can I go about it?

You can phone 07775 914155 and book a PRIVATE LESSON with one of the instructors. Our team of instructors is available literally round the clock hence making AFK accessible for police officers, nurses and other shift workers.