New Starters
The journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step.
90% of the students at TFAA started as complete beginners
The level of our senior students is high but roughly 90% of the students at The Fighting Arts Academy start as complete beginners. Our mission is to champion diversity and as such our fighting family comprises people of all ages, genders, sizes and fitness levels.
We work with everyone from complete beginners to professional fighters.
Although we’re beginner-friendly,
you’ll be training alongside high-level athletes.
(We must be doing something right, as at any given TFAA grappling class, you’re likely to find several black belts on the mat. Similarly, several of our strikers are tearing up the high-level competition circuit.)
If you train with us, you’ll gain some serious skills and make some great friends along the way. The hardest bit of starting a combat sport is actually just turning up to your first class. Trying something new is always a little intimidating. But not to fear — we are here to help.
We are a friendly bunch and are incredibly supportive of beginners. We can’t promise you will never be pushed out of your comfort zone… but when that does happen, it will always be done safely and responsibly . As a consequence, we are pretty confident that you’ll start surprising yourself — in the best way possible.
Who knows, after a few months, you might love the sport just as much as the rest of us do.
Download our app MAAT and book your first class!
The Fighting Arts Academy classes are booked using our club app MAAT
Start your journey today.
£10 OFF when you book your first class at The Fighting Arts Academy on MAAT
Not great with tech stuff?
Don’t worry - Just turn up to class and someone will help you…
(and once it is all set up the whole thing is very easy)
We would also encourage you to come along and participate (not just watch!).
A Few of the Benefits
Cardiovascular Health
Strength, Endurance & Tone
Flexibility
Core Stability and Balance
Speed and Agility
Effective Self Defence
Body Composition
Weight-Loss
Confidence
Discipline
Mental Toughness
Stress Relief
Make great friends
Have Fun!
Your first-class checklist
As you progress in the sport you will likely build your own collection of Grappling Equipment and Striking Equipment.
But for turning up to your first class all you need is the courage to step through the door, a little bit of will-power and the desire to become better than you were yesterday... we will look after the rest!
Turn up with:
Your class booked in on our App MAAT (using promocode WELCOME2TFAA)
Tracksuit bottoms or shorts (with no zips or buttons)
An old T-Shirt (no zips or buttons and covered shoulders to prevent matburn!)
No jewellery
Hair tied up (soft elastic hairband - avoid plastic clips or hard hairbands)
A big bottle of water
Sometimes bringing a friend helps (Dutch courage!). But please don’t worry - we are a friendly and welcoming bunch!
Also please turn up a few minutes early and introduce yourself to the coach as a new student.
The only thing you won’t need is your ego. Leave that at the door...
Obviously - if you have done some combat sports before, bring your own gloves / striking gear and/or your Gi / grappling gear as appropriate.
“A Black Belt is just a White Belt who never gave up...”
Just turn up and try a class… you have nothing to lose... everything to gain.
What if I feel nervous?
Totally normal but try not to be. We’re here to support you.
Do I need any experience?
Nope! 90% of our students started as complete beginners.
Do I need to be fit to start?
No. That’s what the training is for. Many students begin with low fitness levels — your strength, cardio, and confidence will grow with time.
Can I bring a friend?
Definitely. Having someone familiar nearby can make starting less intimidating — and more fun.
What if I have an old injury or health concern?
Just let a coach know before class. We’ll always do our best to work around limitations safely.
What’s your excuse?
“I’m too old / tired / unfit.
I’m not very strong or flexible.
I’m scared that I’ll get hurt / hit.
I’m not sure women / kids should do this.
I freak out when people are in my personal space
I’m worried about an old injury.
I think MMA sounds scary.
We’ve heard them all before...
We’ve heard them all — but none of them should stop you.
Come talk to us and see for yourself.
MMA / martial arts / Combat sports are the perfect way to get into shape. Men and women of all levels of fitness, ability and age enjoy the training in our classes. Training boosts confidence, reduces stress and increases energy.
Every student comments on how supportive, friendly and welcoming the club is - indeed, that’s the only attitude we believe is appropriate for training.
All you need is will-power and the desire to succeed. Let us take care of the rest.
Fundamentals Class
Mastery is the result of learning and relearning the basics.
You can never work on the basics enough. Our fundamentals class is a time to focus on the details hidden within the basics. A solid foundation is the key to success in combat sports and this session gives everyone a chance to give their fundamentals the care and attention they deserve. Although all the classes at TFAA are designed to be beginner-friendly, this is a great class for those who are just starting out.
Women-Only Classes
We are an overtly feminist club that champions diversity in all its forms. That means our mats are a safe space.
We train everyone equally hard and treat everyone with the respect they deserve.
We encourage our women members to train in our mixed-classes.
In addition, we also offer dedicated Women’s-Only Sessions taught by a female coach in a separate space.
Read about our Women’s Team
Talk to a Coach
Kids Classes
At a time when children are inundated with messages from media and peers encouraging immediate gratification through TV, video games and the like. The martial-arts provide discipline, strong work ethic, focus and perseverance that will last a lifetime. 4yrs old and up!