FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions or concerns?
You're not alone. It's normal when you're trying something new.
Below are a list of queries we have received over the years. However if you have concerns that were not addressed, please do not hesitate to contact us.
What do I need to bring to my first Martial Arts lesson?
Wear comfortable clothing, ie. shorts or leggings, and a t-shirt or singlet. You will remove your shoes and socks to step on the mat. Make sure your nails are trimmed. If you have long hair, tie it back.
Be sure to bring a bottle of water, a hand towel (optional), and a positive attitude.
Are parents allowed to watch?
We encourage parents to watch their children while they train. We have a student/family lounge specifically for this purpose. We find that students are often more committed when their parents are involved.
How long are the classes?
Pre-schooler classes are 30 minutes.
Our Junior and Senior classes are 45 minutes.
Do I need to be fit for this?
We work with students at varying fitness levels. Please inform our instructors if you are recovering from any injuries, or if you have any fitness or health concerns. We're happy to adapt the training to your needs.
I’m not very sporty or co-ordinated, will that be a problem?
Not at all. In fact, many students described themselves like that when they started. So, you will fit right in!
Give yourself some time, and you will be astounded at how much you improve! Martial Arts is mostly muscle memory. You will have plenty of opportunities to practice techniques and gain confidence.
Will my child become a bully?
We start by teaching respect for ourselves and others. Our students learn defensive techniques like balance, evasive strategies, and blocks before they focus on strikes. It gives us the opportunity to monitor their attitude and raise any concerns.
In our experience, parents are more likely to seek us out to bully-proof their children. Through martial arts training, they gain confidence and awareness, making them less appealing as targets.
How long until I get my Black Belt?
The journey to Black Belt is an individual one. We cater to a wide range of students with varying fitness levels and experience. For many students, we are their first martial art, while some may have trained in several martial arts over many years. Some train more frequently than others. Some have older siblings or parents to learn from. There are too many variables that will affect your journey to Black Belt. Focus on the achievements along the way, your personal growth, and the bonds you make. It is not a race.
If you're looking for a shortcut to Black Belt, we do not offer that. Perseverance and commitment are traits we value in a Black Belt.
Why don't you do competitions?
When you compete in a sports martial art, you're matched with an opponent of relatively equal size and experience. You fight on level ground under bright lights with referees making sure the fight is fair. You're trained to stay in the fight for as many rounds as possible.
In real life, if you're targeted, it will likely be by someone bigger and stronger than you. There may be more than one opponent. You may not see it coming. They may have concealed weapons. Basically, it's never a fair fight. It will be about survival, not point scoring.
At Martial Journey, we focus on self-defence. The conditions we're training you for are very different from those set by competitions and it requires a different mindset.
