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1. Q. Am I too old to start a Martial Art?
A. In theory no. However Martial Arts are physically demanding sports and hobbies so we recommend that you have a think about whether you are able to participate in the exercises, which can be intense and can strain your muscular and cardiovascular sytems.
2. Q. Can I train if I have a physical or mental disability?
A. Again in theory we would like to say yes to this question. As you can understand this is a delicate area to tread on, while we would like to say yes to everybody wanting to start we hope that prospective students understand the physcial and mental demands that martial arts place on the body and mind. If you wish to call us and talk about it we are happy to talk you through the class structures and demands, then you can make a proper judgement on whether its right for you.
3. Q. I have never participated in a Martial Art before am I going to struggle?
A. Not at all. All of our classes are beginner friendly!
4. Q. Which is the best one for me?
A. There is no correct answer for this one. Its entirely down to the individual, what suits one person will not suit another. This is why we offer the FREE week of training so you can try each one and settle on the right one for you. If you like them all, excellent you are on your way to becoming a complete Martial Artist.
5. Q. Which art is the best?
A. Again there is no right answer. Our ethos here at TMAS Ormskirk is that no singular art is the best, they all have their good points and bad points. Some people favour striking arts whilst others may favour grappling arts. At TMAS Ormskirk we encourage cross training, therefore a student who practices a striking style will benefit from also training in a grappling art.
6. Q. Do I have to book prior to attending a class?
A. At present no you do not. However we cannot predict how busy classes will get inthe future therefore if classes become so busy that learning starts to be hindered we may introduce a booking scheme.
7. Q. Are there any other costs apart from class fees?
A. Yes. We have an association membership fee which is a one of payment (Kickboxing & Kung Fu only). This fee includes your club uniform and martial arts license (see prices for details). After this has been paid you can then start the grading process.
8. Q. I have heard of TMAS before, is TMAS Ormskirk a franchise martial art club?
A. No. We have not and never will become a franchise martial arts club. Franchise clubs care about making money at the cost of you. We belong to The Martial Art Studio (TMAS) chain of martial arts and fitness clubs. We believe in producing high quality martial artists who know they can look after themselves with what they have learnt in training.
9. Q. What is a franchise martial arts club?
A. Franchise martial arts clubs are run by instructors who have bought into a franchise system and their priority is that of profit and sale. These clubs often charge extortionate monthly rates which sees the student tied into a 12 month contract which they cannot get out of once in. They like to prey on the naiive and uneducated population in order to get students!
10. Q. How can I tell if the club I am considering joining is a Franchise club?
A. Take a look at their points of sale.
Do they promise a free kit when you sign up? This is common at many clubs, ours included, however we do not use it as a method to get you to sign a contract!
Do they promise to get you to black belt within a small amount of time? (usual time to get to black belt in any system is a minimum of 4 to 5 years of hard training).
Do they teach things that dont seem right to be part of a martial arts system? Ask what features in the syllabus, whilst respect and discipline are fundamental parts of training, the only thing that should featurein grading syllabus is combat training.
Are they governed by a recognised association or affliliation? Many of these clubs create their own governing bodies (often in their own names).
Do they force you to buy their own equipment and clothing? Many of these clubs produce their own training equipment, you are not allowed to own anything else. Again, inflated prices mean that you are spending even more money which you should not have to do.
There are many other warning signs that give these clubs away. Stay vigilant. If you are looking at a club and are unsure, contact us. Chances are we know who they are and can steer you towards them or away from them!
11. Q. I have noticed that many martial arts fight competitvley. Do I have to fight?
A. No we do not force anybody do participate in competitve fighting. However we do encourage sparring in the classes. Sparring is performed in a controlled manner and results in no major injuries (although the odd bruise or black eye is expected, its a combat sport :D ). Depending on the class also depends on the level of contact, for example the kids are not allowed any head contact at all.
12. Q. I would like to start with my children in the same class can I do this?
A. This is at the instructors discretion. At TMAS Ormskirk we separate the kids and adults classes because kids learn at different rates to adults. Also martial arts are a combat fighting method. They are made to injure and disable attackers, thismeans we have to teach the kids in a different way so that they understand certain negative aspects of fighting arts. If classes were mixed the adults would suffer as we would have to dilute some of the methods taught.
Pricing.
1. Q. Do I have to sign up to a monthly contract?
A. No. We have a few options for class payments, from single session fees to various monthly fees.
2. Q. Do I have to join as a member?
A. The Kickboxing and Kung Fu classes do require you to join as an affiliated member. The membership joins you to the I.S.K.A association, after you have joined you can then start to grade.
3. I dont want to grade, do I still have to pay my membership fee?
A. Yes. The grading process is a means of progression in a system. They also provide you with small achievement goals in order to progress. The Kickboxing and Kung Fu syllabus' are made up of coloured belt / sash grades. Each grad involves a new set of techniques which become increasingly difficult as you progress. If you do not grade you will not progress and will quickly become bored repeating the same thing week in week out while others move past you. It would also be unfair to progress you infront of others who have paid their memberships.
Thanks for taking the time to read through the FAQ, if there is anything that has been missed out, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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