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What are the benefits of Martial Arts Training?
There are an enormous range of benefits that can be gained through Martial Arts training. These include:
Improved confidence in oneself and one’s abilities
- Greater self-esteem leading to improvements in one’s social, family and work life
- Increased fitness and general health as training improves circulation, helps to fight off common ailments, develops muscle strength and tone and releases endorphins which also lead to greater self-esteem and confidence
- Improvements in dealing with difficult situations, whether work or social. For example, children that learn Martial Arts are more able to recognise signs that bullying may occur and avoid those sort of situations. Adults may gain the confidence to stand up for themselves in social and work situations, leading to better relationships with others and enhanced career prospects
- Better weight control for those people that struggle with managing their body weight and shape. Martial Arts students generally find it easier to keep weight off and stay slimmer
Enhanced speed, flexibilty and strength which can aid a student in their everyday lives
Developing discipline, especially self-discipline, which leads to respect, treating others with fairness and equality
- An enhanced CV and the associated benefits that come with a professional vocation such as Martial Arts, helping our students to get into college or get better jobs
What's involved in a Martial Arts Lesson?
Linework: working alone to develop techniques at the Instructor’s command.
Patterns (TaeKwon-Do only): working alone on set routines. There are 24 patterns in total, with between 19 and 72 moves plus extra optional patterns. Students learn one per grade up to black belt then, more per grade from black belt level upwards. Patterns are set sequences of movements that simulate self-defence situations, and are part of all traditional martial arts.
Sparring: working with a partner to develop movement, balance, co-ordination, blocking, distance, timing, defensive and offensive moves. This includes set routines and free sparring.
Padwork: focussing striking onto focus mitts, kickshields and training bags.
Self-Defence: working with a partner to learn streetwise self defence moves, including locks, restraints, take downs, weapon defence and basic groundwork.
Fitness and stretching: dedicated fitness, strength, stamina and flexibility training.
Power Breaking: focussing on hitting targets (e.g. breaker boards). An equal test of mental and physical strength.
Competition Preparation: focusing on helping to prepare students who wish to test their skills in a competitive environment.
How do I progress in the Martial Arts?
Students begin at white belt, beginner level (black belts of a closely related martial art like Shotokan Karate may sometimes enter at a slightly higher level). There are then different grades as a colour belt before reaching Black Belt. From Black belt onwards, the belt colour doesnt change but the ranking number does - up to 9th degree in TaeKwon-Do & 8th dan in Kickboxing.
Student will grade in front of an examiner (or a panel number of examiners for Black belt ranks). After successfully completing a grading, a student is promoted and receives a new belt or tag (depending on what level and style they are testing in) as well as a certificate.
The time between gradings varies depending on ability and the amount of training put in. It generally takes between 5+ years to achieve black belt.
Will I feel or look silly?
A martial art does not come naturally. Like learning to swim, continuous perseverance brings improved results. Everyone has to start somewhere and although Martial Arts may feel unusual to begin with, within a few sessions you will have picked up the basic commands. No student would ever think you looked silly, as they had to start in exactly the same way, and they are also well aware of the massive benefits you will soon gain from Martial Arts training!
Who can take part in Martial Arts?
Just about anyone can take part, there are classes available for; kids, teenagers and adults, if you have an interest in Martial Arts or looking for a new way to get fit, then I-Kick Fitness can help. It’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor before undertaking any new form of exercise programme or discipline. Our classes start from as young as age 4.
What is I-Kickers?
Little I-Kickers and Junior I-Kickers are two specially designed fundamental Martial Arts fundamental programmes for children between the ages of 4 and 9. They teach Martial Arts basics – based on the arts of Taekwon-do and Kickboxing – to enhance fitness levels and motor skills. Furthermore, they also teach valuable life skills such as; confidence building, awareness skills, how to deal with bullying and being assertive, teamwork, road and fire safety skills, how to eat healthily and live an active lifestyle and much more. Both programmes are designed so that they can be utilised at home as well. Each student receives a handbook upon joining, to help them learn, train and practice at home.
What is the difference between the I-Kickers programmes and JNR Programmes?
The main difference is the age groups that each is aimed at. The I-Kickers programmes are for younger children (4-9 years of age), split as follows; Little I-Kickers (4-6 years) and Junior I-Kickers (7-9 years). Whereas, the JNR programmes are for older children (10+ years of age). The JNR classes teach the same core values as the I-Kickers classes but on a more mature level. They incorporate more of the physical aspect of the Martial Arts as well and the opportunity to compete in competition is available if the student wishes to do so. There are visual differences with the training uniforms as well.
What should I wear to a class?
If it’s your first time or you are attending a fitness class, wearing jogging bottoms or shorts and a sports vest or t-shirt is perfect to take part in – dress as if you were going to the gym. Shoes and socks are not required whilst training indoors inside the gym.
For our Martial Arts members, you will be able to purchase and officially training uniform receive upon joining the club. Once purchased, this should be worn in the Martial Arts classes. However, if you are new, just dress as if you were going to a fitness class or the gym. All students are required to purchase their uniform (which comes with a belt) by the time they are ready to do their first grading examination (usually within 1-3 months of joining).
How long does it take to get to Black Belt?
As a general guide, students will usually test every 6-9 months at the lower level ranks. At intermediate level the average timescale is approximately 9-12 months between examinations. Black Belt gradings are usually a number of years apart, guided by what rank they are aiming to test for (e.g. from 2nd degree/dan to 3rd degree/dan would take a minimum of 3 years). That all being said, these timescales are just a guide as there is no exact timescales on how quickly or slowly students will actually progress, as each individual is different and develops at their own pace. Students will be notified by their Instructor when they are ready to try for their next rank, so be patient and enjoy the journey.
How do you teach Martial Arts Online?
Good question! We use the I-Kick Online Academy which has loads of content to access in the form of videos and downloadable documents & worksheets. There are pre-recorded classes, tutorials, challenges, grading content and much more available. We also, from time-to-time, run 'Live' online webinars and Q+A's where our instructors teach virtually and are available to answer any questions students may have. The 'Live' sessions are done using the Zoom platform and accessible via the I-Kick Online Academy.
How much does it cost?
All new members get the opportunity to try any of our classes for FREE FOR 7 DAYS! After that, we offer a few different membership packages for students as well as the option of private tuition too. Our membership packages start from £37 per month. Click HERE to contact us for a FREE 7 DAY TRIAL or to let us know what you are looking for and we will be more than happy to give you more information.
How do I book a class or a session?
All of our classes, events, gradings, sessions etc. are booked through our app. Search for 'I-Kick Martial Arts' on the app store or google play store to download it for free! Download our app for Apple or Android by clicking the link at the bottom of this page.
Are there family discounts available?
Yes there are packages available, please contact your Instructor or Trainer to find out more about these.
