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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Initially we charge $30 for the first 2 weeks as a trial membership. We do not give out any other prices until you have done the trial because membership in our school is not automatic. We very carefully screen everyone that comes to train with us to make sure they are of good character and are able to train with respect and concern for their training partners. All going well and we are happy to have you as a member, and you would like to continue your training with us then we give you a full price list including all options, equipment required and all the possible discounts - and you can make a decision then. (HINT: if you go to the Getting Started page you can get your two week trial for FREE)
WHAT TIMES ARE YOUR ADULT CLASSES?
Our full class schedule is on the HOME page and again on the TEEN-ADULT CLASSES page but if you missed them, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5.30 to 7.00pm, Zen Do Kai Martial Arts Freestyle is on Tuesday and Thursday at 5.30 to 7.00pm, Muay Thai is on Monday and Wednesday at 7.00 to 8.30pm and Mixed Martial Arts is on Tuesday and Thursday at 7.00 to 8.30pm
WHAT TIMES ARE YOUR KIDS CLASSES?
Our full class schedule is on the HOME page and again on the KIDS CLASSES page but if you missed them, Brazillian Jiu Jitsu is on Friday at 4.00 to 5.00pm, Mixed Martial Arts is on Monday and Wednesday at 4.00 to 5.00pm and Muay Thai is on Tuesday and Thursday at 4.00 to 5.00pm. Keep an eye out on our website in 2012 as we look to expand our kids classes to include 2 times per day for our Little Dragons.
WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF WHAT YOU TEACH?
This one is easy, your personal development. Whether that includes learning to protect yourself, getting fitter and stronger, developing self control and discipline, growing more confidence or just increasing your social network by making some good friends. We train together to develop our own personal strength. We do all our training in purely functional martial arts. By that we mean that all of our training is designed to teach you to use your skills for real, whether just in class for fun and the personal challenge, or competition but also for personal protection. If it wouldn't work for you when you need it, then we don't train it and that is an important part of our training focus.
WHY SHOULD I TRAIN WITH YOU INSTEAD OF AT ANOTHER SCHOOL?
Because you enjoy it! But some of the reasons that our members join our school and stay for many years include our many training options with 4 different styles to choose from, the genuine experience and success of our instructors, the friendly and supportive atmosphere, the fantastic training facilities, the cutting edge training methods, the great value prices and easy payment methods and the many personal improvements that our members see in themselves over their time training with us.
DO YOU HAVE ANY OPENINGS AT THE MOMENT?
Our class sizes vary from time to time so your best option is to contact us and find out what classes have spaces at any given time. Our kids classes are always close to full if not full but we always do our best to fit everyone in somewhere.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A BLACK BELT?
There is no set time in our school because it will vary significantly from person to person based on the physical effort they put in but in general in most of our classes it will take a minimum of 4 years for the average person. A competitor who trains everyday will take less time and others will take more time but in the end it is not how long it takes, it is what you learn along the way that is important - the journey not the destination. For example, in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, it takes the average person 10 to 15 years to earn a black belt - that is a long time and takes huge dedication but for those of us who take the path the view at the end is well worth the effort.
DO YOUR CLASSES INCLUDE SPARRING?
Absolutely 100% yes. We believe that sparring in many forms is vital to developing functional martial arts skills for our students ie. the ability to actually use them when you need them. Sparring is always contact, but always safe with the highest quality equipment compulsery for every member and strict rules and courtesy observed at all times.
DO YOU DO A TRIAL PROGRAM?
For sure! It is compulsery for everyone to do a trial of 2 weeks so that we can get to know them before we decide if they are a good person and will fit in with our existing members. Go to our GETTING STARTED page for more information.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
The first step is always seemingly the hardest - you just have to turn up. Some things you need to know include: Be early, I will not let you train if you are late or even if you are exactly on time - martial arts is about self discipline and respect so you must be early; you must have water for every training session (and sports drinks are not water), bring your own or buy some from us but you must have it; wear something comfortable to workout in and that you are ok sweating in. That's it! Take the first step and you will never look back.
IS THERE A SPECIFIC CLASS YOU WOULD RECOMMEND FOR SOMEONE OVER 35?
I would definatley recommend the Zen Do Kai Martial Arts FreeStyle class for us older students. Not because it is easier but because it is more balanced in it's approach to training and what it includes in the training. All of our other classes are what we call Combat Sports and by definition include lots and lots of physical conditioning and fitness work every single class. I am 40 now and can definately say that BJJ, MMA and Muay Thai could be considered young peoples sports because of this. Our Zen Do Kai class is mostly made up of over 35's and they love it. They get all the same skills as the other classes but with a mixture of other lower intensity training as well to balance. Zen Do Kai students still train hard, still get fit, just at a slower pace than those younger guys in the sporting class.
DO YOUR STUDENTS HAVE TO COMPETE?
Definately not. It is a natural byproduct of the martial arts that we teach that some students will want to test their skill in the competition arena but in reality only about 1% of our students ever actually compete or "fight". The vast majority of our membership over the last 15 years have trained for their own personal devlopment and because they enjoyed it. There is never any pressure to compete at the Gladstone Martial Arts Academy but we are happy to support and train anyone who is willing to make the sacrifice and effort that competition training involves. In fact we our competition team has a very succesful history including a Muay Thai State, National, Thailand and World Champion, Pan Pacific, National and State Brazilian Jiu Jitsu champions, many Mixed Martial Arts winners and even State Full Contact Karate Champions.
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