FAQ

Can I come and watch a lesson?

Yes, you are welcome to watch a lesson if you want, but your first lesson is free so you can take part and try it out.

How does the fee structure work?

 Fees are payable on a monthly basis by direct debit.

Please see the new starter page for full fee structure

Do I need any equipment or clothing?

Not to begin with, we will allow you to take your first grading in your loose clothing but we do request that you have a dobok before your second grading.

Sparring Equipment will be required later on in your training but not until you are green belt, so you have plenty of time to save. (You are welcome to purchase sparring equipment at anytime to enable you to take part in sparring and gain the relevant experience).

Where can I get uniforms and sparring equipment from?

You will need to purchase a UTA/UKITF recognised approved Dobok (uniform) from us.  Under the HSTS regulations we do not allow any other form of martial art uniform to be worn in the schools.

We strongly recommend for insurance purposes that sparring equipment is purchased through our equipment shop.  You can purchase your own sparring equipment but they have to conform to specific standards for insurance so please come and see me for advice first before making any purchases.  Second Hand Sparring equipment and Doboks are not sold by the school as the do not conform to the Insurance Regulations.

Your sparring equipment consists of head guard, hand pads, feet pads, shin pads, gum shield, groin guard or breast protectors and a draw string bag.  

Are there any additional costs?

After the first year you will be required to pay a membership fee of £30.00 for coloured belts and Little Dragons, and £35.00 for Black Belts. This will be taken automatically from your direct debit mandate. The first year is free.

How often are the gradings?

There are 4 coloured belt gradings a year. Every March, June, September and December.

Are there any grading requirements?

Beginners and Yellow Stripes (first belt) will take 6 weeks to grade 

Yellow Belts/Green Stripes/Green Belts/Blue Stripes – 3 months to grade and a minimum of 24 attendance stamps

Blue Belts/Red Stripes/Red Belts/Black Stripes – 6 months to grade and a minimum of 48 attendance stamps.

Are there any additional events other than normal training?

Yes, in March, June, September and December we run an all day training session.  All students that attend will get 6 stamps , which helps towards their grading requirements but also help the students to develop their training. 

We also run squad-training sessions every Sunday (invite only), which covers all aspects of sparring and fitness in preparation for anyone wanting to compete or to simply improve their fitness and sparring skills.

There are various other events, which are run and organised by the UTA including competitions and seminars.  The costs vary but these events are advertised well in advanced.

If I feel I am not confident enough to grade do I have to do it?

No, we always assess people nearer the time and discuss progress with students and anyone that feels they are not ready don’t have to grade and can continue their training until the next grading.

Does the grading include any theory?

Yes.  The website contains the syllabus of questions that you may be asked at each grade and all the answers can also be found in the members area of the website.  we are available to assist if you are unable to find any answers.

Does the Little Dragon’s program work in the same way?

The Little Dragons program is slightly different, assessments are carried out in the class on the lesson their attendance card has been completed.  There are 4 belts, Yellow Stripe, Green Stripe, Blue Stripe and Red Stripe.  Depending on attendance, it will take approximately 6 months to achieve each stripe. 

Do the classes run through the holidays?

We run our classes all through the holidays except the Christmas break when we normally stop for two weeks and Easter weekend (Friday & Sunday). Your monthly payment for Little Dragons includes all assessments, certificates and belts, plus the annual break at Christmas. This monthly payment also assures your child’s place in the chosen class. There are no refunds on missed classes and please do not cancel or amend your direct debit without prior arrangement and inform us in advance about any foreseen absences.