Kids' Martial Arts by Age: 3–4, 5–8 and 8 Plus
What martial arts classes should look like at each age: movement games for 3–4 year olds, stripe belts for 5–8s and a full syllabus from eight, plus how to choose a good club.
Karate, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing and children's classes are the programmes most clubs run, and they suit very different people. These guides explain what each one involves, who it suits and what to expect in the first weeks.
Parents can start with classes by age; adults usually begin with karate, BJJ or kickboxing.
Karate for Beginners: Kihon, Kata, Kumite and Belts
A plain-language guide to starting karate: where it came from, the main styles, the three pillars of kihon, kata and kumite, how belts work and what your first class will look like.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Adults: A Beginner's Guide
Brazilian jiu-jitsu teaches you to control and submit an opponent using leverage instead of strength. Its history, positions, belts, gi versus no-gi and how to survive your first month.
Kids' Jiu-Jitsu Explained: Safety, Belts and Benefits
Why grappling suits children, how kids' jiu-jitsu classes keep them safe, the junior belt system, hygiene basics and what parents should look for when they watch a class.
Kickboxing Styles Explained: K-1, Muay Thai, Full Contact
Kickboxing is a family of stand-up combat sports. How full contact, low-kick, K-1 rules, Muay Thai and point fighting differ, what training looks like and the gear you need.
Kids' Obstacle Racing: Training for Ages 7 and Up
Obstacle course racing is a great fitness goal for children aged seven and up. What kids' races involve, the skills to train, a backyard circuit and how it complements martial arts.
Martial Arts, Bullying and Confidence: What Helps
How martial arts training helps children stand up to bullying through posture, voice, boundaries and resilience, the warning signs parents should watch for and what to do next.
Beginner Kata: Taikyoku Shodan and Heian Nidan
How to learn your first karate kata at home: what Taikyoku Shodan and Heian Nidan teach, their history, the floor patterns, common mistakes and how to prepare for grading.
Point Sparring Drills You Can Practise at Home
Five classic point sparring combinations, how to make your own targets at home, a simple session plan and what to expect at your first point fighting tournament.