How much does it cost?

This is probably the most common question. We are open, honest and transparent with regard to our fees.

All costings are explained in our Join Us section

Which style should I choose?

This is a personal choice. Each style has different benefits and positive attributes. All our styles will encourage self discipline, fitness, respect and self control, along with many other areas of positive self development. You can try all of them during your 2 week free trial to see which suits you and if you still can’t decide then why not do all of them. 

How fit do I need to be to start martial arts?

You are not there to compare yourself to others. It’s your journey and it should be taken at your pace. The classes involve physical exercises, running and stretching. These classes are a great way to improve your fitness as well as learning something practical and useful. Classes start with a good warm up and stretch so you will be ready for the training that follows. You will be motivated and pushed to improve your flexibility, coordination, balance, muscle strength and tone. Balanced with an approved diet and fitness programme it can also result in weight loss. It’s down to you to challenge yourself each time you train.

Do you have a beginner’s class?

The classes are structured to cover all students’ ability and levels.

What do I wear?

During your 2 week free trial lessons you should wear something comfortable that you can move in. i.e. tracksuit bottoms and t-shirt. Once you join you will receive our Academy uniform.

Am I too old to start martial arts?

Simple answer is no. We make martial arts accessible to all ages and abilities and we encourage each individual to train to their limits, and work towards personal milestones. 

What if I have a disability?

We firmly believe that martial arts should be for everyone. We think its fair to say that, depending on the nature of the disability, limitations may exist. However, you only have to look at our Paralympic sports competitors to know that they didn’t allow these limitations to stop them training. And we feel the same. Everyone, and we mean EVERYONE, is entitled to train and we will do our best to help accommodate for any accepted limitations.

What are the injury risks in martial arts?

Accidents do happen. However, the injury risks are minimal with training done on safety mats and all contact is controlled. All instructors and students are fully insured for any eventualities. When you join, personal liability insurance is given as part of membership to our academy.

Do I have to do contact sparring?

No – sparring is not an obligatory part of training or graduations. This is completely voluntary. For those that would like to do sparring this can be done from the age of 7 upwards. Why so young? It immerses the student into the scenario of self belief and control in a supervised environment. This in turn can help train a person to react rationally in a confrontational situation, and control the ‘adrenalin dump’. Minimum equipment required for light contact sparring is head guard, gum shield and hand, foot and shin pads. Sparring equipment used must be provided by us. We offer this at competitive prices so please ask when you join. 

What if I find I can’t keep up with the other students?

Each student works within their own personal limits. You will be encouraged to push those limits and increase your own fitness at your own pace.

What style of martial arts do YMA teach?

Here at YMA we teach a modern and progressive system of martial arts incorporating Karate, Kickboxing, Taekwondo,  self protection and self defence, whilst retaining some of the more traditional elements of martial arts. 

How quickly will I achieve my black belt?

Typically a child can reach black belt in 3 to 6 years and adults around 3 years. Our belt programmes are based on syllabus groups which account for age and frequency of training. 

Where can I park?

We have plenty of on and off street parking available. You can park on Leeds Road (A659) just outside the academy. Alternatively, turn into Guardian Park via station Road and make your way through the gates at the bottom, turn right and go round to the front of the building block and use any of the parking spaces available.