Almost everyone is a bit nervous before their first session — we promise the people already on the mat were too. Here's how it actually goes at Krav Maga Complete.
Keep it simple: loose, comfortable clothing you can move in (normal gym kit is ideal), clean indoor trainers, and a water bottle. That's everything you need for your first class — no uniform, no gloves, no kit to buy. If you carry on, we'll point you towards a gum shield and MMA-style gloves after the first few weeks, but there's no rush.
Aim to get there five or ten minutes early. Introduce yourself to the instructor — tell them it's your first time and mention any injuries or things you're working around. You'll never be thrown in the deep end; we expect beginners every week and the regulars are used to helping new people find their feet.
Warm-up. A few minutes to get moving and raise your heart rate — nothing you can't handle.
Technique. The instructor demonstrates a technique or two — perhaps a strike, or escaping a wrist grab or choke — breaking it down step by step. You then practise it with a partner using light, controlled contact. This is where most of the learning happens, and it's friendlier than you'd think.
Drills. You'll repeat the movement in slightly more realistic conditions so it starts to feel natural. You always control your own intensity, and you can dial things back any time.
Wind-down. A short finish, a few questions, and you're done — usually buzzing and a little surprised at how much you picked up.
The odd bruise happens in any contact activity, but serious injuries are rare. Every session opens with a safety brief, contact builds gradually over weeks, and nobody is trying to hurt you — the goal is to learn. If anything's uncomfortable, you say so, and we adjust. Honestly, the biggest risk on day one is enjoying it enough to come back.
Junior classes follow the same shape but are games-and-drills led and light on contact, with smaller groups and lots of encouragement. A child's first session is free — see our kids' martial arts page for details.
Adults can trial two classes for £19.99, and kids (5+) train their first session free. The open Saturday session at YMCA Thornton is the easiest place to start.