Your First Class At Praetorian MMA
Your first class is often the part people worry about most. Walking through the door can feel like a big step, but once you arrive, our job is to help you feel comfortable, welcomed and supported from the moment you arrive.
If you have not already read it, start with our guide: Getting Started at Praetorian MMA.
You Have Already Done The Hardest Bit
Most people think the hardest part is the training. It usually is not. The hardest part is deciding to start, searching online, asking questions and booking that first class.
Once you arrive, you are not expected to know everything. You are not expected to be fit, flexible or experienced. You are simply expected to turn up and give yourself the opportunity to begin.
Before You Arrive
Make sure you have booked onto your chosen session through the Gymdesk app. If you are unsure which class to attend, you can view the full Praetorian MMA Timetable.
We recommend arriving a few minutes early for your first lesson. This gives you time to meet the coach, ask any questions and settle in before the class starts.
What Should You Wear?
For your first lesson, wear comfortable training clothes that allow you to move freely. A t-shirt and shorts or tracksuit bottoms are usually ideal.
Avoid clothing with zips, hard buttons or anything that could catch during training.
If you would like more detailed advice, we recommend reading our article: What To Wear To Your First Martial Arts Class.
Walking Through The Door
This is the moment most people build up in their heads. The reality is usually very different.
You will be greeted by a coach, a member of staff or one of our regular members. If you are feeling nervous, tell us. You will not be the first person to feel that way and you certainly will not be the last.
Our team are used to helping new people settle in. You can learn more about them here: Meet The Team.
How The Class Begins
Most classes start with a warm-up, movement drills or a simple introduction to the techniques being covered that day.
You do not need to keep up with everyone else. You do not need to understand everything straight away. Simply listen, take part and work at a pace that suits you.
If anything is unclear, ask. If something feels difficult, ask. Coaches would much rather answer a question than have somebody worrying about getting something wrong.
If You Feel Nervous
Feeling nervous is completely normal.
One thing we have learned over the years is that almost everybody arrives with similar concerns. They worry about fitness, confidence, skill level, age, ability or whether they will fit in.
The truth is that the people standing next to you have often had exactly the same thoughts. They understand what it feels like to be new because they have already been where you are now.
After The Class
Once the session finishes, take a few minutes to speak to the coach if you have any questions.
They can help you understand which classes might suit you best, how often to train and what your next step should be.
If you are currently on a 7 Day Free Trial, use the week properly. Try different classes, meet different coaches and discover what part of the club feels right for you.
Your Next Step
Your first class does not need to be perfect. It simply needs to happen.
Once you have walked through the door once, the next session becomes easier. Then the one after that becomes easier again.
That is how confidence grows. That is how friendships are built. That is how people become part of the Praetorian MMA community.
If you are ready to begin, explore the timetable, speak to the team and take the first step.
