Your first trial class in a combat sport: what to know

Almost every judo, karate, boxing or Muay Thai club lets you try before you sign up. That first class does two jobs: it tells you whether you enjoy the sport, and it lets you judge the club. A few checks beforehand save you from turning up in the wrong kit, uninsured or without the right paperwork.

How many sessions, and what they cost

Most clubs offer one to three free trial sessions. It is the club's choice, not a legal rule: ask when you book, and give your age and experience so you are put in the right class.

Ask about insurance too. Someone without a federation licence is not automatically covered. In France, the judo federation gives clubs a discovery card valid for one to three free sessions of judo, jujitsu or taiso, covering liability and personal accident during declared sessions. Other federations run similar schemes. If the club asks you to fill in nothing at all, ask how you are covered.

Paperwork

For a single trial session, most clubs ask for nothing. Medical forms come in when you take out a licence, and the rules depend on your country and federation. In France, for example, minors only need a yearly health questionnaire, while the judo federation asks adults for a medical certificate at 18 or with a first licence, then at 30 and every five years. For combat sports where competition bouts can end by knockout, the certificate is yearly.

What to pack

Judo, jujitsu and karate are done barefoot. Wear a tracksuit if you have no gi: many clubs lend one for the trial. Bring flip-flops to walk from the changing room to the mat, cut your nails, remove jewellery and your watch, and tie long hair back.

Boxing is done in shorts or tracksuit bottoms, a T-shirt and clean indoor trainers. Muay Thai and kickboxing are done barefoot. Clubs often lend gloves for a trial; ask before you come. A gum shield is useful as soon as there is partner work.

Whatever the sport: a water bottle, a towel, and nothing to eat in the hour before.

How the class runs

Arrive ten minutes early to introduce yourself to the coach. Mention any injury, recent surgery, medication or heart condition so the exercises can be adapted.

A class usually lasts an hour to an hour and a half. Japanese martial arts start with a formal bow, then comes a warm-up of around fifteen minutes, technique (a breakfall, a throw, a punch combination) and partner drills at reduced speed. Free fighting, randori in judo or sparring in boxing, is not forced on a beginner in a first class at a serious club. The session ends with a cool-down and stretching.

Expect sore shoulders, neck and thighs the next day. That is normal. Joint pain that lasts several days is worth seeing a doctor about.

What to look for

The trial is also your chance to judge the club. Look at how clean the mats and changing rooms are, how many students each coach handles, whether there is a beginners' group and how experienced members treat newcomers. In striking sports, watch the sparring: between partners of different levels, shots should be controlled. Ask to see the coach's qualifications.

Find out the full cost: club fee, federation licence, kit and any competition fees. Read the club rules to see whether fees are refunded if you stop.

For a child

Ask whether parents can watch the trial: some clubs allow it, others prefer the child to be on their own to focus. Check the group matches your child's age; in judo the youngest often start at 4 or 5 in introductory classes.

After the trial

Do not sign up that evening if you are unsure. Trying two clubs, or two sports, is the best way to choose. Most clubs take new members all year round.