FAQ | arrowmartialarts

Your questions answered

What style is best for me?

There are many many different styles out there… which is great as it gives you choices! We suggest that whatever style you choose should address these key questions:

Is it suitable for your physical abilities and constraints, and your desire to become fitter – you will be surprised by what you can achieve – at any age!
Are the trainers experienced and reputable? Are they part of a broader network and martial arts lineage?
Does the purpose of the training offered meet your needs? The spectrum of classes ranges from niche traditional forms, to mainstream martial arts (boxing, muay thai, judo, karate, aikido, BJJ) and then MMA-focused schools.

At Arrow, our focus is on self-defence, fitness and fun. We teach the Northstar Ju Jitsu system which is a modern martial art with deep roots in the traditional forms of ju jitsu as well as boxing, judo, aikido and karate.

You can find out more about our system here.

What will I learn at Arrow?

From the first lesson you will learn basic, practical self defence moves that can be used immediately.

You will learn how to:

Fight effectively using punching and kicking
Control your attacker immediately by avoiding their strikes
Deliver powerful kicks and punches of your own
Throw your opponent to the ground
Easily control your attacker using a series of holds, locks and chokes
Meditation and relaxation

Each class involves

Full set of stretching exercises
All round body conditioning
Cardiovascular fitness

Safety is stressed from the start; all classes are run by experienced, fully qualified instructors.

How much does it cost?

The cost of your martial arts classes usually depends on the frequency of training. On average for one class the cost is anywhere between $10 and $20 per session, quite in line with other sports and activities. Many dojos, like ours, also charge a membership fee which can be a one off or yearly renewal. Ours include a uniform.

Some schools have no membership fee but charge the equivalent for the uniform. Fees are generally paid by direct debit or credit card and for the good schools there is usually a one to two term commitment. They can afford to be a little stricter on their terms and conditions as they have great retention of their students.

Martial arts schools that offer casual no obligation terms are the ones that have the highest turnover of students as there is no obligation to commit, and commitment is one of the qualities that students learn at martial arts. Schools should also be transparent about grading costs and make-up lessons for missed classes.

What can I expect in a trial class?

At Arrow, you will be welcomed by Rob or Corinne, or both! We meet all prospective students on their first session. You will be partnered with a senior belt as your buddy to help explain some martial arts basics.

Your first class will include a core martial arts fitness section, padwork including blocks, strikes and kicks as well as some self-defence techniques and strategies. All you need is some comfortable workout clothes and a bottle of water.

Any other questions? Get in touch for a free trial lesson.

How long are the classes?

Adult classes are 1 hour. Children’s classes are 30 minutes for Bright Stars, and up to 40 minutes for Super Stars.

Am I fit enough for martial arts?

If you can get out of bed, you can train! There’s no pressure to have to keep up with everyone else. Each student trains at their own pace, and improves gradually over time. We want you to be here for long haul.

Am I too old for martial arts?

If you’re generally fit and healthy we start students at any age. We’ve had a number of students starting in their late 40s and 50s.

How often should I train?

It really depends on your schedule. Your training needs to fit in with your lifestyle and the goals your trying to achieve. Obviously the more frequently you train the quicker you’ll progress and learn. We recommend you aim to train at least twice a week. However, if you can only do once a week, that's better than nothing.

What should I wear?

To your first class, wear light, comfortable workout gear, shorts, trackies, T-shirt, etc. We don’t wear shoes in class. Once you start training regularly you will receive a white uniform as part of the membership package.

Do you have gradings?

Yes students start at white belt and are graded all the way to Black and beyond. It takes about 3 - 6 achieve months between belts and about 3 - 5 years of regular training to achieve a Black belt.

Do your students go into competitions?

While we do have students who regularly compete, we understand that competition isn't for everyone, so there is no pressure. It really is an individual thing. If you or your child are interested in competition there are opportunities we can discuss.