You have taken the first step…
Thanks for completing your application form, now let’s check you have been accepted and are booked in:
So long as all of the above has been completed and you have received an email confirming your trial membership… you are ready to go!!
So what to expect next?
It’s natural to be nervous the first time you try something, but we hope to welcome you in a warm way to reduce any anxiety. To help with this, please see the below key bits of information for your first trial
Where to come
All sessions are at Wheatfields Junior School. Please follow the path around the carpark, through the gate on the left, past the first door, then into the door that leads to the gym.
What to wear
Comfort is important. Once you join you will need a DoGi (suite), but for now a t-shirt, shorts and bare feet. No jogging bottoms, but leggings are ok. If it is hot weather, bring a bottle of water.
What to do upon entry of the dojo
You will either see others waiting in the corridor or the door open with people entering. I recommend getting there 10 mins early.
Please do not enter if a session is in progress. Late attendance is not allowed. No shoes are allowed in the gym (both dojo and school rules) so remove them and leave tidily in the corridor.
Bow as you enter, and wait at the side of the room and a senior will come and greet you.
They will give you any essential information and ask any questions you have.
What will happen during the session?
Unless you have booked a specific beginners course (which we sometimes run), you will take part in a standard session. To begin, all will line up in grade order (beginners to the left – facing the class). We will either run a formal warm-up, or start the session with a slow gentle pace.
Core training will consist of practicing techniques in the air, patterns (kata) or partner work.
It is important you do not expect too much of yourself, we just ask you to follow along and enjoy taking part.
What to do at the end of the session
It’s polite to check back in with the senior who welcomed you, or the instructor at the end of your trial session to see how you did and ask any questions.
We will give you honest feedback on whether we would recommend further trial sessions of if you are ready to join. We pride ourselves on our dojo and will only accept new members willing to partake fully.
What to do once you get home
Firstly, if you are new to exercise I would recommend a small healthy snack and small glass of water, followed by a bath to help your muscles recover.
Once you have reflected upon the session, provided you received positive feedback, you can either book another trial session, or follow the instructions on the welcome email to commence the joining procedure.