Your first session starts here
You do not need experience, specialist equipment or a competition goal to start training at GFC.
Come in comfortable sportswear, bring some water and be ready to learn. We can help with the rest.
Below are some of the questions we get week in, week out and have done for the 29 years we have been open.
Yes. Most of our members start without any martial arts experience. Our Beginners and All Levels sessions teach the fundamentals from scratch, and we have multiple coaches on the mats to help when you need it.
You can work at your own pace. We will not force you to match somebody who has trained for years. Start where you are, take breaks when needed and build your fitness through regular sessions.
We usually begin with a short warm-up, including jogging or skipping, light exercises and mobility or stretching. The main session mixes bag work, pad work and technical drills. We finish with stretching and may add a short fitness round at the end.
Plenty of members arrive on their own for the first time. A coach will help you settle in, and we encourage experienced members to help people who are just starting. Nobody expects you to know what to do before you have been taught.
No. Only around 5% of our adult members train to compete. Most come because they enjoy Muay Thai and want to keep fit. Competition training is there for people who choose it, not something every member is pushed towards.
No. Our Beginners and All Levels sessions are non-contact. Sparring may be included in advanced training and we have a dedicated sparring session, but it is optional and controlled by the coaches. Some members train for years without sparring.
Junior classes start at age six. At that age, children are generally better able to follow structured coaching and begin learning the techniques properly while still having an active, enjoyable session.
We regularly coach children with ADHD. Our junior sessions change activities and keep children moving, which can help them stay involved. Every child is different, so speak to us about their needs before the first class and we can explain how the session works.
No. Roughly 20% of our junior members train to compete. Most come because they enjoy Muay Thai, want to be active and like training with the other children. There is no pressure to fight.
No. Girls train throughout our junior and teen age groups, and some sessions are close to an even split between girls and boys. She will train in the same coached session as the rest of her age group.
Wear comfortable sportswear that lets you move freely. Ask us before your first session if you are unsure what clothing or equipment to bring.
Yes. Adult sessions cost £11.50, or £10 when paying cash at the gym. Junior and teen sessions cost £7, or £6 in cash. Monthly memberships are also available if you train regularly.
Yes. We offer personal training for adults and juniors, with sessions adapted to your experience and goals.
Memberships, drop-ins and class bookings all go through the same online system. Set up your account once, then book a class whenever you want to train.