Frequently Asked Questions – Derbyshire Kickboxing

What age do I have to be to start?

Our kickboxing classes are suitable for all ages from seven upwards. As classes are structured for the individual, men, women and children can all benefit from the tuition they receive.

How fit do I have to be?

All new students are treated as unfit, so we start everybody off slowly until their personally desired level of fitness is reached. These days many adults attend for this very reason, our classes offer an unrivalled cardio workout.

Is it like a boot camp?

In a word, No! Only a very small proportion of people respond well to being shouted at and continually pushed during training. Our classes are held in a friendly environment with supportive motivation throughout.

How often do I have to train?

Most people train once a week but more classes are available throughout the PKA. Home study can be conducted using our professional produced ''Instructional Kickboxing DVD''.

How safe is Kickboxing?

The simple answer is, very safe! Protective equipment is encouraged even when practising very light or non-contact techniques. This will be available for purchase through your instructor if you wish.

Do I have to enter competitions?

No! very few students actually compete in the tournaments. This is never forced upon students although you may choose this path when you gain more experience, the choice is yours.

What do I have to wear?

Initially, loose comfy clothes, just like you would wear to the gym. If you decide to take up the sport, your membership package includes an official satin uniform, consisting of lightweight trousers and a tunic. Club t-shirts may also be worn.

Will I feel out of place to begin with?

It is very natural that you may feel slightly nervous, you need not worry. Our friendly and professional staff will do their best to help you settle in and ensure you feel at ease.

Are the instructors qualified?

Yes! Our instructors are highly trained in martial arts and self defence. In addition to this they all hold nationally recognised coaching qualifications, first aid certificates, instructor indemnity insurance and are all CRB police checked.

How quickly will I make progress?

We firmly believe that we provide the best student instruction available in the UK. With our help and your dedication you should make fast progress, seeing results in a matter of weeks.

Am I signing up to a Contract?

No. There is no tie in period or contract with our classes. We want people to come and enjoy the classes because they want to, not becuase they feel they have to. We can also offer family memberships at a discounted rate. Please see the our Prices page for further details.

Can I try it out before I make any decisions?

We offer a completely free, no obligation introductory session. Simply contact us via e-mail or telephone to book your place. Under 16's must be accompanied by an adult the first time they attend. Contact us today.

Derbyshire KickboxingSunday, July 12th, 2026 at 8:45pm

🎉🥊 our busiest and best grading exam yet 🥊🎉 over 145 belts taken across the PKA national standard with every club from the Derbyshire Kickboxing family represented 💪 huge well done to everyone, the standard, skill and determination was clear from the first minute of the junior red belt session, all the way to the end of the adult higher grades exam 😀 huge thanks to everyone from the instructing and coaching team who sure today ran so smoothly Melissa Osborne Adam Sharman Paul Hickman Sean Wincott David Allen-Ashcroft Jon Davies Martin Ellis Tracey Garnham Kate HJ Rachael Smith Nicki Underwood Harrison, Joel, Holly & Lee Marsh 👏

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Derbyshire KickboxingSunday, July 12th, 2026 at 6:45am

Good luck everyone taking their grading exam today from across the association 👍🥊💪

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Derbyshire KickboxingThursday, July 9th, 2026 at 8:55am

📣 CONFIRMED GRADING EXAM SESSIONS 📣 see below session split and times for our mid-year grading exam on Sunday 12th July at Belper Leisure Centre 🥊👍📆

Please check and confirm your session time with your instructor - with over 140 belts being graded for, the day is extremely busy and late comers will not be permitted to start their exam

🔴 Juniors taking Red Belt = 09:00 to 09:45
🟡🟠 Juniors taking Yellow & Orange belt = 10:00 to 10:45
🔴🟡🟠Adults taking Red, Yellow and Orange belts = 11:00 to 11:45
🟢🔵🟣 Juniors taking Green, Blue and Purple belt = 12:00 to 13:00
🟢🔵🟣 Adults taking Green, Blue and Purple belt = 13:15 to 14:15

Good luck everyone 🥊👍💪😀

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Derbyshire KickboxingSunday, July 5th, 2026 at 2:40pm

🎉 great sparring session with Megan Vardy and students at Utopia Martial Arts in Sheffield 🥊💪😀 big thanks to Jon Davies for helping run the session and all the Derbyshire Kickboxing students who represented their clubs so well and forging new links across the martial arts community 👍

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Derbyshire KickboxingFriday, July 3rd, 2026 at 2:50pm

📣 Don’t forget, grading prep session Saturday 4th July at Belper Leisire centre 9am till 10am to get that extra dedicated time before the exam on Sunday 12th July 💪🥊😀 £10 payable on the door 📣

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Derbyshire KickboxingFriday, June 12th, 2026 at 5:36pm

🎉 this really is the best part of being a coach 🎉 awarding such well deserved black belts 🥊😀 massive congratulations to Connor from Etwall class, Alfie and Heather from Wirksworth class all gaining their 1st Dan black belt and Jane Louise for her 2nd Dan black belt 🎉 thanks to everyone who has played a part in their journey to this huge milestone and awarded against the PKA national standard🥋

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Derbyshire KickboxingFriday, May 29th, 2026 at 8:32am

Amazing ‘Get Well Soon’ gift for a member of Derbyshire Kickboxing after a serious accident (non-martial arts related thankfully) using old kit by Textiles and Crafts by Jane 🎉

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Derbyshire KickboxingTuesday, May 19th, 2026 at 12:53pm

Great session held at Nottingham University Sutton Bonington campus last week leading students through self defense techniques 👍💪 huge thanks to Jane Louise for helping organise it and beating me up 🤷‍♂️😂

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Derbyshire KickboxingMonday, May 11th, 2026 at 2:07pm

🎉 Another amazing interclub with our PKA sister clubs from Kickbox UK yesterday at Clifton 🎉 58 competitors from across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire coming together with over 100 bouts, plus our junior padwork category and newly formed Semi Contact Points team event 💪🥊 incredible sporting conduct, skill and technique shown across the whole day and simply couldn’t be prouder of everyone who stepped up to compete 🎉special thanks to everyone in the instructing and coaching team who helped the day run so well Martin Ellis Martin Byrne Mike Szynal Kieron Tatham Eleanor Winch Laura Ward Andy Spencer David Allen-Ashcroft David Poole Matt Brownsword Jon Davies Adam Sharman Ceri Knapgate Paul Hickman Nicki Underwood

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Derbyshire KickboxingSaturday, May 9th, 2026 at 7:15am

Good luck to all students from across Derbyshire kickboxing and our sister PKA clubs at Kickbox UK attending the black belt exam today 💪🥊😀 you’ll smash it 👍

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Derbyshire KickboxingWednesday, May 6th, 2026 at 10:08am

📣🎉 Thrilled to welcome Martin Ellis to the Derbyshire Kickboxing instructing team with the award of his coveted ‘blue’ trousers 🎉 Martin has worked tirelessly through a demanding Coach Confirmation Programme, demonstrating his skills in leading martial arts and couldn’t be happier that he’s joining the team 😀🎉 thanks to everyone across all our clubs that’s have helped in the journey

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Derbyshire KickboxingSaturday, April 11th, 2026 at 4:37pm

Bakewell Kickboxing

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