FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Whether you're thinking about starting your first class or you're already deep into your training, there’s a lot to take in — from how memberships work, to what to wear, to how long it takes to earn that Black Belt.

This page covers the most common questions we get asked about training, fees, gradings, and everything in between. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, just drop us a message — we’re always happy to help.

Let’s get into it.

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MEMBERSHIP & FEES

Everything you need to know about class pricing, payment options, and what’s included in your Real SSK membership.

  • All classes offer a FREE Trial Class.

    Once you complete this, you’ll need either a Basic or Full Access Membership (which also includes your insurance) to continue to come to training.

    Basic Membership is just £4 per month (paid on direct debit to Real SSK) and class fees are paid in person to the class instructor at the start of each class. Fees are set by the individual instructors.

    Full Access Membership is £40 per month and is available to members attending our City & Central London classes. The fee is paid by direct debit and gives access to all classes.

  • Anyone attending an online class is required to have one of the membership types to register and must pay per class at least 48 hours in advance.

    If you are an Associate Member and return to regular in person training you can easily upgrade to either Basic or Full Access Membership as appropriate.

  • From Beginner through to Brown Belt the fee per grading is £15.

    Gradings occur broadly every three months for those students that are ready to grade.

Training & Progression

What to wear, what to bring, how classes are structured, and how you progress through the grades.

  • Just wear something comfortable you can move in — gym kit is fine. Classes are conducted in bare feet!

    Once you’ve settled in, you’ll be able to order official Real SSK kit.

  • Not at all. We train all levels — from complete beginners to seasoned martial artists. You’ll build fitness as you go.

  • Expect a mix of warm-ups, stretching and technique drills, pad work, partner practice and light sparring.

    Sparring is not compulsory but it is encouraged as this is a fundamental way to develop your martial skills.

    Every class is different — but always high energy and structured.

    Classes typically last between one to two hours. Most adult classes are two hours long.

Gradings & Belts

How our belt system works, how long it takes to move up, and what’s involved at each stage — all the way to Black Belt.

  • The very keen student could possibly attempt their Black Belt grading in 27 months. Reality indicates that most students require three years of continuous training.  

  • Our main avenue of competition is via BCCMA events. 

    These occur across the second half of each year. REALSSK enters competitors into Sanda (Full contact kickboxing), Qingda (Semi contact kickboxing), Shuai Jiao (Chinese Wrestling) and Tuishou (Pushing Hands).

    Entering competitions is not compulsory but many students and instructors wish to test themselves at local, National and International levels.

Mindset & Community

What kind of people train here, what support you’ll get, and how we help you build confidence and stay consistent.

  • All sorts. We’ve got working professionals, students, parents, and ex-athletes — all training together. No egos, just good people pushing each other to be better.

  • Not at all. We pride ourselves on being welcoming, supportive, and beginner-friendly. You’ll be guided from day one.

  • Only if you want to. Sparring is optional and always controlled, safe, and suited to your level.

safeguarding & welfare

  • Our martial arts club is committed to providing a safe, respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment for all adult members. We expect everyone involved in the club—including instructors, volunteers, organisers, and members—to treat one another with dignity and respect.

    Martial arts involves physical contact, close training, and situations where members may be required to work with different training partners. All physical contact should be appropriate to the training activity, proportionate, and respectful. Members should feel comfortable communicating if they are uncomfortable with any aspect of training or physical contact..

  • We have a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, harassment, discrimination, intimidation, sexual harassment, inappropriate behaviour, and unwanted physical contact.

    Members are expected to respect personal boundaries and understand that consent and communication are important both during training and at club social activities. No member should feel pressured to participate in an activity, physical contact, social situation, or behaviour that they are uncomfortable with.

    Any concern about inappropriate conduct, harassment, abuse, or a member's safety should be raised with an instructor, club organiser, or designated safeguarding contact. Concerns will be taken seriously and handled as sensitively and appropriately as possible

  • The club may organise overnight trips, competitions, training camps, or social events where adult members stay together in shared accommodation, including rented houses.

    We recognise that staying together overnight creates different circumstances from normal club training. All members are expected to respect each other's privacy, personal space, belongings, and boundaries.

    Where members share a house, bedrooms, bathrooms, and other facilities, everyone should behave appropriately and considerately. Sleeping arrangements should be agreed in advance where possible, and members should not enter another person's bedroom or sleeping area without their permission.

    No member should pressure, intimidate, harass, or engage in unwanted physical or sexual contact with another person. Consent must be clear, voluntary, and ongoing, and being under the influence of alcohol or other substances does not excuse inappropriate behaviour.

    The club may establish additional rules for overnight trips regarding alcohol, drugs, visitors, noise, use of shared facilities, and general conduct. These rules are intended to ensure that everyone can enjoy the trip safely and respectfully.

  • All members are encouraged to speak up if they experience or witness behaviour that makes them feel unsafe, uncomfortable, threatened, harassed, or otherwise concerned.

    Concerns can be raised with the club instructor, organiser, or designated safeguarding contact. Where appropriate, serious concerns may be referred to relevant external authorities or professional organisations.

    Our aim is to create a martial arts community where adults can train, socialise, travel, and stay together in an environment built on respect, consent, personal responsibility, and safety.

    The Safeguarding Officer for Wales is Elena Fitzpatrick elenaannfitzpatrick@gmail.com

    The Safeguarding Officer for London is Michelle Zahner mezahner@gmail.com

  • We believe that children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them.

    We recognise that the welfare of children is paramount in all we do and the decisions we take.

    All members are encouraged to speak up if they witness behaviour that makes a child or young person feel unsafe, uncomfortable, threatened or harassed.

    Concerns can be raised with the club instructor, organiser, or designated safeguarding contact. Where appropriate, serious concerns may be referred to relevant external authorities or professional organisations.

REAL SSK is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, enjoyable, positive and inclusive environment for all. Ensuring that our martial art is enjoyed by all.

Our Safeguarding and Welfare policies can be found here. All of our Instructors are qualified under the British Chinese Council of Martial Arts.