Beginner's Guide to Muay Thai & MMA Training in Basingstoke

Do I need any experience to start?

No. The majority of our members started with zero martial arts background. Every class begins with a structured warm-up and technique breakdown, where coaches show movements step-by-step. You'll drill with a partner at your own pace, and sparring is always optional. Whether you're 16 or 60, in shape or completely new to fitness, our beginner sessions are designed to introduce you to Muay Thai, MMA, kickboxing, and wrestling gradually and safely.

What should I wear and bring?

Workout clothing you can move freely in — shorts or leggings and a t-shirt are perfect. Bring a water bottle, a small towel, and enough enthusiasm to ask questions. We provide boxing gloves and pads for your first sessions, so there's no need to buy equipment before you've tried a class. Once you decide to continue, your own pair of 14oz–16oz gloves, hand wraps, shin guards, and a mouthguard will see you through everything we do.

What does a typical class look like?

Most sessions follow the same proven structure: a dynamic warm-up to mobilise your joints and raise your heart rate, a technical block where the coach demonstrates and breaks down a specific technique, partner drilling so you can apply what you've just learned, pad work or bag work for power and conditioning, and a cool-down. Classes run 60 minutes and finish with time for questions. The atmosphere is friendly, focused, and ego-free.

How quickly will I see progress?

Most beginners notice meaningful improvement within 4–6 weeks of training twice a week. You'll get fitter, sharper, and more co-ordinated — and your striking technique will look noticeably cleaner. The members who progress fastest are the ones who show up consistently, ask questions, and treat training as a long-term practice rather than a quick fix.

Which class should I start with?

• Muay Thai — the most popular starting point. Striking, clinch, pads.
• MMA — if you want striking + grappling combined.
• Beginner Boxing — pure boxing, no kicks.
• Wrestling — takedowns, control, ground game.