Kids Martial Arts: What to Expect From Your Child's First Class

By Chris Aston • 25 August 2026

If your child is about to try martial arts for the first time, chances are you're both feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. That's completely normal. Every parent who walks through the doors at Astons Kickboxing Academy in Shrewsbury has the same thought: Will my child enjoy it? Will they feel welcome? Will they cope?

The short answer is yes. The longer answer is this guide, which walks you through exactly what a first session looks like so there are no surprises, just a great experience. Whether your child is joining our Little Dragons class (ages 4–7) or Kids Kickboxing (ages 8–13), the structure is designed to make newcomers feel at home from the very first minute.

Before You Arrive

There's no special kit needed for a first class. Just send your child in comfortable clothing they can move in. Tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt are perfect. All training takes place on mats, so shoes aren't needed (and socks are optional). Leave jewellery and watches at home.

We'd recommend arriving about 10 minutes early. This gives you time to fill in a quick registration form, meet Coach Chris Aston, and ask any questions. Our academy is based at Sweetlake Business Village, SY3 9EW, with easy parking right outside.

If your child is anxious, let them know that everyone in the room started in exactly the same position, including the instructors.

The Warm-Up

Every class begins with a warm-up, but it's not what you might picture from school PE lessons. For our Little Dragons, it usually involves games: think tag, relay races, and obstacle courses. The goal is to get kids laughing, moving, and forgetting about any nerves before they've even realised the class has started.

For older children in Kids Kickboxing, the warm-up is more structured with dynamic stretches and movement drills, but the energy stays high and the atmosphere is encouraging. Nobody is singled out, and the pace is set so that everyone can keep up. Chris and his team make a point of learning every child's name on day one. It makes a bigger difference than you'd think.

Learning the Basics

After the warm-up, the class moves into technique work. On a first session, your child will learn a handful of simple moves: a basic stance, a jab, maybe a front kick. Everything is broken down step by step, demonstrated clearly, and practised at a comfortable pace.

Partner work is introduced gently. Children pair up to practise pad-holding and controlled strikes, always supervised and always with respect for each other. There's no sparring in a first class and no pressure to be perfect. The emphasis is on having a go, building confidence, and understanding that mistakes are just part of learning.

If you'd like to know more about what each age group covers, take a look at our full class breakdown.

The Cool-Down and What Happens Next

Classes finish with a cool-down stretch and, for younger children, a moment to sit together and talk about what they enjoyed. There are always high-fives, and often a round of applause for anyone trying the class for the first time.

After the session, Chris will have a quick chat with you. He'll let you know how your child got on, answer any questions, and explain the membership options if you'd like to continue. There's never any hard sell. The first class is completely free, and you're welcome to go away and think about it.

What Parents Tell Us After the First Session

The feedback we hear most often is simple: "They haven't stopped talking about it." Parents come in worried their child will feel out of place, and leave watching them ask when the next class is. That reaction isn't accidental. It's the result of classes built around encouragement, structure, and genuine fun.

Martial arts teaches children far more than kicks and punches. Discipline, focus, resilience, and respect all develop naturally through training. But on day one, none of that needs to be on your mind. The only thing that matters is that your child walks out smiling.