Question 1

Are the ladies classes women only?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every session labelled Ladies on our timetable is women only and coached by Laura, a female coach. That covers Ladies Boxing on Wednesday at 20:00, Ladies No-Gi BJJ on Thursday at 19:30 and Sunday at 10:00, and Ladies Fitness on Sunday at 09:00. For a lot of people, that single detail is the difference between trying martial arts and never getting round to it, which is exactly why the sessions exist as a permanent part of the week rather than an occasional add-on.

Question 2

Can I also train in the mixed classes?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, and several members do both. The ladies sessions are an option, not a restriction — women are welcome in every adult class we run, and there are women training in the mixed MMA, kickboxing and BJJ sessions every week. Some people start in the ladies classes, get comfortable, and then add a mixed session. Others stay entirely in the ladies programme. Both are completely normal and neither requires any explanation to anybody.

Question 3

I've never trained before and I'd be coming alone.

Accepted Answer

That describes most of the women in the room on their first night. Coming alone is genuinely the norm rather than the exception, and the ladies classes are a sociable environment where people talk to each other before and after training. Laura introduces new members and pairs them with someone who'll teach rather than compete. Within two or three sessions, most people know several names, which is usually the point at which training stops feeling like an effort to attend.

Question 4

Do I need to be fit to join the ladies classes?

Accepted Answer

No. The sessions are paced so that beginners can work at their own intensity, take a break and rejoin. Ladies Fitness on Sunday morning is specifically built for general conditioning rather than combat skill, and it's a comfortable entry point if the martial arts side feels like a big step. Fitness genuinely does build from training rather than being needed beforehand, and most people notice a real difference within a month of training twice a week.

Question 5

What should I wear to a ladies class?

Accepted Answer

For boxing and fitness: leggings or shorts, a t-shirt or sports top, clean indoor trainers and water. For No-Gi BJJ: leggings or grappling shorts and a rash guard or fitted top, trained barefoot, with short nails and no jewellery. Nothing more is needed for a first session. If you continue, hand wraps and gloves for boxing, or a rash guard for grappling, are the first purchases — ask Laura before buying anything.

Question 6

Is BJJ appropriate for women?

Accepted Answer

It's arguably the discipline that offers women the most, because it's built specifically around what to do when someone bigger and stronger has closed the distance. Leverage, angle and position beat raw strength in grappling more consistently than in any other martial art, which is why it transfers so well. It's also physically demanding in a way that builds real functional strength. The ladies sessions on Thursday and Sunday are the natural place to start, with no experience required.

Ladies-Only Classes

A room that makes starting easy

Learn the basics in a women-only room

Same coaching standard, no dilution

Come on your own

Cross over whenever you want

Ladies sessions this week

What to bring to your first class

Who teaches the ladies classes

Laura

Ladies classes questions

Try a ladies class in Reading