Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered some of the most common questions parents ask about our Children’s Martial Arts Programme, including classes, memberships, enrolment, uniforms and what to expect. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please feel free to contact the UK Shaolin team, we’re always happy to help.
UK Shaolin Youth Development Programme
Children can join our programmes from 4 years old.
Our Youth Development Programme is divided into three age specific groups to ensure every child trains in a safe, supportive and age-appropriate environment:
- Little Dragons: Ages 4–7
- Junior Shaolin: Ages 8–11
- Teen Warriors: Ages 12–15
Students progress through each programme as they grow and develop.
No.
Our classes are suitable for complete beginners as well as children with previous martial arts experience. New students are introduced gradually and receive guidance from our instructors to help them develop confidence from their very first lesson.
Yes.
We encourage all new students to attend a trial class before enrolling. A trial lesson gives your child the opportunity to experience our training environment, meet our instructors and discover whether the programme is the right fit for them.
The trial lesson fee is £15 per child.
If your child decides to enrol on the course following the trial, the £15 trial fee will be deducted from the course fees, meaning you won’t pay extra for trying the class.
As places are limited, we recommend booking your trial lesson in advance. Please contact us to arrange a suitable class for your child’s age group.
Classes are structured to be enjoyable, educational and physically active.
Depending on the programme, lessons may include:
- Warm up activities and fitness
Balance, agility and coordination exercises - Shaolin Kung Fu techniques
- Wushu movement and forms
- Pad work and partner drills
- Junior or Teen Sanda training (age appropriate)
- Team challenges and confidence building activities
- Stretching and cool down
Every lesson focuses on developing both martial arts skills and positive personal qualities.
Children are enrolled according to their age and stage of development.
Little Dragons (4–7 years)
- Build confidence through fun and movement.
- Develop coordination, listening and social skills.
Junior Shaolin (8–11 years)
- Learn authentic Shaolin Kung Fu and Wushu.
- Build discipline, technical skills and confidence.
Teen Warriors (12–15 years)
- Advanced Kung Fu, Wushu and Sanda Kickboxing.
- Develop leadership, resilience and practical martial arts skills.
If you are unsure which class is most suitable, our instructors will be happy to advise you.
Students progress through the Youth Development Programme as they grow:
Little Dragons → Junior Shaolin → Teen Warriors → Adult Programme
Within each programme, students work towards grading examinations that recognise their technical ability, effort and personal development.
Progression is based on consistent attendance, commitment and readiness rather than simply age.
For beginners, we recommend attending one class each week.
Students wishing to progress more quickly are encouraged to attend two classes per week where available.
Regular attendance helps children develop confidence, improve fitness and retain new skills.
For a trial lesson, children should wear:
- Comfortable sports clothing
- A T-shirt
- Tracksuit bottoms or shorts
- A bottle of water
Training is usually barefoot unless otherwise advised.
Once enrolled, students will be informed about the UK Shaolin uniform and equipment requirements.
Safety is our highest priority.
Classes are supervised by qualified instructors and are carefully adapted to each age group. Training is progressive, controlled and appropriate to the child’s experience and ability.
Children learn respect, self control and safe training practices from their very first lesson.
Our primary goal is to help children develop confidence, discipline, respect and self-control through martial arts.
All students learn practical self defence skills and authentic Shaolin martial arts techniques appropriate to their age and experience.
For students who join our Junior Shaolin Sanda Skills or Teen Warriors Sanda Kickboxing classes, training also includes pad work, partner drills and controlled combat exercises. As students progress, they may be introduced to supervised technical sparring, always in a safe, structured and age appropriate environment under the guidance of qualified instructors.
Sparring is never about encouraging aggression. It is a valuable training method that helps students develop timing, control, confidence, decision making and respect for their training partners.
Throughout all of our programmes, equal emphasis is placed on respect, responsibility, teamwork, self discipline and avoiding conflict whenever possible. We teach children that martial arts should be used to build character, improve health and develop the confidence to protect themselves responsibly not to intimidate or bully others.
Sanda is the combat sport developed from traditional Chinese martial arts.
Children learn age appropriate skills such as:
- Footwork
- Balance
- Pad work
- Defensive movement
- Controlled partner exercises
Training is always supervised and suitable for each age group.
Children train with others of a similar age and developmental stage.
This allows instructors to teach techniques that are appropriate for the group while ensuring a safe, enjoyable and effective learning environment.
Class sizes are managed to ensure students receive individual attention and quality instruction.
When classes reach capacity, a waiting list may be introduced.
Parents are welcome to observe trial lessons where appropriate.
After enrolment, viewing arrangements may vary depending on the class and venue to help children remain focused during training.
Please speak with an instructor if you have any questions.
For children attending our Little Dragons programme (ages 4–7), we ask that a parent or legal guardian remains on the premises or nearby throughout the lesson. This helps ensure younger children feel comfortable and can be supported if needed.
For students aged 8 years and over attending our Junior Shaolin or Teen Warriors programmes, parents or legal guardians are welcome to leave during the lesson, provided we have up to date emergency contact details and a responsible adult is available to collect the child promptly at the end of the session.
If your child has additional needs or you have any concerns, please speak with one of our instructors before the class so we can provide the appropriate support.
Yes.
We believe martial arts and wellbeing are for the whole family. Parents and legal guardians of children enrolled in our Youth Development Programme can enjoy exclusive family membership benefits designed to help the whole family stay active together.
While your child develops confidence, discipline and fitness through Shaolin martial arts, parents can also take part in their own health and fitness journey.
Benefits include:
Parent Fitness Pass
Parents and legal guardians can enjoy complimentary gym access while their child is attending their UK Shaolin class.
Parent Starter Membership – £40/month
For parents who would like to continue their own training journey, this membership includes:
- Unlimited gym access
- Beginner Shaolin Kung Fu
- Beginner Sanda Kickboxing
- Beginner Tai Chi
- Shaolin Yoga
- Qi Gong & Meditation
We also offer additional family membership options for parents who would like to access more UK Shaolin classes and services.
Please speak with our team to find the best option for your family.
Getting started is easy.
Option 1 – Enrol Online (Recommended)
Complete our online registration form to enrol your child. Once your registration has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation that we have received your enquiry.
Our team will normally contact you within 24–48 hours to confirm your child’s trial lesson or enrolment and provide any additional information you may need.
If you have not heard from us after 48 hours, please feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Option 2 – Visit Our Centre
You’re also welcome to visit UK Shaolin in person. Our team will be happy to show you around, answer any questions and help you complete the registration process at the centre.
Before your child begins training, one of our instructors will discuss the most suitable programme and membership options based on their age, experience and goals.
Our Youth Development Programme follows the school term structure. Parents can choose to enrol their child either on a termly basis or as an annual membership.
Annual membership offers better value and additional benefits compared to termly enrolment, including cost savings and priority access to classes and progression opportunities.
All memberships include access to the selected programme appropriate for your child’s age group and training level.
Please note:
- Memberships are personal and non transferable.
- Annual membership fees are non refundable.
- Family gym membership benefits apply only to the legal parent(s) or guardian(s) of the enrolled child and are subject to the specific membership terms.
If you wish to join mid term, please contact us before booking so we can advise on availability and suitability.
If you experience any issues with online booking or payment, please:
- Use our contact page, or
- Call us on 023 8251 3761
We are happy to help.
We believe martial arts is about developing better people, not just better fighters.
Our experienced instructors provide authentic Shaolin martial arts training in a welcoming and supportive environment where children can build confidence, improve fitness, develop lifelong skills and become part of a positive community.
Whether your child is looking to make new friends, improve their confidence or begin a lifelong martial arts journey, we are here to help them succeed.
Start Your Child’s Martial Arts Journey
Our programmes are designed to help children grow in confidence, character and ability while learning authentic Shaolin Kung Fu, Wushu and Sanda Kickboxing.
Places are limited to maintain excellent coaching standards and individual attention for every student.
Enrol your child today and become part of the UK Shaolin Youth Development Programme.
