Booking your first class is the nerve-wracking bit. The training itself? Far easier than you’re imagining. One of the most common worries we hear at Shin Kick is simply: what do I wear, and what do I need to bring?
Good news — the answer is “less than you think.” You don’t need special kit, you don’t need to be fit, and you definitely don’t need to be a fighter. Here’s everything sorted, so you can walk through the door in Woodbridge Meadows feeling ready instead of unsure.
What to wear to your first class
Keep it simple. For your very first session, normal gym clothes are perfect:
- A t-shirt or vest — something you can move and sweat in.
- Shorts or leggings — anything stretchy. Muay Thai shorts are lovely once you’re hooked, but you absolutely don’t need them on day one.
- Bare feet — Muay Thai is trained barefoot on the mats, so no trainers needed for the class itself. Just bring socks for walking around.
That’s genuinely it. Wear what’s comfortable and what you don’t mind getting sweaty. Nobody is looking at your outfit — everyone in the room remembers their own first class.
A quick word on jewellery and nails
Take off rings, watches and dangly earrings before you train — partly so they don’t get damaged, partly for safety in pad work. If you can, keep fingernails and toenails trimmed short. Small thing, big difference once you’re working with a partner.
What to bring
Here’s your simple checklist for a first session:
- Water bottle — you’ll want it. Training is warm work.
- A small towel — for sweat and for after.
- Hand wraps (optional) — if you already own a pair, bring them. If not, don’t worry. They’re not essential for trying things out.
- Hair tie — if you’ve got longer hair, you’ll want it out of your face.
You do not need to buy gloves or pads before you come. Equipment is part of class, and a coach will get you sorted. Buying your own gear can come later, once you know you love it — and most people do.
What to expect when you arrive
Shin Kick sits in Weyford House on Woodbridge Meadows, about a ten-minute walk from Guildford town centre and the mainline station — handy if you’re coming straight from work or college. We’re a full-time gym with three matted areas, so there’s plenty of space.
Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early for your first class. That gives you time to find us, say hello, fill in a quick form, and get a feel for the room before things start. If you’re nervous, just tell the coach at the door it’s your first time. They hear it every week and they’ll look after you.
A typical class starts with a warm-up, moves into technique — learning how to throw a punch or a kick properly — and then some pad work with a partner. You go at your own pace. If you need a breather, you take a breather. No one is timing you.
”But everyone else will be better than me”
They were all beginners once, too. Shin Kick welcomes all standards and all ages, and there’s a genuinely friendly, family atmosphere — you don’t have to be a fighter to train here. Partners are encouraging, not competitive. You’ll be surprised how quickly you stop feeling like the new person.
For parents
If you’re bringing a child, the same rules apply: comfy clothes, a water bottle, bare feet, and a positive attitude. Juniors train in their own classes, and you’re welcome to stay and watch your child’s first session. Many parents do — then end up signing up themselves.
A note on your first class being free
Here’s the part that takes the pressure right off: your first class at Shin Kick is free. You don’t commit to anything. You turn up in your gym clothes, give it a proper go, and decide afterwards whether it’s for you. No pressure, no hard sell.
If you’d rather not dive into a full class straight away, you can also ask about pay-as-you-go sessions while you find your feet. But honestly, the free first class is the easiest way to see what it’s all about.
Quick recap
- Wear: t-shirt or vest, stretchy shorts or leggings, bare feet (bring socks).
- Bring: water, a small towel, hand wraps if you have them, a hair tie.
- Leave at home: jewellery, nerves, and any pressure to be “good.”
- Arrive: 10–15 minutes early, and tell the coach it’s your first time.
That’s all there is to it. The hardest part is deciding to come — and you’ve nearly done that already.
Ready to give it a go? Your first class is free. Book your free trial or call us on 01483 578358, and we’ll see you on the mats in Guildford.