Ironwood Martial Arts Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our services.

Can I try a class before joining?

Yes, the first class in any discipline is free and there is no obligation afterwards. Book it in this chat and turn up fifteen minutes early to sign the waiver and meet the coach. Bring shorts and a t-shirt; we lend a gi for your first jiu-jitsu session.

What does membership cost?

Adult unlimited across all disciplines is AED 750 per month on a rolling basis, or AED 1,950 for a three-month term which works out at AED 650 a month. Two classes a week is AED 500 monthly. Kids programmes are AED 480 per month or AED 1,300 per term, with a 15 percent sibling discount from the second child.

What ages do you teach?

Little Dragons karate takes children from 4 to 6 in 40-minute classes. Kids BJJ and karate run 7 to 12, and the teens group is 13 to 16. Adults are 16 and over, and a 16 or 17 year old needs a parent-signed waiver to train in the adult muay thai class.

How does grading work?

Kids karate grades every four months against attendance and a syllabus test, and the belt fee is AED 150 including the certificate. Adult BJJ has no fixed grading calendar; stripes and belts are awarded by the head coach on mat performance and time on the mat, and there is no charge. A minimum of 60 percent attendance is needed to be put forward for any kids grading.

What equipment do I need?

For jiu-jitsu you need a gi, which we sell at AED 350, plus a rash guard for no-gi. Muay thai needs 14oz gloves, shin guards and hand wraps, around AED 550 as a set from the front desk or bring your own. A mouthguard is compulsory for anyone doing sparring, and groin protection for men in the adult classes.

Do you have separate classes for women?

Yes. Women's only muay thai runs Monday and Wednesday at 7:00pm with a female coach, and there is a women's only BJJ session Saturday morning at 10:00am. The main mat has privacy screening on the street side during these sessions. All other classes are mixed.

What is the schedule?

We run classes Saturday to Thursday, mornings 6:30am to 8:00am and evenings 5:00pm to 9:30pm, with an open mat Friday 10:00am to 12:00pm for members. Kids classes are at 5:00pm and 6:00pm, adults from 7:00pm. The full timetable is on the wall and pinned in the members' WhatsApp group.

Can I freeze or cancel my membership?

Rolling monthly memberships need 30 days' written notice to cancel. Term memberships can be frozen once for up to six weeks for travel, injury or Ramadan, at no cost, and the term simply extends. We do not refund unused weeks on a term, but we will transfer the balance to a family member.

Do you take beginners with no experience at all?

Most people who walk in have never trained. The Fundamentals class runs three evenings a week and covers only the basics, and new members stay there for around eight weeks before joining the main class. Nobody is made to spar until the coach says they are ready, and there is no fitness requirement to start.