Do i need to be fit to start martial arts ?

Do you need to be fit to start getting fit?

That's like asking if you need to know how to drive before taking driving lessons. The whole point is that we'll get you there! Paul's been doing this since he was 6, trust me, he's seen every fitness level imaginable and somehow managed to turn them all into a better shape of fitness before they arrived. The only requirement is showing up.

Here's the thing - if martial arts was only for people who were already fit, we'd have about 3 students total. The truth is, martial arts IS how you get fit. We've had complete beginners who couldn't touch their toes become absolute warriors. Paul's got 3 black belts and 30+ years of experience turning 'I can't even do a push-up' into 'how many push ups shall we do?

Our classes are full of people who started exactly where you are now. Some couldn't run to catch a bus, others thought stretching was just for yoga people. Now they're all kicking, punching, and having the time of their lives. The only fitness requirement is being fit enough to walk through our door, we'll handle the rest."

"But I'm really out of shape..."

Perfect! That means you'll see the most dramatic improvements. Paul loves a good transformation story, and honestly, watching someone go from 'I'm dying after 5 minutes' to 'bring on the sparring' never gets old. Plus, our adult classes are designed for real people with real lives, not Olympic athletes."

"What if I can't keep up?"

Nobody keeps up on day one, that's not the point. Paul's been teaching since before TikTok existed, so he knows how to pace everyone according to their level. You'll be working at your pace, not competing with the person next to you who's been training for 2 years.

"I'm worried about being the oldest/most out of shape person there..."

Trust me, you won't be. Our adult classes (13+) have everyone from teenagers to people who remember when mobile phones were the size of bricks. The only thing they all have in common is they started somewhere, and that somewhere was usually 'completely unfit.

The Bottom Line

Starting martial arts isn't about being the fittest person in the room – it's about becoming the fittest version of yourself. At HKP, we don't care if you're currently more couch potato than ninja warrior. What we care about is your willingness to show up, have a laugh, and trust the process.

Paul's spent over 30 years proving that fitness isn't a prerequisite for martial arts – it's the result. Every single person in our classes started as a beginner, and every single one of them thought they weren't fit enough, strong enough, or coordinated enough to start.

They were all wrong, and so are you.

Ready to stop making excuses and start making progress? Our doors are open, our mats are ready, and Paul's terrible jokes are fully loaded. The only fitness test you need to pass is walking through our door.

Find us on Facebook and Instagram, or better yet, just show up. We promise the only thing you'll regret is not starting sooner.

HKP Martial Arts – Where 'I can't' becomes 'I did' faster than you think.