Your first ZKS trial lesson

1. Before leaving home

Wear

Comfortable sports clothing suitable for movement. Remove jewellery and watches, avoid zips or sharp fittings and tie back long hair. Training is normally barefoot on the mats, but shoes must be worn elsewhere in the building.

Bring

A clearly labelled, filled water bottle and any essential medication, such as an inhaler. Specialist martial arts equipment is not normally needed.

Check

Make sure emergency contacts, medical information and additional or accessibility needs are complete and current. Use the toilet before the lesson.

These are the complete clothing and equipment requirements for a normal trial. Follow the booking confirmation if a particular programme or venue gives different instructions.

2. When you arrive

1. Wait at the designated entrance; do not enter a class already in progress.
2. An instructor or authorised team member will invite the student in and record their attendance.
3. For a student under 16, the responsible adult must not leave until the student has been admitted, unless ZKS has confirmed another arrangement.
4. Tell the instructor about any important change that could affect that lesson.

3. During the lesson

The instructor will welcome the student and explain what to do. A typical trial includes:

1. A short introduction and the training-area rules.
2. An age-appropriate warm-up.
3. Martial arts skills demonstrated by the instructor and practised safely.
4. Water breaks when directed.
5. A structured finish appropriate to the programme.

No previous experience is expected and the trial is not a test. The student should tell the instructor immediately if they feel unwell, are hurt, do not understand or need a break.

What will the student actually do?

The exact lesson depends on the programme and the instructor's lesson plan. Trial students normally join the age-appropriate class rather than following a separate test or assessment.

• Little Dragons: movement, balance, coordination, listening and simple martial arts activities taught through short, engaging tasks.
• Mini Ninjas: structured movement, basic striking, safe partner activities, self-control and age-appropriate martial arts skills.
• Junior Martial Arts: a mixture of striking, movement, partner drills, grappling or self-defence according to the current term and lesson.
• Teen Martial Arts: structured striking, grappling, self-defence, fitness and partner practice at an appropriate level.
• Adaptive ZKSMA: activities adjusted to the student's communication, sensory and support needs.

Adult Taijutsu, BJJ and specialist courses may follow different introductory arrangements. Always use the programme-specific booking confirmation where it differs from this children's trial guide.

Safety, health and individual support

• Medical conditions, allergies, injuries, educational needs and accessibility requirements must be recorded accurately before the trial.
• Bring essential medication and tell the instructor where it is when the student arrives.
• Do not attend where illness or injury makes training unsafe for the student or others.
• Students may be asked to work with an instructor, partner or small group. Contact is controlled and appropriate to the programme and activity.
• The student should follow instructions, treat others respectfully and stop immediately when directed.
• If an adjustment or parent/carer support is needed, contact ZKS before the lesson rather than waiting until the class begins.

Class safety is governed by the Safe Practice Policy. Safeguarding documents are available from the ZKS policy directory.

Can a parent or carer watch?

Usually, parents and carers do not remain in the training area. This helps students focus and supports safeguarding and venue capacity.

If a child is distressed during their first trial, speak to the instructor. A parent or carer may be allowed to remain temporarily where the instructor considers it appropriate and safe. If ongoing support or an adjustment is needed, contact ZKS before attending.

Read the spectator policy.

4. At the end

1. Be ready at the stated finish time.
2. Wait for the instructor to finish and release the class.
3. Collect water, medication and other belongings.
4. If the student wants to continue, follow the joining instructions from ZKS.

There is no obligation to join. Read what happens after the trial.

Common first-trial questions

Can we attend without a confirmed booking?

No. Wait for ZKS to confirm the date, class and venue. Walk-ins cannot be assumed to have a place.

Does the student need a uniform?

No specialist uniform is normally required for a first trial. Comfortable, safe sports clothing is suitable unless the confirmation says otherwise.

Does the student need to be fit or experienced?

No. The instructor will explain the activities and the student can begin at an appropriate level.

What if we cannot attend?

Tell ZKS as soon as possible and, where possible, at least 24 hours beforehand. A replacement date depends on availability; repeated missed trials without notice may be cancelled. See booking and rescheduling guidance.

Can a parent stay?

Usually not. Speak to the instructor if a child is distressed during their first trial or contact ZKS beforehand where support is needed.

Do we have to join afterwards?

No. Joining is optional. An ongoing place exists only after ZKS confirms suitability and availability and the required joining steps are completed.

Important policies

This page gives the practical first-trial steps. The detailed rules are maintained separately: