Mini Ninjas: Reception to Year 2
Mini Ninjas at ZKS Martial Arts is for Reception to Year 2, with classes in Aylesbury and Watford. Younger primary-school children learn through clear instructions, repetition and active practice. School stage is the main guide; children searching for classes at ages five, six or seven should check their current year group.
Create the parent account, add the student and request a suitable class. Wait for confirmation before attending.
Questions about starting? Contact ZKS about your child’s first class.
What students learn
Movement, stance, guard, simple punches and kicks introduce striking. Safe falling, rolling and basic ground positions introduce grappling. Students practise controlled movement and simple self-defence tasks through the training year.
What a normal lesson involves
A warm-up and movement activities lead into demonstrations and short practice tasks. Children learn to listen, take turns and work with others under supervision. Repeating core skills makes each lesson familiar while offering a manageable challenge.
A pad-practice task gives children something concrete to try: listen to the demonstration, take a turn, practise a punch and help a partner have their turn. Small steps like these make listening and teamwork part of the activity.
Shy or reluctant to join in? We encourage newcomers by helping them work with another member. Let us know about any worries before the trial so we can discuss how to help your child settle.
For the trial, wear jogging bottoms and a T-shirt and bring a water bottle. Training is barefoot unless you wear ZKS MA grip socks. Ordinary socks are not permitted on the mats. Remove jewellery, tie back long hair and follow your booking confirmation.
See Mini Ninjas in action
Children practise punches with partner-held pads while a member of the ZKS team offers guidance on the mats.
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Progress and the next stage
Once a week is the usual starting recommendation. Children build familiarity and skills through regular practice. See the progression guidance as they develop.
Students build skills through practice, feedback and opportunities to celebrate their progress. Our Review guide explains how readiness for the next stage is assessed, and the moving-up guide helps families prepare for their next programme.
Once members reach yellow belt, we invite them to the ZKS summer competition if they would enjoy an extra challenge. Taking part is optional.
Where can I train?
Live class timetable
Find a class by venue, day and school year. Class times and availability come from the live ZKS timetable.
Select your chosen class by using the dropdowns below.
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| Venue | Class | Day | Start | Finish | Availability |
|---|
Children’s programmes normally follow school year. Adult sessions for under-18s require an invitation and approval. See which class to choose.
A displayed space is not a confirmed booking. Adaptive suitability is considered individually. Only attend after ZKS confirms your place.
Mini Ninjas membership and fees
Choose the number of regular classes your child attends each week.
| Membership | Monthly cost | Regular classes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | ÂŁ35 | 1 per week |
| Premium | ÂŁ45 | 2 per week |
| Elite | ÂŁ55 | 3 per week |
ÂŁ60 one-off joining fee. Includes a gi (uniform), white ZKS T-shirt, basic gloves, grip socks and registration. Paid after the free trial as part of your first membership payment. Joining-fee details.
Monthly fees are annualised across 12 equal Direct Debit payments, including scheduled holidays. Places depend on suitable class availability.
Progression costs: Reviews and Belt Promotion involve separate purchases. Check current prices and invitations in the Members Area; see the Review guide and Belt Promotion guide.
Membership cancellation requires 30 days’ notice through the Members Area. Read the notice and final-payment terms.
How to book a free trial
Create the parent account, add the student and request an available class. Wait for confirmation before attending.
Follow the Help Centre trial-booking steps, check what to bring and read what happens after your trial.
Questions before joining
Does my child need previous experience?
No. Beginners are welcome in Reception–Year 2. Shy children or those reluctant to join in are encouraged by working with another member. Tell us about any worries before the trial.
How long is a class?
Mini Ninjas classes last 45 minutes. Check your confirmed session’s start and finish times in the live timetable.
How many children are in a class?
Mini Ninjas classes have a maximum of 20 members. We aim to have one instructor and an assistant instructor; this is our preferred staffing arrangement rather than a guarantee for every session. Ask ZKS about your chosen class.
Can I watch the first lesson?
ZKS classes have a no-spectator rule. Parents and carers may watch the first lesson, but the instructor may decide not to allow this if they feel it is best for the class. Parents and carers do not stay to watch subsequent lessons. Read the spectator policy.
What should my child wear and bring?
For the trial, wear jogging bottoms and a T-shirt and bring a water bottle. Training is barefoot unless you wear ZKS MA grip socks. Ordinary socks are not permitted on the mats. Remove jewellery, tie back long hair and follow your booking confirmation. See the first-class guide.
How often should my child train?
Once a week is the usual starting recommendation. Membership options also allow two or three regular classes per week, subject to availability. Read the progression guidance as your child develops.
Does my child have to compete?
No. Once members move to yellow belt, we invite them to the ZKS summer competition if they would like a challenge. Participation is optional.
What if we miss a class or the session is full?
Read the temporary class-change guide to request an alternative; places depend on availability. A waiting-list entry is not a confirmed place. Wait for confirmation before attending.
Still have a question? Visit our Help Centre.
Your next steps
Explore member progression at ZKS, including technical development, leadership and adult training. For current procedures, use the Help Centre.