1/. Contact the club for an induction training session.

 

Ask us about coming to an induction training session. We'll put a helmet on your head and ring it like a bell a couple of times.

We will ask you some important questions about your physical health and any injuries. This is not the sport for someone with tendencies toward concussion or knee issues, for example. You will need to get aggresive, without losing the plot completely. You will show you can learn the basics of the rules and stay within them. It is also a chance to show that you can receive instructions and critique without taking it personally.

​

2/. Source yourself your first 2 essential pieces of kit:

 

Please talk to the club about reputable online traders, before outlaying any money on any item of your kit.

 

To get started with regular practices in borrowed armour, it is still best to have some things of your own.

 

A box (groin protection) 

You probably don't want to borrow someones sweaty groin protection, and not many people will want to loan you theirs. Purchase groin protection made specifically for martial arts. Males and females groin protection is different and you must get the correct kind.

If you get a box of the type commonly called a 'banana box', then you will not need any other form of support to hold it in place. If you get a box that resembles a cricket one, it is recommended you get some form of specialist support clothing for it, there is no point wearing one if it is not sitting in the correct place.

 

A gambeson (padded under armour layer)

Once you have been in armour a few times, and are sure this is the sport for you, then you will want to invest in a gambeson. This is the padded torso garment worn under your armour to absorb the force of the blows that impact your hard outer layer. It would help if you have some idea of the armour that you would like to work towards obtaining at this point, so that they match in style. But as the gambeson is largely hidden by the armour and any outer coverings, this is not a necessity.

 

If you sew or know someone that can, a gambeson can be made for about $100, and a lot of time and tears. If not, you can buy them online from New Zealand importers or directly from overseas.  

 

 

3/. Get fit, and get skilled:

 

Ok now it's time to get fit, and get skilled. Go to every practice, do more practice at home. Seriously. Get fit. Make a pell (ask us how). Kill it.

4/. Learn the rules, so you can fight competently and safely. 

 

5/. Until you can fight...CREW!

Help with crewing until you have enough kit available to fight. This helps make you familiar with various bits of kit, which can help you decide what you like and don't like, and start to learn the names and terms involved.

 

 

​