Deciding to try a martial arts class for your child, or even for yourself, is a huge step. You feel a mix of excitement about the potential for growth and a bundle of nerves about the unknown. What will it be like? Will my child feel comfortable? Will they be expected to know things already? These are the questions that run through the minds of so many parents who walk through our doors for the first time.
As a parent in the Wilbraham area, you have many options for your child's activities. You're looking for something that does more than just burn off energy. You want an activity that instills discipline, respect, and confidence. At Giroux Bros Martial Arts, we understand that deeply. The journey to a black belt starts with a single, positive first step, and we've designed our introductory experience to be welcoming, fun, and empowering from the moment you arrive.
This guide will pull back the curtain on your very first class. We will walk you through everything, step by step, from what to wear to what you'll learn. Our goal is to replace your anxiety with anticipation, so you and your child can feel fully prepared to embrace this exciting new adventure.
Step 1: Preparing for a Successful First Class
A great first class experience begins before you even leave the house. Proper preparation can ease nerves and set the stage for a positive and productive session. It is not about previous experience; it is about having the right mindset and a few basic items.
What to Wear and Bring
The good news is, you do not need to buy anything special. We make it simple for new students. In fact, our introductory special of just $49 for four weeks includes a free uniform, so you will have one very soon! For the absolute first day, however, comfort is key.
- Comfortable Clothing: Have your child wear athletic clothes that are easy to move in, like a t-shirt and sweatpants or shorts. We train barefoot on the mats for safety and hygiene, so no special shoes are needed.
- Water Bottle: Students can take breaks for water, so having a labeled water bottle is a great idea.
- An Open Mind: The most important thing to bring is a willingness to try something new. Remind your child (and yourself!) that everyone in the room was once a beginner. Our instructors are experts at making new students feel like part of the family.
Arriving at Our Wilbraham Dojo
You will find us conveniently located at 2400 Boston Road in Wilbraham, MA. We are easily accessible for families from surrounding towns like Ludlow, Hampden, and East Longmeadow. We recommend arriving about 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled class time. This gives you plenty of time to get settled without feeling rushed.
When you enter, you will be greeted by one of our instructors. Likely, it will be Master Steve Giroux or his daughter and Head Instructor, Mady Giroux. We will show you where to place your belongings and where parents can sit to watch the class. You will also notice our school's motto on the wall: "A Winner Never Quits And A Quitter Never Wins. This Is A Black Belt School." It is a powerful reminder of the journey you are about to begin.
Step 2: The First 15 Minutes: Welcome and Warm-Up
The class begins promptly, and the first few minutes are designed to transition students from their busy day into a focused training mindset. This is done through structure, respect, and fun, physical activity.
The Bow-In: A Lesson in Respect
The very first thing you will do is learn how to bow. Bowing is a traditional sign of respect in martial arts. It is how we show respect for our school, our instructors, and each other. An instructor will guide you through this simple process. It is a quick but important ritual that sets a respectful tone for the entire class.
Students will line up, and the instructor will call the class to attention. Following their lead, the class will bow. This simple act signifies the official start of training and helps students focus their attention on the task at hand.
Dynamic and Fun Warm-Ups
Next up is the warm-up. Forget boring, static stretches. Our warm-ups are dynamic and designed to get the heart pumping and muscles ready for action, all while feeling like a game. This is especially important for our younger students.
- Running and skipping across the mat.
- Jumping jacks and other calisthenics.
- Age-appropriate agility drills.
- Stretching exercises to improve flexibility and prevent injury.
The goal is to prepare the body for the martial arts techniques to come, but also to burn off some initial energy and get everyone smiling. It is not a military bootcamp; it is a fun and energetic start to the lesson.
New Student Intro
4 Weeks of Classes + Free Uniform
$129 $49 · No contract
Step 3: The Heart of the Class: Learning Your First Moves
With warm-ups complete, the class moves into the main instructional portion. As a new student, you will not be thrown into the deep end. You will likely work with a high-ranking student or an instructor in a small group to learn the absolute fundamentals of Chun Kuk Do, the system founded by the legendary Chuck Norris.
Your First Stance, Block, and Punch
Everything in martial arts is built on a solid foundation. Your first lesson will focus on this foundation. You will learn how to stand like a martial artist in a ready stance, which provides balance and stability. An instructor will patiently break down the mechanics, explaining not just the 'how' but the 'why' behind each movement.
You will then be introduced to a basic block and a punch. The instructor will demonstrate the technique, and you will practice it in the air. The focus is entirely on control, form, and safety. There is no contact in your first class. You are simply teaching your body the new movements in a safe, controlled environment. These are the first steps in [building confidence](/kids-martial-arts) through physical competence.
Focus-Building Drills That Feel Like Games
A major part of martial arts is developing mental sharpness. We use a variety of drills that are so fun, kids do not even realize they are practicing discipline and concentration. These drills are essential for [improving focus](/kids-martial-arts), a skill that translates directly to success in school and at home.
- Focus Pads: An instructor might hold up a pad and have you practice your new punch or kick on it. This teaches targeting and control.
- Obstacle Courses: Simple courses set up on the mat help develop coordination, balance, and the ability to follow directions.
- Simon Says: A classic game that is excellent for honing listening skills and reaction time.
A Story of a First Class
We often see new students arrive feeling a little shy, perhaps hiding behind a parent's leg. It is a common sight, and it is something we are fully prepared for. We remember one young student who came to us from nearby Monson. He was very quiet and hesitant to step onto the mat by himself. His parents worried he might not participate at all.
Instead of pressuring him, Head Instructor Mady Giroux invited his dad to join him on the edge of the mat for warm-ups. She turned the drills into a game, and slowly, he began to join in. By the time they were practicing kicks on a soft shield, he was laughing and fully engaged. The instructor gave him a high-five after his first successful kick, and his face lit up with pride.
Just a few months later, that same quiet child was one of the first to volunteer to demonstrate a technique. He was helping a new student who was feeling nervous, just as he once had. It is a transformation we see time and time again. It starts with one positive experience in one class, and it builds from there. This is how character is built and leaders are made.
Step 4: The Adult Beginner Experience
While much of our school is focused on youth development, we have a thriving adult program. Many parents from Springfield, Palmer, and Wilbraham watch their kids' classes and think, "I wish I had done this." The great news is, it is never too late to start. Your first class as an adult follows a similar structure, but is tailored to your goals and fitness level.
You Don't Need to Be in Shape to Start
This is the number one concern we hear from adults: "I'm not in shape enough for martial arts." The truth is, you start martial arts to get in shape. Our classes are the tool to help you reach your fitness goals. Master Steve Giroux himself left a career in accounting to pursue his passion for martial arts, and he understands the journey of an adult learner.
Your first class will challenge you, but it will not break you. The instructors are skilled at modifying exercises to suit your current ability. You will be in a class with other adults who are all there to learn and improve, creating a supportive and motivating community.
More Than Just Kicking and Punching
For adults, the benefits of martial arts training extend far beyond physical fitness and learning [self-defense skills](/adult-karate). The practice becomes a moving meditation, a powerful tool for mental and emotional well being.
- Stress Relief: Punching a bag or focusing on a complex form is one of the best ways to shed the stress of a long workday.
- Mental Clarity: The intense focus required during class clears your mind of outside distractions.
- Increased Energy: Regular training boosts your overall energy levels, fighting fatigue.
- A Great Community: You will connect with other local adults who share a common goal of self-improvement.
Step 5: The Final Bow: Wrapping Up
The last ten minutes of class are just as structured and important as the beginning. This is where we cool down, reflect on the lesson, and end the class on a positive, respectful note.
Cool-Down and 'Mat Chat'
The instructor will lead the class through a series of cool-down stretches to help muscles relax and improve flexibility. This is a calm and quiet time, allowing everyone's heart rate to return to normal.
Following the cool-down, students will gather for a 'mat chat'. This is a signature part of our program. An instructor will share a short story or a life lesson related to one of our core values, such as respect, integrity, or perseverance. It is a moment to connect the physical practice to real world character development.
Dismissal and Next Steps
The class ends as it began, with a formal bow to the instructors and to each other. After the bow-out, the instructor will make a point to talk with you and your child, giving them positive feedback and a word of encouragement. This is the perfect time to ask any questions you might have about the class or the program.
We can discuss our amazing trial offer, which gives you four weeks of classes and a uniform for just $49, with no contracts or obligations. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to see if Giroux Bros Martial Arts is the right fit for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should my child wear if we don't have a uniform yet?
For the very first class, any comfortable athletic clothing is perfect. A t-shirt with sweatpants or shorts is ideal. We train barefoot on the mats, so no special footwear is required. We will provide your child with a free uniform as part of their introductory trial program.
Do I need to be in great shape to start martial arts as an adult?
Absolutely not. This is a common misconception. You do not get in shape to start martial arts; you start martial arts to get in shape. Our programs are designed to meet you exactly where you are and build your fitness, flexibility, and strength over time in a safe and sustainable way.
How long is a typical class?
Our classes are typically 45 minutes long. We find this is the optimal amount of time to conduct a thorough warm-up, teach new material, practice drills, and have a cool-down without losing the focus of our students, especially the younger ones.
My child is very shy. Will they be forced to participate?
Never. Our instructors, with over 40 years of combined family experience, are experts at working with shy or anxious children. We create a supportive, positive environment where children are encouraged, but never forced. We use games and positive reinforcement to help them feel comfortable and join in at their own pace.
Your Journey Starts Now
Your first martial arts class is a doorway to a new world of confidence, discipline, and community. We have seen thousands of families from Wilbraham and beyond take this step and witness incredible transformations. The journey from a nervous white belt to a confident black belt leader begins with that single, brave decision to try.
Are you ready to see the positive impact for yourself? We invite you to take advantage of our risk-free introductory offer. Explore our [class schedule](/classes) online, or [contact us](/contact) directly at (413) 335-0753 to book your first class. We cannot wait to welcome you to the Giroux Bros family.
New Student Experience
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4 Weeks of Classes — $129 $49
