CASTLE BLACK BELT ACADEMY..
hi i want anyone thinking of starting kickboxing to know that they should avoid this establishment as it is the biggest rip off ...

basically you get a black belt yes but it will cost you thousands of pounds,

i joined castle academy about 4 months back hoping to be training 2 hours a week or more and regaining my former fitness levels but i did not relise how much it would cost and how much i was wrong about putting my trust into this academy.

so cost and my issue.....
they say they offer 30days free trial - right reading this you would think o yeah great ill try it out and see if i like it.. wrong you only get this if you are joining, which by the way will cost you a lump sum of 400 pound for 6 months ( after the 100 pound "discount" you get with the trial) or you pay 100 a month instead.

so- 100 a month *12 = 1200 a year !

and what do you get for this well.....when i first started out i was under the impression i was going to be recieving an hours sessions twice a week...wrong .. when your a beginner you recieve half a lesson so basically an hour a week if your lucky which amounts to.... 25 quid an hour well i paid a lump sum so it works out around 66 a month for four hours !!

moving on after you are ready to move onto the leadership scheme and become a black belt you have to pay the fees and i spoke to someone who had just signed up are you sat down because this is expensive stuff and a little shocking if you ask me.. to join the blackbelt leadership he had to pay a lump sum of £3000 and yess i said pounds ! and thats if you can afford the lump sum if not then i think it is around £4000 and this is in a commitment contract so you have to pay for the three/four years!! they tell you that you are required to show commitment to be able to join the course and ultimatly become a blackbelt.

so now you have taken this in you are probably thinking wow thats alot but thats not all... to move up a belt it costs £40 thats for the belt and a graduation night where you just turn up and show what you have learned..

also i asked a lady how much her outift cost and she qouted me around £600...all castle branded outfit....bag...pads... and a few other various items you may require..

oo and in my opinion the teachers are not doing that bad realyl if they are driving around in top end cars..

so thats my rant and now i am in the process of finding sumwhere else preferably in the town centre so any advice is welcome on where to train??

I had a 30 min lesson and it ended up costing me big time. Never again. The 30 day trial is in a room with someone. not really a trial!

hi mate
sheffield taekwondo academy
myers grove school
£4 00 per class
3rd dan instructor (kukkiwon)
current national team member
current national champion
07980059124

I trained at Castle Black Belt about 7 years ago or so, seems they have changed quite a bit, wonder if the owners have changed in recent years?

it cost same as a gym when I went and you could goto any class you wanted, so sometimes I went 5 times a week and as there were classes running after eachover I could effectively do three classes in a night if i wanted.

With anything in life nowadays everyone is out to 'deceive' you, so read all the small print, they aren't ripping people off, they are hiding behind big print promises and small print facts. READ IT ALL before you make a financial commitment.

HI lynx, sorry to hear you werent happy with the deal but then again people know what they have to pay before they pay it i guess?

I wasnt actually aware that Castle was a kickboxing club but there you go.
I always thought they taught ju jitsu? Again correct me if im wrong.

You wanted kickboxing in the city centre?

We run a kickboxing club in the city, each beginners class is one hour although i allow people to use the gym for an extra half hour after class is over for sparring/bagwork or use of the weights and other equipment.

We only charge £5 a lesson but dont expect fitness first or Greens LOL.
Our facilites are Spartan :hihi:

07775 914155 for more information

or log onto


www.sheffieldkickboxingclub.co.uk

Hi I'm Brian Aiken & I've got students from castle that left for the same reason, too expensive, not learning enough, I could go on, Its a Shame..
I run a Traditional Ju jitsu Club, a Grappling Club and also I teach MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) & put fighters in the cage or ring.
No Direct debits, No Monthly Contracts, You Can Pay As You Go, Pay Per Week, or Pay Per Month all in cash. You can choose when you want to train and all Adult Classes Excepts the Women's Ju Jitsu are 1.5 Hours long.

We have a ring, gym equipment, hanging punch & kick bags & a matted area.

TIME TABLE

• MON - Children's Ju-Jitsu 6pm - 7pm Adults Grappling 7pm - 8.30pm
Adults Ju-Jitsu 8.30pm-10pm
• TUE - Closed
• WED - Adults Grappling 7pm - 8.30pm
• THUR- Adults Grappling 7pm - 8.30pm
Adults Ju-Jitsu 8.30pm-10pm
• FRI - Children's Ju-Jitsu 6pm-7pm
• SAT - Closed
• SUN - Children's Ju-Jitsu 1pm- 2pm
Adults Ju-Jitsu 2pm - 3.30pm
Womens Self Defence 3.30pm-4.30pm

PRICE LIST
CHILDREN'S JU-JITSU £3.50
20% STUDENT DISCOUNT
WOMEN JU JITSU £3.50 / NUS £2.80
ADULTS JU-JITSU £4.50 / NUS £3.60
GRAPPLING £5.00 / NUS £4.00

MONTHLY OPTIONS

£30 FOR MONTHLY UNLIMITED CHILDREN CLASSES
£40 FOR MONTHLY UNLIMITED ADULTS CLASSES OR £10 A WEEK,
£32 FOR MONTHLY UNLIMITED ADULTS CLASSES WITH NUS OR £8 A WEEK .
Private 121 Tuition classes available @ £25 for 1.5 hours.

Not kickboxing but the highest level grappling and BJJ available, right in the town centre

The Forge
Home of Gracie Barra Sheffield

see www.theforge-ma.co.uk

thanks

ps we have a very nice gym fully matted with great instructors

Thank you all very much for your feedback.. and thank you for the info on where i can train as soon as my current contract is over i shall be choosing one of the places i have been shown.

cant believe how much i should have been paying compared to what i am now .

Thank you all very much for your feedback.. and thank you for the info on where i can train as soon as my current contract is over i shall be choosing one of the places i have been shown.

cant believe how much i should have been paying compared to what i am now .

No worries Lynx,
The other places dom good ju jitsu classes.
One of them is in neepsend and the other in sharrow.
My place does kickboxing as opposed to ju jitsu and is in the town centre. How long left of your contract?

If I want cheap insurance I will look around for the best deal, same with martial arts. There are so many good clubs out there.... Try a few before making a commitment. Its not about the money its about the dedication of the instructor and ethos of the club.

Anyway seeing as this hsa now turned into and advertisment.

Check out EKBJJ.com (for BJJ Sheffield)

If you fancy bjj check this out but there are other clubs equally as good. Depends what type of training you enjoy.

Boom

hi chefkicker, my contract runs out in may and i am moving to city centre so will be looking for sumwere to train.

Trouble is with CBBA if I want an army type environment then I would join the army!

Trouble is with CBBA if I want an army type environment then I would join the army!

Hmm interesting, is the cardio side of it really that hardcore? Really rigourous on the pushups etc or do they wear camoflage GI's ?

Just curious as you mentioned "army type environment" or are the sensei's really strict like a seargent major?

Hmm interesting, is the cardio side of it really that hardcore? Really rigourous on the pushups etc or do they wear camoflage GI's ?

Just curious as you mentioned "army type environment" or are the sensei's really strict like a seargent major?

Probably referring to the 'standing in lines and getting shouted at' side of things.

Probably referring to the 'standing in lines and getting shouted at' side of things.

Though remember we did have someone with a camo gi; he did not like the stick he got with people walking into him and saying they couldn't see him etc!!

Nah it was the calling people Mr this and Mr that. All pathetic. Although I did admire how some of them came across. I wish I could be as chilled as that.

Though remember we did have someone with a camo gi; he did not like the stick he got with people walking into him and saying they couldn't see him etc!!
He was a bit thick to buy something like that and not expect to get it ripped out of him mercilessly!

Cheeky *****.. I've got a camo Gi.....

Cheeky *****.. I've got a camo Gi.....

Yes mate, though we mightn't be able to see you; a lot of the time we can smell you!! It's that brussel sprouts diet! :gag:

Hey Lynx

Thats a pretty good summary of Castle, they soooo take the mick and the presentations they do in front of parents - AAARRGGGHH

yeh the 30 min lessions, u spend bout 20 of that warming up and down!

I left after 6 months, n it wasnt exactly easy to shrug the instructor off as after ya 3rd lesson they already push u towards leadership programme and im like "well ive just given you £400 for 6 months already - can I get my moneys worth 1st?" - the answer is no you dont.

I did it for 6 months, and never kicked a pad and never sparred

No CBBA isnt a kickboxing club, its a mix - of crap

This isn't the first negative thread about CBBA. When someone says something negative about an MA club someone else usually springs to their defence. This doesn't appear to be the case with CBBA does it? Strange.

Hey Lynx

Thats a pretty good summary of Castle, they soooo take the mick and the presentations they do in front of parents - AAARRGGGHH

yeh the 30 min lessions, u spend bout 20 of that warming up and down!

I left after 6 months, n it wasnt exactly easy to shrug the instructor off as after ya 3rd lesson they already push u towards leadership programme and im like "well ive just given you £400 for 6 months already - can I get my moneys worth 1st?" - the answer is no you dont.

I did it for 6 months, and never kicked a pad and never sparred

No CBBA isnt a kickboxing club, its a mix - of crap

I didnt think CBBA was a kickboxing club ive always thought they were more geared towards Ju Jitsu? I cant comment as i have never trained there.
In their defence i must admit that the Sheehan family are a nice bunch of people. Mr Rob Sheehan and his son Karl Sheehan the boxer are both friendly guys.
I cant comment on their instructional ability , im not sure if Karl does instruct at Castle ? Maybe he is just into his boxing.

I know Rob Sheenan myself (abit), yes he is a nice guy... he is obviously also a v good businessman. Tbf to Castle, it is a choice that people have to make as to whether they sign up or not, the instructors r pretty pushy tho

I know Rob Sheenan myself (abit), yes he is a nice guy... he is obviously also a v good businessman. Tbf to Castle, it is a choice that people have to make as to whether they sign up or not, the instructors r pretty pushy tho

That is spot on! Rob is a smashing bloke. Nobody is putting a gun to people's heads when they sign up for the 12 month contract now are they?

The sad fact is people will ALWAYS complain. Someone once said to me that £5 for a kickboxing class was too expensive because the amateur boxing club only charges £1 per session.
:hihi:

I didnt think CBBA was a kickboxing club ive always thought they were more geared towards Ju Jitsu? I cant comment as i have never trained there.
In their defence i must admit that the Sheehan family are a nice bunch of people. Mr Rob Sheehan and his son Karl Sheehan the boxer are both friendly guys.
I cant comment on their instructional ability , im not sure if Karl does instruct at Castle ? Maybe he is just into his boxing.

Lol@ the coward :hihi: . Get a grip Farad youre so quick to dismiss other peoples training if they dont fit your standerds and now your sucking up to Castel BBA just becoz they are "friendly" with you? Judge a club by wot they teach not by how matey you are with the instructors.

Cheeky *****.. I've got a camo Gi.....

Who said that??

Hey Lynx

Thats a pretty good summary of Castle, they soooo take the mick and the presentations they do in front of parents - AAARRGGGHH

yeh the 30 min lessions, u spend bout 20 of that warming up and down!

I left after 6 months, n it wasnt exactly easy to shrug the instructor off as after ya 3rd lesson they already push u towards leadership programme and im like "well ive just given you £400 for 6 months already - can I get my moneys worth 1st?" - the answer is no you dont.

I did it for 6 months, and never kicked a pad and never sparred

No CBBA isnt a kickboxing club, its a mix - of crap

perfectly put... i wish i cud tell the world and have the place put to sleep, and the fact they push leadership after three lessons i couldnt agree more !
and what makes me laff is no matter how gud you are or how terrible they still say that your ready for the leadership just to get the thousands of pounds off of ya.

perfectly put... i wish i cud tell the world and have the place put to sleep, and the fact they push leadership after three lessons i couldnt agree more !
and what makes me laff is no matter how gud you are or how terrible they still say that your ready for the leadership just to get the thousands of pounds off of ya.

I cant really comment too much as yes I have a lot of respect for Rob Sheehan and i get on really well with his son Karl Sheehan the boxer but every club runs differently.

How my system works, you might wait for YEARS before you get a look in at being a trainee instructor.
Such an accolade is a priveledge to be invited for.
We have a grading system but even the first belt, White Belt you wont be allowed to take it until at least 2 months (thats the bare minimum) but some people have trained 6 months before I even bother to organise a Grading.

By the time you have done your first grading you will at least have strong basics. However you will have to be a HIGH level grade before I let you join our team of trainee instructors.

With all due respect Lynxb4u, didn't the extortionate fees asked ring a warning bell with you? :confused:I'm assuming you've been on the SF Sporting section before, and will have seen that many clubs of different disciplines advertise their training fees.There are clubs advertised in the Exit at Decathlon, and lots of people on SF enquiring "which is the best club to join?" or asking for other advice ref MA clubs.There have also been many negative comments on CBBA (as has been pointed out on this thread) so how come you were persuaded to join? I'd be interested to know, you're not the first to complain ,yet CBBA are still in business. What's your opinion of that state of affairs? It's an unfortunate situation you're in, but in the end the choice was yours.

Ive seen some of these martial arts schools outside shopping centres, and schools, drumming up custom. They were very cagey about telling me how much they charged and that in itself rang alarm bells. The lad I asked went down every avenue possible, rather than just say, "We charge X amount per month/week per child"
He banged on about that it would be "so much cheaper" for me to sign up all 3 of my kids, rather than just one, as by doing so, I would get a "discount".
They tell you nothing until you agree to go and see them. All this refusal to give details just put a stop to my queries altogether. When I did finally prise a number out of them, it worked out that it would cost a little over £50 per month PER CHILD, just for the lessons. Thats without the cost of the suits, (they said they would be free, but I somehow doubted that!) Then there would be the cost of grading, etc.

Can I just say that the club Im speaking of isn't even Castle.
So, it seems like there are a couple of these clubs doing the rounds?

Ive seen some of these martial arts schools outside shopping centres, and schools, drumming up custom. They were very cagey about telling me how much they charged and that in itself rang alarm bells. The lad I asked went down every avenue possible, rather than just say, "We charge X amount per month/week per child"
He banged on about that it would be "so much cheaper" for me to sign up all 3 of my kids, rather than just one, as by doing so, I would get a "discount".
They tell you nothing until you agree to go and see them. All this refusal to give details just put a stop to my queries altogether. When I did finally prise a number out of them, it worked out that it would cost a little over £50 per month PER CHILD, just for the lessons. Thats without the cost of the suits, (they said they would be free, but I somehow doubted that!) Then there would be the cost of grading, etc.

Can I just say that the club Im speaking of isn't even Castle.
So, it seems like there are a couple of these clubs doing the rounds?

Thats why i have managed to turn this thread about negativitiy into something positive.
AFK KICKBOXING

We charge £5 per lesson
We use a fully equipped but no thrills gym
We have punchbags, speedballs, thaipads , kickshields and focus mitts.
We have a Grading system but will NOT give belts away like sweets
We Compete in Interclubs as well as Big shows.
We have 4 Champions training in the gym at present.
We dont force anyone to do Gradings or to Compete
Sparring is optional.

If Kickboxing is what you are looking for , ring 07775 914155

Ive seen some of these martial arts schools outside shopping centres, and schools, drumming up custom. They were very cagey about telling me how much they charged and that in itself rang alarm bells. The lad I asked went down every avenue possible, rather than just say, "We charge X amount per month/week per child"
He banged on about that it would be "so much cheaper" for me to sign up all 3 of my kids, rather than just one, as by doing so, I would get a "discount".
They tell you nothing until you agree to go and see them. All this refusal to give details just put a stop to my queries altogether. When I did finally prise a number out of them, it worked out that it would cost a little over £50 per month PER CHILD, just for the lessons. Thats without the cost of the suits, (they said they would be free, but I somehow doubted that!) Then there would be the cost of grading, etc.

Can I just say that the club Im speaking of isn't even Castle.
So, it seems like there are a couple of these clubs doing the rounds?

I beleive you've made that up. You probs have tieds with Castle- if not whats the name of this other club that sounds similar

I bet I dont get reply to this

With all due respect Lynxb4u, didn't the extortionate fees asked ring a warning bell with you? :confused:I'm assuming you've been on the SF Sporting section before, and will have seen that many clubs of different disciplines advertise their training fees.There are clubs advertised in the Exit at Decathlon, and lots of people on SF enquiring "which is the best club to join?" or asking for other advice ref MA clubs.There have also been many negative comments on CBBA (as has been pointed out on this thread) so how come you were persuaded to join? I'd be interested to know, you're not the first to complain ,yet CBBA are still in business. What's your opinion of that state of affairs? It's an unfortunate situation you're in, but in the end the choice was yours.

Sounds abit harsh that.

In fairness, they hit you with the price at the v last moment and plus theres noprice leaflet for eg so its not that easy to work out price in the first instance.

Secondly where I do think Castle does well that others dont is marketing. I would never have heard of any other (AFK, Brian Aiken) n the ones round Shoreham st etc if it werent for SF. I joined bcus i thought cbba was pretty much the only one

I beleive you've made that up. You probs have tieds with Castle- if not whats the name of this other club that sounds similar

I bet I dont get reply to this

HERE'S YOUR REPLY!

#1....... I do not have any TIES what-so-ever with ANY of these martial arts
club's. (Apart from being a target for their bumf when they're
peddling their wares, when they see me approch them with 3
"pound signs"...... CHILDREN!

#2....... I do not know the name of the "other" club I was referring to.
All I know is that they were drumming up custom outside
Sainsbury's at Crystal Peaks and I BELIEVE they were based at
Hackenthorpe.

#3........Which part of my post are you accusing me of making up?

HERE'S YOUR REPLY!

#1....... I do not have any TIES what-so-ever with ANY of these martial arts
club's. (Apart from being a target for their bumf when they're
peddling their wares, when they see me approch them with 3
"pound signs"...... CHILDREN!

#2....... I do not know the name of the "other" club I was referring to.
All I know is that they were drumming up custom outside
Sainsbury's at Crystal Peaks and I BELIEVE they were based at
Hackenthorpe.

#3........Which part of my post are you accusing me of making up?

There is no other club that is similar to Castle as far as I know. Im pretty sure the club you were referring to ARE castle as they have a branch in Hackenthorpe (DING DING).

You have either geniuinely mistaken that there is another similar club

OR

you have tried to take the pressure off Castle.

There is no other club that is similar to Castle as far as I know. Im pretty sure the club you were referring to ARE castle as they have a branch in Hackenthorpe (DING DING).

You have either geniuinely mistaken that there is another similar club

OR

you have tried to take the pressure off Castle.

Why the hell should I try to take the pressure off Castle??!!!
If, as you say, the club at Hackenthorpe IS Castle, then thats that! Case closed. The reason I DIDN'T give a name of any club in my original post is purely because I didn't KNOW who they were and didn't want to "assume" the name of a club and get slated for getting my facts wrong.

There is no other club that is similar to Castle as far as I know. Im pretty sure the club you were referring to ARE castle as they have a branch in Hackenthorpe (DING DING).

You have either geniuinely mistaken that there is another similar club

OR

you have tried to take the pressure off Castle.

Crimewave
I think that Brian Beck might have a club in Hackenthorpe?
I dont know how he runs his club so I cant comment.

I know he teaches some kind of freestyle karate with a bit of gymnastics thrown in.

just to clear things up for the little debate.. there is a martial arts place at hacken thorpe and from what i remember it is expensive but it is not Castle, one of the teachers were in my year at school. if your take 120 bus you can get a glimpse of it.

There is no 30day free trial, VIP passes or discounts. Many years ago the place was good when run by others than the sheehans, before rob and especially james (who when took over mysteriously moved from no belt to a black belt master inside 6months) took over and turned it into a business thats how they see it no bothered about peoples fitness or skills just they're cash.
They're level of skills is pathetic and they practise sales pitches more than techniques.

hmmm maybe i should make a new thread about this.

There is no 30day free trial, VIP passes or discounts. Many years ago the place was good when run by others than the sheehans, before rob and especially james (who when took over mysteriously moved from no belt to a black belt master inside 6months) took over and turned it into a business thats how they see it no bothered about peoples fitness or skills just they're cash.
They're level of skills is pathetic and they practise sales pitches more than techniques.

hmmm maybe i should make a new thread about this.

GO GO GO make a new thread about this RossP!

You must have some inside info for sure.

James a black belt in 6 months? He must have been AMAZING!

I met him a couple of times where in 15 minutes, he demonstrated a punch.

His dad, a nice enough guy, demonstrates a scarfold (dunno spelling) on like a 6 yr old kid - hmmmmmmm!!

From what I heard the other staff put in alot of effort, time and commitment to the jobs, my tutor was good and had showed some professionalism and natural ability, just a shame they spent more time off the mat than on.

Im hoping to turn this thread into something positive.
I have nothing against the staff at Castle BBA whatsoever , however what I teach is Kickboxing as opposed to Ju jitsu.
Im not sure which martial art Castle teach. Is it Ju Jitsu?
Well for kickboxing, I am confident that you will be taught correct kickboxing technique at :
AFK KICKBOXING

We charge £5 per lesson
We use a fully equipped but no thrills gym
We have punchbags, speedballs, thaipads , kickshields and focus mitts.
We have a Grading system but will NOT give belts away like sweets
We Compete in Interclubs as well as Big shows.
We have 4 Champions training in the gym at present.
We dont force anyone to do Gradings or to Compete
Sparring is optional.

If Kickboxing is what you are looking for , ring 07775 914155

Beginners Classes : Monday/Thursday 830-930pm.

There is no 30day free trial, VIP passes or discounts. Many years ago the place was good when run by others than the sheehans, before rob and especially james (who when took over mysteriously moved from no belt to a black belt master inside 6months) took over and turned it into a business thats how they see it no bothered about peoples fitness or skills just they're cash.
They're level of skills is pathetic and they practise sales pitches more than techniques.

hmmm maybe i should make a new thread about this.
Yes, what his forum needs is m0Ar threads about CBBA. Try and slag off GKR while you're there for a double win.

Oh and Farhad: Im hoping to turn this thread into something positive.
No, you're quite clearly trying to turn it into another advert for your club, you big fibber. :P

Yes, what his forum needs is m0Ar threads about CBBA. Try and slag off GKR while you're there for a double win.

Im glad you feel so :rolleyes:

Yes, what his forum needs is m0Ar threads about CBBA. Try and slag off GKR while you're there for a double win.

Oh and Farhad:
No, you're quite clearly trying to turn it into another advert for your club, you big fibber. :P

Advert for my own club?

SHEFFIELD KICKBOXING CLUB

A.F.K.

Accept no imitations.

We have Champions under Full Contact and Oriental Rules (similar to K-1 style).

We have a fully equipped gym with Punchbags, speedballs, Thaipads and Boxing ring.

4 fully qualified instructors and other assistant coaches on site to make sure you understand all the techniques.

No extortionate membership fees or contracts to sign. Just pay £5 each time you train.

Beginners classes Monday and Thursday at 830pm.

07775 914155 to book your first class
OR visit us on the worldwideweb.

www.sheffieldkickboxingclub.co.uk

Im hoping to turn this thread into something positive.
I have nothing against the staff at Castle BBA whatsoever , however what I teach is Kickboxing as opposed to Ju jitsu.
Im not sure which martial art Castle teach. Is it Ju Jitsu?
Well for kickboxing, I am confident that you will be taught correct kickboxing technique at :
AFK KICKBOXING

We charge £5 per lesson
We use a fully equipped but no thrills gym
We have punchbags, speedballs, thaipads , kickshields and focus mitts.
We have a Grading system but will NOT give belts away like sweets
We Compete in Interclubs as well as Big shows.
We have 4 Champions training in the gym at present.
We dont force anyone to do Gradings or to Compete
Sparring is optional.

If Kickboxing is what you are looking for , ring 07775 914155

Beginners Classes : Monday/Thursday 830-930pm.

Farhad,
there's that many clubs n instructors on this site i lose track of whichis which
are you AFK - or Sheffield Kickboxing Academy
Is the one in Wicker called Wicker camp?
Wheres that Kapap one?
Are there two places round shoreham st area?
ta

Farhad,
there's that many clubs n instructors on this site i lose track of whichis which
are you AFK - or Sheffield Kickboxing Academy
Is the one in Wicker called Wicker camp?
Wheres that Kapap one?
Are there two places round shoreham st area?
ta

Hi Crimewave
Never heard of Sheffield Kickboxing Academy??? :confused:

We are AFK, also known as Sheffield Kickboxing.
The wicker camp is in Attercliffe.
Kapap is in Nether Edge
Near Shoreham Street are : The Forge Martial Arts Centre (AFK have a class here on a Tuesday) and Sheffield Martial Arts Centre run by Mark Hayes.

I hope this helps?

thanks for the reply man

I don't know much about Castle other than one of the instructors lives on my road and looks proper hard!!!

I used to go kettlebell training here: www.sheffieldmartialartscentre.co.uk

and the guy who runs it is really good. Not condescending in any way and you deffo get valur for money, it's just off bramall lane so it's dead easy to get to

I don't know much about Castle other than one of the instructors lives on my road and looks proper hard!!!

I used to go kettlebell training here: www.sheffieldmartialartscentre.co.uk

and the guy who runs it is really good. Not condescending in any way and you deffo get valur for money, it's just off bramall lane so it's dead easy to get to

Good old Mark Hayes (sheffield martial arts centre). I remember going to his classes when i was like 21 years old. Yesterday ,... only yesterday :hihi: me being 21 was not long ago at all :D

I too visited CBBA with promises of 30days free etc. By the end of the trial private lesson the instructor changed from teacher to salesman. He told me it was £100 a month which I thought was quite steep, but didn't rule out. I told him I needed to talk it over with the other half, he offered me his phone... I said I didn't have the sign up fee, he offered to take me to the bank. He was being really pushy and obviously wanted to close the 'sale' there and then. Erm no thanks.

I decided to train at Wicker camp after training with a private instructor in Firth Park. Can not fault it, the only regret is that I didn't do this 5years ago!

CASTLE MARTIAL ARTS PRICING

Basic Programme 6months training 2x 30min classes a week = £449
Leadership Programme 36months training 3x 45min classes a week = £4000
Gradings up to blue belt = £30 (every 2months regardless of standard)
Gradings up to black = £40 (every 4months regardless of standard)
Black Belt Grading = £200 (after 36months training regardless of standard)

Literally the worst standard of martial arts for any grade, but giving children a black belt when they can hardly tie up a belt is a bad joke.

All to train with instructors with at the most 3yrs experience not in teaching but in martial arts, most of their current instructors are the same grade as some students but grade privately to avoid embarrassment.

They have recently bought a old shop and are currently converting it to be their new academy which is tiny space compared to their old centre.

High pressure salesman and not martial artists. None have ever competed or trained outside Castle or other friendly Mcdojo's


******AVOID CASTLE LIKE THE PLAGUE******

CASTLE MARTIAL ARTS PRICING

Basic Programme 6months training 2x 30min classes a week = £449
Leadership Programme 36months training 3x 45min classes a week = £4000
Gradings up to blue belt = £30 (every 2months regardless of standard)
Gradings up to black = £40 (every 4months regardless of standard)
Black Belt Grading = £200 (after 36months training regardless of standard)

Literally the worst standard of martial arts for any grade, but giving children a black belt when they can hardly tie up a belt is a bad joke.

All to train with instructors with at the most 3yrs experience not in teaching but in martial arts, most of their current instructors are the same grade as some students but grade privately to avoid embarrassment.

They have recently bought a old shop and are currently converting it to be their new academy which is tiny space compared to their old centre.

High pressure salesman and not martial artists. None have ever competed or trained outside Castle or other friendly Mcdojo's


******AVOID CASTLE LIKE THE PLAGUE******

Why have they bought a smaller centre? What is happening to their old centre?

www.karatesheffield been around since 1982,

www.karatesheffield.org .uk Sorry!