Castle Black Belt academy [Archive]

*vanessa*

26-10-2005, 22:07

My sons just done a taster course at school with the Castle Black Belt Academy, and he really enjoyed it. he wants to carry on, but its not eactly cheap! The bloke in charge - according to the website has these qualifications

Robert Sheehan - Master Instructor/Grading Examiner

Master Instructor Rob Sheehan holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Ju-Jitsu, a 1st Degree Black Belt in Judo and has trained in Karate, Tae Kwon-Do, Kickboxing, Thai Boxing and Kobo Jitsu. A former World Sport Ju-Jitsu Champion and ex Great Britain Ground-Fighting Champion. He is a fully qualified Youth and Community Worker, as well as holding a number of teaching and lecturing qualifications.
3rd Degree Black Belt Ju-Jitsu (N.A.K.M.A.S)
2nd Degree Black Belt Ju-Jitsu (British Ju-Jitsu Association)
1st Degree Black Belt Ju-Jitsu (World Ju-Jitsu Federation)
1st Degree Black Belt Judo (British Judo Association)
1st Degree Black Belt Hontai Yoshin Ryu

Does this sound any good or is it all a load of gumph to confuse the unknowledgable like myself?

My son's 6 and is keen to learn, but i'm not convinced he doesn't just want to be like Jackie Chan, and shout a lot whilst kicking his legs.

If anyone could help me, I would be very grateful.

Vanessa

ANVIL

27-10-2005, 07:46

Hi Vanessa

I haven't trained at Castle BBA but I have met Rob a couple of times at a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu club and from what i know his qualifications are genuine. I'm not exactly sure how much teaching he does himself though - i trhink his son James does quite a lot.

If Castle is too expensive, there are other clubs and other martial arts, many of which have been mentioned on this forum.

I'm glad your son enjoyed himself though, it's a great age to get into martial arts and IMO a good club can be very beneficial to a child's development in terms of discipline, confidence, responsibility, social skills and a whole host of other things.

Shiesh

27-10-2005, 11:25

Robert Sheehan/Castle Black Belt - Master Instructor/Grading Examiner

He does very little of the teaching himself, my sons attended for 2 years at almost £100 per month in fees....yet we only ever saw him when we signed them up and at the odd grading session!!

We carried on with it at a terrific cost because the children enjoyed it sooo much!!

Gradually they did lose interest and they decided they no longer wanted to attend but we still had to wait for the annual contract to end....!

I don't know if it still operates the same but once you sign up you are contracted to the club for 12 mths!

I'd try him at a pay as you go club first - at least until you establish just how keen he is!

:thumbsup:

Freddylee

27-10-2005, 11:39

Almost £100 a month in fees???
Whats that about???
Were they training 5 days a week?

Ok lets work this out,

£100 a month= £25 a week = £5 per session (if your training 5 times a week that is)

id say the reasonable fees is say,
£3 till maximum £5 per session for sheffield , in london £6 till £8 is normal.

So say £4 per session , say you train 3 times a week (which is what you do if your VERY keen! most people stick to twice a week)

£4 x3 = £12 a week = £48 per month

Now im paying £40 per month and people thought that was bad!
Oh and theres no minimum contract at all where i go.

www.sheffieldkickboxing.com

At the price you mentioned id want Bruce Lee dug up from the grave to teach me :P

garryn

27-10-2005, 11:44

He never said how many sons?

Shiesh

27-10-2005, 11:50

Just 2 sons....it was an all inclusive price that's what Castle do!

It includes Gi, Licences, Classes and Gradings!

I've just looked on their website (http://www.castlebba.com/) and what a surprise!!! Can't find any information telling you details of the cost involved/contract!!!

Avoid....

:mad:

PS 'He' is indeed a 'She'....;)

garryn

27-10-2005, 12:09

Sorry, must be association. Bloke I know dances very similar to your Avatar. Keep seeing him in the mirror.:confused:

garryn

27-10-2005, 12:11

For me, stay away from anywhere that ties you into a contracts, offers ‘free’ uniforms etc. Your kids go there to learn martial arts in an enjoyable manner, but kids are fickle. Next week he may prefer to ride a bike.
If your kid likes it, the instruction should be good enough to keep you coming back.

For me it’s a special instructor who can effectively teach adults, but also instruct with younger kids.

For a personal recommendation - Davemantis.

Mines going to be training with him tonight, and he’s younger than yours. Looks forward to it every week, as do I.

*vanessa*

27-10-2005, 12:37

where does Dave Mantis teach, i live in the SW and being an idle so and so, I don't want to go too far!

Bertie had his taster session at his school, and his teachers were Rob and his son James, they had 2 lessons a week, 10 lessons in total lasting approximately 40 minutes each for £48.

But they won't discuss prices over the phone, they like to do that "face to face" - sounds like a double glazing sales man to me!

Thanks for the help and advice - keep it coming!

Vanessa

ANVIL

27-10-2005, 12:44

Rob presented as being a very amiable bloke, but i've only met him a couple of times.

Personally i avoid contracts of any type. Life changes for kids and adults both and it can work out very expensive if you're tied to a contract.

There's a Jiu Jitsu club at Dronfield but i think they only take from age 7 upwards. Try contacting Jitsu Brasil on this forum. Also Abbeydale Jiu Jitsu club train somewhere near Millhouses. I'm not sure what there age range is or prices etc. but i think they have a website. Try googling for them.

Cyclone

27-10-2005, 12:47

£100/month ouch.

I'd invite you to our club, but at the moment the youngest member we have is 10 and personally I don't fancy teaching anyone younger, it's hard enough to keep the attention of a 10 year old and already presents some problems keeping him integrated with what the adults are doing and not having him broken.

For a comparison of costs though, ours break down as follows.

Thurs 2hr Session £2.50
Sat 2.5hr Session £1.00
Wed 2 hr Session £3.50 (not upto us, set by sports hallam).

Annual insurance - £20

Club membership £5 (annual)

Gi (required if you want to stay, not to start) - £20 (or buy your own)

The club membership and insurance are required after a 2 week period, you should have made your mind up by then. So if you trained twice a week (which is average for our students) it costs an annual cost of £45 (assuming you need a new Gi every year) and a monthly cost of about £15.
Gradings are 3 times a year and generally cost £10 - £15, regional and national events run two or three times a year and cost £10 - £15 for each.

Hope that gives you something useful for comparison.

garryn

27-10-2005, 12:50

Yeah....
If you can't be bothered to tell me the price, I can't be bothered to show up

Daves out at Dinnington, so probably too far. If not pm the guy for more info. That way I'll not tell you anything wrong.

Don't know the next guy, but what about Brian Aiken?

He's advertising his place a bit further down on the forum - kids £3.50 - close to town centre

As I say, don't know the guy, but seems to have plenty of people saying good things about him

Freddylee

27-10-2005, 14:04

Cyclone :
You sound liek you do a good deal there mate.

Davemantis from traditional chinese kung fu ( i think thats his style) seems to know his stuff too.
Only problem is his dojo is possibly far away? correct me if im wrong dave. If i ever feel the need to learn some kung fu, dave is the man(if you have a car)

Brian Aiken in town! Near gatecrasher right?
Yeah Brian in all honesty is a personality :)
Good martial artist too.
Give him a try?
Brian has worked with kids before at wisewood primary school i believe.

Rob sheehan is a nice fella and a competent martial artist but the academy is sounding expensive. But you will always NEED expensive commodities for expensiive tastes? Simple economics is guess.

Theres also Marsdens all styles which offers a good mix of Karate, Kickboxing and grappling (more stand up martial arts than grapplign though). The marsden brothers are both 3rd dans in some form of Karate , their kickboxing ability isnt bad either. Its a good system with a lot of variety for everyone. Good freindly family based club. Both brothers have little daughters who attend.
They dont have a website but you can contact simon marsden on : 07708-626749

I would have recommended Farhad Ali from AFK for kickboxing (www.sheffieldkickboxing.com) but to my knowledge his youngest junior kid is 10. Also he deliberatley keeps his kiddies class small. funnily enough hes also a part time school teacher(definitely an interesting chap).
If i was an instructor, id want to focus on kids a lot, thats the biggest market in martial arts.

Davemantis

27-10-2005, 15:46

My Classes are 5min away from junction 31 M1 in Dinnington. well one class is next to Doncaster airport.

Kid’s classes are £3 but you can pay £21 for the month for kid’s classes that’s for 2 to 3 class’s pw.

For my adult classes they are £4 but you can pay £31 for the month that’s for 8 class’s pw. Mostly Mantis / Wing Chun.

Like most have a membership but I don’t get people to get that till they know they want to keep training. £25 per year that’s for insurance and to keep me in the good graces of my sifu.

*vanessa*

27-10-2005, 15:47

Dave, you sound ideal and come highly recommended on here. But you are just too far away from me.

Cheers

vanessa

Davemantis

27-10-2005, 15:59

thats what people keep telling me lol

*vanessa*

27-10-2005, 16:37

could you not start a group a bit nearer? say Totley?:D

Or even woodseats?

vanessa:)

Cyclone

28-10-2005, 08:37

we have the advantage of university funding, and all our instructors (just the 2 of us in Sheffield, but I mean countnry wide) teach for free.
The amount we charge is literally just enough to keep the club running, buy new weapons, subside transport to courses/events etc...

Originally posted by Freddylee
Cyclone :
You sound liek you do a good deal there mate.

Davemantis from traditional chinese kung fu ( i think thats his style) seems to know his stuff too.
Only problem is his dojo is possibly far away? correct me if im wrong dave. If i ever feel the need to learn some kung fu, dave is the man(if you have a car)

Brian Aiken in town! Near gatecrasher right?
Yeah Brian in all honesty is a personality :)
Good martial artist too.
Give him a try?
Brian has worked with kids before at wisewood primary school i believe.

Rob sheehan is a nice fella and a competent martial artist but the academy is sounding expensive. But you will always NEED expensive commodities for expensiive tastes? Simple economics is guess.

Theres also Marsdens all styles which offers a good mix of Karate, Kickboxing and grappling (more stand up martial arts than grapplign though). The marsden brothers are both 3rd dans in some form of Karate , their kickboxing ability isnt bad either. Its a good system with a lot of variety for everyone. Good freindly family based club. Both brothers have little daughters who attend.
They dont have a website but you can contact simon marsden on : 07708-626749

I would have recommended Farhad Ali from AFK for kickboxing (www.sheffieldkickboxing.com) but to my knowledge his youngest junior kid is 10. Also he deliberatley keeps his kiddies class small. funnily enough hes also a part time school teacher(definitely an interesting chap).
If i was an instructor, id want to focus on kids a lot, thats the biggest market in martial arts.

Davemantis

28-10-2005, 11:14

vjpearson

People keep asking me that and I just haven’t got the time as yet but you never know.

I do get people from Sheffield and Doncaster traveling to me so at the moment where I am will have to do forf now.
I only do small classes so the price on the rooms in Sheffield are way to expensive sorry.

wotwot

28-10-2005, 13:54

CHECK OUT "BRIAN AIKEN WORLD OF MARITAL ARTS & FITNESS" ON THIS SIGHT. CHILDREN AGED FROM 5, ADULTS & WOMENS SELF-DEFENCE AND ALL COSTS, TIMES OF CLASSES & WHERE THE STUDIO IS

Cyclone

28-10-2005, 14:01

Can't you actually add something constructive rather than just a large advert?

Freddylee

28-10-2005, 14:17

That was a very constructive comment, oh well if you cant beat them join them :P

BEGGINERS KICKBOXING CLASSES:
MONDAY & THURSDAY AT 830PM

WOMENS ONLY KICKBOXING &SELF DEFENSE
THURSDAY 730PM

KICKBOXING OPEN CLASSES (ALL LEVELS) :
FRIDAY 7PM & SUNDAY 12 MIDDAY

KICKBOXING JUNIOR CLASSES (AGES 10 TILL 16):
FRIDAY 6PM

ADVANCED KICKBOXING (MAINLY FIGHT TRAINING&SPARRING)
MONDAY 630-830PM

COST £4 OVER 14, £3 UNDER 14

PHONE = 07775-914155

OR LOG ONTO
www.sheffieldkickboxing.com

wotwot

28-10-2005, 14:21

GOOD ON YA FREDDYLEE :clap: :thumbsup: :clap:

garryn

28-10-2005, 14:26

Well my kid loved his time at daves on wednesday.

I think one thing that has to be foremost is the atmosphere of a club. Most kids, especially the younger ones, don't know and don't care the difference between different styles/country of origin/lineage etc.

This is why if you find a few that suit you financially, go down and have a look. Most have a 'first lesson free' policy, so what have you lost. Have a look at the place and see if you're going to get value for money, and you think theres a possibility you kid will stick at it

I think it was said earlier that kids is where the monies at. Make sure you get an instructor thats not got that as his prime concern.

Crayfish

29-10-2005, 23:31

Cyclone - where and when do you train on saturdays? What sort of things do you do?

Freddylee - I'm going to pop down to tomorrows Sunday class, will see you then!

Cyclone

30-10-2005, 08:01

saturday is the goodwin sports centre (university owned) close to the childrens hospital, 10 - 12:30

Here's a good explanation of what we do (if the website has bits not working, it's because it's being migrated to a new server or something)

http://www.jitsufoundation.org/Test_Public.asp?Page=1

Crayfish

30-10-2005, 08:44

That sounds good, I'm trying to get some more training in. Not done traditional jujitsu for a while. I was a brown belt at one point but that was about 4 years ago. Been doing mostly BJJ and muay thai since, but my stand up grappling could do with some work!

I'm not sure when I'll be able to make it, probably be a few weeks as there's a couple of coursework deadlines looming. Shall definitely make it down some time soon though!

Crayfish

30-10-2005, 14:09

Just been to the www.sheffieldkickboxing.com gym - very good! Nicely informal, small class size and very friendly tuition. Sparring was fun too! I know I'm going to be aching by tomorrow but I'll definitely start popping down on a more regular basis

Freddylee

30-10-2005, 14:50

You enjoyed it crayfish? Nice one. Who taught the class was it Farhad (pain in the arse:P) or Big Andy?
Was Uncle Saj there too (the little guy with the beard who likes to grapple).

You gonna stick at it too?
If so ill pop up sometime but take it easy in sparring if i do. I dont think my old bones can take full contact kicking anymore.

Crayfish

31-10-2005, 00:14

Farhad and andy, don't think there was a saj there! Yep, was fun, quite a nice intimate class - the wicker camp is great but the sheer class sizes let them down a bit, not much in the way of one to one tuition. I'll keep going sundays, might make some thursdays too! Come and say hello :)

ironhorse

31-10-2005, 03:59

Robert Sheehan's qualifications are genuine and he is a good allround guy. His prices might be on the expensive side but he is very organised and great with children. His sons do do most of the teaching these days, so I heard. They are young, but work at it full-time and are quite skilled (I have seen them).

If you know your kid will do it long-term, I think you'll have a good experience. If not, look elsewhere I guess.

Freddylee

31-10-2005, 14:41

Crayfish " Farhad and andy, don't think there was a saj there! Yep, was fun, quite a nice intimate class - the wicker camp is great but the sheer class sizes let them down a bit, not much in the way of one to one tuition. I'll keep going sundays, might make some thursdays too! Come and say hello "

Thats the way proper martial arts should be taught. None of this "McDojo" stuff and all this cram everyone in without correcting basic faults etc. In massive classes I used to find that basic mistakes remained uncorrected and then when i started going to Farhads classes he picked up on my mistakes right away.

There you go:

www.sheffieldkickboxing.com

THE place for PROPER kickboxing!

ANVIL

31-10-2005, 18:11

i must admit it does sound like a good club. would you go there instead of the wickercamp crayfish?

Crayfish

31-10-2005, 19:24

Basic faults is exactly what I needed correcting - I've been taught fairly complex techniques without anyone actually ever saying... maybe you shouldn't hunch over as much, and your feet are a bit wide apart. Think that'll make a bigger improvement to my fighting than knowing how to spin round 5 times and poke someone in the eye.

I'll keep going to both... have to admit I'm feeling a bit hazy today though, not sure all this is too good for the old brain... need to get myself a gumshield that fits! Spent about £20 on a posh one and it completely doesn't fit :( Wonky teeth! Might try one of these http://www.taosport.co.uk/shop/protection/index.htm?mouthguards.htm~mainFrame - anyone heard of them?

Freddylee

31-10-2005, 23:29

Hazy on the brain ?
Did you take part in the sparring?
Did Farhad and Andy spar as well ?

Andy is one big guy! He used to fight at 83kg now he weighs in at something like 110 kg !!!

Farhad has a really unorthodox fighting style. One minute your fighting a Taekwondo kicker, then your fighting a boxer, then your fighting a thaiboxer!
Hes had fights in every format of competitive kickboxing. If you get the chance ask him for a spar sometime. Youll actually find that he spars very lightly with beginners. Not with me he doesnt!

Crayfish

01-11-2005, 10:04

Yep I did - Sparred with Andy, not Farhad. Think I weigh in at about 70kg!

Freddylee

01-11-2005, 22:29

you sparred with big andy?
hes got heavy legs! good puncher too that guy has shared the ring with a world heavyweiht champion twice and gone the distance both times!

I hate sparrign with big andy coz he always mashes me up!

Davemantis

02-11-2005, 15:43

Do you think he is trying to tell you something Freddy lol

Freddylee

03-11-2005, 09:54

LOL Davemantis!

Hey Crayfish i just read your comment on "hazy on the brain"
and that you sparred with big Andy
that explains a lot
LOL

Crayfish

03-11-2005, 14:33

:D It could be that! No one there was easy to fight though - guess that says something about the quality of the club! I'm going back down sunday. (if I can still move, training nearly every day this week!)

Freddylee

03-11-2005, 15:22

Big Andy sure does hit hard! He was hard puncher for a cruiser weiht and he hits even more now ehs a superheavy.
Oh well at least big andy admits his fitin days are over, Farhad still talks about making "oine last comeback" LOL

He tends to retire every year then say "just one more fight"
I think he should retire on top IMO

Trainin every day? aint that too much?

Crayfish

04-11-2005, 22:14

Yes, yes it is! Didn't today. Seemed like a good idea when I was planning it but quite hard to keep up in practice - still training more than I usually do though and it's definitely helping my fitness.

Titian

04-11-2005, 22:21

My son went there. I have to say they were very good and his son was excellent with the children, very gentle and encouraging.

The only snag was the cost. As my daughter was coming to the age where she would want to do something it was getting to be an expense. When I cancelled the direct debit I was sent letters saying I owed money as I had to give something like a months notice. So read the small print.

It was a good way to release my sons physical energy after sitting at school. It also taught him some great tips to keep safe. In winter though it is freezing in that building and far too hot in summer!

Freddylee

04-11-2005, 23:58

Crayfish

06-11-2005, 00:44

Yep, sparred with one, can't remember his name - very agile though, good long-range kicker and nice boxing too. Looking forward to tomorrow (Today?)

Freddylee

07-11-2005, 10:16

Long range kicker ? that would be firefoot! is he like 17 year old and tallish and dead slim? if so thats him
good boxing??? Naah! id box him about all over the place with hands only :P without breakign a sweat :P

Colonel

16-11-2005, 08:47

I used to go to CBBA and it was very good :)

Freddylee

16-11-2005, 22:41

depends on what your standards are for very good.

depends what you want out of training.
also depends on what you consider value for money

crimewave

03-10-2009, 20:36

I used to go to CBBA and it was very good :)

hi guys

can anyone tell me about the quality of sessions for adults?

cheers

crimewave

03-10-2009, 20:43

I used to go to CBBA and it was very good :)

hi guys

can anyone tell me about the quality of sessions for adults?

cheers

Carcass

03-10-2009, 21:49

hi guys

can anyone tell me about the quality of sessions for adults?

cheers

Holy thread necrophilia Batman!! :D

CBBA is well-known for being incredibly expensive and tying you into contracts. Regardless of the quality of teaching (there is just as good, some even better, widely available in the city), I'd avoid.

chefkicker

04-10-2009, 14:51

Crayfish :
were there any of the young asian lads there ?
Some of those guys fight for the gym , theyre only youn thouh like teenage.
One of them they call him "firefoot" and theres another one who is dead big for his age and punches like a Pro boxer and has TKO'd a few guys in some of his matches. Hes called Zeeshan his older brother Imran wasnt a bad boxer in his day either.

Bloody hell! Thats going back some. Firefoot is still in the gym in spirit although his physical form has been known to materialise in the gym from time to time.
Zeashan works evenings and the classes are too late for him. I believe he is boxing a little bit these days?

Woops this is supposed to be about Castle BBA and not AFK, so ill bow out gracefully ;)

RobbyBrown

04-10-2009, 15:57

Castle can't be that bad.

If people are paying their money, then surely this club is doing something right.

If other clubs are better, then why do people not take their money to the better clubs?

crimewave

04-10-2009, 16:06

Castle can't be that bad.

If people are paying their money, then surely this club is doing something right.

If other clubs are better, then why do people not take their money to the better clubs?

i agree wih you to an extent, after all as long as you go to the lessons, youll get a degree of value for money... i just hope it does cover martial arts as the website seems to be based on fitness n kids..

RobbyBrown

04-10-2009, 16:24

go4it

04-10-2009, 16:36

Its a buyers market.

If castle were rubbish, they would die.

Perhaps what they do does not appeal to the Martial Artists on SF, however clearly they know their target audience, and are catering for their needs.

In my opinion they have a very clever way to drum up business.

Search for families with money to spare. Offer kids intro course.

After intro course encourage kids to stay on as they are close to their...'orange' belt or something.

Once pass first belt, encourage to pass next one - indigo, red, yellow, pink, green, purple, orange and blue I can sing a rainbow, sing a rainbow...

When a child comes home saying they are nearly at their (insert random colour) belt, which parent is going to say 'sorry I'm not going to pay for you to do that'. Castle fire the kids up so they go running to the parents to pay for it.

Carcass

04-10-2009, 18:07

Castle can't be that bad.

If people are paying their money, then surely this club is doing something right.

If other clubs are better, then why do people not take their money to the better clubs?

The thing they are doing right is their marketing,

And people don't take their money elsewhere as part of said marketing is to go after people who don't know any better.

Smart businessman =/= good martial artist.

GSJoinery

04-10-2009, 20:16

There marketing is great, have you seen the brunette in asda with the black belt handing out flyers, talk about discipline and character building had my attention

RobbyBrown

04-10-2009, 21:05

crimewave

04-10-2009, 21:33

GSJoinery

04-10-2009, 21:34

In Thailand now a lot of kids learn taekwondo instead of muay thai as the more affluent parents belive muay thai is a bit ruff, where as taekwondo is a nice place for little jonny or supap to go and play.

are they wrong? No. muay thai is ruff, little jonny will feel more comfortable at taekwondo, just hope in years to come he does'nt act the big man down town and get stamped on by one of those ruffians!!

go4it

05-10-2009, 11:29

Perhaps they are good though?

Accepted their marketing has to be good, as it has to be in any business. Surely there has to be quality in the training for people to keep paying?

As for the comment on kids pressuring parents from Go4it, thats pretty poor, don't parents say no?

When I was a teen, I wanted a quad bike, but my parents said no because they couldn't afford one. Are you saying kids get everything they ask for these days?

It's because it is drummed into the parents and the kids that this is all beneficial for the child, it will improve self-confidence, self-esteem, improve concentration etc. It is promoted as an activity but also as something that will turn children into positive members of society. With a quad-bike you could argue that it would improve concentration etc but it might take some time!

Cyclone

05-10-2009, 19:13

What they are claiming is probably true (to some extent), but it's just as true at clubs that actually teach decent martial arts and don't charge the earth for it.

RobbyBrown

05-10-2009, 19:56

. With a quad-bike you could argue that it would improve concentration etc but it might take some time!

My parents wouldn't let me have a Quad Bike because they couldn't afford it.

I also had to make do with a Spectrum 48k, rather than commodore 64.

SUrely tho, modern parents can say "sorry, we don't have the cash" regardless of what potential benefits any activity brings

GSJoinery

05-10-2009, 21:09

My parents wouldn't let me have a Quad Bike because they couldn't afford it.

I also had to make do with a Spectrum 48k, rather than commodore 64.

SUrely tho, modern parents can say "sorry, we don't have the cash" regardless of what potential benefits any activity brings

hang on a minute i don't want to be rude, but are you disrespecting the Spectrum 48k??

did you not have the curse of sherwood?

go4it

05-10-2009, 21:12

SUrely tho, modern parents can say "sorry, we don't have the cash" regardless of what potential benefits any activity brings

Yes they can. But Castle BBA market to 'well off areas'. You don't see them promoting the classes round the Manor. Some parents may say no, but it's clear many are saying yes.

I agree that the classes can help children, but like someone has said it should not cost the Earth. £3/4 a session, plus cost of kit, turn up when you want, no commitment is how it should be. None of this monthly contract stuff.

lynslou77

30-10-2009, 04:31

I just had my first lesson with CBBA. It was good however learning the others available i've messaged a few of them. I just want to learn martial arts and not be ripped off. I must admit that CBBA asked me to sign a credit agreement which I found odd. I understand it's been torn up, well the DD has and I believe they were on the same sheet.

I am now worried I have signed up to a contract. I'll do all in my legal power to break if it that's the case.

crimewave

30-10-2009, 22:33

----------------------------------------------

chefkicker

30-10-2009, 23:38

let me know how you get on please... i would be surprised if you got away with it tho...good luck. btw im currently at cbba as well

I thought you trained at Brian Aikens gym?

crimewave

30-10-2009, 23:53

------------------------------------------------------------------------

lynslou77

30-10-2009, 23:53

let me know how you get on please... i would be surprised if you got away with it tho...good luck. btw im currently at cbba as well

Well it's meant to be a "30 day free trial" It's a very good club but a 30 minute lesson based on 2 a week is £10 more than other clubs. It's £25 a week basically.

chefkicker

31-10-2009, 00:03

chef

yeah that is the case, i doubt im the first person to try 2+ clubs at the same time -just takin best parts of each n putting it together. maybe later on, i could well try ures..

Brian is an old pal of mine. Ask him about me LOL . Whats your name by the way?

crimewave

31-10-2009, 00:32

-------------------------------------------------------------

chefkicker

31-10-2009, 00:44

arfan

brian shud kno.... he's a top man

I will mention your name to Brian :) Me and Brian go back a long long way!

lynslou77

31-12-2009, 21:41

Cyclone,

I e-mailed via the site for jitsu but no one ever got back to me. Am I still able to come along? Please PM me as I was unable to message you as your inbox is full

Thanks

ian00

22-01-2011, 10:28

BarraGergus

22-01-2011, 14:29

cough cough

Ghostrider

22-01-2011, 14:55

hi Vanessa ive been training with castle black for going on 3 years now and i have to say it is worth the money when first starting they dont drop you in at the deep end with the black blets they let you work threw your belts with poelple round the same level i would highly recommend it.

cough cough
Hmm, first post....I guess that you are thinking the same as I am :hihi:

BarraGergus

22-01-2011, 19:44

like they say, if you cant say anything nice.......

apocalypto

09-02-2011, 13:56

Abbeydale Ju Jitsu Club, try www.abbeydalejujitsuclub.com or just google it, not for profit Founder member of the British Ju Jitsu Association (Sport England recognised governing body for Ju Jitsu in the UK) with proper blackbelts an Sport England qualified instructors. Adults £25 membership per year including insurance juniors £20 the pay as you train £3.50 for kids and £4 for adults I think.

crimewave

09-02-2011, 23:27

walked past abbeydale rd branch other week, windows had been put through

chefkicker

12-02-2011, 22:21

walked past abbeydale rd branch other week, windows had been put through

Oh dear!!! Have they not been paying their protection money?

Carcass

17-02-2011, 08:51

walked past abbeydale rd branch other week, windows had been put through
Couldn't have happened to nicer people.

chefkicker

18-02-2011, 08:37

Couldn't have happened to nicer people.

Nobody deserves windows breaking, come on ! There is no excuse for blatant vandalism in a civilised society.

chefkicker

18-02-2011, 15:52

Something interesting happened last night at my gym (AFK Kickboxing for those of you who dont know).
One young lad who has recently started training with us but who is from CastleBBA brought a couple of his friends from Castle down. They were a young lad and a rather aesthetically pleasing young lady both perhaps aged between 18 and say 21?

It was apparent that they were not beginners and the girl in particular was very tidy (meaning her technique!) especially with her kicking.

They were both very pleasant and willing to take new ideas on board. After a brief conversation with the girl , it turns out she was a Black Belt and when someone mentioned in passing how CastleBBA get slated a lot, her comment was "Why slag people off, we dont train to be champions and not everyone wants to compete but we all do Martial Arts so why cant we all just get on with what we do?"

Now that showed a lot of maturity and their attitude certainly earned my respect!

I will happily ascertain that students who came down from CastleBBA were good martial artists. Flexibility and kicking ability were definitely no issue. The girl also had a tight boxing guard and her punches were fast.

She explained to one of my own students that the type of kickboxing she does is kind of like Freestyle Karate and that they also practise XMA which kind of surprised me as I always thought that CastleBBA did Ju Jitsu as opposed to kickboxing.
I also think that the girl could be a force to be reckoned with on the Amateur kickboxing circuit if she decided to take that road.

So these were Castle Students?

My Conclusion,.......

,.....
,.....
,....

Not bad at all!

RossP

18-02-2011, 21:25

I can guess who that was, It is true that any place can have decent students as some kids/ teens are naturally more gifted than others.

Bit weird you commented on her looks though you old perv :huh:

Its Funny though isn't it, when None of Castle's coaches have ever trained in KickBoxing or Karate free style or not?!?
Rob is a Traditional Ju-Jitsu guy and 'taught' his son James who is now teaching KickBoxing to his students.

Do you not you need qualifications or even a grade to teach Kick Boxing???

Regardless this thread has been made to bring to light Castle's High Pressure sales tactics, dodgy contracts and extremely high price. So that other people can be aware before attending as you can not get a price over the phone.

But it is good that people are open to training at other places and with new people.

crimewave

19-02-2011, 02:29

80swasfun

19-02-2011, 17:35

marsdens allstyels at hillsborough arene is is good class and it is pay as you go

BarraGergus

19-02-2011, 21:54

What the girl said in Farhads post is a fair point.

One thing I have said in the past, what Castle does do well, is to make parents feel welcome and comfortable to watch their kid train. Personally, I have not seen another gym in Sheffield that can do this. Most of the other clubs is all about finding and training "fighters".

But in terms of value for money, Castle has got to be by far the worst.

Shameless plug but The Forge has a large seated area for parents to sit and watch, john also makes it clear that the aim of the game is for kids to have fun and get fit.

and all classes are taught in one of the best equiped martial arts gyms in sheffield....... we even have a tiki bar in the back...... :hihi::love:

the_rage

21-02-2011, 11:34

marsdens allstyels at hillsborough arene is is good class and it is pay as you go

I used to train with Daz, Si and John years ago. Good to know the club is still going!

:)

andy25_hill

22-03-2011, 14:59

chefkicker

23-03-2011, 08:02

I’ve been training with Castle BBA since August last year and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Looking through the thread the main issues people have addressed is the price and how expensive it is compared to other schools the reason is that you are paying for a full course not for the individual classes like the majority of schools offer.

I was very unsure when I went for my induction but when it was explained to me and the instructor answered all the questions and I was happy to spend the money.

The atmosphere at Castle is not like any I’ve been in. The instructors and students all talk and treat each other with respect and have made it a very pleasant atmosphere and this is for all of the Castle centres around Sheffield.

I find that the instructors are very professional in their appearance and how they conduct all their classes and making sure that all students get the most out of each lesson and will take the time after class to answer any questions or go through a technique.

I would say not to rule Castle out but be aware that it might cost you more than most schools.

Thats really good that is.
That did make interesting reading even though this seems like your account's first and only post :suspect:
I have no issues with Castle BBA whatsoever. However from the Kickboxing side of things, as long as they dont consider themselves equal to AFK then I'm all cool with that.

andy25_hill

23-03-2011, 08:22

True that was my first post and after reading all the comments on my dinner hour yesterday I thought that I would contribute to the thread :)

chefkicker

23-03-2011, 08:28

True that was my first post and after reading all the comments on my dinner hour yesterday I thought that I would contribute to the thread :)

Like I said, thats really good that is. Enjoy yourself keep up the training and most of all keep an open mind.

onewheeldave

23-03-2011, 09:20

I’ve been training with Castle BBA since August last year and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Looking through the thread the main issues people have addressed is the price and how expensive it is compared to other schools the reason is that you are paying for a full course not for the individual classes like the majority of schools offer.

The main issue is not the price- if it was just that sessions cost more than other places, then people would simply make up their mind whether they want to pay more or not.

The issue is the sales tactics and deception used to get people to sign up for contracts which they do not understand the implications of- tied into paying for courses which last for a year and 'encouraged' to do so by high-pressure sales techniques.

The atmosphere at Castle is not like any I’ve been in. The instructors and students all talk and treat each other with respect and have made it a very pleasant atmosphere and this is for all of the Castle centres around Sheffield.

I find that the instructors are very professional in their appearance and how they conduct all their classes and making sure that all students get the most out of each lesson and will take the time after class to answer any questions or go through a technique.

Fair enough. But, everyone should be aware that there are many, many martial arts classes/clubs in Sheffield where the atmosphere is pleasant, relaxed and where respect is the norm.

Where the instructors are very professional and ensure their students get the most out of each lesson.

Having written that, I find it strange that anyone would expect anything less from a class.

Those things are just the basis of what anyone would expect from a good martial arts class.

Most of those other clubs, as well as being professional and respectful, have the added benefit of not requiring their students to sign a contract for a years training upfront.

chefkicker

23-03-2011, 10:09

The main issue is not the price- if it was just that sessions cost more than other places, then people would simply make up their mind whether they want to pay more or not.

The issue is the sales tactics and deception used to get people to sign up for contracts which they do not understand the implications of- tied into paying for courses which last for a year and 'encouraged' to do so by high-pressure sales techniques.

Fair enough. But, everyone should be aware that there are many, many martial arts classes/clubs in Sheffield where the atmosphere is pleasant, relaxed and where respect is the norm.

Where the instructors are very professional and ensure their students get the most out of each lesson.

Having written that, I find it strange that anyone would expect anything less from a class.

Those things are just the basis of what anyone would expect from a good martial arts class.

Most of those other clubs, as well as being professional and respectful, have the added benefit of not requiring their students to sign a contract for a years training upfront.

I agree
We have pleasant professional and experienced instructors. We even have other instructors from other clubs come to learn from us . We dont charge the earth either. £5 a lesson pay as you go. We are known as AFK or Sheffield Kickboxing , look us up on youtube, facebook or google.

This is what to expect from a Kickboxing "Bagwork and Fitness " Session for example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsD5qnCL-J0&feature=related

Or even

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbGQL2bmomk&feature=related

www.sheffieldkickboxingclub.co.uk

ShotoKarate

23-03-2011, 14:52

This is what to expect from a Kickboxing "Bagwork and Fitness " Session for example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsD5qnCL-J0&feature=related

Or even

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbGQL2bmomk&feature=related

www.sheffieldkickboxingclub.co.uk

The vids are looking good Farhad!!!!! Impressed!!!!!

RossP

23-03-2011, 14:59

chefkicker

23-03-2011, 15:05

@ Andy - Are you on CIT and what martial art do you actually train, i.e. you will be a black belt in .... when you complete your leadership (3yr contracted term)

+ I've heard that Castle's kickboxing is far superior to Farhads.

Ooooh Dear , looks like I'd better watch out. Castle's kickboxers might want to challenge ours on the next "AFK SUPERLEAGUE " , 28th May at Skate Central.

We have 3 Fighters at 81kg , 3 at 65kg ( 2 of them are first timers) , 1 at 73kg, Female kickboxer at 52kg. The fighters who are not first timers are still C Class but have good records ;)
I await an email with confirmed match ups :D if your above comment is true.

RossP

23-03-2011, 15:07

Ooooh Dear , looks like I'd better watch out. Castle's kickboxers might want to challenge ours on the next "AFK SUPERLEAGUE " , 28th May at Skate Central.

We have 3 Fighters at 81kg , 3 at 65kg ( 2 of them are first timers) , 1 at 73kg, Female kickboxer at 52kg. The fighters who are not first timers are still C Class but have good records ;)
I await an email with confirmed match ups :D if your above comment is true.

You'd doubting me Farhad? Thats word on the streets, Call them and match it up.

RossP

23-03-2011, 15:10

Farhad, shouldn't someone be qualified in KickBoxing to teach KickBoxing?

chefkicker

23-03-2011, 15:12

Farhad, shouldn't someone be qualified in KickBoxing to teach KickBoxing?

Most certainly and I am a Black Belt 3rd Dan under the ISKA. I have the certification to prove it.

RossP

23-03-2011, 15:16

LOL You are a self promotion machine, but think like usual you've missed the point.

chefkicker

23-03-2011, 15:28

LOL You are a self promotion machine, but think like usual you've missed the point.

Most probably but anyway what the hell, AFK is in the town centre, just past the Decathlon Sports shop.
Our beginners classes are :
Monday 830pm,
Tuesday 7pm
Thursday 830pm

www.sheffieldkickboxingclub.co.uk

Still only £5 per lesson.

RossP

23-03-2011, 15:37

crimewave

24-03-2011, 23:15

Boxing @ St Vincents in town (near opal accomodation) Mon - Wed - Fri from 4pm £2 per session or a £5 for a week.

Boxing @ Bomber Grahams (behind brammal lane) Mon-Sat 4pm - £3 per session

Gracie Barra (behind brammal lane)

Thai Boxing @Wicker Camp (Effingham Rd) Most nights £3.50-£5 a session
(dont your kids train at Wicker rather than AFK)

Lots of places to train, go and try a few out

Nice choices RossP, not often we hear about the boxing choices. I been Bomber Grahams, was very good.

Gracie Barra, heard many good things about it. Does GB ever run events? How comes I never hear (or see them)

RossP

26-03-2011, 17:11

Bombers a Great Guy

Theres many BJJ events all around the country already (my guess)

Steve70

26-03-2011, 23:22

Farhad, shouldn't someone be qualified in KickBoxing to teach KickBoxing?

No i think any one can teach kickboxing, all you need is some kicking ability and had a few boxing lessons,

It would be very intesting if some one who claims to be a certain grade could tell us what they had to do to achieve such a high level ??

80swasfun

30-03-2011, 18:59

hi try marsdens allstyles at hillsborough arena run by two brothers very good

Poshdoll

06-04-2011, 13:12

Vanessa
I was really interested in your post about Castle MA. My son (aged eight) also had a taster course, 6 lessons for £35 I think it was. Anyway, he loved it and as he has a few confidence issues, we decided to join. We went along, duly paid a REDUCED fee of £449 for 6 months. That was £150 off proper price because we paid up front. Now, just 5 weeks into the course, they have offered us the chance of changing him onto a Black Belt Leadership course, at.....£400 downpayment plus £120 a month FOR THREE YEARS!!!!!! Of course my little boy thought it was going to be great, getting boxing gloves, blue suit etc etc., and was devastated when we told the Leader that we simply could not afford to comit to that. They should never ever (I believe) have discussed payment and obligations in front of our son, he got so excited hearing about all the great things that were going to be on offer and was then let down because we couldn't afford it. We had tears all weekend, and he still hasn't got over it a week later as he absolutely loves it there. The Leader, Sam, is a lovely girl, who knows her stuff, and has total concentration from her pupils, but the business acumen of it just doesn't seem right to me. I feel absolutely devastated by it, and annoyed that it was obviously their intention to do that right from day 1. So, whilst I believe the teaching is excellent, location, etc., their selling techniques are shameful.

mynameisdan

06-04-2011, 13:16

Obvious tactics of a McDojo:

£500 to train for 6 months. X amount of weeks in they tell you 'You should really join the advanced class' you get excited and think you are 'advanced' they tell you the Advanced classes are another £500 for six months but you get your 'advanced suit' for free. You do it and you're down £1000. Another month or so later they tell you 'You should really go for the Super 9th Dan advanced ultimate leadership Master Sensei course'' you're blown away, you have been selected to be a master sensei, you always knew it. . it feels like destiny and costs just £750 plus £50 a month, but you get a free 'super master sensei suit' you do it and six months later the Mcdojo closes. . . . . .. . . . . . you wander the streets and after searching for what feels like years. . . . you eventually find another Dojo. . you walk in and they look you in the eye and say 'Yes, just £500 and you can start training today!'

The alternate reality is that you visit a legitimate dojo and you're laughed out of the place. . . never to return to martial arts again. . . . .

Poshdoll

06-04-2011, 13:21

What is a McDojo, Dan???

lotar

06-04-2011, 13:22

Never commented on this thred, but saying that in front of and upsetting your kid is terrible.

Wroughton

06-04-2011, 17:29

400 quid downpayment plus £120 a month for three years?:gag::gag:

Presumably the instructors alternate between Steven Seagal, Chuck Norris and Jean Claude Van Damme and they lob in a free scholarship to Birkdale.

And the original plan was £449 for 6 months with a discount of £150? Again sounds very expensive.

Fair play to them they must have something for people to be taking membership up but the "pester power" bit in front of your kid doesn't sound good at all.

crimewave

06-04-2011, 22:21

The staff there are pushy for sure.

I used to go there a long time ago, Sam was a good instructor, professional and talented.

mynameisdan

07-04-2011, 07:51

What is a McDojo, Dan???

A mythical creature which feeds on the cash of the vulnerable.

Google Mcdojo for more descriptions.

80swasfun

07-04-2011, 19:31

Hi marsdens allstyle is tops for kids and adults at Hillsborough arena they had some top lads if they still go

apocalypto

13-05-2011, 11:16

Why oh why do people fall for this rubbish. CBBA ARE SECOND RATE MARTIAL ARTISTS ONLY INTERESTED IN YOUR CASH. Try Abbeydalejujitsuclub.com and compare.

onewheeldave

14-05-2011, 10:01

Vanessa
........................ Now, just 5 weeks into the course, they have offered us the chance of changing him onto a Black Belt Leadership course, at.....£400 downpayment plus £120 a month FOR THREE YEARS!!!!!! Of course my little boy thought it was going to be great, getting boxing gloves, blue suit etc etc., and was devastated when we told the Leader that we simply could not afford to comit to that. They should never ever (I believe) have discussed payment and obligations in front of our son, he got so excited hearing about all the great things that were going to be on offer and was then let down because we couldn't afford it. We had tears all weekend, and he still hasn't got over it a week later as he absolutely loves it there. The Leader, Sam, is a lovely girl, who knows her stuff, and has total concentration from her pupils, but the business acumen of it just doesn't seem right to me. I feel absolutely devastated by it, and annoyed that it was obviously their intention to do that right from day 1. So, whilst I believe the teaching is excellent, location, etc., their selling techniques are shameful.

I expect they discuss it in front of the children because they know the child will then nag their parents relentlessly and it will up their chances of getting the cash.

Clearly, it is totally unprofessional practice, but, judging by the high number of posts on this board relating tales of the shoddy tactics employed by this club, not unexpected.

The staff there are pushy for sure.

I used to go there a long time ago, Sam was a good instructor, professional and talented.

Can she be professional, given that she works for an organisation that is totally unprofessional?

Obviously a lot of people work for employers who may do some things that are a bit dodgy, but, martial arts are supposed to be about integrity and respect- I think that any instructor who knows that his/her employer is ripping people off should be doing something about it.

Shef_Fitness

14-05-2011, 10:57

RossP

14-05-2011, 12:39

Rob isnt the owner anymore and doesn't teach any classes.

onewheeldave

14-05-2011, 14:30

I do think its unfair to call them shoddy, they simple sell a product and people choose to pay or to not pay.

There are plenty of pay as you train options around the city for Martial Arts, and they are easy to find.

Although I've not been active in Martial Arts for many years, I don't believe the owner is a 2nd rate martial artist, to get 3 black belts in 3 different martial arts takes some doing and dedication. Having trained with him back in the 1990s he is good at what he does, and as an instructor is clearly good at putting accross whatever he is teaching - this shows in his numbers.

I think it was clear from my post that 'shoddy' was in connection with-

Now, just 5 weeks into the course, they have offered us the chance of changing him onto a Black Belt Leadership course, at.....£400 downpayment plus £120 a month FOR THREE YEARS!!!!!! Of course my little boy thought it was going to be great, getting boxing gloves, blue suit etc etc., and was devastated when we told the Leader that we simply could not afford to comit to that. They should never ever (I believe) have discussed payment and obligations in front of our son, he got so excited hearing about all the great things that were going to be on offer and was then let down because we couldn't afford it. We had tears all weekend, and he still hasn't got over it a week later as he absolutely loves it there.

i.e. the way this was brought up in front of the child- that is shoddy and unprofessional. And, a brief look through many past posts about this organisation on this board will show that incidents like this are far from rare.

As for integrity in Martial Arts, when we get back to a system where there is no "compensation culture", no "hefty insurances", no "expensive courses to be able to qualify for the insurance", then perhaps we will get back to a time where these kinds of classes were ran by volunteers. Until then, I afraid Instructors will have to be in it to make money.

With organisations such as UKCC extending its grubby mits into instructors wallets, then I can see a time where more and more clubs will go the same way. Check the website for this organistion (UKCC), check out the costs for there courses, look at the restrictions that come should you have to go down this road.

I'm not connected with this club, only as someone who I trained with many years ago. People can choose this option or go somewhere else, the fact that this club has such high numbers clearly speaks volumes.

And yet, in Sheffield there are a host of excellent martial arts clubs run by experts in their field in a genuinely professional manner which offer pay as you train classes (i.e. no contracts) at around £5 per class with optional discounts for anyone who does want to commit to weekly/monthly/yearly upfront payment.

e.g. wicker camp (muay thai), AFK kickboxing, Lotars kapap/street self defense and many, many others.

They're not 'run by volunteers' either- just people with a love for their respective arts who charge enough to make a living and who aren't interested in aggressive selling/marketing or fleecing gullible parents.

If they can do it, then it's clearly possible.

As for-

the fact that this club has such high numbers clearly speaks volumes.

What does it actually say? There's a host of organisations selling bad products through agressive/deceptive marketing techniques with massive customer bases, while others selling a far superior product go under- that's the nature of modern business- number of customers just doesn't necessarily relate to quality of product.

Like Poshdoll said-
....and he still hasn't got over it a week later as he absolutely loves it there.

Is there any doubt that the children who go to say, wicker camp, or the many other decent clubs in the area, don't also love it there?

Castle exploits the fact that, in general, parents don't have much idea about martial arts or the clubs in the area- they go to castle and get an extremely aggressive sell, by professional sales people whose goal is to get a signature on the contract that very evening, because, if they don't, they know there is a risk that said parent may found out that there are many equally good clubs that will let their child train on a pay-as-you-go basis for £5 a session.

If you go to one of the decent clubs mentioned above, not only will you get no hard sell, you may well get told about other clubs in the area if the instructor believes that your child may be better suited to a different style of martial art. Again, a quick look at past threads will give multiple examples of this open and non-insular approach.

Cyclone

14-05-2011, 16:43