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Women-only · 4-week beginner course · Paisley

Get fit. Learn skills. Build confidence.

Women-Only Kickboxing & Self-Defence: a four-week course for women who want to get fitter, learn kickboxing and practical self-protection, and train in a supportive women-only group. Complete beginners welcome.

Book my place · £49.99One payment.
No ongoing membership required.
A woman practising a controlled kick with a coach holding a pad

Is this for me?

You don't need to be fit, flexible or confident before you start.

That is what the four weeks are for. We start with the basics and build step by step. You train at your own level, you need no martial arts experience, and there is no sparring.

  • You have never done martial arts
  • You don't feel fit yet, or dislike conventional gyms
  • You want practical self-protection skills and more confidence
  • You want to get fitter while learning something useful

Your four weeks

Two sessions a week, each with its own job.

Mondays build fitness and kickboxing skill: stance, movement, punches, kicks and pad work. Wednesdays focus on practical self-protection: awareness, distance, using your voice, creating space and getting away.

  1. Week 1

    Foundations

    Move · Strike · Set boundaries

  2. Week 2

    Create space

    Kicks · Combinations · Escape

  3. Week 3

    Work under pressure

    Pressure · Bear hug · Get up

  4. Week 4

    Put it together

    Scenarios · Review · Confidence

What's included

Everything for £49.99.

01

Eight women-only classes

Two coached sessions every week for four weeks.

02

Gloves and belt included

Your own boxing gloves and belt are part of the course price.

03

Extra Academy training

Your four weeks also include the Academy's mixed adult kickboxing, JKD/Kali, Panantukan/Silat and Boxing/JKD classes.

04

Certificate on completion

Mark the end of your four weeks and choose what you would like to do next.

Your first class

No guesswork when you walk in.

Wear comfortable gym clothing and bring water. John will show you where everything is and explain the session before training starts. You won't be expected to know anything or keep up with experienced martial artists.

Partner work is always explained first. You can pause, switch partner or take an alternative drill at any time, without needing to give a reason.

  1. 1Arrive ten minutes early
  2. 2Meet John and the group
  3. 3Warm up together
  4. 4Learn one skill at a time
  5. 5Practise on pads or with a partner
  6. 6Finish with a clear recap
John coaching women through stance and movement practice on the academy mats

Coached by John McKean

Practical, structured and beginner-friendly.

John has taught martial arts professionally since 1994 and has run his Paisley academy since 2007. The course is about learning practical skills, practising under calm, controlled pressure and leaving fitter and more confident, not about promising you can fight anyone after four weeks.

Before you book

Your questions, answered.

Do I need to be fit?

No. The course is designed to build your fitness. You train at your own level and John adjusts the work so you can progress safely.

I've never done martial arts. Is that okay?

Yes. That is exactly who the course is designed for. Everyone starts with stance, movement and the basics.

Will I have to spar?

No. There is no sparring. Partner work is explained before every drill, introduced gradually, and you can always ask to pause, switch partner or take an alternative drill.

Is every course session women-only?

Yes. The Monday and Wednesday 5:45pm sessions are a women-only group, coached by John McKean. The extra Academy classes included in your four weeks are the regular mixed adult classes, which are optional.

Who teaches the course?

John McKean, who has taught martial arts professionally since 1994 and has run the Paisley academy since 2007.

What should I wear and bring?

Comfortable gym clothing and a bottle of water. Your boxing gloves and belt are included, so you don't need to buy any kit.

Who can join?

The course is for women aged 18 and over. No experience or minimum fitness level is needed.

Can I join after the course starts?

Bookings stay open until the start of week two. After that, register your interest and we'll let you know when the next course begins.

What happens after four weeks?

Nothing bills automatically. You can stop, or continue your training with a regular Academy membership. Your account and progress are already set up.

I have an injury or health condition. Can I take part?

Please talk to John before you book, and complete the health declaration when you book. He can advise on how the course can be adapted.

Starts Monday 2 November 2026

Mondays & Wednesdays · 5:45pm - 6:30pm · Eight women-only classes · £49.99

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