AMAG FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is there a membership or joining fee?

You are not tied into any contracts like you may see at large Franchise Gyms. We do ask though that you pay by Standing Order and you must give us 30 days notice to quit.

We feel this gives you the flexibility and benefits of membership but doesn’t tie you in to an unwanted and hostile contract.

What does it cost?
The fees are listed below. Discount is in the membership options and you can pay per class only if there is room.

School Fees) - AUGUST ONLY
Payment per class (all instructors)

• (Adults) 1 Class = £10.00

How can I pay?
You can pay by, Cash, Credit or Debit Card or by Standing Order. Fees are non refundable.

How can I set up a standing order?
Standing Orders can be set up on the phone with your bank or by sending an Instruction to your bank. You can pay by, Cash, Credit or Debit Card or by Standing Order. Please ask at AMAG Reception for the appropriate form.

Licences and Insurance
Licences with insurance are available through us and details will be added soon as we are in the process of changing to a better deal.

What is the Aberdeen Martial Arts Group?

The AMAG has been in existence since 1990. Through the curriculum participating students will learn to punch, kick, wrestle, swing a stick and achieve a higher level of fitness.

The arts taught by the AMAG are on view at the website www.amag.org.uk. These arts are brought to you by years of study under some of the world's greatest martial artists.

Head Instructor and founder of the AMAG is Pat Davies. Pat currently holds Instructor Qualifications under Guro Dan Inosanto in JKD Jun Fan and the Filipino Martial Arts, Marc McFann in the Unified Fighting Arts, Erik Paulson in Combat Submission Wrestling and in Muay Thai under Ajarn Chai in the TBA as well as Bob Spour (Phraya-Pichai) . Pat has over 25 years worth of training experience.

The other instructors at the AMAG are all qualified and receive intensive training. Our certificates are on show and are not made up.

The core arts taught are Jeet Kune Do, Jun Fan Gung Fu, The Filipino Martial Arts, Combat Submission Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Judo.

What is the The Academy?
The Academy is where we train. We have a 144m2 training area, a reception area, a Pro Shop, a chill out area, men’s and women’s changing rooms with showers and toilets. We have punch bags, a matted area, wooden dummy, a large selection of Thai pads to accompany the thumping music!

Are there classes for beginners?
We have a PHASE programme that gives the beginning student the fundamentals that they will use all the way through their training career.

How long are the classes?
The average class is 1 hour and the times are indicted on the timetable.

What should I wear?
You must wear the AMAG T-shirt and loose, comfortable jogging trousers or shorts.

Do I need any equipment?
The first thing that you need is yourself. The Academy has a supply of equipment ready for use. After a period of time you may wish to get yourself a pair of "bag gloves" and a skip rope. As you do more classes and develop through the curriculum you may wish to have Boxing gloves, gumshield, Rattan sticks, pads or items of clothing. This equipment may be bought through our Pro Shop on site.

Am I fit enough?
An average level of fitness is required. You will be asked to fill in a simple health questionnaire which will alert us to any major problems, but if you have and concerns, please ask and we will be happy to advise you.

Can I train in any of the other classes?
Once you have completed the Phase 1 & 2 you can filter into our other classes, until then you need to stick with the Phase classes.

How often do I need to train?
Initially three sessions a week is recommended to accelerate your learning process. Your standard will obviously be related to the time you invest.

When can I train?
The current timetable sees classes every day at The Academy. Start asap.

Is there a 'Dress Policy'?
Yes there is, but its quite relaxed! All members of the class will be expected to wear a club tee shirt during class. We also have a range of clothing available suitable to wear in class from shorts to sweatshirts!

Anyone joining the class will be asked to buy a club tee shirt to wear in the class. No Tee shirt - NO TRAIN.

The proper uniform should be worn for the appropriate class. Thai shorts in the Thai class, gi for a Judo or BJJ class. NO shoes.

Jewellery should not be worn in class. In the case of rings/studs that cannot be removed then they should be covered.

Clothes and the body should be clean. We won’t be embarrassed in telling you if you have strayed over the line. Will you?

Can I grade?
Yes you can. We have a curriculum with testing opportunities. Advanced students may also be put forward for instructorship under other instructors. You can test not only in the AMAG but also in the individual arts of Muay Thai, CSW, BJJ and Judo.

I don't fancy training in that!
We have a wide choice so you can pick and choose. We all change through experience, age, health and work so you may take a different view after a while. But we don't force you to do anything.

I want to fight!
We can, when we consider you at the right stage, offer you the opportunity to fight. Just contact the instructors to ask and let it be known of your interest. We can advise on what you need to start focussing on.

I don't want to fight!
Then don't. Its just one branch on the tree of learning

What is the Bruce Lee connection?
The Bruce Lee connection comes from the fact that most of our instructors over the years have been students of Guro Dan Inosanto. Inosanto was a long term student of Bruce Lee and was Head Instructor at the Los Angeles school and one of the only three students to have been certified in JKD. So you can train in a school with direct lineage to perhaps the greatest Martial Artist known!

I train at another place but can I train an extra night with the AMAG?
We welcome anyone. Furthermore we expect our students to seek, at certain points of their martial arts career, other instructors and we will advise. Of course we do so as we are comfortable in the fact that we teach at a high standard and that what we offer is good.

Can I do private lessons?
Yes. This is a tremendous way to learn and you will find that your instructor takes private lessons with their instructors. You can also take part in small group lessons which work out cheaper per person.

Are there seminars with instructors?
Yes, we try and bring in specialists to help us develop. This is a great way to see world class instructors who make their living in this way. It can help progress your training as well being a fun occasion!

What would the stick training give me?
The weaponry is a great way to learn how to move your body and get co-ordinated. Those who train with the weaponry seem to be better in their kickboxing, trapping and fitness.

I hear people mentioning the RESPECTS. What is this?
Martial Arts practised in the gym always starts and finishes with respect for each other, your Instructor, your instructors instructor and the heritage of the arts. When you enter or leave the gym, the direct training area, receive instruction from your class instructor; before and after practicing any technique with a fellow student; you should always give the respects suitable for the art being practiced. This will become clear as you go along.