I WOULD like warn all potential martial artists in the area not to be 'conned' by the door-to-door selling of martial arts courses.

A team of people are knocking at doors trying to enrol people into their classes, often wanting enrolment fees before the person has had the chance of trying the said style.

I would just like to say to anyone wanting to take up a martial art that you take time out to telephone your local leisure centre and ask what is on offer first. You will find that, more often than not, there will be a style to suit you this is probably a couple of pounds cheaper anyway.

As an instructor of martial arts, I have a black belt in freestyle kickboxing, a diploma in sports therapy, diploma in advanced stretching and massage, coaching foundation certificate, diploma in aromatherapy, St John's life saver plus first aid and Football Association certificate in treatment of Injuries.

Do you know whether your potential instructor has any qualifications? You should not be afraid of asking the question and also finding out what insurance is on offer.

Instrucotr (name and address supplied).

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