Classes

All London Shootfighters' classes are suitable for people of all levels of ability. Many of our most talented fighters initially came to us with next to no knowledge of MMA so don't worry about not knowing enough - the classes are there for you to learn. We stress fitness and conditioning, but we do not demand that you already have these, and we are happy for you to achieve that as a part of training with us. Forget "getting fit" so you can train for a class, do both at the same time! ALL classes will teach a combination of technique and conditioning.

London Shootfighters is a fighting gym that has produced many top professional and amateur competitors in a variety of fighting sports but we have plenty of people training for fun, fitness or self defence. We train hard. What you are training hard for is up to you.

Sparring is a very important part of training for a fighter or in fact anyone wanting to know whether what they are learning works. In some classes, such as the grappling ones, you will spar almost immediately, in others, such as boxing, a novice will take longer to spar. Sparring is always supervised and conducted in good spirit. (If for any reason you cannot or do not wish to spar please inform the instructor.)

Below are descriptions of the classes and essential or recommended equipment. In your first few sessions you will be fine without any of the equipment, but it will be necessary to obtain the essential ones as you continue so as to properly train in all aspects of the class. Recommended equipment should also be obtained in due course. The gym does its best to provide everyone with the necessary equipment such as gloves, skipping ropes, and protective gear, but if you are training seriously you should have your own gear.

First and foremost: TRAIN HARD AND ENJOY!

MMA

"MMA" or Mixed Martial Arts classes focus predominantly on the "up close" work needed to compete in a cage or ring fight or, indeed, the street. Clinch work, striking, takedowns, submissions, "ground n' pound" and escapes are all covered in expert detail. Classes generally consist of a warm-up and cardio work, technique drills and sparring.

Classes are taught by London Shootfighters' founders and coaches Alexis Demetriades and Paul Ivens

Equipment needed: None
Recommended: Groin guard, gum shield, MMA gloves

WRESTLING

Wrestling is the oldest sport in the world and one of the toughest. It is an Olympic sport, and the disciplines of Freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling are commonly regarded as the best methods of taking an opponent down in a Mixed Martial Arts fight and are essential parts of any fighter's repertoire. Wrestling is also highly rewarding and enjoyable in its own right, stressing technique, strength and fitness.

Classes are taught by London Shootfighters' coaches Paul Ivens and Alexis Demetriades, both members of the British Olympic Wrestling team.

Equipment needed: None

SHOOT BOX

An essential class for any aspiring fighter, the Shoot Box class teaches a mixture of striking and wrestling for an MMA or street fight. Mixing the strikes of Boxing and Muay Thai with Wrestling and Jiujitsu it shows how to avoid strikes and take an opponent down and, conversely, to avoid a takedown and strike effectively. The classes take place in the cage and the ring, which give great insight into using these for your advantage in a match.

Equipment needed: Groin guard & gum shield

THAI BOXING / MUAY THAI

A fighting art that originated in Thailand (formerly Siam) 2000 years ago, Muay Thai/Thai Boxing is a devastating striking art that blends techniques such as kicks, knees, elbows, punches, and clinch work. Often called the "toughest ring sport in the world" it is known for its powerful techniques of punching (boxing), elbows, knees, and kicks. The Muay Thai practitioner must have superior speed and conditioning gained through hard training. The classes will incorporate technique drills, bag and pad work, sparring as well as fitness and conditioning.

Classes are taught by Andy Zajac, who is a very experienced Thai boxing fighter and instructor and works with all the London shootfighters professionals as well as teaching group classes. He is also an accomplished grappler and has an excellent understanding of striking for MMA.

Equipment needed: Groin guard & gum shield
Recommended: Hand Wraps and Boxing gloves

BOXING

There is no better way to improve your punching skills than the sport of boxing. Our boxing program will improve both your offensive and defensive punching skills through a series of drills. You will incorporate the heavy bag, speed bag, shadow boxing, and focus mitts to achieve these goals. The class will also contain fitness and conditioning work to get you fighting fit or just to lose weight and tone up.

Classes are taught by Dave, a former member of the Nigerian boxing team and a veteran of hundreds of bouts. Also an experienced coach he works at the legendart London gyms "The Cronk" and "All Stars Boxing".

Equipment needed: Gum shield
Recommended: Hand Wraps and Boxing gloves

Classes

MMA

WRESTLING

SHOOT BOX

THAI BOXING / MUAY THAI

BOXING

Instructors

Marios Demetriades

Andy Zajac

Alexis Demetriades

Paul Ivens

Dave Brown

Timetable