New Starters

A black belt is merely a white belt that never gave up

Adult Beginners Martial Arts Classes in Lincoln

Start your free trial on Monday or Wednesday night  

Or call 01522 543 787 and Beckie or Paula will look after you

Starting martial arts can feel intimidating.
We get it.

You might think:

  • “I’m too old.”
  • “I’m too unfit.”
  • “Everyone there will already know what they’re doing.”
  • “I’ll get smashed by some tattooed lunatic called Gaz.”

Relax.

Most of our adult members started exactly where you are now — nervous, unsure, and wondering if they’d even make it through the warm-up.

At Function First Martial Arts Academy, we’ve spent over 20 years helping normal people build confidence, fitness, resilience and real skills in a welcoming environment without ego or intimidation.

You do NOT need:

  • experience
  • fitness
  • flexibility
  • confidence
  • expensive equipment

You just need to start.


Beginner Friendly Martial Arts Classes

Start your free trial on Monday or Wednesday night  

Or call 01522 543 787 and Beckie or Paula will look after you

Our adult programme is designed to help complete beginners learn safely and progressively.

We focus on:

  • Kickboxing
  • Muay Thai
  • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)

Whether your goal is:

  • getting fit
  • learning self defence
  • improving mental health
  • losing weight
  • building confidence
  • meeting good people
  • challenging yourself
  • eventually competing

…we’ll help you find your path.

No military nonsense.
No fake macho culture.
No cult leader screaming affirmations at you while shirtless.

Just good people training hard and helping each other improve.


Kickboxing & Muay Thai

Start your free trial on Monday or Wednesday night at 7.30 pm  

Or call 01522 543 787 and Beckie or Paula will look after you

Our striking classes combine:

  • fitness
  • pad work
  • movement
  • technique
  • controlled partner drills
  • real skill development

Perfect for adults wanting:

  • stress relief
  • confidence
  • improved fitness
  • weight loss
  • practical striking skills

Beginners are guided step-by-step in a supportive environment.

You won’t be thrown into sparring on day one.

This isn’t a fight club for lunatics.
It’s structured coaching for real people.


Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)

Start your free trial on Monday or Wednesday night at 6.30 pm  

Or call 01522 543 787 and Beckie or Paula will look after you

BJJ is often called “human chess.”

It teaches you how to control and defend yourself using leverage, timing and technique rather than strength alone.

Great for:

  • confidence
  • problem solving
  • fitness
  • self defence
  • mental focus
  • stress reduction

Our beginner-friendly classes help you learn the foundations properly in a safe and welcoming environment.

And yes… everyone feels confused for the first few weeks.

That’s normal.

Even the black belts once tied their belts wrong and forgot which limb belonged to who.


What To Expect On Your First Class

Your first session is simple:

  • arrive 10–15 minutes early
  • meet the coaches
  • have a quick chat
  • join in at your own pace

No pressure.
No ego.
No expectation to be “good.”

Most people leave their first class feeling:

  • nervous before
  • buzzing afterwards

You’ll probably sweat.
You’ll probably laugh.
You’ll definitely survive.


More Than Just Martial Arts

Function First isn’t just about fighting.

Over the last 20 years we’ve built a genuine community based around:

  • resilience
  • personal growth
  • discipline
  • humour
  • support
  • challenge
  • anti-fragility

Some members compete.
Most don’t.

Some want medals.
Some just want to feel better physically and mentally.

Both matter equally here.


Beginners Welcome

You are NOT expected to be fit before starting.

That’s like getting healthy before going to the doctor.

Martial arts is what helps people BECOME fitter, stronger and more confident over time.

The hardest part is walking through the door the first time.

After that, we’ll help with the rest.


Book your free trial on Monday or Wednesday night   

Or call 01522 543 787 and Beckie or Paula will look after you

If you’re ready to:

  • get fitter
  • build confidence
  • learn real martial arts
  • challenge yourself
  • join a strong community

…come and try a class.

Beginners are always welcome.

Visit our timetable page for up-to-date times for all our classes

Call Beckie or Paula to book your free trial 

01522 543 787