1. Why do I want to start? Fitness, self-defense, technical mastery, competition, stress relief, or self-confidence.
2. How much contact do I want? Some people consider sparring the best part. Others prefer working on pads and bags, especially early on.
3. Standing or grappling? Striking and kicking techniques like boxing and kickboxing feel completely different from wrestling and submissions like judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

The table below provides an initial guide. It is a starting point, not a strict rule. Every gym teaches a sport in its own distinct way.

Still undecided between sports? Our martial arts selection tool asks a few quick questions to provide you with a shortlist. If you would like to compare all options side-by-side first, check out the Dutch martial arts directory featuring over 50 disciplines.

Step 2: Keep it practical, because consistency wins

Most people do not quit because they dislike the sport. They quit because the gym is too far away or the classes fall at the wrong time. Motivation is like a muscle: it strengthens with every workout you actually complete. Every time you show up is another day added to your streak.

Keep these factors in mind:

• Travel time. Calculate the door-to-door commute, including during rush hour and in winter. A twenty-minute bike ride in the pouring rain feels very different from a ride on a sunny Saturday.
• Class schedule. How often each week is your level offered? Having only one beginner class on a Tuesday is risky: one busy Tuesday and you miss a whole week of training.
• Recovery. Martial arts place high demands on joints and muscles. As a beginner, plan for two or three sessions a week with rest days in between. If you have back, knee, or heart issues, consult your doctor or a sports physician first about an appropriate training load.
• Facilities. Changing rooms, showers, clean mats, and enough heavy bags for everyone. It sounds basic, but on a crowded evening, it makes all the difference.

Step 3: Trainers and safety checklist

A martial arts gym revolves around the instructor. They determine how safely you train, how quickly you progress, and how welcoming the atmosphere feels. You can easily ask these questions beforehand, either by email or at the front desk.

The Dutch Martial Arts Authority uses four core criteria for social safety in its certification: a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) for those working with children, certified instructors, a code of conduct, and a confidential contact person. According to the authority, gyms frequently meet these standards, yet bullying occurs more often in martial arts than average. A reputable gym takes this seriously.

Use these four criteria as your checklist:

• ✅ Certifications. What coaching credentials do the instructors hold? A good gym will share this information without hesitation.
• ✅ Certificate of Conduct (VOG). Do trainers working with kids or teenagers hold an official VOG? For parents, this should be non-negotiable.
• ✅ Code of conduct. Are there clear house rules regarding respect, sparring etiquette, hygiene, and mutual conduct? Are they posted visibly or on their website?
• ✅ Confidential contact person. Who can you turn to if something feels wrong? Can the school immediately name their designated person?

In addition, check for physical safety:

• Is protective gear mandatory during sparring, such as a mouthguard, shin guards, and appropriately sized gloves?
• Are beginners introduced to sparring only after a few weeks of technique training?
• Do instructors consider weight differences and experience levels when pairing students up?
• Is there a first-aid kit on hand, and does someone know how to use it?

If you encounter inappropriate behavior and do not feel comfortable addressing it at the gym, the Center for Safe Sport Netherlands can be reached at 0900-2025590, assisting both reporters and those accused. Hopefully you will never need to call, but it is reassuring to know the resource exists.

Step 4: Does the class offering fit your level?

This is the step experienced athletes often skip. You already know the sport, so any gym seems fine. Yet gyms vary significantly in their instructional style.

As a beginner, you should look for:

• A dedicated beginner class or a structured curriculum for the first few weeks.
• An instructor who remembers your name and corrects your technique rather than just counting reps.
• The freedom to take things at your own pace without feeling out of place.

As an experienced athlete, you should inquire about:

• The skill level of the group. Will you be training with people who challenge you, or will you be the most experienced person on the mat? Ask how many advanced students train on your planned nights.
• Class structure. Does the gym teach weekly or monthly themes, or is every class a random assortment of drills? In BJJ and judo, a structured curriculum is usually a mark of quality.
• Sparring and rolling. How often, how hard, and under what rules? Some gyms spar light and technical, while others spar hard and focus strictly on competition. Neither approach is wrong, but it must align with your goals.
• Your current rank. Will your belt or rank from another gym or federation be recognized, or will you need to start over? Asking in advance prevents disappointment.
• Open mat and open gym sessions. Can you train independently outside of scheduled classes? For anyone aiming to put in serious mat time, this is invaluable.

The quickest test: ask if you can join an advanced class instead of a beginner session. Within an hour, you will know whether the team and trainer can help you progress.

Step 5: Costs and contract: calculate per session

The monthly membership rate rarely tells the full story. What matters is what you pay per session and how locked in you are. A simple calculation illustrates why.

Example. Gym A charges €45 per month for one class per week. Gym B charges €65 per month for unlimited access. If you train at Gym B three times a week, that is around thirteen sessions a month. You will end up paying about €5 per session. At Gym A, you pay over €10 per class. In this scenario, the gym with the higher monthly fee is actually half the price per hour on the mat. If you only end up going once a week, however, the equation flips.

Compare these factors before signing:

Read online reviews critically as well. A single angry review means little. A pattern of complaints concerning the same issue—such as difficulties canceling or a specific trainer—speaks volumes.

The trial class: what to look for

The trial class is the moment of truth. Schedule it on a typical weekday evening rather than a quiet Sunday morning. That way, you experience the gym as it truly operates.

Before the class

• Ask what equipment you need to bring and what time to arrive.
• Inform the trainer in advance of any existing injuries or limitations.
• Stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals right before training.

During the class

• ✅ Are you welcomed and introduced?
• ✅ Are you given proper explanations as a newcomer, or thrown into the deep end?
• ✅ Does the trainer respect your pace if you ask to dial it down?
• ✅ Do members treat one another respectfully, especially when sparring?
• ✅ Are the mats, locker rooms, and gear clean and well maintained?
• ✅ Is there adequate equipment available for everyone present?

After the class

Ask yourself three questions on the way home: Do I want to go back? Did I feel safe? Did I learn something? Three yeses mean you are off to a strong start. If you are hesitant, take a second trial class at another gym to compare. Trying out two or three schools before committing is completely normal.

Choosing a martial arts gym for your child

The same general steps apply to parents, with a few extra considerations. Children require a safe, encouraging pedagogical environment led by instructors skilled at managing groups of six- or twelve-year-olds.

Keep in mind:

• A Certificate of Conduct (VOG) and coaching diploma. Just ask. Any reputable gym will gladly confirm this.
• Age-appropriate groups. Toddlers, elementary school children, and teenagers do not belong in the same class. Exercises, pacing, and coaching styles differ too drastically.
• A playful, structured curriculum. For young children, the focus should be on coordination, falling safely, teamwork, and fun. Hard sparring has no place here.
• Anti-bullying policy. Ask how the gym prevents bullying and how incidents are handled. In martial arts especially, this is a vital question.
• Spectator policy. Can parents sit in and watch classes? A gym that is transparent about its training environment earns trust.

Judo, karate, and taekwondo are common introductory sports for kids, as are dedicated children's self-defense or Krav Maga programs. To see what best suits your child, read our article on martial arts for children.

Self-defense or greater self-confidence

Is your primary goal learning how to protect yourself? If so, competitive sports might not always be the optimal choice. In competition, there are rules, a referee, and a single opponent. Real-world conflicts have none of those.

Krav Maga, Systema, and specialized self-defense courses focus on realistic scenarios: escaping grabs, reacting under stress, de-escalating conflicts, and avoiding dangerous situations before they develop. During a trial class, ask whether they practice scenario drills and teach when not to fight.

When it comes to building confidence, nearly any martial art will help, provided the atmosphere is positive. It stems from small victories:

• 🥉 Making it through your first class without stopping.
• 🥈 Finally executing a combination smoothly.
• 🥇 Earning your first stripe or belt, or staying composed during your first sparring session.

Each milestone proves you are capable of more than you thought. That confidence stays with you long after you leave the mats.

Our perspective

Every week, we speak with athletes looking for a gym. What we notice time and again is that almost everyone starts by asking which martial art is best. But those who are still training a year later almost always credit something else: the instructor who knew their name, the training partners they missed when away for a week, and the steady feeling of personal progress.

That is why we say: choose the people, not the logo. A gym with a less famous brand, but with an instructor who takes time for beginners, will often take you much further than the biggest gym in town.

We consider safety a fundamental requirement, not a bonus. That is why FightMore features certified gyms. You should be able to focus entirely on learning and training, without questioning who is leading the class.

Finally, do not hesitate to compare. Trying out two or three trial classes is not disloyal—it is smart decision-making. When a gym is truly right for you, you will usually know within the first hour.

— Jason

Compare gyms and book your trial class

On FightMore, you can explore and compare over 800 martial arts gyms across the Netherlands, spanning 50+ martial arts disciplines. Review details and authentic feedback from fellow practitioners, save your favorite spots in one place, and book a trial class directly. This lets you compare three gyms in minutes rather than spending all evening searching different websites.

Check out all martial arts gyms near you or head straight to booking trial classes on FightMore. To learn how we curate the finest facilities, read our guide to the top gyms in the Netherlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many trial classes should I take before choosing?

Taking two to three trial classes across different gyms is a solid benchmark. It gives you a clear point of comparison so you do not rely solely on a single first impression. Aim to schedule them on a regular weekday evening to see the gym at normal capacity.

Do I need to be fit before starting martial arts?

No. Your fitness develops through training. A good gym lets beginners progress at their own speed and adjusts exercises as needed. If you have medical concerns—such as heart, back, or joint problems—consult your doctor or a sports physician beforehand.

What should I ask a gym regarding safety?

Ask about instructor qualifications, the code of conduct, who acts as the confidential contact person, and whether trainers working with children hold a valid Certificate of Conduct (VOG). Also ask when beginners start sparring and what protective equipment is required. A gym that answers clearly has generally taken the proper precautions.

Is a more expensive membership always better?

Not necessarily. Evaluate the price per class: divide the monthly fee by the actual number of sessions you plan to attend. Additionally, verify the contract duration, notice period, and whether you can freeze your membership during injuries or vacations.

I already have experience. How do I know if a new gym is right for me?

Ask to join an advanced class and observe the group's technical level, lesson progression, and sparring intensity. Check ahead of time whether your current belt or grade will be acknowledged. You will usually know after a single session whether the gym can take you to the next level.

Sources

• Martial Arts Authority: Social safety in martial arts
• NOC*NSF: Safe Sport and sports clubs

Recommendations

• Find a trial class now: Dutch martial arts directory and guide
• Martial arts for children: which sport fits your child?
• Best karate school in the Netherlands: how to choose in 2026
• Choosing an MMA gym: how to find the right school for you