Frequently Asked Questions
What if I Sign Up and Change my Mind?
No problem. We have a 10 money back guarantee. If for any reason within 10 days of your registration date you change your mind, we will return any tuition fees you may have paid and end your membership without any cancellation fees.
What can I expect in a typical class?
Our classes are usually one hour long. Regardless of the program(s) you choose, you can expect about a 15 minute warm up that will include cardio and strength conditioning followed by stretching. After the conditioning, the instructor will review past class material and teach some new techniques and everyone will practice.
Is it safe?
Yes. Martial arts classes are taught by professional instructors with many years of experience teaching and competing in their respective art. Safety is always a high priority and it is rare for anyone to get hurt in class. Our facilities have been designed to ensure the safety of each student and include high quality mma mats on the floor and mats on the walls.
Do I need any experience before I start?
No. Almost everyone who starts our programs has no martial arts experience. Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Karate programs use an internationally recognized coloured belt ranking system. Our kickboxing program is broken up into level I, level II, sparring and fight team classes, so that everyone is in the right place based on experience and ability.
I’m not very fit at the moment, how difficult will the class be?
This is a frequently asked question. Everyone starts from somewhere and it’s a different place for all of us. What’s important is that you start a program and work slowly towards your own personal goals. Our classes are taught in such a way that each person can begin training at their own pace. We always have lots of beginner students in each class.
Can I try a free class before I make a decision to join?
Yes, we offer a free class to anyone who would like to try our programs before becoming a member. You can also try as many classes as you would like on our two week trial for only $39.
How often should I attend?
We recommend a minimum of 2 to 3 classes a week. We have a variety of membership options that allow you to come to a just a few classes a week or as may as you would like.
What happens if I move away after I register?
No problem. If you move outside the Ottawa area we will cancel your membership with 30 days notice and no cancellation fees
What equipment do I need?
Not very much, but It depends on the program. For Karate and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu you just need a gi, which you can purchase when you enroll. For kickboxing you will need hand wraps, boxing gloves and shin guards, all of which we can also provide you with when you enroll.
Can I come in and train on my own?
We have open training times for both our Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing programs where you can practice your art on your own or with other students.
Do you have many women in your programs?
Yes. Our female students understand the importance of learning how to defend oneself while getting fit and having fun all at the same time. Women currently make up about 50% of our kickboxing and karate programs, and 20% of our Jiu-jitsu program.
How often is the facility cleaned?
We take pride in how clean we keep Zen. Zen Mixed Martial Arts is professionally cleaned on a regularly scheduled basis. Our staff and instructors spend a lot of time on the mats, so cleanliness is very important to us. Our training mats are cleaned every day with a neutral disinfectant cleaner that is used widely in hospitals and other medical facilities. The solution we use is both a virucide and a fungicide to ensure we are able to train without worry.
Do we have showers?
Yes. Our new martial arts training facility on Colonnade Road in Ottawa was opened in 2022. Everything is still new including our showers.
