Do
you train kids? Yes, we teach boxing and kickboxing to kids
ages 8 - 12. Since boxing and kickboxing is the foundation
of our system, we require kids to focus on that. They can choose
one, or the other or both for the same price. We do not accept
younger than 8.
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Do
I have to sign a contract? No. We will NEVER require you to
sign a contract. We want people to train here because they value
what they're learning, not because they are legally obligated to
keep paying dues. We do offer discounts for people who purchase
months in advance. For pricing and discounts, click
here.
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If
I only want to / am able to come to one class per week, can I pay
less? No. But I... No. Well... No.
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When
can I join? All classes have a continuous open enrollment, you
can start anytime.
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What
gear / uniforms / stuff will I have to buy? Handwraps for $10,
a mouthpiece for $3 and men need a cup for $10 - $30, depending on
style choice. No uniforms required. No other gear is mandatory to
have your own. The gym has loaner gear (gloves, headgear, shin
pads, etc.) that you can use. If you decide you want all your own
gear, it can be purchased from the gym at a discount. DO NOT GO
BUY YOUR OWN GEAR BEFORE YOU COME TO THE GYM AND LEARN WHAT YOU NEED.
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Can
I fight? I don't know, can you train? For most people, you're
looking at six months to a year of consistent training before
we're even willing to discuss competition with you. After that, if
you're ready, willing and able to meet our standards, we can get
you a fight. The final decision on whether you compete out of our
gym is Head Coach Bob Barnum's, not yours.
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Do
you spar? YES! No one will be forced to spar if they don't
want to. However, sparring is a VITAL part of boxing, kickboxing
and self-defense. Any gym that says otherwise is just making excuses and
doing a disservice to it's students. NOTE: You will only be
allowed to spar when WE decide you're ready to do it safely.
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Can
I just spar? If you are a Coach from another gym and would
like to get your fighters some different sparring partners, feel
free to contact us to make arrangements. However, if you are not
connected to a gym, don't have an actual Coach / Instructor, etc.
and just want to "test" yourself, no you can not spar
here. Sparring is not fighting.
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Are
there belts / ranks? Can I get a Black Belt from your school?
Yes. Rank can be obtained in American Freestyle Martial Arts under
Bob Barnum, who is a 3rd Degree Black Belt. Bob now requires
anyone wanting rank to first establish a foundation in Western
Boxing and/or Kickboxing, which can be done in a few months. After
you have established a foundation, proven that you are serious,
and are sure it's what you want, you can then talk to Head Coach
Bob Barnum about earning rank. American Freestyle Martial Arts is a
blended system of several martial arts that teaches the student to
fight in all ranges of combat - Kicking, Punching, Knees / Elbows
/ Clinching / Takedowns, Ground Fighting, and Modern Weapons. It
would take an average of five years of consistent training to earn
a Black Belt. You are not required to pursue rank.
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Does
a bus go to your gym? Yes. From Downtown or Oakland, you can
take the 67F (Trafford Bus). Get off at the Citizen's Bank in
Turtle Creek (you'll probably need the driver to tell you when).
When you get off, walk past Keller's Hardware, Vocelli's Pizza and
Tin Pan Alley (all in the same building), the next building is the
VFW Building (big and tan with a flag pole out front). Our
entrance is in the rear of the VFW Building.
Still
have a question? Email Bob@PittsburghBoxing.com
