United Freestyle Black Dragons Association

Although the true roots of Kickboxing date back to Asia two thousand years ago, modern competitive Kickboxing developed in the 1970s, when American Karate experts arranged competitions that allowed full-contact kicks and punches that had been banned in Karate.

Because of health and safety concerns, padding, protective clothing and safety rules were introduced into the sport over the years, leading to the various forms of competitive Kickboxing which are practised around the world today. The forms differ in the techniques used and the degree of physical contact that is allowed between the competitors. The age and experience of the fighters is also the dominant factor in determining the level of contact allowed.

In this context, "Freestyle" means that our students are taught the basic techniques and rules of Kickboxing, but are encouraged to adapt the skills they learn to develop their own individual style. As they gain experience, students are able to use them to their best advantage. The learning experience is a personal journey, and 'Freestyle' enables students to develop skills appropriate to their own needs and ability.

It is a mixed Martial Art, combining strikes, locks, submissions, takedowns and weapons. We at the UFBDA have developed our own version (Dragon Freestyle). Our instructors have trained for many years in different styles, including Tae Kwon-Do, Boxing, Wado Ryu Karate, Shotokan Karate, Muay Thai, Wing Chung, Kendo and Judo. These different elements have been fused to create our unique "Dragon" style, which helps us best guide our students to fitness, strength, attitude and awareness.

Translated from Korean, "TAE" literally means to jump, kick or smash with the foot, "KWON" means to punch or destroy with the hand or fist and "DO" means art, way or method. Therefore Tae Kwon-Do means foot, hand, way.

Korean Martial Arts began more than 2000 years ago, and have evolved into what we now know as Tae Kwon-do. We at the UFBDA teach and train a modern freestyle form of this Martial Art, following the Forms of ITF style, also known as Korean Kickboxing. We teach the traditional TKD along with Dragon Freestyle.

All sports involve an element of calculated risk, from bruises on a rugby field, to being hit on the head by a stray golf ball! Kickboxing has strict rules to limit the risk of injury. Protective equipment - such as pads and headguards - is worn when fighting, and safety is always our Instructors' first priority. All of our Instructors bring years of experience to their classes, so that students can train in a safe and healthy environment.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kickboxing?	Although the true roots of Kickboxing date back to Asia two thousand years ago, modern competitive Kickboxing developed in the 1970s, when American Karate experts arranged competitions that allowed full-contact kicks and punches that had been banned in Karate. Because of health and safety concerns, padding, protective clothing and safety rules were introduced into the sport over the years, leading to the various forms of competitive Kickboxing which are practised around the world today. The forms differ in the techniques used and the degree of physical contact that is allowed between the competitors. The age and experience of the fighters is also the dominant factor in determining the level of contact allowed.

What is Freestyle?	In this context, "Freestyle" means that our students are taught the basic techniques and rules of Kickboxing, but are encouraged to adapt the skills they learn to develop their own individual style. As they gain experience, students are able to use them to their best advantage. The learning experience is a personal journey, and 'Freestyle' enables students to develop skills appropriate to their own needs and ability. It is a mixed Martial Art, combining strikes, locks, submissions, takedowns and weapons. We at the UFBDA have developed our own version (Dragon Freestyle). Our instructors have trained for many years in different styles, including Tae Kwon-Do, Boxing, Wado Ryu Karate, Shotokan Karate, Muay Thai, Wing Chung, Kendo and Judo. These different elements have been fused to create our unique "Dragon" style, which helps us best guide our students to fitness, strength, attitude and awareness.

What is Tae Kwon-Do / Korean Kickboxing?	Translated from Korean, "TAE" literally means to jump, kick or smash with the foot, "KWON" means to punch or destroy with the hand or fist and "DO" means art, way or method. Therefore Tae Kwon-Do means foot, hand, way. Korean Martial Arts began more than 2000 years ago, and have evolved into what we now know as Tae Kwon-do. We at the UFBDA teach and train a modern freestyle form of this Martial Art, following the Forms of ITF style, also known as Korean Kickboxing. We teach the traditional TKD along with Dragon Freestyle.

Is it dangerous?	All sports involve an element of calculated risk, from bruises on a rugby field, to being hit on the head by a stray golf ball! Kickboxing has strict rules to limit the risk of injury. Protective equipment - such as pads and headguards - is worn when fighting, and safety is always our Instructors' first priority. All of our Instructors bring years of experience to their classes, so that students can train in a safe and healthy environment.

What can I gain from Martial Arts?	People join our clubs for many reasons. Some are interested in the sport itself, while others see it as a means to an end. Unlike team sports such as football or hockey, the Martial Arts focus upon the individual, offering a more personal experience. Whether it is to improve or maintain fitness, build self-confidence, learn to defend oneself or simply burn off some energy, Martial Arts can offer an enjoyable outlet for childen, teens and adults alike.

What experience do I need to join?	None - beginners are always welcome!
	UK
	Minimum Age 5yrs+ for Freestyle Kickboxing 7yrs+ for Korean Kickboxing
	Australia
	Minimum Age 4yrs+ for all Martial Arts 13+ for Boot Camp

What do you offer?	UK
	From Monday to Friday, we hold clubs in and around Lincoln. There are classes for beginners and advanced students. In addition to this, we occasionally hold Fight Nights, where students from the various clubs can meet new opponents and try out their skills. These are strictly fun events, and a highly-enjoyable evening for the whole family. Every three months, there is a Colour Belt Grading when students are tested to assess their progress. And finally, there is the annual UFBDA Christmas party, a chance to let our hair down after the year's exertions.
	Australia
	Tuesdays and Thursdays, we hold clubs in Sport Karate (freestyle Kickboxing)
Click the INFO link above for details of all our clubs
What are Colour Belts?	The colour of a Kickboxer's belt shows their Grade, which reflects their level of experience and achievement. The first belt is white, which indicates a minimum of experience, after which a student may progress through the colours to achieve the final accolade - Black Belt. This can take many years, an uphill journey which not all are willing to complete. UFBDA students are invited to take regular Gradings, to assess their progress and be rewarded for their dedication.

What is the sequence of colours?	UK
	Beginners start without a belt and are presented with a White belt after their first successful Grading. A second successful Grading results in a Yellow Belt. The Belt system used by UFBDA UK is as follows: White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Purple, Brown 1st tag, Brown 2nd tag, Brown 3rd tag, Black 1st Dan to 5th Dan (Master).
	Australia
	Beginners start with White belt, followed by White Belt/Yellow Tag. Each tag represents a half grading toward the next full Colour. This enables the student to keep up with the techniques of the syllabus without putting undue pressure on their learning! The Belt system in Australia is as follows: White, White/Yellow tag, Yellow, Yellow/Orange Tag, Orange, Orange/Green Tag, Green, Green/Blue tag, Blue, Blue /Purple Tag, Purple, Purple/Brown Tag, Brown, Brown 1 tag, Brown 2 tags, Black 1st Dan.

What happens at a Grading?	UK
	Colour Belt Gradings are held in March, June, September and December, generally on the first Sunday of the month. The judges are the UFBDA Instructors, who will guide students through the process. While our clubs enjoy an informal atmosphere, a Grading is by contrast a semi-formal occasion, as befits its function and importance. Gradings are held in examination conditions, and for this reason, parents are excluded from the hall. The afternoon starts with new students (Beginners), trying for their White Belt. Though it may seem a little scary, your first-ever Grading is really just a formal welcome to the Dragons family. (Hint: it's extremely rare for anyone to fail their first Grading!) As the afternoon progresses, the Grading becomes more intense, as the more experienced students (Orange and above) are put through their paces, and the judges expect more from them.
	Australia
	Colour Belt Gradings are held every two months up to Purple Belt, and then every four months to Brown belt. All students wanting to grade for Black Belt are assessed accordingly. When their instructor is satisfied, they will then be put forward for their Grading.

Why UFBDA?	The UFBDA was established in January 2000 and since has gone from strength to strength. The dream of UFBDA founder and President Pete Cook was to create and nurture a true multi-style organisation. The UFBDA enjoys an excellent reputation in the UK, and our reputation in Australia is growing each month. Our Instructors are highly-experienced veterans of the Martial Arts - each with shelves brimming with trophies to prove it! On a more serious note, all of our Instructors are fully qualified, fully insured and CRB checked (UK) and Blue Card Holders (Australia). Parents can send their kids to us, confident in the knowledge that they will be joining a respected, family-friendly organisation to train in an informal and enjoyable, but most of all safe environment.

Do I have to book a lesson?	UK
	Pre-booking is not required - just come along to one of our clubs. Your first lesson is FREE, and if you find it's not for you, no problem. If you do decide to join us, discounts are available for advance payment. Why not try Martial Arts? It's healthy, exciting and...... fun!
	Australia
	We prefer you to pre-book, as one of our instructors can pre-plan a course for you or your child. We find this to be less daunting for new students. All our classes run on the pre-pay system, fees payable every two weeks or monthly. We have different offers available. We also encourage you to train at least twice a week.
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