Martial Arts Site

I can see the idea or what your trying to do with the front page but think you have just missed it. The red columns do don't go well with blue links and while having navigation top and bottom(ish) is a good idea somepeople may think it's more links instead of the same ones.
At 800x600 the page is squeezed into the center, use more of the screen.
Some of your grammer is a bit off, "My name is Andy and I've been doing martial arts for about 10 years now and am very good at it, though I'm too modest to call myself a "master" or an "expert". " after 10 years you should be good, so no need to say that, am not sure if ranking is same internationally but you should list your acheivements (black belt etc) instead of just saying your good.
you could add the word 'free' to the joining of your forum.
Is good you mention you from UK not that it really matters but is also a good talking point to start up a convensation.

As your site is clean image wise I'd be more inclined to make the red strips into scrolls type thing, use an image top and bottom as if they were hung there, like something you'd see in the do jo but don't use that red.

You need to add some of those pictures sequences like they have in Grappling and Inside Kung Fu. That would make your site more cool.

The site does need more content.

yeah, I agree with the pics. I'm trying to get ahold of a digital camcorder off a friend so I can put a few clips up there.

I'll try to fix the grammer and the general design. My aim is to start a martial arts newsletter and forum really to discuss the topic. Hopefully, I'll make some money through advertising. Enough to cover the URL and hosting costs anyway.

I was thinking of using google adwords? Putting them in the white spaces between the red columns?

If you use ads to pay for the site, do yourself a favor and keep them to a minimum, one or two will have higher returns than a page full. If people have to fit to find the content they wont return.
I reckon you have your head screwed on and know right from wrong

The menu things at the bottom of the site (Red rectangles containing links) don't look very well. The ones up top look alright. The main page looks like one of those cheesy "tossed together" sites you see on the internet a lot. That's just my opinion though

Can do away with those red blocks, I can't read the links properly.

But one of the best forums I have visited, nice skin! went through the whole process, edited profile, etc, really easy. I will be there for life, just give me something to learn, and I'll be happy .

Oh, your site looks terrible. The colors!!! Ouch!!! Especially the red boxes on each side of the mainpage. You may want to change the layout and use more tammed colors. Also, try to add images and icons. Too much text sounds boring to the eye.

Yeah, I agree. Tone that red down a bit and look into some less obtrusive navigation bars instead. Get a color pallette and match up some colors so the site will pop. The disclaimer on the bottom is necessary of course, but just put a 'disclaimer' link on the bottom that feeds to the disclaimer.html page because theres already too much text on the page.

Don't get discouraged, you're on the right track.

I like the logo/banner it is nice and original. I think that you overall the content is okay although if I were you I would change the appearance of the menu bar as it could be improved to look more proffessional. Also why have the same menu bar on each side and also further down becuase this means having the same menu bar 4 times on just on page. Maybe have one that follows the user when he scrolls or one that just is fixed and then you just scroll with the text.
These are only my own opinions with these adjustments you could probably do a great job.
Good Luck,

Tez

I have to agree that the layout of the site could be a bit nicer, and that you don't need so many menus. But, on a positive note you have a very warm writing style, its a friendly website and I am sure that when you revamp it with new images it will be a good place to visit

Yeah, I'm going to revamp it once it gets listed in the Se's.

You'd better get started, then:

Listed in Google

Hi there,
I liked the simple layout and from the homepage the navigation was easy but the first problem i came across was when i entered the forum - theres no link back to your website, i had to press the back button. You need a link there to get back 'home'. Same with the blog, novice website visitors will get lost.

I know its a new site but you really need some content. My siteis very new too and already has around 30 pages of content. Try adding an article archive, writing yourself, adding latest news on martial arts, perhaps a photo galery might liven it up too.

Good start in all though. Good luck.x

Hi.

I think what you're trying to achieve with the menu in four corners of the site could be achieved by adding a navigation frame somewhere that won't disappear when you click a link.

Colour - blue and red don't go. It messes with my eyes! Argh! Neither does purple for the links the user has pressed.

How about a splash page? There's a lot of information on the first page that overloads you a bit. Concise descriptions though, nice informal tone of writing - I like it.

I notice you can't return to the home page without pressing the back button. Perhaps a link on there somewhere to return for those less computer literate? (don't know how doable that is)

Other than those points I think it's a good site. Refine a few things and all should be well. But mainly those red menus that need a bit of alteration.

Good luck with it. Cheers