Anyway, now for my good news.
The missus has just completed her trial month of karate training at my eldest's club and has decided to continue.

Not only does she get the benefit of the sensei who's a former England international, she has the added bonus that our lad conducts the training sessions with him so she's not quite as nervous as she might be as an adult beginner.
Now all I have to worry about is them ganging up on me...