Category: Fitness

Kickboxing: outstanding all-round exercise

Emma

kickboxing is a relatively new martial art that was developed from older and more complex styles by American soldiers who came into contact with them in the East. The kind of kickboxing London clubs teach is quite different to these martial arts (such as karate) in a number of respects, though of course it draws heavily on them for its techniques. The kind of kickboxing club you will find here will typically offer a range of benefits. Learning the particular style of kickboxing they teach is one; this will usually be far less complex than traditional martial arts, because it is streamlined or adapted for competition and sparring. Therefore you will not need the complex patterns or kata characteristic of karate, kung fu, and so on.

However, people don’t just go to kickboxing classes to compete. Many people go to learn it as a method of self-defence. As well as the kicks, punches, blocks, stance and footwork you’ll learn as part of the kickboxing syllabus, you will probably also be taught techniques useful in specific self-defence situations, such as body grabs and strangles. These are taken from other styles, but incorporated into the sessions since self-defence is one of the most common reasons people learn a martial art.

Then, of course, kickboxing is great exercise. It’s good for stamina, speed, strength and agility, since all are required in the course of sparring. High aerobic and anaerobic fitness are ideal, and the drills you will do aim to improve both. You will also develop better flexibility. This makes it a fantastic all-round form of exercise, in a way that usually isn’t found without cross training. Few other sports offer this.

Finally, kickboxing is a good way of meeting people. It’s an inherently social activity, even if you are learning to punch and kick your new friends along the way. A kickboxing club offers a controlled environment to study a martial art, and you will meet lots of like-minded people along the way, enjoying a great atmosphere as you learn kickboxing. London has many different clubs, each offering different styles and emphases, but this is usually a constant. The benefits of learning kickboxing therefore go far beyond sparring, or gaining confidence in self-defence. It can be a highly engaging and addictive past-time, and one that is tremendously rewarding.

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London kickboxing classes offer a whole-body workout

Emma

If you’ve ever thought about trying kickboxing, London is a great place to look. If you haven’t, then you might find it a pleasant surprise. In London, kickboxing classes come in all different types, and you’ll certainly find something that meets your requirements. Kickboxing is good for many different aspects of fitness, and depending on the London kickboxing club you opt for you will find yourself majoring in one or more of these. For example, most people’s initial impression of kickboxing is that it is all about sparring (a technical term for fighting to set rules). Whilst sparring can be an important part of kickboxing, it is by no means the only part. For a start, you will need to become proficient in the basic moves before you even think about sparring – punches, kicks, blocks and footwork. That will involve a lot of work in itself; stepping into the ring isn’t something that’s generally encouraged in the first session (which, incidentally, is usually free).

Kickboxing mixes different types of fitness work, so it is exceptional all-round exercise. So, whilst there is a lot of aerobic movement, there are also explosive anaerobic techniques. You will need to work on your flexibility, and strength training can also be a focus. All of this means that you will get more out of kickboxing than out of a single-focus sport like cycling; cross-training is built into it. In addition, you will also gain confidence. A lot of clubs specifically teach self-defence techniques along with the more traditional techniques of the sport – something that many people find attractive, since a lot of people take up a martial art so that they can take care of themselves better should the need arise.

If you’re not sure, go along to one of the taster sessions; whatever London kickboxing club you choose, it will probably offer a couple of free lessons before you sign up properly. Wear loose clothing and take a drink. You will probably get a fair impression of what London kickboxing classes involve from the first session or two. At that point, you can try another club or settle with that one if you’re happy with it. The main thing to remember, though, is to have fun. If you’re interested in trying kickboxing London is a great place to look around, and there will be plenty of people in the same position as you. You will likely make some good friends in the club you choose, as well as learn to do things you never thought possible.

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Kickboxing club competitions are a nice way to get active

Stuart

The art of kickboxing may be for you, if you are seeking a way to keep in shape, learn new techniques, and meet new friends in London. In terms of kickboxing London has a range of options, each with their own specialities and techniques, and there is sure to be one that suits you well, whether you are looking for the adrenaline rush of martial arts competition, or simply a sociable and healthy workout. Every kickboxing club has its own style and does things in its own way, so it might be a good idea to go to a handful and chat with to the instructors to see how well you would fit in.

For instance, some clubs put a particular emphasis on the spiritual side of martial arts: they are keen for you to take on not only the physical techniques, but also the origins of the practice, and the psychological benefits it can provide. Meditation and breathing techniques can be used along with more rigorous physical exercise.

Others will stress the importance of physical conditioning, or perhaps competition. Good kickboxers do a lot of aerobic exercise, crunches and skipping rope sessions. Good stamina and energy levels are necessary to learn the range of techniques involved in the martial art. With good fitness and a lot of practice, you can hone moves, like the jab, to perfection. The jab is essentially a straight punch, using the hand closest to your opponent. It is normally used by boxers to move their opponent back, and in order to set themselves up for another move.

When you get to a more advanced point you might start trying to master the roundhouse kick. This is the most recognisable move from the sport, and if you have ever seen a film featuring Jean Claude Van Dam, you will know what I mean! The roundhouse kick takes time to master, however, because it requires a notable amount of suppleness in the legs and back, as well as a lot of agility.

Many people have found kickboxing to be an activity that they did not expect to like, but ended up loving. This is very much the case in the UK capital. For kickboxing London has a range of options tailored to individual requirements, from lighthearted workouts to serious competition. Whatever the reason you might have for wanting to try the sport, London will have a kickboxing club that suits you well.

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