Kickboxing London has a lot to offer you

David Fitness, Sports

Most people’s impression of the martial arts is still coloured by the well-known movies of the 1970s and 1980s. In these, the protagonist would study his particular style, usually through the torturous, painful and bizarre techniques of a master, or in a brutal and sadistic class at the hands of a semi-insane instructor. London kickboxing classes generally don’t follow this pattern, unless that’s what you’re hunting for – there’s generally something to fit most tastes if you look hard enough. Your average London kickboxing club teaches sparring and self-defence (probably using some of the same techniques, but some from other styles) in a friendly and informal yet disciplined and safe environment. You will be taught basic techniques – the kicks, punches, blocks and footwork that form the bread-and-butter of kickboxing – before being encouraged to spar in a controlled setting. Sparring is, in any case, optional. Some people study the style for fitness, some for competition, some for self-defence, and so on. You should not be pushed harder than you are comfortable with, although the best instructors will know how to get the most out of you. For kickboxing London has something for everyone.

Kickboxing is a relatively recent style, pieced together out of techniques that American soldiers found when stationed in Japan in the Second World War. They recognised the effectiveness of the traditional martial arts taught there, such as Karate, and simplified it for their own needs. This means that kickboxing encompasses almost endless variation – it is not a strictly codified style in its own right, but a collection of techniques and disciplines. Similarly, the ethos and direction of each class might be different. This adds to the variety which is on offer. Some people might be more interested in the complex techniques and patterns that derive from oriental styles; others will be happy to learn the basics of sparring and self defence. Obviously, there is a massive overlap, but each instructor and class will have its own take on things.

This means that if you are interested in trying kickboxing London is a great option. There are so many London kickboxing classes that it won’t take long to find one that suits you. Most have free introductory sessions to let you try before you buy. When you do settle on a London kickboxing club, you will probably need to spend a small amount of money on essentials – insurance, membership fees, and possibly pads and gloves at a later stage. But you will get lots out of your choice, as you learn a useful and energetic style with like-minded martial artists.

Please visit http://www.karmaa.co.uk/ for further information about this topic.

http://www.karmaa.co.uk/

4e89f3c7a1178

Suggestions for looking for your first kickboxing club

Paul Fitness, Martial Arts

If you need a workout that will tone up your body, teach you new techniques and give you the skills to defend yourself, kickboxing might be the right activity for you.  With kickboxing London you can increase your stamina, flexibility and strength while listening to your favourite music, and get rid of your stress and anxiety at the same time.  If you are looking for a kickboxing club, there are a few things to be aware of, to make sure your new favourite sport gets off to the best possible start.

Kickboxing is a centuries old sport, which was first practised in Asia around 2,000 years ago.  The activity as we know it, though, kicked off in the 1970s, when American karate experts arranged competitions to bring in the full-contact kicks and punches that had been banned from karate.  As one might expect, some health and safety concerns accompanied this change, and so padding, protective clothing and safety rules were introduced into the sport over the years.  This slightly altered, safety-conscious form is the one that is around today.  Still, there are a few different forms, which vary principally according to the amount of physical contact that is allowed between the combatants.

For those who are more interested in the aerobic than the contact element, there is aerobic, or cardiovascular kickboxing, also known as boxercise.  This combines the techniques of boxing and martial arts with the physical characteristics of an aerobics class, so it provides full conditioning and toning as well as teaching new skills.  It involves no physical contact between the kickboxers – rather, it is a cardiovascular workout that is done because of its many benefits to the body.

Kickboxing proper, though, does involve real contact with opponents, and some new starters find it intimidating for this reason.  It is important to appreciate that there is no competition – you can just take it at your own pace, and do not need to face an opponent until you feel it is the right time.  You will increase your feeling of comfort if you warm up your muscles and joints for a good few minutes first. After that, it is usually best to start with upper body moves, learning jabs or punches.  Combining these with kicks can come after a few weeks.

When you first get involved with a kickboxing club, it is sensible to limit your visits to one or two a week, while your body gets used to kickboxing.  There are so many different clubs and people in the kickboxing London scene that there ought to be something that works for everyone.

Please visit http://www.zendokickboxing.com/ for further information about this topic.

http://www.zendokickboxing.com/

4e2218e0cf8cf