On the road with Sammy Jo: First kickboxing lesson at Martial Arts Center
Hi! I am Sammy Jo, 18 years old and have been a fanatic kickboxer for a while now. In this series of blogs I will take you along in my experiences with different martial arts, which I will all try at the Martial Arts Center in The Hague. Today I will start with a sport that I have known for a while, kickboxing!
Why kickboxing?
Kickboxing is much more than just a physical sport, it is a complete workout for both your body and mind. Whether you are looking for a way to get fitter, relieve stress or try something new, kickboxing can help with all of the above.
The great thing about kickboxing is that anyone can do it, regardless of your experience. Beginners can start off easy and learn the basic techniques, while advanced players can refine their technique and find new challenges. It doesn’t matter if you have a lot of experience or have never been to a gym before, anyone can join in and improve themselves. There are also benefits. Your fitness, muscle strength and coordination improve with every lesson, which will make you feel better about yourself. It doesn’t just have physical benefits, it also has mental benefits. For example, it helps against stress and your focus is on the lesson instead of other things.
Although I am not new to the world of kickboxing, it was my first time in this gym. And that makes for a different experience. New faces, a different atmosphere and a different way of training.
My first experience with kickboxing at Martial Arts Center
Although I am not new to the world of kickboxing, it was my first time in this gym. And that makes for a different experience. New faces, a different atmosphere and a different way of training.
My first lesson was on September 9, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It was a technique lesson, given by Godwin. I thought he was a nice and funny man, I also noticed that he really enjoyed himself and I think that is important. The group was large, which I personally always like because it motivates me a little more to do my best.
The gym itself is spacious and has everything you need for a good kickboxing workout. It felt like a nice place to train and the fact that the class was quite busy helped to motivate me.
Warming up and the lesson
We started with a warm-up that you could fill in yourself. If you didn't know exactly what to do, you could watch what other people did and pick up something from that. Then it was time to get started with the drills.
The first drill was simple: a combination of jab, cross and checking a low kick. This drill was later expanded to a drill of eight movements in total where your training partner had to counter. Every now and then you switch with your training partner so that he or she can also do the drill. You both get enough time to perform the drill and work on your technique. You could determine how fast you performed the drill yourself, which made it easy for beginners to follow. While you wait for the next signal to continue, you keep moving. This is good for your distance control and your footwork, and the muscles also stay warm.
I found the training quite tough because you kept going without breaks, only moving between drills and when a new drill was explained. I did think that enough time was given for the drills and that it was supplemented well. At the end we had to kick for two minutes, when your foot hit the ground the other leg had to go up immediately. I also found this quite tough, and especially at the end because it was at the end of the training. All in all I thought it was a successful training and I would recommend other people to start kickboxing.
Tips for your first kickboxing lesson
If you are planning to try kickboxing yourself, there are a few things you should keep in mind. What should you bring?
Make sure you wear comfortable workout clothes, and don’t forget to bring a bottle of water. Many gyms will lend you boxing gloves and shin guards, but if you plan on going often, it’s a good idea to have your own gear. You can order it from Fightstyle . Kickboxing can be physical, especially when you’re just starting out. Listen to your body and don’t force anything. Build up slowly and stay motivated. You’ll notice that you’ll get better with every workout.
If my experience has made you enthusiastic, I would definitely recommend you to join a kickboxing class at the Martial Arts Center. The atmosphere is good, the trainers are nice and it is a good way to work on your condition and technique.