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Kickboxing training can have different purposes and goals, based on the physical qualities of the fighter and his primary objectives.
It’s best to visit a number of gyms first and observe different training sessions. Check the style of training that each gym or club offers. Also, observe the coaches and the types of fighters that train in that particular place. There can be different reasons why people get involved in the sport. Understanding your specific reasons will help guide your style and quickly help you improve or get healthy.
The Different Purposes of Kickboxing Training
There are many reasons why people get involved in kickboxing training. The most common reason is learning self-defense. Kickboxing is a form of martial art. The discipline will equip all practitioners the proper techniques and skills to defend themselves physically against a number of possible scenarios.
This is also one of the reasons why several kickboxing clubs and gyms have a lot of female members. Second, people attend kickboxing classes to boost health and fitness. There are special classes intended to put people through grueling workouts that will burn hundreds of calories every 30 to 60-minute session. Kickboxing makes use of all body parts and is an excellent way to exercise. Third, kickboxing training makes a great hobby. Thousands of people from all over the world get into the sport to bond with family and friends.
Finally, it is also a great way to develop discipline and competiveness. Some individuals aim to become professional fighters or even make a living out of the sport. There are exceptional individuals who later on enter competitions in various places around the world. Some even start their own gym or club.
The Phases of Kickboxing Training
When you begin kickboxing training, you will be introduced to the various stages of the session. Fighters should always warm up and stretch before doing any exercises or drills. 10 to 15 minutes are spent on the warm up session. This usually involves stretching exercises to warm up your joints and enhance circulation throughout the body.
There are different types of stretches that will improve blood circulation to your arms, legs and core. Stretching and warming up are very important to reduce the risk of injury. Next, the kickboxing training will proceed to the general exercises. Depending on your current level, you will be practicing the proper stance, punches, kicks, strikes and blocks.
Beginners are required to practice the various forms and techniques via a punching bag or pads. Intermediate and advanced trainees usually train with a partner using mitts. These are very helpful when practicing more advanced strikes and doing combinations.
Kickboxing Training: Sparring
If you have been training for a few months and have shown significant improvement in your technique and style of fighting, your coach may require you to do actual sparring matches. These are intended to simulate a ring environment. During sparring sessions, fighters are instructed to render effective but lighter blows. The purpose is to improve your technique without causing danger to either fighter.
Coaches will usually ask you to throw punches, kicks or blows at 50 per cent or 75 per cent of your maximum power. This is a great opportunity to practice your defensive skills and techniques too. Kickboxing training will incorporate several sparring matches until you get familiar dealing with another fighter inside the ring.
Find someone you started training with and share the same weight class and belt color with to become your sparring partner. Both of you can improve at the same time by practicing the various approaches and methods. Increase the intensity every few weeks or so.
Kickboxing Training: Actual Competition
Intermediate and advanced fighters will usually undergo special kickboxing training especially when there are upcoming tournaments. Gyms and clubs take pride in their fighters which is why the sessions become more grueling and individuals are taught more advanced moves and techniques. They are also given special privileges and might be elevated to the next rank or level if they win contest.
Actual competition and tournaments are the best way to gauge your style and prowess in the sport. You will be facing fighters representing other places and gyms. It is often a requirement in many gyms before trainees earn the next color belt.
Kickboxing Training: For Leisure
Kickboxing training on a lighter note will feature a variety of exercises that will be almost similar to a cardio or aerobic session. There are several gym and aerobics instructors who incorporate the different styles and techniques of kickboxing in their program. These are very effective in burning fat and helping individuals get to their ideal weight. Kickboxing will improve speed, hand-eye coordination, balance and strength. Sessions usually offer full-body workouts that burn hundreds of calories in a 30 or 60-minute session. Make it a habit to do kickboxing training 3 to 5 times a week for best results.
Kickboxing Training: The Earlier The Better
Many people are encouraged to join kickboxing training early so that they can enjoy the full benefits of a strong and healthy body, a disciplined self and being a full-pledged martial arts expert. Similar to other forms of martial arts, individuals need to go through the different stages to show how well they’re doing in their training. These are usually indicated by the color of the belt one is wearing.
If you start young, you will most likely be able to reach the higher belts, including the most coveted black belt, after 5 to 7 years of training. The idea is to incorporate the sport into your lifestyle. You will discover other related benefits that kickboxing training can offer such as avoiding stress, developing well-defined muscles and boosting self-confidence.
Choose the right place and coach that can offer you the right kind of kickboxing training according to your personal goals and objectives. You will notice a lot of improvements within the first 6 to 8 weeks of training. After 6 to 12 months of training, you should have developed the basic skills to properly defend yourself. Many individuals can shed off fat and excess weight by doing a 3-month program. Regardless of your goals, kickboxing will always be a good choice.
