What Is Kickboxing?

Modern competitive kickboxing actually started in the 1970s, when American karate experts arranged competitions that allowed full-contact kicks and punches that had been banned in karate. Due to health and safety concerns, padding and protective clothing and safety rules were introduced into the sport over the years, which led to the various forms of competitive kickboxing practiced in the United States today. The different styles of kick boxing differ in the techniques used and the amount of physical contact that is allowed between the competitors.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7TjlnbFWmE

The kickboxing that I have developed stems from my experience of fighting in Karate competitions in England in the 1970’s, the style is called Zen Shin Contact Karate, as I feel that this name reflects its origins perfectly.

Kelly Rose WKA Champion July 2006

In the early 1970’s Karate competitions were highly competitive and the contact involved was high and therefore there were many injuries. Zen Shin Contact Karate maintains the high competitive spirit however we incorporate the use of protective clothing to avoid injury. We also maintain a large proportion of the Art of Karate which also involves respecting your fellow student, showing modesty while maintaining self confidence and self awareness.

The Basics

Before you decide to jump in and sign up for a class, you should keep a few basic guidelines in mind:

• Know your current fitness level. Kickboxing is a high-intensity, high-impact form of exercise,. When you begin kickboxing, allow yourself to be a beginner by working at your own pace and not over exerting yourself to the point of exhaustion. Fitness will soon improve as you train regularly twice a week.
• Check it out before you sign up. Before you commit yourself to a particular Martial Art, first try out a couple of classes. You need to get a feel for the dojo, the other students and most importantly your instructor. The class should incorporate a mixture of people and abilities which the skilful instructor will be able to manage with ease. You should finish the class tired but energised.

Find a class act. Look for an instructor who has both a high-level belt in martial arts and a track record of students who have accomplished their goals. Observe the respect that the students give to their instructor , and the instructor gives to the students, this is a great sign of a disciplined dojo which will get positive results for its students. Anyone can practice Kickboxing, we may all have different starting points but all students can achieve with a certain amount of dedication and commitment (this only needs to be 2 lessons a week)

• Comfort is key. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows your arms and legs to move easily in all directions. Kick boxers do not wear anything on their feet when they train, however Cardio Kickboxing is different due to the aerobic element , therefore a cross training shoe would be fine.
• Start slowly and don't overdo it. The key to a good kickboxing workout is controlled movement. Overextending yourself by kicking too high or locking your arms and legs during movements can cause pulled muscles and tendons and sprained knee or ankle joints. Start with low kicks as you slowly learn proper kickboxing technique. This is very important for beginners, who are more prone to developing injuries while attempting quick, complicated kickboxing moves.
• Drink up. Drink plenty of water before, and after your class to quench your thirst and keep yourself hydrated.
• Talk to your doctor. It's always a good idea to see your doctor and have a complete physical exam before you begin any type of exercise programme - especially one with a lot of aerobic activity like kickboxing. This is extremely important if you have any chronic medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes or are very overweight. If you have any medical conditions you should inform your instructor in confidence.

Why Kickboxing?

Besides keeping your body fit, kickboxing has tons of other benefits. According to a study by the ACE, you can burn anywhere from 350 to 450 calories an hour with kickboxing!

Kickboxing also reduces and relieves stress. Its rigorous workout - controlled punching and kicking movements carried out with the discipline and skills required for martial arts - can do wonders for feelings of frustration and anger. Practicing kickboxing moves can also help to improve balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.

Kickboxing is also a great way to get a total body workout while learning simple self-defense moves. Kickboxing fans say the sport helps them to feel more empowered and confident.

Cardio Kick boxing

Currently, one popular form of kick boxing is known as aerobic or cardiovascular (cardio) kick boxing, which combines elements of boxing, martial arts, and aerobics to provide overall physical conditioning and toning. Unlike other types of kick boxing, cardio kick boxing does not involve physical contact between competitors - it's a cardiovascular workout that's done because of its many benefits to the body.

Cardio kickboxing classes are usually comprised of 10 to 15 minutes of warm-ups, which may include stretching and traditional exercises such as jumping jacks and push-ups, followed by a 30-minute kickboxing session that includes movements such as knee strikes, kicks, and punches. Some instructors may use equipment like punching bags or jump ropes.

After this, at least 5 minutes should be devoted to cooling down, followed by about 10 minutes of stretching and muscle conditioning. Stretching is really important because beginners can strain ("pull") their muscles, and slow, proper stretching helps relax muscles and prevent injury.

Fitness, fat burning and lots of fun for women of all shapeand sizes from the ag of 12 Ladies Kick Boxing is a new sport that has really taken off in the past few years. Kick Boxing is so popular because it develops great co-ordination, fitness, discipline, self-confidence and awareness.  Look good, lose weight & feel great.

The Zen-Shin Acadamy is the ultimate martial arts training environment .You will be training in a friendly, motivating atmosphere and ensure all students of all ages and abilities can participate in the very best training available anywhere in the UK.

The program is designed to:
Teach a complete Martial Arts system that will give children a high degree of self-confidence.
Teach children how to intelligently cope with bullying and peer pressure.
Teach positive social values such as respect, honesty, humility and dignity.

We run dedicated weekly karate lessons for children ages 5 to 12yrs.

Students work to a defined syllabus and grade (levels of achievement / goals) structure. Lesson objectives include the development of confidence, fitness, self-discipline, self-defence and awareness as well as providing a place for the children to interact with each other and develop social skills in a safe environment.

Lesson fees are monthly with concessions given where there are more than one child from the same household. The first 2 lessons are FREE.

We actively encourage our younger member's parents to stay and watch class and provide a comfortable viewing area and snack bar . These are some of the most important lessons your child will ever learn and we love you to be part of their development. All of our parents love watching class and seeing their child succeed. Many get inspired to join in!

Our pro-shop is also very popular at the academy. We stock all the latest equipment, safety gear, weapons, t-shirts - everything you will require. Don't worry if you want something special either we can always order it in for you at a great discounted rate. We love to look after our students at the academy. We look forward to helping you to achieve your personal goals at our martial arts academy.

The Senior instructor is Kyoshi John Richards, who now has over 35 years of martial arts experience to his credit. He has taught many champions and most importantly many children who grew up to become great young adults. Kyoshi John Richards and his team of instructors leads a class that is sure to keep you and your children happy.

To enquire further about the kids and teens classes, please contact:

Sensei John Richards on 0121 233 2577