Heyyy all!

I have recently started kickboxing with my friend. I really enjoyed it the first time, then the second time i wasnt sure if it was for me. I am quite skinny, so to build up even a little bit of muscle will take a longg while! :O haha and i am wondering if its worth it, as the whole outfit will cost me £40 and it seems a lot to spend if i dont continue...

Does anyone else do this sport and have any tips etc or advice? Or even felt the same?

i have my own punchbag for training at home. It fits on a bracket which is fixed to the wall.
Its a good way to train and improve inbetween lessons...that will certainly help you to move on qucker and get your moneys worth a bit more, so to speak

Well done & good luck!!!
x

I used to do Muay Thai boxing and absolutely loved it. Great fitness, new friends and a  bit of self defence. Are you not allowed to keep going without the uniform for a while? Or can you get one second hand/borrow? It is a great way to muscle up without getting huge (not going to be a prob for you) and also get seriously cardio fit. I say go for it!

Awww thankyou!!!

Is that muay thai the more "aggressive" type of kickboxing, what is the difference between that and kickboxing?

I am just wearing jog pants and a top atm, so i can move freely until it comes to ordering the uniform, but he is going to start asking questions soon and he mentioned ordering the uniform about a week or so back, but we havent done anything as of yet about it, as i am still a bit unsure if its me! lol!

I am not the toughest cookie in the box you see!! LOL :)

Ohhh and i might get a punchbag, but not sure where i would put it lol

Do any of you use gumsheilds? Well you will of... where are the best ones you get them from btw, because that was mentioned the other day for when we spar, but i dont have a clue where to start lol

Don't let them pressure you into the uniform, it's just a money spinnner for them! Definitely don't let that aspect put you off!! Yes, Muay Thai is the more 'violent' version, the main difference is the use of knees, elbows, punches and kicks. If you aren't such a tough cookie then this is even more of a reason to get stuck in.. once you have done some sparring and got over the initial shock of being hit you should start to enjoy it. Try and stick with it for a month or two, then you will know for sure whether you like it or not (the first month is scary!!).

You should definitely get a gum shield especially if you are sparring with people who are learning- I have been punched 'accidentally' in the face quite a few times (don't worry, it doesn't happen to all people- I just get a bit carried away). If you can afford it, get one moulded by your dentist- they are thinner and great protection. Your kick boxing place should sell generic ones which I have used, and although bulky and still better than nothing.

I have never had a punch bag at home as i find them sooooo boring- might be worth considering if you are trying to cut costs ;-)

My son started kick boxing as a stroppy teenager. I was really against it as I felt worried about him fighting making him more violent etc etc.
He is now 26 he has run his own classes over the years, it was in my opinion the thing that made him respect his body and gave him self respect. While other kids where hanging around streets smoking, drinking causing mischief he was training running and being taught respect and self dicipline.

My daughter has recently given up  but I have to say I am rather envious of her fit little body

My son has a good social life through the club as well.

I have a few self defence tricks up my sleeve too.

Go for it and enjoy it.

I would endorse the gum shield DO NOT fight with out it.

Thankyou for your replies!!!

Ill possibly just put the uniform off tho for the time being to see for now! He said his club isnt a money "grabbing" club as such... alfs kickboxing up bacup... anyone heard of it??

Well my first night i spared but not properly, they blocked whilst i tried and punched, and i got accidently punched in nose, last week again, i got punched in the nose!!! Dont understand it makes me eyes stream and it really hurts!! lol

How much about does it cost to get one moulded by your dentist, do you know??

My mum is a bit worried about me doing it in case my face ends up out of shape and things like that haha

But the other week i was showing her punches in the kitchen and she was trying them out!! lol!!

So it was a good move for your son really wasnt it and your daughter in keeping her fit!!

Do you do kickboxing yourself bilbobaggins?

You need to keep your hands up.
My son constantly let his guard down at first once he got over that he won loads of comps.

Have you asked around to see if you can borrow a kit?  We were always passing kit around as the kids grew or as people came and went  and gave uniform back.some one may have a spare laying around.

I don't fight but my son has taught me a few moves.

My aim is to be able to pinch the inside of his arm with out getting my wrist grabbed !!!! As say he has taught me a bit of self defence he once did a 6 weeks class for the mums and sisters of his students

Sorry just on more thing think about getting yourself a chest shield if you do carry on.

I started kickboxing to get fit ,and got addicted to it, started training 4 times a week, and also done a few tournement fights with other clubs, I was there about 6 months until i bought my suit, but had shin guards and a gum shield from the 2nd week.
Its a great way to get fight, also as self defence, I was the only female in my class at the time, and my mum worried about the bruises I used to come home with after starting!
But, we all got on great and went to the pub after training!
I finally managed to get my Black Belt, and change of circumstances, job etc, I stopped going, and I still miss it terribly!
That was a few years ago, and as I said woman didnt train much, especially with Marines, boxers training you!!

The best days of my life!!
You'll love it, stick in there.

> especially with Marines

He does not run a class now. He did that during  college/uni and before joining up. He plans to go back to it  when he leaves. SOON !!

I still want to pinch that arm though!!!

Keeping my hands up is something i always find difficult, i find it hard to keep my hands up and try and punch at the same time, its quite difficult... i also find it hard to even get a punch in, as there guard is sooo good!! Will this come with time and practise?

Well i just thought actually, and they are getting new kits, thats why i need to get one ordered, its new colours and a different make and style i think... something like that, at the moment its black and red striped pants, they look funny like a clown! And its changing to a different colour i think or something... so that be why there are no kits lying around anywhere... if that makes sense lol

Do you not use gloves to fight in boxing fights? We have been doing, is it different there? As i cant get how you would pinch in kickboxing with gloves on ! HAHA :), in thai boxing would you not wear gloves?

Good look in learning that, sounds tricky! To say i cant even hit someone in the stomach well thats very advanced to me!!

Ohh and they mentioned a chest shield as well... its all very complicated!! lol! Do they actually protect you enough, are they really padded ?

> I finally managed to get my Black Belt, and change of circumstances, job etc, I stopped going, and I still miss it terribly!
>

Can you not start doing kickboxing again at a different club, or one near you, or is it your job that prevents you from doing it?

Gosh you must be really good at it to get black belt!! Is that the highest belt then? When i did judo i know it was in that sport, but not sure on the gradings in kickboxing

It is a good sport to get into for self defence and that and fitness was the main reason i wanted to do it. However you know when others are so much more advanced than you and you arent, you just feel a bit useless... make sense?! Sounds pathetic, maybe i just need to give it a bit more of a chance? ... :)

ROFL

No getting a pinch in at any opportunity watching telly, walking through town, I am mean it is just for the sheer hell of it.

I just want to catch him out and test his reactions WICKED MOTHER

LMAO!!! HAHA ohhhh i thought you meant thats what you did at kickboxing!!! HAHA

Its a good way to test reacion times though and keep him and you on your toes!!!

Oh and just thought i would mention, i have got a kickboxing class tonight, so i will let you know how it goes and if i feel any different etc tomorrow!!! :)

I do Kickboxing, I am Yellow belt at the moment,
I find it great fun, and although I ache real bad the next couple of days I find it stress reliefing and kkeps me fit!!!

We do skipping for 3 minutes at the begining of class, with stretches in between skipping, then we get into pairs and practice our belt moves.

I love the front kick and the side kick! and jab cross, it takes a bit of time to get used to the combination of moves but soon you will get the hang of it as I did!

and remember, when you are just starting out, it is not the power of your moves it is the way you hold yourself that is important, the power comes after.

When you get used to holding your guard up and dodging, you will need to learn how to 'jig' around on your balls of your feet, bit hard to explain plus when you throw a punch you twist your foot again it is hard to explain with out showing you but I am sure your class will learn all this as you go.

To end the class we either do stamina (sp) where we sprint, sit ups, press ups, squart thrusts, star jumps etc I find this so funny as our instructor will shout out what he wants us to do and we all do it!!
Or we play 'ball dog' or shadowing where you move across the room doing the moves you have learnt that evening.
Oh as you can probably tell I LOVE IT!!!!

I get annoyed sometimes though as you do get the 'timewasters' at class, they sit out and don't do the exercises and just sit on the side chatting about what they had done at home or something.  I know its their choice but when I go to class Itry and focus on me wanting to learn kick boxing as well as get in shape!

> thats what you did at kickboxing!!! HAHA
>
>

I think that may be classed as a foul !!!!

I hate the aching part, but at least we know its doing us good eh! LOL

I went last night and i still have mixed emotions, i cant fight as well as everyone else and i take ages to pick up the moves, i am just feeling a bit down and i have high expectations for myself and i dont like being laughed at cos i am too slow and stuff...

He said next week he is going to concentrate on me and amy my friend to concentrate on grade work and learning the moves and stuff, so i will give it a bit longer so will have to see really now

As for power, i hope it does come after, because i have absolutly no power at all!! LOL

Or technique! Maybe i am in the wrong sport lol

Maybe ballet dancing is more suited to me, although thats technique, so i am hopelessly lost here lol

I will give it a bit more time, i just dont want to start paying for the lessons if i dont go... and the kit and gum sheilds etc
Thanks for your responses. maybe i am being a little negative, its just my confidence tho!

x

> its just my confidence t

Well if that is your only problem stick to it your confidence will grow...

You cant expect to be a expert after 4-5 lessons, it takes a long time to get into it, took me 7years nearly to get my black belt, training hard for it 3-4 times a week, plus boxing, stick in there, you'll be fine!!

Thanks guys!! I will stick at it and see, ill just have to see, i know i wont pick it up in a few lessons, but ill do my best, i love the fitness side of it tho and i am going tonight with a more positive attitude!! Thanks so much for that!!! Its really helped me!!! :)

Just a thought, please don't take offence... If you are going with a friend who is equally inexperienced then make sure you aren't sparring with each other. Two complete novices will learn nothing from each other. Your instructor should have already paried you up with some of the more experienced fighters, but if not introduce yourself to someone who you think looks good and ask if they would mind being your partner. I remember when I first started and 'hung out' with the newbies... I got no where. I asked the toughest girl I could find if she would be my partner for a few weeks, and even though I might have driven her slighty crazy.. I improved immensely. Up until the point where our gym closed, we were training partners and both did really well.

Just remember, you won't be the worst in the class forever... !!! :-P

The instructor wont let us partner up because we are girls and he doesnt want us falling out and getting aggressive with each other haha

But last night we did have a little spar, but it was with everyone else as well, 30 seconds with everyone, and i was and usually am with the more experienced fighters, the black belts. And i didnt take offence!! All advice is welcome!! :)

I really enjoyed it last night!! Went in with PMA and came out feeling so happy and i tried so hard, and i think even the lads were impressed, so i certainly did very well!!! So proper chuffed about that!!

Thanks everyone!!

Wow....I'm inpressed. I'd love to have a go at kickboxing but I don't think I've got the confidence to do it. I went along to watch once but they all looked so fit and strong it was rather intimidating. Well done you though :-)

Rachel!! Dont be intimidated, honestly, they might look "big and strong" but thats cos they have been doing it for years! I am a right little weed!! Honestly, i am skinny and no muscle what so ever!! But whilst i have been there i have found its not been because i am strong, its been technique, and its just getting the confidence to have a go! It is so much fun and you would really enjoy it!! Have you not got a friend who would go wiht you?? Might help with the confidence thing...?

Strenght will build up over time and you dont need it to begin with anyway, i really hurt my hand last night trying to be hard and punch, and i was in pain for ages after!! lol

Also your cardio will build up as well, remember, you dont learn to drive a car over night, it takes time, just like this! (Gosh this is the person who came with same problem saying this to you now!! haha) :)

Give it a go, i dare you!!! :P :)

:-D Thanks Yorkies4eva, I'm quite tempted to give it go.
I might try and bribe my friend to come with me. I'll let you know if I make it! :-)

Just another thing,
Make sure if you carry on you get the proper kit.
James my son (he is a yellow belt and being taught by a world champion black belt) has nearly the full kit.
The 'uniform' cost me £40, the insurance and yearly registration was about 40 and then the kit.
Well that cost me about £120.
One tip, you can skimp on everything ele but NOT the head guard!!!!!
The head guard protects your head and damage to it, so make sure you get the best.
I was advised to get a 'Top Ten' head guard as thats what all the fighters wear, including the black belts.
It cost £50. But better than head problems.
Keep going, as long as you have a good teacher you will be fine :)
James Spars against black belts, and they al help him :)
Good Luck :)
Lea :)

Thanks Lea!! Thats helpful information!! We havent been told as of yet about head guards though... only mouth guard things and then the kit, we got that the other night, only a second hand one for now, but will be 50 quid for next months sessions and then the new kit which we will get... and £2 or £2.50 for the mouth guard thing.. not sure about anything else...

Thanks though :):) x

The gum shields you get from the place are fine for the moment, the dentist can do a proper one but they cost about £40 but not worth it really at the moment LOL
Incidentally you can get gum sheilds that go over fixed braces from the dentist for about £5 LOL (my son has fixed brace!!!)
Lea :)

I heard about the dentist moulding them and makig them good, but i didnt know they cost that much :o!! Thats expensive isnt it!! lol

Thats good how you get them over braces isnt it! There is someone at our club wtih braces and he doesnt wear one and his gums get all cut, looks really painful!

Poor boy getting cut gums, although braces are extremely painfulanyway so he's probably used to it

>Poor boy getting cut gums,

I agree Poor boy :( :( You can get them from our dentist from behind the reception, So he should deffinatly ask as would save him alot of cuts and pain :)

>although braces are extremely painfulanyway so he's probably used to it

Sorry Freds mum but the only time they are painful is if you get kicked or punched in the mouth, or if a wire is sticking out a bit. Other than that they are slightly uncomfortable for 24 hours after they have been adjusted. They should NEVER be painful LOL
Lea :)

Er, i had a brace for several years and yes they were painful!!! :-)
Extremely so when they got tightened, ached when bands were put on, got cut and blistered if the wires started to stick out and uncomfortable when eating certain foods.
Obviously everyone is different so you cant really comment on anyone elses orthadontic experience, it depends how much work is done

Sounds as if you had very bad experiences then :( :(
As I had braces from about 11-13 and then again 16 - 20, Full train tracks top and bottom, including my Jaw wired up for 6 weeks!!!
And the only time they were uncomfortable was when they were asjusted, and my son who is going through it at the moment doesnt find them painful at all.
I wouldnt want to be hit in the face while having one, but they didnt bother me, my son, or my brother when we had/have them :) :)
(Apart from the look of them of course ;) )
Lea :) :)

Think my experience was normal. How old are you Lea? Just wondered if methods have changed.
I had a lot of work done which didnt help. I never suffered extreme pain but did have a few days off when i had incredible tootache frm the teeth being pulled backwards.
Wouldnt have it any other way now, i have a wonderful smile with beautiful straight teeth :-) :-) :-)

I dont think your experience with braces are normal :(
I am 31 now so have had experience from 20 years ago to the present day.
I also dont have a high pain thresh hold, but not once did I need time off school, college or work after having the braces adjusted. And this was braces not only moving the teeth, but also moving the bridge of my mouth outwards as well.
So not minor adjustments :)
Any discomfort I had was sorted with an ibuprofen. The same as James. James even goes kickboxing later on the same day as havig his braces adjusted :)
Lea :)

I had braces and i hated them, they rubbed on my gums at times, not all the time, but they did, when they were tightned they ached and really hurt, when the wire broke which is often did cos of the foods i ate, i was in agony for ages with the wire cutting my gum before i went back and had it removed.

I found braces really painful and i can only imagine the poor lad wtih his bleeding mouth, i will suggest that though about the dentist, its just a money object and not many people could afford... i dont think i could! lol :)

The one to fit over braces only cost £5 :D :D As they are pre molded :) :)
Lea :)

I found the same Yorkies. I had bands to pull teeth down, something in the roof of my mouth to change the shape, and all my teeth were moved around to fit in my mouth as i had lots of adult teeth missing.
I know many who also had painful experiences. Depends on what you have done i guess.

I used to cry each time my daughter went to the orthodontist.
She just ate mashed potatoe and soft desserts!!!
Her treatment took just over 41/2 years. Tracks off for 6th form leavers ball.She now has the biggest most beautiful smile ever : - )))))

Yes its definatly worth it with the end result, i am really glad i went through all that pain!! haha :)

I have just been sorting out a cupboard in the spare room and found a pack of bands. My daughter shuddered when I gave them to her !!

Yorkie make sure you wear your mouth guard ALL the time you fight.

I havent got a mouthguard yet, but when i do, ill be sure to wear it, i dont want broken teeth lol!