Thoughts on Kickboxing class as a supplement to my MA

[Fairfax_Uechi]

I'm toying with the idea of adding two kickboxing classes to my workout routine. My gym (Golds) has classes called Kickboxing and Interval Kickboxing. My guess is that these are glorified aerobics classes, but I'm not sure. I'm trying to decide if either of them would be worth attending (at no extra cost) to supplement my Uechi training. My goals would be to drop a few pounds, build up my stamina and to get some extra leg work in. Any thoughts on this.

My gut tells me the "boxing" will be a joke, and the kicking won't be much more. But if it's worth putting a couple of hours in a week to drop the pounds and to help my kicks, maybe I should add them.

FYI, I'm pretty established in my Uechi training so I'm not worried about learning any bad habits.

[Ben Martin]

k.hmvb ,

Edited October 5, 2013 by Ben Martin

[powerof0ne]

At least worth checking out but I stress to any Karateka to not take up kickboxing or muay thai until you've been at least a shodan for a while. The reason I say this is from my own experience...You have to unlearn some Karate habbits to really learn kickboxing or Muay Thai. I still train and teach karate and muay thai but the first 6 months of muay thai were rough for me.

Unless you're training at a dojo that has some type of kickboxing taught by the sensei....

[Fairfax_Uechi]

At least worth checking out but I stress to any Karateka to not take up kickboxing or muay thai until you've been at least a shodan for a while. The reason I say this is from my own experience...You have to unlearn some Karate habbits to really learn kickboxing or Muay Thai. I still train and teach karate and muay thai but the first 6 months of muay thai were rough for me.

Unless you're training at a dojo that has some type of kickboxing taught by the sensei....

Thanks. I appreciate the comment.

I've been training longer than I care to think about. Too long to be a novice, but too short to be "good".

As I said, I have a feeling these classes are more aerobics than actual kickboxing. But I'll keep your comments in mind. BTW, I don't think they'll spend much time doing front toe kicks or edge foot kicks like we do in Uechi. And since these are all of the kicks of the style I don't see it as a problem.

[Menjo]

Well good luck then.

[TheAnimal]

I'm sure itll just be aerobics, but who knows.

[NeoMstrSgt]

Sounds like aerobics to me especially the interval kickboxing part, when i get on a treadmill i generally use the interval training setting so thats what i am basing it on. But a little extra can't hurt.

[June1]

This is exactly my situation. I decided that I would take the kickboxing/cardio class my dojo offers twice a week from now on, for more endurance, but also to help me drop the pounds I gained over the past couple of months. I've done one class so far, and it was soooo exhausting. I'm planning on going tomorrow morning, even though I am so sore from karate and my own little workout I did at home. No matter how tired I am, though, I just can't resist a little more MA. I hope you do try the class(es), regardless of how easy it/they may be. The cardio is great.

[Bluetulipx]

Fairfax, VA ... brings back a memory or two ... I used to live in Arlington, VA, Washington, DC and Rockville, MD but now I'm back in England ... and just for a change it is raining ... LOL

I used to attend TKD in Rockville MD and it was very good exercise. I then came back to England and took up Aikido and then last year took up Kick Boxing. I now do all three.

I find that they are all good for very different reasons. The kickboxing really is a good workout. I know that if I can just get through our intense warm up then I will be able to make it through the rest of the class!

Kickboxing helps my TKD as well because it builds the muscle so that I can punch for longer, rather than just hit once and then drop my arms. Seriously though, I have a great crowd at mine and it gives me exactly what I am looking for -- kicking and punching.

I would try it, especially if it's a freebie at your gym ... what's to lose?

[baronbvp]

Small damn world. I did Shorin-Ryu when I lived in the Seattle area and have recently moved to Fairfax County. I start a three-month "full-contact kickboxing" class on the 10th that is given through the Fairfax County parks program (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov), only $112. They also do BJJ, American Kempo karate, TKD, and some other stuff. I'm 45 and expect the kickboxing to kick my butt aerobically. I hope to take the three-month BJJ class after that - wise enough at my age not to take them together until I get back in shape.