Kickboxing

Thud farm

If taking out your frustrations on an inanimate padded object rather than shouting at the telly sounds like a move in the right direction, why not try kickboxing for a full mind and body workout?

It’s nothing to do with overdosing on Buffy the Vampire Slayer re-runs, kickboxing is meant to be a great work out. ‘And let’s face it, would you rather I vent my frustrations at you or focus them onto a well padded target?’ I ask my rather frightened looking boyfriend when I announce I’m off to kickboxing. Plus, you never know when I might be confronted with a vampire, sorry, I mean a dubious sort, in a dark alley. I need to know how to protect myself.

So, armed with a friend and a bottle of water, I head over to where Simon McRobb has been coaching the University of Edinburgh Kickboxing Club for the last two years.

Before we begin he explains how the class works and encourages us to take things at our own pace and do what feels comfortable.

Simon reassures us: ‘I tend to yell at people as the class goes on – but it’s just to encourage them!’

We start with a bow to show respect to the instructor and our surroundings, and then it begins with the ‘warm up’ – 20 minutes of running, push ups, squats, punch the air, punch in front, now sprint for 10 seconds – faster! Pretty soon, I’m ready to lie down in a darkened room for about a week.

As everybody around us practises their moves solo – shadow boxing – Simon takes us through the basics. We start with the jab and the cross punches.

‘Make sure you keep your thumb clenched on the outside of the fist otherwise you might break it.’ advises Simon, moving onto the hook and upper cut.

We work in pairs – swapping pads and boxing gloves. Although it takes a little practise to get it right, it’s not as difficult as it looks and, because you’re using your whole body instead of just your arms, it’s surprising how much impact you have even with little upper body strength.

Then onto kicking. The front or ‘push’ kick using your body’s weight to carry you forward, the side kick; and the roundhouse, swinging your leg round to your opponent’s side. There’s a very satisfying thud of leg hitting pad.

The class focuses on getting the individual actions right – getting the most out of your body without risking injury and there’s a lot of variety. Combinations of punches and kicks demonstrated by Simon are practised over and over interspersed with exercises to build up flexibility and co-ordination.

We finish with more push ups, squats; now with added stomach crunches; and stretching. After an 90 minutes of intense activity, stretching is crucial if you want to move the following morning.

They say that exercise is a great mood lightener and when you combine this with beating the hell out of a willing pad, kickboxing really is a fantastic workout for both body and mind. Now, where’s the nearest graveyard . . .

Origin The first kickboxing event was held in Japan in 1966, and the sport travelled to the US during the 1970’s when karate practitioners became frustrated with strict controls on martial arts contests.

Burns 800 calories per hour.

What you need? Comfortable clothing, trainers (although you can do it barefoot) and water. Pads and gloves are usually provided.

Muscles used? Every single one. Plus it’s great for fat burning, co-ordination and flexibility.

Who should do it? Anyone who wants an all over workout and vent some frustration in the process.

Where? The University of Edinburgh Kickboxing Club meets Wednesday nights at 8pm at St Peters Church Hall, Lutton Place. Friday classes are also held at the Pleasance from 6.45pm to 8pm. Classes are £3 a session. For more information check out www.uoekickboxing.co.uk. If you’re in Glasgow have a look at www.martialartsclubs.com for clubs near you.

More: Life & style, Activities, Kickboxing, Simon McRobb, Sport, University of Edinburgh Kickboxing Club

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