Kickboxing, Kung-Fu, Karate and Martial Arts Classes

Martial Arts, specifically Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do and Kung-Fu have been taught in the county since the second World War. Each one of them has had their share of the spotlight, i.e., Karate Kid movies, Ninja Turtles, Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and most recently, Kung-Fu Panda. That being said, why is it that Kickboxing, both for fitness and for fighting has emerged as the number one martial arts related activity for both men and women?

I believe one of the main reasons is that Kickboxing does not use any fancy uniforms, bowing or other rituals that are inherent in every other 'traditional' martial art from. Usually, participants can wear whatever they are comfortable in, train with shoes or without and go through an entire class without having to yell any martial art battle-cries!

It's really not too difficult to see why it's so popular, especially with women. I mean, Kickboxing is empowering! Everyone likes the idea of being able to (or at least THINKING they are able to) defend themselves and kick a little butt if necessary. The fact of the matter is that most martial arts class focus more on instruction and less on working hard and sweating. Kickboxing is just the opposite; good technique will come over time and with consistency, but each class is 90% work! This equals more sweat, fat burning and muscle toning. Since the techniques in most kick boxing classes are fairly simple (at least at the introductory level) most students can pick up the basics in just a few classes!

If you haven't taken a kickboxing class yet...what are you waiting for? I suggest you do a search online for Kickboxing Classes and put in your town and see what comes up. Most schools offer a free trial class or a short term (just a few classes) introductory program so you can try it out. Oh, and if you want to tone up AND burn calories, I suggest you find a class that uses boxing gloves and heavy bags. Punching and kicking the air (cardio kickboxing) is out. Bag training is in!

Michael Parrella is a Master Instructor in Kung-Fu and runs a successful kickboxing program in Long Island New York. Find out more info at http://www.iLoveKickboxing.com or http://www.nykungfu.com