 |
|
|
| |
|
Q. What is Kickboxing?
A.
Kickboxing is a Martial Sport,
which has developed from many other Martial Arts, including
Karate and Muay Thai (Thai-Boxing). It involves kicking, punching,
elbow strikes and knee strikes. It is taught in Prokick in its
original form and provides a strenuous work out, improving fitness
levels and flexibility.
All KickBoxing students, non-contact
and contact, are assessed through a series of levels / grades,
with the base level being White Belt, through ten levels, finally
reaching a Dan grade at black belt, which is equivalent, if
you like, to a degree level in KickBoxing. This type of achievement
would take, on average, between five and eight years. (NB See
Rule Book for full list of WKN KickBoxing strands of types.)
Q. Is Kickboxing dangerous?
A.
Not at all. All beginner classes
are strictly no contact, progressing to controlled sparring
with no head contact as you gain more experience. Sparring is
closely supervised with full protection gear including head
guards.
Q. How long does it take to become
proficient at it?
A.
Prokick runs six-week introduction
courses which cover all the basic technique and training practices.
From there you progress through a belt-based grading structure
which can represent a lifetime of study.
Q. What if you are not fit?
A.
No problem. As long as you are
physically healthy and willing to try you will be fine. As you
progress your fitness will improve and you will become more
flexible.
Q. Do I need to make a big commitment
of time or money?
A. Not
at all. Initially Prokick classes are held once a week, progressing
to twice a week after a few months. Only a pair of shorts and
T-shirt are required at the start. Later, full uniform, gloves
and pads can be purchased from Prokick at bargain prices. Classes
cost £4 each and an annual membership is payable if you
decide to continue with the sport.
Q. Am I too old for it?
A.
Our oldest member is over 60
and is a brown belt. The sport exercises unused joints, improves
flexibility and builds up general fitness.
Q. Where is my nearest club?
A.
The headquarters is in Belfast,
Wilgar Street(check out the map), but there are branches throughout
the province with more opening all the time. Holiday Inn in
Belfast’s Spirit Health Club hosts classes along with
Ballymena’s Seven Towers Leisure Centre. There are classes
in Ballynahinch, Bangor, Comber Leisure Centre, Lisburn and
Newtownards.
Q. What if I am interested in
competing?
A.
There are fighters classes twice
a week. This involves sparring and pad work, for which all the
relevant safety equipment is provided. Most students do not
join the fighters class until they have attained green belt
status(third level).
|
|
|
