Freestyle kickboxing & sport karate
Freestyle Kickboxing and Sport Karate classes are perfect for anyone from any background. Usually consisting of a warm up / fitness work, flexibility / stretching, basic and advanced techniques, pad work and light sparring. These classes are open to all, from age 5+.
WHAT IS KICKBOXING & SPORT KARATE?
Kickboxing / Sport Karate is a sport that combines kicking for combat with the principles of boxing (punching) and has been in existence since the early 1960s. Its conception came about because of the desire of Martial Artists to test their skills against each other in a safe and controlled environment.
A high level of fitness both mentally and physically is required for this dynamic and effective Martial Art. It incorporates kicking, punching, and sweeping. Kickboxing has been particularly successful over the last number of years in Great Britain and has produced a number of World/European Champions in their respective weight divisions.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF KICKBOXING / SPORT KARATE?
Physical
If practiced regularly it will provide a cardiovascular workout. It will help develop, muscle tone, strength, flexibility balance and concentration, it is considered to be an effective total body workout. In a recent study by US Fitness magazine it was proven that a kickboxing class can burn an impressive 800 calories an hour. It will help maintain weight and body fat controls and bone density. The skill taught can be used in self-defence, if needed.
Psychological
It is considered to be calming and relaxing. It requires a high degree of concentration and focus to be able to deliver the multiple movements, punches and kicks. Focus is often on helping body and spirit feel centred and connected to each other.
Lifestyle Benefits
It can be practiced alone or with others. Group introduction is widely available. It is accessible to people of wildly ranging ages and fitness levels. Equipment in the initial stages is minimal and equipment is primarily inexpensive
Other Benefits
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Build muscle Strength
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Relieve Stress
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Learn self defence
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Improve flexibility and tone
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Increase cardiovascular fitness
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Build Confidence
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Make Friends
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Increase Self Esteem
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Learn Discipline and Responsibility
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Enhance Focus, Co-Ordination and Motor Skills
WHAT STYLES CAN I COMPETE IN?
The primary competition disciplines and styles of Kickboxing / Sport Karate are:
Light Contact
This competition is held on a matted area. The objective of this type of competition is that you hit your opponent with as many techniques as possible with control. The more complex and difficult the scoring technique the higher the score (See Semi Contact Scoring). If you hit your opponent without control you are penalised or even disqualified depending on the severity of the offence. The winner is judged by the person whom has scored and landed more techniques. In the event of a tied result the fighter whom was judged to be technically better will be given the decision after the 3 two minute rounds.
Semi Contact
By far the most popular discipline, this form of competition is run over three by two-minute rounds on a matted area. The objective of this competition is to penetrate your opponent’s defences and deliver an effective and controlled technique with your hands of legs. The scoring system is as follows:
Punch 1pt
Kick head 2pts
Kick body 1pt
Jumping kick, body 2pt, head 3pt
Sweep 1pt
Each time a fighter scores the match is stopped and the three judges score the technique, if two or three judges are in full agreement then a score is given. The objective for the fighter is to score as many points on his opponent as possible. The winner of the contest is the fighter with the highest score. In the event of a tie, time is extended by one minute. If the competition is still tied, it will then be decided by sudden death, the first fighter to score.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Please wear comfortable clothing, a pair of loose fitting pants and a top. Once you are graded, you must when possible wear the LSK uniform of Black Kickboxing / Karate bottoms and a club t-shirt.
WHEN IS IT ON?
View our class timetable here or book online.