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Women's Kickboxing Club |
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Chorlton, Manchester |
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INSTRUCTORS Donna, Parveen, Atha, Emma, Sarah O, Sandra, Sarah M, Ann, Helen, Britta, Su, Jo, Lisa and Rachel Donna, the senior instructor, manages the club along with 10 other black belts - ranging from 1st - 4th degree. Donna has trained with Chief Instructor, Chris Boughey, since 1989 and is currently training towards her 5th degree black belt which will incorporate more traditional martial arts and weapons training. All the girls that have trained with Donna and achieved their black belts continue to train on a regular basis, which says a lot about the enjoyment and challenges from training. For example, Parveen (3rd degree) attended the women's club on the first day of opening 14 years ago and still trains every week, she has intermittently taken time off to have three children, also she has recently gained a Masters degree, she works as a full-time lecturer and full-time mother, runs a home, has a social life and still trains every week, which is a great testament to how interesting and satisfying kickboxing training is. Some of our black belts: Sarah, 2nd Degree I started kickboxing back in 2003 with my sister. We have always been quite sporty doing gymnastics and playing football but when we moved to the UK we were looking for a new challenge and we found it. My sister moved out of Manchester a year later but I carried on training by myself. There were others in the same situation so I didn't feel nervous about doing it by myself. You don't have to go with a partner you can partner up with someone once you get there. When I started I just enjoyed the training and getting fit and didn't think twice about doing gradings and getting belts but before I knew it, 4 years later I was training for my black belt. It requires hard work and dedication but I love every bit of it. I now have my 2nd degree black belt and I am training for my 3rd degree. I am also an assistant instructor helping out at the kids classes as well as the women's classes when needed. Kickboxing has become a normal part of my life and a great way to de-stress after a long day at work. I feel very proud to wear my belt because I know how much hard work I have put into it and my husband loves the fact he can say his wife has a black belt! Next challenge: To fight for the club?? Watch this space!
Atha, 1st Degree, I started kickboxing at the end of 2002 with my sister as I'd had enough of the gym and fancied a new challenge. We trained together for about 10 months when she decided to give it up due to work commitments. I on the other hand was completely addicted and from the start strived to achieve the ultimate goal of black belt. From the very first lesson I admired the strength and passion of my instructors and Parveen, and hoped that one day I would be just as good as them. I then met Emma, who quickly became my regular training partner and very close friend. Emma wasn't always as keen as me to get her black belt but with some gentle persuasion from me, we trained with serious dedication and commitment to achieve our ultimate goal and gained our black belt in 2005. The training was seriously hard but worth every aching muscle and sleepless nights. Whilst training for my black I was the fittest I had ever been. The year after my black belt I became pregnant but still tried to train as often as I could. I was able to do as much or as little as I thought I could manage. Following my pregnancy I was then diagnosed with cancer, so I gave up training completely for the 6 months of chemo but still stayed in touch with the girls who had become my good friends. I started back properly in Oct 2007; I remember going back to class with my bald head and feeling very excited about training again. My fitness levels were not what they used to be but once again I did what I could and slowly my strength and stamina began to improve. The support from the girls through my illness was much appreciated and since then together we have managed to raise over ₤6000 for breast cancer related charities by fundraising and running the Manchester 10k. Kickboxing has not only improved my confidence, strength and fitness but also my circle of friends.
MORE COMING SOON TESTIMONIALS Helen, 1st Degree Black Belt "I was quite nervous about starting kickboxing but decided to try it out because I wanted to get fit so I went for my first lesson back in 2004. I was immediately made to feel welcome by the instructors and the senior kickboxers who gave me extra help in learning some of the moves. I was surprised by how much of a full body work-out I had. Kickboxing doesn't just involve punching and kicking pads (although there is a lot of this), it also involves cardiovascular exercises, toning/strengthening exercises such as sit-ups and press-ups, punching and kicking combinations, self-defence and team work. It was a refreshing change from the boring gym so I decided to go back again. Soon enough, I started grading and after getting my first belt, I really felt I had achieved something to be proud of. I cannot believe that I started kickboxing reluctantly and unsure as to how long I'd keep it up because I have kept on training and in 2007 I took my black belt grading and I passed! I am still training to this day but this time it is me who is senior and on hand to help out in lessons. It still gives me a buzz as I get a better work out than the gym and I get to train with my fellow kickboxers who have become friends for life. I have a very busy work-life and kickboxing provides a way of switching off from that and letting go for a while. I am still so proud to say that I am a black belt - it really is one of the greatest achievements of my life". Sam Fairbrother, (www.samfairbrother.com) "I was addicted after the first introduction to Donna's class. The classes are over before you realise and leave you wanting more. I always feel as though I could do another session, but unfortunately the body says no. The kick boxing lessons have given me great confidence, leaving me feeling good about myself and making my body toned. I always look forward to the next one." Anon, "Apart from finding it physically enjoyable from a fitness point of view and good fun, I've found that over the year we have been coming, a big difference in my confidence and self esteem. I have noticed a marked difference in the way I feel about myself since coming to training sessions, much stronger and more self assured, for me it's not just about being able to fight as such, but also feeling strong and confident in my ability." More testimonials coming soon
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Unit 3, Albany Trading Estate, Chorlton, Manchester Email: womenskickboxing@hotmail.co.uk Facebook Group: Women's kickboxing club
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Photo coming soon |
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Photo coming soon |
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Photo coming soon |
