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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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Women's Kickboxing Club |
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Chorlton, Manchester |
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About the Club and student testimonials
The women's only club is based in Chorlton and has been running since 1995. We offer all the same training techniques and benefits as the mixed adult classes but differ in that we understand the different reasons why women take up kickboxing and the different expectations involved.
We recognise that women start training for all sorts of different reasons, some to learn self defence, to get away from the boredom on a treadmill or step class, lose weight and tone up, relieve a bit of stress, get pre-baby bodies back, manage PMT, increase confidence, make new friends - all of this is catered for and whatever your reason for trying kickboxing you will achieve your goal.
Kickboxing can be a real eye opener for many; over the years we've seen people come along maybe lacking in a bit of confidence and low fitness levels, and a few months down the line they're banging the kick pads, sweating, bouncing around the gym with more power and energy that they knew they had and realise they're a kickboxer who can kick ass - it's a great feeling when it all comes together and you leave the gym feeling energised, strong and already looking forward to your next session.
Some have surprised themselves along the way, starting out to maybe lose a bit of weight and end up fighting in the world championships with a black belt around their waist a few years down the line.
You'll most probably be surprised by what else you learn along the way. There are some girls that come along who want to put their power and skills to the test in a positive way and choose to attend the Association's regular sparring sessions in the hope of earning a place in our fight squad where they get opportunities to travel the country, and sometimes the world to represent their club or country in the ring.
All the girls train to keep fit and healthy but more than that, they have all made great friends in the club since starting training and the friendships have expanded beyond the gym. The club offers a friendly environment that could lead to making life long friends along the way.
Another route some students take is to become kickboxing instructors. We hold annual instructor courses to enable them to achieve that goal. They first start by helping to teach at their own club, then assisting at any of the Association's other clubs and finally to opening a club of their own.
So you never know where kickboxing will lead you, but there are certainly many paths to take.
TESTIMONIALS Helene Gautier, orange belt I took my first kickboxing class out of sheer self-challenging spite. I walked to work every day, fair enough. The problem was most days I was being taken over by this jogging lady who was the age of my grandmother. I had a bad posture, couldn't fit in my jeans and had trouble reaching my feet. I am pretty much the absolute ground zero in any sports, no coordination or endurance, never ran in my life, never lasted more than a few months in a gym. To this day I have no idea what possessed me to take this first lesson, or the second one for that matter. Neither did I expect to enjoy it quite so much. Being able to initially join the friendly environment of an all-women class was wonderful, as I was very much out of my comfort zone to start with. There are people of every shape, colour and size, what we have in common is the challenge and the sweat! Eighteen months and four belts later I have dropped several dress sizes, feel fitter and stronger than I have ever been in my entire life, and have acquired an astonishing sense of calm and control. It feels like my head has been clipped on someone else's body and the body is sending good stuff back into the brain. Cheshire cat smile after every class! Not two sessions are the same. It is a hard sport in itself, but the variety of workouts that Donna and her team come up with is amazing. I didn't know one could do so many styles of push-ups, crunches and lunges. And get big old me to do them too, how did they manage that?!? None of the well-known gym boredom has ever set in. My general health has been brilliant, and I am really confident and serene. Everyone in every class is helpful, enthusiastic and non-judgemental. I realise now you've only got one body and need to look after it, it's a safer long-term investment than a pension plan or savings in the bank... 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". 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
Website Contributions: We are always happy to receive information, news and stories from students to add to our website. This will create an informative and friendly environment for both new and existing students. Please feel free to send Donna any stories, photographs, links, etc that you wish to be included. It would be great to get some new pictures of recently joined students together with some feedback on training. |
