In today's modern context, when the word "kickboxing" comes to mind, our mind naturally thinks of: boxing ring, blood, danger. However, that's not the case as another aspect of kickboxing offers belt grading, discipline and respect (think of chinese kung fu movies where practitioners practice gracefully on mountain tops).

1. Belt Grading
Much like Taekwondo has a belt grading system, so does Kickboxing. Our Kickboxing belt system is recognised by WAKO and consists of 11 levels before you attain your black belt. Kickboxing is one of the few modern combat sports that offers a belt grading system, compared to Boxing, MMA or Muay Thai which does not. While each sport has its unique strengths, it's important you choose one that is aligned with your interests. A kickboxing belt system can help your child to increase adherence to the sport for a longer time, as every 4 to 8 months, they get graded for their next level.

By staying committed for a longer period of time, your child is sure to improve and progress!

2. To Fight, or not to Fight?
In Kickboxing, only kids aged 15 and older may start competing in the ring. From the age of 7 and up, they have the option of competing on the Tatami (think red and blue jigsaw puzzle mats like Taekwondo and Karate).

While these competition avenues are available to children, it is important to note that approximately 8 out of 10 kids will NOT compete. Not competing doesn't mean you don't reap the full benefits the sport has to offer. It just means that your child will not compete, period.

Your child can still continue training on a weekly basis, and still attain the prized black belt. Most kids enjoy the sport, the punching and the kicking but don't enjoy fighting, and that's ok!

3. Discipline and Respect
Teaching methodology today has evolved greatly. What was once accepted 'corporal punishment' in the 1980s constitutes as 'child abuse' today. The way martial arts are taught today has evolved a great deal too. Majority of martial arts teaching focuses on discipline and respect. Respect the Coach/Master, respect the Dojo/Studio, Respect your Peers/Classmates. Discipline will be inculcated in your child as they undergo training and perform countless kicks in pursuit of perfection. Such discipline will only be taught through lived experiences.

With Kickboxing, your child will not only be physically stronger, but characteristically stronger. These will be the essential soft skills which are crucial for your child's tomorrow.

​​Where Can I Learn Kickboxing?
Want to try Kickboxing, but don’t know where to go? Come and join us at Active Zone. We are a female-only gym that provides kickboxing based and gym based classes to all ladies at any fitness level. So what are you waiting for? Sign up today for some action and lots of fun! Follow us on our social media pages for more information on the classes we have.

Kickboxing is a holistic sport that offers reams of benefits, both physical and mental for your child! We'll explore some avenues this exciting sport can engage your child.

1. Provides Physical Activity to Lower Obesity Risk and Promote Growth
In a Kickboxing training session, the kids do a variety of exercises. From agility drills to running to mini obstacle courses, each session has something exciting for them to do. Physical Activity can be defined as any form of physical movement which expends energy. Through Physical Activity, kids become more active, allowing them to develop muscles which combats risk of obesity. 

Research shows that exercise provides the necessary mechanical stress for growth and remodelling of the musculoskeletal system (source). Exercise can thus offer more opportunities for your child to grow healthier, bigger and stronger!

2. Build Confidence
In this day and age of digital technology, children are at greater risk of being bullied, both physically and digitally. Such instances of bullying can start from as young as 7. Through Kickboxing, children will build self-confidence by overcoming challenges and watching their techniques improve. Confidence comes from feelings of well-being, acceptance of your body and mind and belief in your own ability, skills and experience (source).

As kids improve on their skills and become more proficient, they gain confidence. Such confidence can be vital building blocks to their overall self-esteem, giving them greater resilience against bullying.

3. Self-Defence
Can Kickboxing be used for self-defence? The answer is both yes and no. 

The Yes: Our Kickboxing syllabus comprises of 11 belt levels, with self-defence elements incorporated into certain levels. Such self-defence techniques can be as simple as 1 movement or a series of complex movements. These techniques were developed by our grandmaster, Brian Beck, who had years of military special forces training in the Special Air Service (SAS), combined with other various martial arts such as Aikido and Hapkido.

The No: The familiar moves we see on television are not usually the best methods for self-defence. For example, punching someone in the face can cause you to fracture your hands (if you're not conditioned) because you've just punched one of the densest bones in a human body. Hence, the familiar moves that we see in kickboxing (punches and kicks) are not the most suited in self-defence situations.

Overall, Kickboxing offers an opportunity for your child to get healthy, build confidence and learn simple self-defence techniques to combat bullying. With belt progression, it provides the necessary stepping stones for your child to gain confidence and stay motivated!

​Where Can I Learn Kickboxing?
Want to try Kickboxing, but don’t know where to go? Come and join us at Active Zone. We are a female-only gym that provides kickboxing based and gym based classes to all ladies at any fitness level. So what are you waiting for? Sign up today for some action and lots of fun! Follow us on our social media pages for more information on the classes we have.

3. Train Single-Leg Balance
Balancing on one leg is easy. Balancing on one leg while executing a leg technique makes it more challenging. You will need single leg stability when throwing kicks. Hence, it is paramount to work on single leg balance. In addition, such training will improve leg proprioception which will enhance your kicks.

To train single leg balance, simply lift one leg to a 90-degree angle and hold it for at least 10 seconds. You may increase the difficulty of the exercise by holding a weight, standing on an unsteady surface (such as a bosu balance trainer) or even switching up your foot position (toes pointing forward, sideways and backwards).

Children can start learning sports as early as 3 years old through physical activities such as running, throwing and catching a ball, playing simple games and martial arts (such as kickboxing).

There are 4 reasons why it is beneficial for kids to learn sports at an early age.

1. Prevent Obesity and Boost Immunity
   A key benefit, is helping your child build healthy amounts of muscle tissue and bone growth. These physical attributes contribute to a healthy metabolism, lowering the risk of child obesity which is prevalent in today's modern age. Research has shown that exercising boosts the immunity system and plays and active role in delaying aging. Such qualities will ensure your child will have a higher quality of life in the years ahead. In a previous blog post, we uncovered the physical benefits of learning sports.
   
   
2. Develop Soft Skills (also known as 'Life Skills')
   In today's context, there are instances where soft skills are prized of greater significance than academic qualities. Learning sports teaches kids important life skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, perseverance, and discipline. Such soft skills are usually not taught in academic settings, but through play (which sports become the medium for).
   
   
3. Learn How To Cope with Losing
   In life, we can never win 100% all the time. As much as we love our children and want them to win as much as possible, it is important for children to learn how to lose, face defeats or even get rejected. Through such situations, they learn how to cope with winning and losing, and how to handle pressure and challenges. This will build their resilience and coping mechanisms, allowing them to handle challenges and greater responsibilities in future.
   
   
4. Develop Social Skills
   Sports provide an opportunity for kids play and interact with the others in their cohort. The Covid-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted children's play time and social experiences with their peers. Through sports, they socialize and make friends outside of school, which can improve their self-esteem and confidence.
   
   

However, it is important to note that children should not be forced into sports if they are not interested. It is essential to find a sport that they enjoy and to make sure that the experience is positive and fun for them.

Where Can My Child Learn Kickboxing?
Want to try Kickboxing, but don’t know where to go? Come and join us at Active Zone. We run a credible kids kickboxing program with a grading system accredited by WAKO. So what are you waiting for? Sign up today for some action and lots of fun! Follow us on our social media pages for more information on the classes we have.

Kickboxing for your child can provide a wide range of benefits. For children, they stand to gain both physical and mental benefits. Some of the key benefits of kids kickboxing include:

1. Improve Physical Fitness
   Kickboxing is a high-intensity sport that can help children improve their strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Regular kickboxing training can also help children maintain a healthy weight and improve their overall physical fitness.
   
   
2. Enhance Coordination and Motor Skills
   Kickboxing involves a lot of movement, coordination, and agility, which can help children develop their motor skills and hand-eye coordination. #InjuryProof your child with improved motor skills, decreasing the likelihood of serious injuries when accidents (such as falls) happen.
   
   
3. Boost self-confidence
   Due to the age of social media, younger children have a tendency to be more self-conscious today. Learning and mastering new skills can boost children's self-confidence and self-esteem. As children improve their kickboxing skills and techniques, they will feel more confident in their abilities and become more willing to take on new challenges.
   
   
4. Improved Discipline and Focus
   Kickboxing requires focus and discipline, which can help children develop these important skills. By following instructions, paying attention to their surroundings, and practicing regularly, children can learn how to stay focused and disciplined.
   
   
5. Self-defense skills
   Kickboxing can teach children basic self-defense skills and how to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations. This can help children feel more empowered and confident in their ability to protect themselves.
   
   

Overall, kids kickboxing can provide a fun and challenging way for children to improve their physical fitness, coordination, and mental discipline while learning self-defense skills and boosting their self-confidence.