A FAQ Guide to Kickboxing for Chicago Residents, PART 4

This four-part article series provides a comprehensive FAQ guide to kickboxing and why it is that this martial art form has become so immensely popular across the United States.

Welcome to the final installment of this four-part FAQ guide on kickboxing as a popular form of martial arts in Chicago. Let’s look at the answers to some final FAQ before wrapping up this series…

FAQ: What do I need to buy before starting kickboxing?

Chicago Kickboxing Instructor: “Pack as though you’re going for a workout at the gym! You’ll need comfortable, loose-fitting pants and a T-shirt, as well as a towel and water. Check with the kickboxing studio you’re signed up at as to whether or not they expect you to bring your own gloves. Many do for hygienic reasons, which is perfectly understandable. If they don’t supply gloves for students to use, they’ll certainly sell them.”

FAQ: Where should I purchase my kickboxing gear?

Chicago Kickboxing Instructor: “As it was explained, you should be able to buy gear from most kickboxing studios in Chicago. If your particular gym doesn’t, your instructor will certainly be able to point you in the right direction in terms of where you can get the best quality and priced gear.”

FAQ: Should I wear shoes to kickboxing classes?

Chicago Kickboxing Instructor: “The only time you will be expected to participate in kickboxing without shoes is when you’re going up against an opponent. The risk of injury would be too high. Otherwise, you should wear comfortable training shoes during practice as these will protect your feet and prevent the spread of germs.”

FAQ: What does a standard kickboxing class consist of?

Chicago Kickboxing Instructor: “You’ll begin with some light stretching and warm-up exercises, which vary depending on where you go. Skipping, running, jumping jacks are the more typical modes of warming the muscles for your impending martial arts workout. You’ll then start running through your offensive and defensive techniques, which include kicking, punching, quick maneuvers and blocking. You’ll also perform a suite of resistance and weight training exercises that are designed to increase muscle power, such as abdominal crunches and push-ups. Finally, you’ll conclude your kickboxing workout with thorough stretching and perhaps 5 to 10 minutes of light cardio to cool down.”

FAQ: I’m a girl and I’d like to take up kickboxing, but I’m worried about developing a more masculine physique. Is this often a problem for female kickboxers?

Chicago Kickboxing Instructor: “Kickboxing offers Chicago residents a whole body workout using your own body weight rather than heavy weight lifting, which can build excessive muscle mass. As such, this is really not a problem. And in any case, women do not naturally have enough testosterone in their bodies to build muscle like men do, so you don’t have to worry about looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger after a few months of kickboxing classes.”

FAQ: How long will it take me to become really good at kickboxing?

Chicago Kickboxing Instructor: “If you train hard, come in for private classes three to four times per week and work on your general fitness and strength outside of these classes, it won’t take you long to become good at kickboxing. Most people notice a distinct improvement in the tone and conditioning of their bodies after only three months and you should certainly be able to defend yourself effectively after just as long. On average, it takes dedicated students four years to achieve black belt.”

Kickboxing News Chicago: Love of Muay Boran Reignites in Tumultuous Thailand

This news article discusses the resurgence in the popularity of Muay Boran, the predecessor to Muay Thai and how it’s helping bring together a Thailand torn by political instability.

Thailand has been quite heavily featured in the news recently, and it’s not for its gorgeous beaches, surfside resorts and tourist attractions. It’s because of the political turmoil that has engulfed the country, knocking it off the top of the list as one of the world’s most desirable holiday destinations. In spite of the unrest, light urban warfare, demonstrations and blockades, however, Thailand recently held its first ever annual world championship in a martial art form that previously seemed to have faded from media attention.

“Most are familiar with Muay Thai kickboxing,” say Chicago martial arts experts. “It’s national sport of Thailand, but muay boran? Not so much, even though the former is essentially the basis of the latter.”

The recent annual world championship was held in honor of this ancient form of martial art, which has made an astounding comeback in recent years.

About Muay Boran Kickboxing: In Chicago News

“Muay boran is the soil out of which muay thai sprang,” explain kickboxing experts in Chicago. “It is an ancient martial art that is performed without the use of armor or weaponry. The key concepts behind muay boran are very similar to muay thai and not surprisingly since muay thai has borrowed much of its techniques from muay boran. In particular, students are taught to make use of eight ‘limbs’ or contact points for striking: their left and right hands, elbows, knees and feet.”

About the Muay Boran Kickboxing Championship

The recent championship was held in March in the ancient capital city of Thailand – Ayutthaya – and it went off beautifully in spite of the political turmoil that roiled on at the time. At this event, martial arts fighters from more than 15 countries went hand-to-hand at venues located along the banks of one of Thailand’s great rivers: the Chao Phraya River.

“Each fighter is carefully weighed and then divided into classes so that fights are fair and evenly matched,” explain martial arts experts in Chicago. “These divisions also take age into account so that experienced fighters of the same weight aren’t pitted against much younger and less experienced fighters. In addition, all contestants are made to wear special gear to protect their shins, chest, head and elbows. Mouth guards and gloves are also required, while the younger divisions are prohibited from kicking and punching their opponent in the head.”

Kickboxing Tournament Sends Message to the World

Muay boran grandmaster, Chinawut Sirisompan, came out with the following statement: “This tournament is important because people only see bad information in the news about Thailand.”

And he is absolutely right, especially considering the attitude of the returning contestants: “We had heard quite a bit about the political problems Thailand had been having, so we were all a little wary when we arrived for the tournament. However, all we did see is the country’s incredible beauty and a culture of people who are so peace-loving and generous,” says one kickboxing contestant from Chicago. “I only wish I could have stayed longer to see more of Thailand; I will definitely be back again!”