Essential Tips for Beginners

•Be patient

You may have started Kickboxing because you want to spar. Or perhaps you have your sights on becoming a black belt. However, if you're just starting out, it’ll do well to exercise patience.

Like any sport, karate takes a lot of practice to master. You’ll need to train your brain and body to learn new physical movements.

If you're not improving as quickly as you'd like, give yourself time. Karate involves both physical and mental conditioning, so learning at a slower pace may actually help you retain mental aspects. Eventually, with practice, the moves will begin to feel natural.

• Stretch

Before you go to a Kickboxing class, make sure you stretch thoroughly, like you would before going for a run or working out at a gym.

Try using a dynamic approach that involves moving as you stretch, rather than static stretching. This will get blood pumping through your veins and help your body warm up.

Stretching is particularly important before you practice kicking, as it will help prevent pulled muscles and injuries.

• Practice at home

Even if you don't have time to go to a class or get to the dojo, it's important to practice a little every day, even if it's just for 10 or 15 minutes.

Find a spot in your home where you can go over what you’ve learned. This will help your body become familiar with the movements and improve muscle memory.

• Care for your body

Kickboxing is an intensive and demanding martial art, and if you want to get good at it, you have to take good care of your body, even when you're not practicing.

• Before training, fuel your body with a meal that contains protein, complex carbohydrates and nutrient-rich foods

• While you’re practicing, stay hydrated so your body can reach its optimal performance

• Ensure that you get proper sleep every night

Taking care of your body in all aspects of your life will greatly improve the way you feel in karate.

The importance of grading in martial arts

Every one wants that coveted black belt but the road to it is not easy only one out of every 100 students make it to black, But grading are important in that they give you a goal to achieve that next belt and are a record of your personal progress To be  awarded your next belt you must demonstrate your knowledge of the syllabus for the grade you are sitting and also you are marked on attitude and effort  belt are not given they are earned so be proud of your achievement no matter what colour belt wear it with pride you know how much blood sweat and tears you put in to earn it 

Next grading date

The next grading will be Adults/ teens on Friday the 5th of July at 7pm in the small gym at Newbattle community campus Kids grading & tag testing will be on Saturday the 6th of July 10:30am in dance studio 1 at Newbattle community campus We will be handing out forms in the class very soon please return them filled in wit payment as soon as possible before the grading this allows us to get The admin in place and belts and certificates ordered in advance and facilitates smooth running of the gradingJust a reminder  the classes will run as normal over the summer holiday period if your not away on holiday please try and support the classes We keep them open for your Benefit