ELTHAM MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY

What Happens In a Normal Karate Class?

Every class starts off in kneeling meditation, where we acknowledge the head instructors and the one we are currently traing with. We then move into some light stretching. This is not only a warm up , but helps prepare the muscles for the training ahead. After stretching, we move into basic techniques to further warm up the body. Class work can vary depending on what events are coming up in the calendar…but a general class would consist of the following :

• Standing and Moving Basic Techniques.
• Standing and Moving Combination Techniques.
• Kata (sets of combination techniques).
• Self Defence Techniques – escapes, takedowns, restraints.
• Controlled Sparring* – No Contact, Medium Contact, Full Contact
• Sprint and Endurance Exercises.

Note: Students pad up and undertake very light sparring (fighting) with a partner. This is an important part of Karate especially if the student is hoping to learn self defence. It is where we practice and ‘test’ our techniques and ability, and experience first hand how we would react in a situation where we are being ‘attacked’.

At the end of every class we close with kneeling meditation, where we recite the Dojo Oath and again acknowledge and thank the head instructors and the one we are currenlty training under.

What Happens In a Normal Kickboxing Class?

Every class starts off with Skipping. This is not only a warm up , but helps develop hand/eye coordination and fitness. After the skipping the class will stretch to prepare for the class ahead. Class work can vary depending on what events are coming up in the calendar…but a general class would consist of the following :

Partner pad work. One partner holds the Thai Pads whilst the other practices drills. After instructed sets are completed, partners change over.
Partner drill work. The instructor gives a set combination of moves where one partner will practice an attack, the other the defence or block against and perhaps a counter attack. A good way for people to work on their skill set in a safe and practical way.
Fitness and stamina work . This could be bag work, shuttle runs, Footwork drills, shadow boxing etc.
Strength exercises. Push-ups, Sit-ups, Squats, Dips, and other physical exercises that help students develop body strength and conditioning.
Controlled Sparring. Students pad up and undertake very light sparring (fighting) with a partner. This is an important part of Kickboxing especially if the student is hoping to learn self defence. It is where we practice and ‘test’ our techniques and ability, and experience first hand how we would react in a situation where we are being ‘attacked’.

Are There Ranks?

The Titans Kickboxing is structured in such a way that a student can train for and undertake gradings or tests for different levels within the syllabus. Each different level is recognized by a different coloured singlet. There are 6 singlets that can be obtained ranging through white to black similar to karate belts.

Coloured singlets or ranks are not necessarily a traditional aspect of kickboxing or Muay Thai, but help to motivate students by supplying them with goals to train for, and the satisfaction of achieving them. Gradings are held approximately 3 times a year, and are optional for all students.

Can I compete in Tournaments?

Yes. There are numerous tournaments available for students to compete in as part of their training if the student wishes. These range from point type sparring where the contact is minimal and students wear full protective gear (including shin-pads, mouth guards and head guards etc) to those for the more serious and experienced competitors where serious contact is allowed.

Can kids do Kickboxing?

Kickboxing classes at Eltham Martial Arts Academy are restricted to students aged 13yrs and over. Students under the age of 13 should consider undertaking the Kyokushin Karate classes offered at the school until they are of age to join the kickboxing. The Karate has many similarities, and will set the student with a good foundation allowing them to transition very easily into the kickboxing when they are ready. (The only exception to this age rule is for advanced Karate Students.

The Kyokushin Syllabus requires that students wishing to test for levels higher than green belt participate In kickboxing classes as some very basic kickboxing skills are part of their test. Any student under the age of 13 needing to fulfill this part of the Kyokushin syllabus will need to come to class with another student of same age and rank as Juniors cannot train with adults. Attendance will need to be discussed with and approved by the instructor.