How to get started in kickboxing in the Tampa Westchase area
Why do most people start kickboxing and martial arts. Everyone has a different reason a different journey. I started training when I was approximately twelve years old. A neighbor Tobbo Nucomo ( I probably butchered his name lol ) introduced me to martial arts on the tennis courts in New York where I grew up. He asked me to try to punch him in the face, being twelve years old I tried! When he blocked my punch with a traditional karate move I was hooked. I went to class a week later and haven’t stopped since. The trining was very different 48 years ago than it is today. There was full contact sparring from day one. I didn’t know what I was doing, so I was pretty much a punching bag for the senior students. None the less I loved every minute of it.
Present day with well over 30 years of experience we now know to teach techniques and bring students along slowly in a safe manner to avoid injury and to develop confidence in themselves before live sparring. I don’t even let the professional fighters fight all out anymore as it leads to injuries and a shortened carrier. I have many students that just want to get in shape and never live spar. That’s their journey and we are happy to oblige them. What better way to get in shape and learn self defense at the same time. With punching and kicking every muscle will get worked every class. There is never a boring work out because of the hundreds of drills and techniques to be learned.
So, How do you get started kickboxing in the Westchase area? You simply call 813-616-8509 or stop by 12202 Race Track Road to schedule an appointment. We will set you up for your first kickboxing class. No experience is necessary and we will guide you every step of the way. We’ll have you arrive about fifteen minutes before class to fill out a little paper work and give you a tour of the gym. Our gym is not the tradition gym you might be used to seeing with weights and treadmills. Hellman’s Mixed Martial Arts is set up with a 1600 square feet mat space and a 200 square foot regulation kickboxing ring. The large open mat area is for working on techniques such as foot work, head movement, shadow boxing, mitt and pad training. We have 14 heavy bags set up as well.
We start every class with warm ups designed to prepare your whole body for the workout. When you are properly warmed up we will either start class with a breakdown of punches or kicks or both. This is not a cardio kickboxing class you will be learning proper technique right from the beginning. With proper technique you will develop speed with speed you will develop power.
After your shadow work, I always pick a move or moves to practice for the whole week so will have time to understand and learn new movements. The only way too improve is by repetition.
We might use mitts, Muy Thai pads or shields to practice the move of the week depending upon what it is. The workout is never easy but it is easy to learn with our proven teaching methods. Whether you jus
t want to learn self defense, lose some body fat or become a competitive fighter you will be on your way.
After we have finished working techniques we do two conditioning bouts designed to work your upper body, your core ( stomach muscles) and your base (legs). We change these exercises every week to confuse your muscles so you will see results.
The conditioning bouts are three minutes each, after that we end class with stretching which feels amazing at this point and is an often a neglected part of one’s exercise regime.
With over 30 years experience and after training 1000’s of men, women and children of all ages I look forward to taking you on your journey what ever it might be.