Fitness buffs get their kicks

KNEES UP: Brock Golding puts one of his kickboxing classes through their paces

A new type of exercise class has opened up in Doubtless Bay and has local residents kicking up their heels (or more aptly, their bare feet).

Kickboxing instructor Brock Golding is bringing his years of experience in the martial arts sport to the area, holding twice-weekly classes.

Brock moved up to the area with his partner two years ago.

He has studied kickboxing from basic levels right through to highly advanced levels, using all the combinations of limbs movements to maximum capacity.

"It's important to master the technique or else the power won't follow through."

He has studied various forms of karate and self-defence but says nothing 'ticked the boxes' for him like kickboxing in terms of power and fitness.

The classes are designed to teach a variety of skills, including self-defence, confidence at fighting, speed, stamina and power.

Next year Brock is heading to Thailand to do a Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing) camp in Phuket where he will be able to bring this new knowledge into the classroom for his students' benefit.

"It should be demanding and challenging," Brock says of the kickboxing camp.

He says he decided to start holding classes because he wanted to share his experience with others.

"I believe kickboxing provides a fantastic platform in which to get fit, increase speed, stamina and coordination and gain confidence in self-defence, all while having fun in an informal environment.

"Unlike many sports, kickboxing is hugely high-energy which means you get fit fast and lose weight through full body movements. Pair this with resistance exercise, which I also do, and it really is a holistic approach to full body fitness.

"It's one of the best calorie-burning exercises available and if you can learn to defend yourself while having fun losing weight it's got to be good for you."

Brock says kickboxing is a sport that "anybody" can do: "My only advice is, come along and just take it easy for the first couple of sessions."

The classes range from beginners through to the more advanced and ages attending the classes at present range from 15-50 years. Classes are held in Mangonui twice a week. For more information contact Brock on (021) 082-19690.