Free Sample
The Complete Guide to Kickboxing
The honest beginner's guide to kickboxing: what it really costs, what you really need, and how to know if it's worth your time before you buy a single piece of gear
by Alumigogo Books
Chapter 1: What Is Kickboxing and Why People Love It
So you're curious about kickboxing. Maybe you've walked past a gym with a glowing sign and seen people hitting heavy bags through the window. Maybe a friend mentioned it at dinner, or you saw a video online of a woman absolutely destroying a set of pads and thought, "I could do that. Maybe." Or maybe you're just tired of the same three workouts and want something that actually feels like you've done something by the end.
Let me set the scene for you, because the kickboxing you see in movies or at a competitive level is only a tiny slice of what this hobby actually is. On a random Tuesday evening, a kickboxing class at a typical gym is a room full of regular people - office workers, parents, students, retirees - wearing shorts and t-shirts, wrapping their hands in long strips of cloth, and strapping on padded gloves. There's music playing. Someone is stretching in the corner. The heavy bags hang in a row like silent punching sacks. The instructor is probably someone who works a day job and coaches in the evenings because they love it. The room smells like sweat and rubber mats and, if you're lucky, a bit of cleaning spray. It's not glamorous, and that's part of the point.
The class itself is structured but simple. You'll warm up - jumping jacks, shadowboxing, some light stretching. You'll learn the basics: how to stand (one foot