KJD Martial Arts Academy has started kickboxing classes for women
Blackbelts and beginners to martial arts line up together for something new at martial arts group in Bromhof.
The group of women taking up kickboxing at KJD Martial Arts Academy are a mixed bunch.
Most are brand new to the sport, as the group in Bromhof only recently started kickboxing, but black belts in taekwondo line up next to complete beginners before breaking up into different groups.
Grandmaster Eun Woo Lee, who was the national taekwondo champion in Korea in 1972, currently holds a 9th Dan black belt in taekwondo, hapkido, and gumd, as well as a 4th Dan in judo, is an Olympic referee.
He trains those with some background in other martial arts, while 4th Dan in taekwondo Lorraine Lee oversees training with newbies.
“Kickboxing gives me time to vent frustrations plus I am learning something new, like being aware of my surroundings and other self-defence tips,” said taekwondo black belt Shakun Harichan, who is only in her third week of kickboxing.
Olivia Welthagen, holder of a green belt with a blue tip in taekwondo, said kickboxing should be done by all women in South Africa.
“Crime is high here and the self-defence stuff they teach you is vital.”
This was highlighted by Lee’s demonstrations to the girls about different ways of disarming someone when you hard standing or kneeling at gunpoint.
“KJD Kickboxing offers many forms of kicking, punching, and self-defence techniques, a lot of knees, elbows, and pummels are used to get out of a possibly dangerous situation,” explained Lee before giving a lesson.
“[Kickboxing] gives women the chance to vent out their day-to-day frustrations, burn off serious calories, and tone their muscles. These classes are not too strenuous for older women, we do a few yoga and pilates moves to stretch muscles, tone bodies, and build up stamina. A few moments of meditation at the end of a class offers wonderful mental stimulation.”
Laura Gerber and Owen Welthagen (11) said they are newer to martial arts and do kickboxing for fitness and self-defence.
The classes are held every Wednesday from 18:00 until 19:00. The martial arts academy is based at Parkside Centre.
Details: Lorraine Lee 071 686 9949.
Related Article:
Randburg Cricket Club draws with Lenasia after 606 run affair on home ground
