Congratulations for deciding to participate in our martial fitness program at Unit 2 Fitness. We are positive that with hard work, diligence, and patience you will be able to accomplish your fitness and martial arts goals while having a good time along the way. For our members “there is no loss for those who come to win”.

By now you may be aware of the striking (punching and kicking) classes that we offer here but may be unsure of their differences, what makes them unique, and how each of them can contribute to your goals. Here are some descriptions and elements that may help to clarify your understanding and potential for participation and enjoyment in 2010.

Cardio Kickboxing

Our Cardio Kickboxing program is primarily designed to enhance your cardiovascular and muscular endurance. This is accomplished through the use of muay thai, boxing, karate, and kickboxing techniques that involve kicking, punching, and the use of knees and elbows against a 6 ft heavy bag. Throughout the duration of the class calisthenics such as push ups, squat thrusts, and jumping jacks are implemented to push your conditioning threshold, improve mobility, flexibility, and coordination to give you an opportunity to achieve complete fitness. Many have asked to what extent our kickboxing classes focus on technique and fighting skills. Since the primary goal of the class is to whip you into shape, only a basic level of technical ability is taught. As long as one can safely execute the techniques you will benefit from the workouts.

Beginners Boxing and Muay Thai

At 5:30pm throughout the week we offer beginners level boxing and muay thai kickboxing. This is the program that will teach you specifics about basic punching and kicking technique. You will be drilled over and over the proper mechanics of jabs, crosses, hooks, and uppercuts. In these classes you will learn and practice footwork, defensive and offensive and evasive maneuvers while working with your “training partners” in the classes along side you. It is also in this class that you will be introduced to pad work or training focus mitts and kick pads in both roles of trainer and trainee. Learning to administer pad work to partners is a valuable though often overlooked part of learning to strike effectively.

Intermediate Boxing and Muay Thai

After the beginners class at 6:30 every night our intermediate class begins. In addition to all of the learning methods that are used in the beginner’s class, you will progress to fight strategy lessons, more advanced techniques, and the real time application of those techniques. Although skill training is important and a mainstay of our regimens here, you will also take part in controlled sparring days to train the application of your skill set against an opponent/teammate. Yes, you actually get to punch and kick each other. At this level you are proving that you have the physical and emotional control and the discipline to train in a combat sport as a respectable martial artist and sportsman.

In summary, our striking programs have some unique and distinct differences, but hopefully now you have a more accurate understanding of what they are and how they can help you with your martial fitness goals. For those of you who want to be lean and in shape as well as technically proficient, you may benefit from participating in some of our cardio and application classes as well, but for those of you who are not necessarily interested in fighting skills particularly, feel free to use these arts as vehicles to your fitness destination in our Cardio Kickboxing program. There is something for everyone here at Unit 2 Fitness but it is up to you to get in the game!

Dymond Jones - CSCS