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Crawley Archives - Crawley Fitness

Why our Kids Muay Thai Classes are great for confidence

By | Kids Martial Arts, Martial Arts Clubs in Crawley, Muay Thai | No Comments

Kid Muay Thai at the Crawley Martial Arts AcademyWhile our classes might look like they’re all about punching and kicking… running and jumping… press-ups and squats…

They’re not just physical skills our Little Champions learn.

During our classes our students have to be able to listen carefully and follow instructions.

They learn to have the confidence to put their hands up and ask if they’re not sure or need extra help.  They’re asked for opinions and suggestions (… it takes a brave person to put their hand up in public, most adults are too scared) and participate in class.

We have our students volunteer and help demonstrate.  They’ll be in charge of exercises… they’ll count our reps and lead by example.

All of which are MASSIVE confidence builders and make our classes much more than just punching and kicking.  And if our adults find classes good for their confidence then imagine what it can do for your kids!

There’s a lot more going on too.

Sure children improve their physical skills and learn to help out in class, participate and engage but here’ something else they do.

They learn to take responsibility for themselves and the other members of the class.  We have partner drills where (… yes) the kids practice techniques on each other. They punch each others gloves and learn to place their kicks and knees on each others bellies.  That all takes control and it takes trust from us – the instructors.  And guess what?  The kids have never let us down because they listen… they respect their instructors and they respect the other children in the class.  Their training partners and team mates.

Our Kids Muay Thai classes are great for confidence… they’re great for skill, co-ordination and control and with a little hard work they’ll be where the next Champion Thaiboxer from Crawley starts their journey!

To find out more about kids martial arts classes you can call us on 01293 522 511 or enter your details in the enquiry form on this page >>>

See you in the gym!

 

 

 

Ben Hodge Prepares for ‘King of Muay Thai 2014’

By | Competition Team, Martial Arts Clubs in Crawley | No Comments

Sparing at Lumpini CrawleyCrawley Thaiboxer – Ben Hodge – prepares for the biggest fight of his career on 25th October 2014 in Thailand.

Fighting as part of an 8-man tournament Ben will face Antoine Pinto (France), Saiyok (Thailand), Alka Matewa (Belgium), Sen Bunthen (Cambodia), Michael Corley (USA), Hiroki Nakashima (Japan) and Millad Farzad (Austrailia) the 26 year old plumber from Crawley has been training daily at the Lumpini Thaiboxing club in Manor Royal.

Late last year Ben travelled to France where he beat the WMF World Champion Yohan Lidon with a cut at super-middle weight (a weight division above his normal fighting weight).

With only two weeks until the Kings of Muay Thai show — Ben has been training six days a week and up to twice a day (in addition to working a full-time job) in preparation.

The 8-man tournament is carried out over three stages with the winners going through to the semi-final and the winners of that meeting in the final.

Then in December Ben fights Priya Sumalee from Thailand in Southampton.

To find out more about training in Crawley you can call the gym on 01293 552 511.

Congratulations to Everyone on Our First Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Grading

By | Kids Martial Arts, Martial Arts Clubs in Crawley | No Comments

We’re Crawley’s first and only Brazilian Jiu Jitsu club and this week ran our first kids grading this week with 10 of our next generation of martial artists passing the test.

Our Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes are led by Black Belt and two time European Champion, Keith McKenzie.

Nicknamed “the gentle art” – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has a focus on skill and technique over brute force and strength. With an emphasis on grappling and ground fighting BJJ teaches students how to throw, control and submit your opponent without punching or kicking.

A new martial art, BJJ was founded in the early 2oth century and has grown exponentially largely thanks to the Ultimate Fighting Championship and its practical nature. Like many martial arts it places an emphasis on discipline and respect while the sports element allows BJJ players to put their skill and physical fitness to the test in competition.

The grading is a first for Crawley and kids and teens were required to demonstrate techniques and their practical application during an hour of sparring with other classmates and adult assistants.

Using an internationally recognised grading system BJJ sets its standards high and only has give adult belts with the coveted Black Belt taking up to 10 years to earn and in May the team will travel to Birmingham to compete in the British Open.

The Kids Brazilian Jiu JItsu Team after Grading SuccessKids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Grading Success