By Rosemarie Davis
City Times
Do you like to push yourself to the limit to see exactly what it is that you’re made of?
Or if you work out to the point where you feel like your chest is going to explode (and like that feeling), then I know your type. You’re the type that likes to reach new pinnacles in your workout.
You’re the type that needs to try Muay Thai kickboxing, and if you haven’t, then why the hell not?
This extreme sport is the answer to a dynamic workout that synthesizes the mind and body. It does this by training your mind to coordinate how your body will follow through with power, speed and accuracy of technique.
Muay Thai Kickboxing is a type of lethal kickboxing that concentrates on punches, kicks and deadly blows from the elbows and knees.
The class usually starts with total body conditioning and does this by starting the workout with running or jumping rope. This is just the beginning to the intense aerobic workout that kickboxing has to offer. It then moves onto various strenuous exercises that sharpen your fighting technique.
The purpose of this physically and mentally demanding sport is to prepare you for the ultimate application of this training: to spar! What you’ll need to spar is a mouthpiece, protective body gear, hand wraps, boxing gloves and a cup.
To be able to apply the techniques and combinations in the ring makes me giddy! I think it is a fun way to work out and to push yourself to the limit.
In all of my columns so far I have had to seek out extreme sports off campus, but this time I was able to observe Jim Colbert’s class at City. He fuses Muay Thai Kickboxing, American boxing, and Okinawan martial arts. His purpose is to create a controlled environment where his students are comfortable and also safe to spar.
Another aspect that puts a spin on the usual style of Muay Thai is his philosophy that he integrates into the class.
“Learn how to win a fight without ever throwing a punch,” and “The Martial Arts remain true to their roots- which lie in ways to not get in a fight, and admonitions that the ultimate goal is not victory over an opponent but perfection of one’s character,” are a couple of his sayings.
Colbert’s students take his tips to heart and enjoy his class. Colbert even has a former professional kickboxer that trains in his class. Abel Jimenez, 24, physical education major, says training in this environment is better than at some other outside gyms and that there is less pressure.
Another one of Colbert’s students, Gabriel Rodriguez, 19, sign language major, says that in this kickboxing class he gets the discipline he needs in a workout.
Also, one of the things he likes most about this class is that it’s more affordable than other gyms.
(Rosemarie Davis is a City Times staff writer)
