Kickboxing for parents and children

Hey … did you hear that?

That?

Yes, that … the frantic keyboard clacks and taps on mobile screens as parents hurry to search for holiday programmes that will keep their children gainfully occupied in November and December.

Well, look no further if you want a fun and meaningful activity for your child during the year-end holidays and beyond.

Better yet, it’s an activity that you can join too. Enjoy quality time with your child in this programme and get in shape for the new year!

Elevate offers a kickboxing class for parents and their children. In this class, you’ll learn basic kickboxing moves such as punching, kicking and footwork. You can also pick up defensive moves and practise preactive drills whereby you’ll learn how to react to other people’s movements. And in paired activities, your child and you will perform the drills together.

“Some people think that kickboxing is violent and dangerous,” says Paul Oh, who develops and coaches the kickboxing programme. “But that’s because they’ve watched competitors on TV or online.”

Elevate’s kickboxing class provides a safe environment. “There are no competitions, so you are not trained to fight each other, and the only thing you hit are kickboxing pads,” adds Paul.

Kickboxing makes for a fun and invigorating workout for both adults and children. A sport practised for fitness and self-defence, it draws from karate, Muay Thai and western boxing. It offers many benefits, including the following:

● It’s excellent for parent-child bonding
Kickboxing is not just fun for both your child and you. During the class, you’ll spend quality time with your child, away from distractions. You’ll concentrate on learning kickboxing moves and interacting with them. They will appreciate that you’re paying attention and making them your priority and will draw closer to you.

Your participation will also allow you to “play” with your child and see the world from their perspective. Through these interactions and observations, you can become more empathetic to their needs and emotions, which in turn will help you foster a stronger bond with them.

● It improves physical fitness
Noticed your child mindlessly scrolling screens or munching on snacks while lying on the couch? Or have you caught yourself doing the same? It’s time to get both of you on your feet!

Kickboxing encourages you to stay active. As a full-body workout, it builds up your strength and stamina, and improves essential physical skills such as speed, agility, reaction and flexibility. You can also learn some self-defence moves, which could be helpful in your daily life.

“Parents and their children can take part in kickboxing together in a fun and stimulating environment where they get to react to each other’s movements,” says Paul. “Once they learn these drills, they can even do them at home.”

● You can become mentally stronger
Kickboxing is not just about physical fitness. It offers numerous mental health benefits, such as uplifting your mood and reducing stress by boosting the release of endorphins, the feel-good chemicals in your body.

Kickboxing also enables your child and you to get mentally stronger. It challenges you to be focused and disciplined to remember and execute the movements. When you persevere and succeed in learning the movements, you gain self-confidence and feel better about yourself. All these qualities you build up from kickboxing will carry over to your daily life.

As beginners, your child and you may not know what to expect. So start slowly and be sure not to overexert yourself physically.

Wear clothing that doesn’t restrict your movements. Remember to keep hydrated and drink enough fluids before, during and after your class.

And one final tip from Paul: “Participate fully. Don’t worry about whether or not you’re looking good. Kickboxing does not care about looks. All you need to do is to focus on the movements and have fun.”

Disclaimer: Always consult your physician or healthcare professional before beginning any exercise programme. The information here should not be considered or used as substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.