Kickboxing

Kickboxing is a martial art and combat sport that blends boxing punches with kicks drawn from karate and other fighting styles. Some people compete, but plenty more do it for fitness, focus and the sheer joy of hitting something hard. Beginner sessions are pad work only, so you learn the moves without anyone hitting you back.

Muay Thai, from Thailand, is known as the art of eight limbs. Fists, elbows, knees and shins are all in play, which makes it one of the most complete striking styles around.

Savate is the French take, where fighters kick while wearing shoes. Very chic, very effective.

Other styles stick mainly to punches and kicks, and many clubs mix and match. Whatever the label, beginners all start with the same foundations.

It all starts with your stance: feet apart, knees soft, hands up guarding your face. Then the punches. The jab is a fast, straight shot with your front hand. The cross is its powerful partner from the back hand. Hooks swing round from the side, and uppercuts drive upwards.

Then come the kicks. The front kick, or teep, pushes straight out with the ball of your foot. The roundhouse kick swings your leg round in an arc and lands with your shin or the top of your foot. String a few moves together and you've got a combination, which is where it starts to feel properly satisfying.

Absolutely. Your Activity Leader starts with a warm-up, breaks down each move slowly and builds it up until it clicks. You'll practise on pads held by a partner or the Activity Leader, and there's no sparring. Nobody expects you to look like an action hero straight away. Many people find it a brilliant way to let off steam and walk away buzzing.

Cool, comfortable clothes you can kick, twist and stretch in. Leggings, shorts or joggers with a T-shirt all work. Take off rings, watches and dangly jewellery, and tie back long hair. Gloves and pads are provided. Bring water, and sunscreen on a sunny day, as it's a full-body workout and you will get warm.

You might also like Self Defence, Capoeira and Eskrima (Filipino Stick Fighting).

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