The martial art of Thai kickboxing is becoming a popular sport for both men and women
By Alistair Connolly

Thai Kickboxing

On the face of it, there may seem to be few similarities between Bangkok's back alleys and Warrington's Old Road. However, a closer look reveals the ancient art of Muay Thai Kickboxing to be a common thread.

Muay Thai Kickboxing is a martial art fighting style, dating back many centuries and still actively practiced in many areas of the world today. Developed originally by Thai warriors to provide an edge in hand-to-hand combat.

Today it offers an excellent means of both exercise and practical self-defence. The discipline is similar to mainstream martial arts such as Karate, with emphasis on kicks, as well as knee and elbow strikes.

The Warrington Kickboxing Studio has been running for over seven years, under the expert guidance of Neil Holden, who first came across Muay Thai thirteen years ago. He received his instructor training from the world-renowned and wonderfully named 'Master Sken', before setting up the full time studio.

Two students from the Warrington Kickboxing Studio demonstrate thai kickboxing

With membership growing every year and a steady stream of students progressing to competition honors across the world, it has proven a highly successful venture.

Competition however, is merely one part of the studio's overall remit. For the majority, Muay Thai is very enjoyable and efficient way of keeping fit, whilst possessing the added advantage of having a practical use in self-defense.

The flexible nature of the training options makes it a very accessible sport for people of all backgrounds.

As a private club it caters to the individual's needs in a way that most other exercise clubs can not.

As Julie Fletcher, one of Neil Holden's current students says: "I had wanted to try kickboxing for years, but due to my high pressure career in sales I never found the time to start. The main problem was the fact that I did not want to train in mixed-ability classes.

" I also did not wish to train in a hired room or hall, or with an instructor who was just teaching part-time. Once I started private tuition at the studio with all the criteria that I desired met, I found that I loved it."

The Warrington Kickboxing Studio is always happy to accept inquiries from prospective new members. No particular level of fitness or experience is required and there will always be a training scheme available to suit individual needs.

For further information, call the studio on (01925) 636669, or visit the web site at www.warrington-kickboxing.com.