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Dynamic Tiger Freestyle Kickboxing Classes. - Dawn Hoskins (9th Oct 2008 - 10:58:08) Dynamic Tiger Freestyle Kickboxing Classes. Having been attending this class for a while, I have decided to do a little write up on it to encourage more women to join in. Initially, my son was attending the classes, and as I was groaning about how unfit I was he encouraged me to come along. I have been going ever since and although I am still quite rubbish at most of the moves – my level of fitness and suppleness has increased dramatically. I must point out that my level of fitness is still about zero – so many of you would find it a lot easier than me. The classes last for 1½ hours. The fist part of the class is like doing aerobics and yoga combined. The warm up is quite amazing with combinations of stretches which differ each week and seem to stretch out every part of the body, almost like Pilates. The instructor is very sympathetic to new comers and tells you to just do what you can and not to over do it. He assists if you are doing a stretch/move incorrectly and gives you a lot of encouragement. There is one Head instructor, who we call ‘Sensee’ pronounced sen-say; and a number of other instructors who all appear to be black belts in a number of different martial arts in addition to Kick Boxing. When the class ‘proper’ begins, the group divides into a number of different areas. Some are practicing for their gradings to move up a belt colour, some are very experienced and are practicing sword work or doing things with sticks (which I’m sure have a correct martial arts name – but they either look like broom handles or lollypop sticks), and others like me, are just beginning and are learning basic moves. This means that the class is suitable for all levels and everyone sticks at their own pace. The group is very friendly and range in ages from 15 to 50. They all very approachable and all willing to offer advice or help. If I don’t understand something I feel able to talk to anyone in the entire class and they all help willingly. Mainly, I seem to forget which leg I’m supposed to be standing on – or which arm should be swinging around etc, but they never laugh at my questions and always show me the ropes. Often, you learn a combination of moves to do in a sequence. It is a bit like learning to do a new dance step!! Sometimes it is very tricky as you seem to be hopping all over the place (I fell over twice last week!).Good job it all takes place on padded mats. Although I wouldn’t know the difference, the moves are a combination of different specialisms deriving from Jujitsu, Judo, Aikido and kickboxing. That is why it is called ‘Freestyle’ kickboxing. Your partner for the class will hold up special pads – which I think are called ‘focus’ pads; and you have to try to hit them/kick them in the sequence you have just learned. When it is my turn to hold the pads up I have to concentrate very hard as some of these chaps are incredibly powerful……you certainly know you’ve got arms the next day. Even pegging out the washing the next can be an ordeal if you have overdone it. Last week, Sensee spent the lesson specifically on what to do if someone comes at you with a knife – as this is becoming all too common. As a female – I found this particularly reassuring – and he gave me a lot of attention during the class and explained every thing very clearly. I must admit, that my first reaction would probably still be to ‘run away’ but if, like Sensee said, I was trapped in a ‘him or me’ situation – I would definitely know what I had to do. At present, I am the only female in the Liphook class – although it some time ago it used to be 50/50. I would like to encourage everyone to come along and give this a go, it is really good fun (although the blokes do take it very seriously) and incredibly good exercise for the whole body. Also, you sleep like a log when you get in! The first class is FREE. After that, 4 classes per month cost £30. If you decide to stay – you need to buy a funny looking tracksuit thing. It is black with a yellow stripe on it and seems to come in a variety of designs. Some wear vest tops, some tee-shirts and some long sleeved tunics (I am not sure why that is). You get a coloured belt which is white to start with so everyone can see you are a beginner. You also need a licence and also insurance. This comes to £95 – which does seem a lot, but it is a one off payment for the whole year and you don’t have to buy the uniform again. I have also ordered some special fingerless gloves as my wrists are a bit week and my knuckles are tender (I am such a little flower!) These effectively strap the wrists up so that weaklings like me don’t strain them. The classes are on Mondays at Bohunt School from 7:30 to 9pm. There are also classes on Tuesday and Thursday at the Grange in Midhurst. If you like the sound of the class, you can post questions up here and I will do my best to answer them. Or you can contact Damon (head Sensee) by e-mail on info@dynamic-tiger.co.uk or look at the web site which is www.dynamic-tiger.co.uk. All the best Dawn.

Re: Dynamic Tiger Freestyle Kickboxing Classes. - Sue (9th Oct 2008 - 12:27:50) Dawn, All very interesting, and getting fit in the process. Have you ever thought of suggesting some of your fellow kickboxers might like to join in the Carnival?. I am sure it would be a good way of introducing them to the locals and give the spectators something to watch!. I love the floats and walkers that do their 'routine' as they go round. Sue

Re: Dynamic Tiger Freestyle Kickboxing Classes. - Dawn Hoskins (12th Oct 2008 - 16:22:02) If any one is thinking of going on Monday and needs a lift - just let me know and I can pick you up on the way. Dawn

Re: Dynamic Tiger Freestyle Kickboxing Classes. - Simon Watts (1st Aug 2010 - 17:21:01) Our new website is www.dtfk.co.uk. Please visit for more information and details on class times and locations.

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