How fit should one be to start kickboxing?

[SirenDep]

I'm interested, but I don't know if I'm ready yet. I don't want to injure myself or feel sore all over.

[Levin]

I don't do kickboxing but I do kung fu. Your instructor should take into consideration you're new and to build you up appropriately. Your fitness will improve gradually, and yes, there will be times when you come home aching and sore, it's part of the conditioning process. That only occurs through striving and going through some pain (as in life), but you get much stronger and more relaxed at the end of it :) I can't vouch for injuries in kick boxing. I think kung fu ideally takes a more holistic approach (hard and soft methods - As you become more experienced, you may look for a class that integrates both hard and soft methods, unfortunately most classes, also people, tend to be imbalanced towards one.), but there is always a risk of injuries in such things. My own little quote is, 'if going out from your comfort zone represents some danger, staying home is terminal' :)

@Hannah591 does kickboxing I think.

[Hannah591]

I haven't done it for a while now but I did do it for two years. Planning on starting at a new place soon.

[SirenDep]

I'm concerned I'll harm myself, because I started exercising and running only half a year ago.

[Hannah591]

Just take it slow. It can't be worse than dislocating your knee.

[26ukdude]

I did Taekwondo for 2 years and kickboxing for a year. My friend did Ju-jutsu. Kickboxing was definitely the most physical, its not a grappling art, and there are no katas so our lessons were very physical mostly consisting of warming up (stretching gently, skipping, crunches, push ups etc), circuit training, pad work and sparring, both with a partner and shadow.

[SirenDep]

Though, I wonder if one has to be fit already to start kickboxing.

[26ukdude]

It would help but it's not essential. You will quickly get fitter the more you go and many people take it up as a reason to get fitter in the first place. Just have fun and stop worrying, the types of people that do martial arts are usually NOT like those you find in a gym. They are quite humble, dont have egos and none of this macho shit.

[26ukdude]

Nosebleeds and being winded in the stomach were the main injuries when I did it. It would be rare to break something, most likely a toe. I dont recall concussion being an issue though hard punches to the head can cause it...

Just find a decent club/instructor and have fun. Its really good for self confidence too.

[SirenDep]

Did the injuries occur in the lessons or did you participate in games? Do you think it's better to do kickboxing in a club rather than in a gym?

[26ukdude]

They happened in lessons, it's inevitable when you are doing a sport that involves kicking and punching people that occasionally you will get hurt, it is a contact sport afterall...

Depends where the dojo is. They can vary from village halls, to converted churches, to boxing clubs to gyms...
I actually meant the type of people who are true martial artists are nothing like the meat heads you so often find in a gym, so if you are worried about being unfit or a beginner dont be...

Then again thats my experience and everyones is different soooo.

[SirenDep]

I thought people didn't actually fight while training.

[Hans222]

I used to do karate as a kid... most important thing is: don't overdo it, listen to your body :D
It's quite intensive indeed but you can share it - recover when you need to!

[coolbreeze]

If you do start it then I suggest you do a lot of stretching and drink plenty of water so you don't cramp up. If it's something you want to do then go for it.

[coolbreeze]

Thank you very much for the upvote.

[AdamThomas]

The easiest way to get fit for it is to just do it. If you don't get sore you're not working hard enough anyway, no pain no gain, don't be lazy.