Tiffany - Vice-President Kickboxing and Muay Tai
I started out of curiosity; I wanted to try something new, and I’ve always known that in terms of my fitness, I preferred to exercise by taking part in a sport rather than going to the gym.
My name is Tiffany and I’ve been doing Kickboxing and Muay Thai at UWE for a year. I started out of curiosity; I wanted to try something new, and I’ve always known that in terms of my fitness, I preferred to exercise by taking part in a sport rather than going to the gym. Whilst daunting at first, I decided to just go along to a session and see what it was like. I’m not ashamed to say I was surprised that everyone was so nice.
Having been part of the club for a year now, I realise that the fact, that the sport is so male dominated means that most girls react like I did when they consider joining; hesitant to get started because they don’t want to be a minority around a bunch of tough guys. But if I’ve learnt anything being part of the club, it’s that everyone starts somewhere and that the old cliché that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover is true.
I’ve met some of the nicest people joining the club, girls and guys alike. Almost half of our committee are girls, and we have a consistent number of girls attending sessions. So if I have one thing to say to girls considering joining our sport or any of the sports, it’s get involved. You’ll miss out on so much by being afraid to start. Plus only by starting, do you realise that the guys are teddy bears that only turn grizzly in official fights.
Two months ago, I moved to Bristol. I didn’t know anyone, but I did know this: joining a sports club is one of the easiest ways to make friends. Having tried kickboxing before, I knew how much fun it is and I decided to join UKAM. In kickboxing I found the perfect combination of fun, exercise, technique and adrenaline. I used to have a gym membership, but I had to push myself to go even once a week. Now I work out at least three times a week and can’t wait until the next training. If kickboxing seems like a sport for boys, think again. Don’t worry, you’re not going to get knocked out or end up looking like a body builder. Come to one of the sessions and you’ll see how much fun it is and how great you’ll feel afterwards!" - Eefje
I have been doing Muay Thai six months after trying it in Thailand. I tried it in Thailand after getting bored of being unhealthy. Muay Thai is an amazing stress relief, has helped me get in good shape, increased my confidence when interacting with people and made me strong.
It is really hard, but so worth it when you learn to master a round house kick and make someone fly across the room. Fights are always polite and I feel supported by the club and I am competing in the interclub next week
Find out more and to join Kickboxing and Muay Thai, click here.