By Sensei Rebecca : June 25, 2026
Thinking about trying kickboxing but feeling a little nervous? Don’t worry: every black belt once stood exactly where you are. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to crush your first class at the British Kempo Society with confidence.
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge. Maybe you want to get fit, learn to defend yourself, or just find a way to blow off some steam after a long day. Kickboxing is an incredible way to do all of that and more. But we get it: walking into a martial arts gym for the first time can feel a bit like your first day of school. Will I be fit enough? Will I look silly? What if I don't know the moves?
At the British Kempo Society, we pride ourselves on being a welcoming community for everyone, from total beginners to seasoned martial artists. Whether you're looking at our About page to see our history or checking out our Instructors to meet the team, you’ll see that our focus is on your personal growth, not just your punching power.
1. Preparation: What to Do Before You Step on the Mat
Preparation is half the battle. If you feel ready, you’ll be much less nervous when you walk through our doors.
What to Wear
You don't need a fancy uniform (called a gi) for your very first kickboxing class. Any standard gym kit will do. Look for:
- A breathable T-shirt: You’re going to sweat, trust us.
- Leggings or shorts: Make sure they allow for a full range of motion. You’ll be doing some high kicks!
- No Zips: Try to avoid clothing with sharp zips or plastic buttons, as these can scratch your training partners or the mats.
Bare Feet or Trainers?
Most of our training happens in bare feet to ensure better grip on the mats and to protect the equipment. However, if you have specific foot requirements, just chat with us beforehand.
Gear Up
If you have your own gloves (usually 12oz or 14oz), feel free to bring them. If not, don’t panic! We have plenty of high-quality loaner gear for beginners to use while they’re finding their feet. One thing we do recommend is getting your own pair of hand wraps. They’re inexpensive and provide vital support for your wrists and knuckles.
2. The First 60 Minutes: What to Expect
A typical class at British Kempo Society is structured to keep you moving, learning, and engaged. Here is a breakdown of how your first hour will likely look:
The Arrival and the Bow
We recommend arriving about 10–15 minutes early. This gives you time to meet the instructor, sign any necessary paperwork, and get a feel for the space. In Kempo, we respect tradition. You’ll see students lining up and "bowing in." This isn't about being overly formal; it’s about showing respect for the art, the instructor, and your fellow students.
The Warm-Up (The Heart-Starter)
Expect 10 to 15 minutes of dynamic movement. We’ll get your heart rate up with light jogging, jumping jacks, and functional movements like lunges and squats. We also focus on joint mobility: especially in the hips and shoulders: to prepare your body for the striking techniques ahead.
Technical Drills
This is where the magic happens. You’ll be paired up with a partner: often a more experienced student who can help guide you: to practice basic combinations on focus mitts or kick shields. This is much safer and more effective than "sparring" (fighting) right away. We focus on accuracy and form before we ever worry about speed or power.
The "Finisher"
Most classes end with a short, intense conditioning set. This might be core work or a few minutes of rapid-fire strikes to build your stamina. You’ll leave feeling tired but completely energized!
3. Mastering the Fundamentals
You don’t need to be a master of the "Tornado Kick" on day one. In fact, we’d rather you weren't! We focus on the building blocks of kickboxing.
The Stance and Guard
Everything starts from the ground up. Your stance provides your balance and your power. We’ll show you how to position your feet so you’re stable and how to keep your "guard" (your hands) up to protect your face. It’s the most important habit you’ll ever learn.
The Basic Strikes
You’ll likely spend your first few classes mastering three primary strikes:
- The Jab: A quick, straight punch from your lead hand.
- The Cross: A powerful straight punch from your rear hand, using your hips for power.
- The Roundhouse Kick: A fundamental kick where you strike with your shin.
4. The Kempo Difference: Mindset and Community
While many gyms focus purely on the "fitness" aspect of kickboxing, the British Kempo Society offers something deeper. Our roots in Kempo Ju Jitsu mean we value discipline, self-control, and community just as much as a good workout.
It’s a Supportive Community
You aren't just a number in a class here. You are part of a society of people who want to see you succeed. You’ll find that the person you were "punching" five minutes ago is the first person to give you a high-five and offer a tip on your footwork after class.
As Rebecca Kane often says on her own platform, The Dancing Fighter, martial arts is a journey of self-expression and empowerment. It’s about finding the "fighter" within you, no matter what your background is.
Overcoming the Nerves
If you’re feeling uncoordinated, that’s actually a good thing! It means your brain is learning something new. Nobody expects you to be perfect. Our instructors are trained to scale every exercise to your current fitness level. If you need to take a break or do a simpler version of a drill, that is perfectly okay.
5. Frequently Asked Questions for Newcomers
"Do I need to be fit to start?"
Absolutely not. You don’t get fit to start kickboxing; you start kickboxing to get fit. We have people of all shapes, sizes, and ages in our classes.
"Will I get hit?"
In a beginner class, the focus is on "pad work," not sparring. You’ll be hitting focus mitts and pads held by a partner. While you might progress to light, controlled sparring later in your journey, it is never forced on you, and safety is always our priority.
"What if I have an old injury?"
Always let your Sensei know before class starts. We can almost always modify the movements to ensure you’re training safely without aggravating any old niggles.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Your first kickboxing class is the beginning of a transformation. Not just in how you look, but in how you carry yourself in the world. You’ll find a level of confidence you didn't know you had, and you’ll do it alongside a group of people who are rooting for you.
If you’re ready to take that first step, head over to our Contact Us page and book your trial session. Whether you want to join our adult sessions or you’re looking for a safe environment for your children to learn self-defence, we are here to help.
Don't wait for "someday." Make today the day you discover what you're truly capable of.
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