Building fitness and confidence at a new Mixed Martial Arts academy in Hounslow

Whilst I continue to exercise in a variety of ways, it’s 15 years since I last set foot in in a karate dojo. I used to be pretty good – making up for having less physical stamina by being very flexible and, I’ll say it before anyone else does, aggressive.

My original motivation for karate had been for some “mum and son” time but I got the bug and continued long after he had moved onto other things. A nasty ankle injury – not acquired in karate I should add – put paid to my kicking days.

So when a new Mixed Martial Arts academy opened up nearby on the Hounslow/Whitton borders I was tempted to have a go. The balance was tipped when my now tall, strong and supremely fit 22 year old son said he would like to try MMA too.

So last night, wearing loose clothing, we went along for a free trial class. Of course I had forgotten the rules about not wearing any jewellery and not being allowed to take a drink like you do at the gym. Martial arts are about respect and discipline, remember?

Initially, Master Talakesh took me and my son gently through some warm up stretches and joint flexibility exercises. So far, so good. As a mature woman I was worried I wouldn’t be able to keep up. Then two guys who looked pretty expert and another 20-something newbie joined us and we repeated the exercise routine.

Then we did a series of exercises moving up and down and around the dojo. I was doing reasonably OK – considering I was probably 25 years older than everyone else – although I struggled with things involving my right knee (another old injury). I made a mental note to myself that my aerobic fitness needs some work. Understatement.

Master Talakesh then paired us up and demonstrated a series of punches, kicks and floor holds which we then had to practice with our partners. There was a blend of the various martial arts here – I recognised some Judo throws, some Jiujitsu attacks and some Taekwondo-inspired self-defence moves although the Kung Fu (Sanshou-Sanda), Hapkido and Gumdo elements were new to me. I was impressed.

I was delighted to have a go with some nunchacku – those connected stick things that you swirl about at high speed. I found it relatively easy to pick up the rhythm and pace and only bashed myself on the head once. This could be my thing.

I was excited when it was time to do some kicking exercises against pads – being able to get my leg and feet so high had been an advantage before. But my enthusiasm made me forget to rotate my foot – my own fault as the correct movements had been demonstrated clearly – and I felt my left knee complain. I felt total frustration that I had lost the balance, speed and power that had proved so effective in my sparring days. That will take considerable work to regain.

Then we moved onto combinations of punching, kicking, dropping and holding. These took a huge amount of concentration and lots of energy. I am pleased to report that I was given no special treatment because of my gender or age. I have to thank my partner Feisal for being so patient and kind – he explained and repeated demonstrations for me, helped me get into the correct positions (even though some were definitely not very ladylike) and was tolerant of the few occasions when I was nervous about being thrown or held in a lock or got it completely wrong.

Afterwards, I felt that I had received a complete work-out (my quads are particularly tender today) and felt proud that I had managed to get through almost 80 minutes, mostly keeping up with these fit young men.

So I’ll now be working on my upper body strength so that I can keep pace during the push-ups and getting some physio advice on my old injuries so that I can think about signing up with confidence.

There is a choice of monthly memberships with special rates for children (4-12), teenagers, adults and seniors (45+). There are several classes for different age groups every day including weekends – except Wednesday. Women only and private classes are available on request.

Contact details:
[email protected]
Telephone 07930 824601
93 Whitton Road, Hounslow, TW3 2EH
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ultimate-Mixed-Martial-Arts-Academy/236143633248989?sk=info