Kickboxing is a sport that challenges you physically and mentally. Whether it’s getting beaten down or fighting the mental urge to give up, it’s not for the fainthearted. I had the opportunity to speak with Jack Hearder, the Sessions Officer of the university’s Kickboxing Club, to learn more about the ins and outs of the society and his journey with the sport.
Like many societies, kickboxing is open for anyone to try. For Hearder and other students, attending that initial taster session was a simple first step into the community. “Last year, I went to the taster session, and I really enjoyed the cardio as well as the stretching in the warmup, it’s almost like yoga! It’s also satisfying to hit the pads. It is a very friendly club,” he explained.
From that first session to now, Hearder has experienced the physical benefits of his training first hand. “The stretching aspect of kickboxing has helped me become more flexible, and I enjoy that. It has also helped to improve my cardio and hand-eye coordination,” he shared.
When asked why he chose to join the committee, Hearder highlighted the welcoming atmosphere that initially drew him to the club: “The friendliness of the club and the committee were very welcoming. It was suggested to me to apply for a position, and I thought it would be good fun because I knew I wanted to carry on with it into the next year.”
However, the club’s popularity has also presented its challenges. “We have had slight trouble with too many members! We’ve increased the number of members from 120 to over 150. Occasionally we have struggled to fit everyone in the room, and part of my responsibility is to find extra space so our captain, who is also a qualified coach, can run extra sessions. We already have five sessions a week, but we are trying to get even more to make sure everyone can attend as many as they want.” This growth reflects the club’s appeal, but it also requires constant effort to accommodate the expanding community.
What makes kickboxing special for Hearder is its versatility and inclusivity. “It’s the full package; the versatility of it and the community are brilliant. It’s a great club if you just want to have a workout and improve your physical health, or if you want to fight and compete in competitions. It is very open to people who have never done a martial art before, and 60% of the members are beginners. We also have fighters competing at high level competitions.”
In describing kickboxing in one phrase, Hearder summed it up simply: “easier than you’d think.” For many students, this accessibility and supportive environment make it more than just a sport—it’s a community that welcomes all, from complete beginners to competitive fighters.
Image credit: Emma Giliker