Have you been in a position in your life where you feel that nothing excites you? You know, when someone asks you, “So what’s new and exciting?” and then you say, “Well, nothing much,” not because you don’t want to say anything but because there is really nothing to say.

Well, I have something new and exciting to share. One night as I was in the shower, this thought came out of boredom, “I want to kickbox!” Not knowing if there is a kickboxing class here in Yellowknife, I told my husband about my thought and he said sure and then asked, “How are you going to get there?” I said, “I’ll ride my bicycle.”

The next morning, he sent me an email with the website address and a personal message saying that two of his coworkers are already in the program and one is actually willing to give me a ride on the way and back. I said, “Perfect! I don’t have to ride in the cold.” So that’s what it is for me the past three weeks. I have been kick boxing.

The Martial Centre is located at Unit 106, 349 Old Airport Road. It has Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kids and Teen programs, Adult Kickboxing, and Women’s Fitness Kickboxing. There are several classes in a day which you can easily choose from to fit your schedule. I joined the Women’s Fitness Kickboxing class. The price is affordable and they offer a discount if you sign up for six months. I think that the program and the routines are appropriate for beginners in kickboxing like me. The pressure to learn the kickboxing techniques is up to the participant which works for everyone.

I invite you to visit this site www.themartialcentre.com for more information. I hope you check it out and come to join the fun.

I decided to do kickboxing so I can kick ass. No, not really. The truth is I wanted to challenge myself. I remember how sore and how much I have been swearing after the very first class. It was not funny. But after several classes the pain began to subside. I also realize that kickboxing has not only taught me techniques on how to kickbox and that it is keeping me fit, but it also gave me a validation that I can challenge myself and have fun at the same time. I also like that it is a friendly, no pressure way to meet with other women. As someone who is new here in Yellowknife and know nobody else but my own family, being a part of this group gives me a sense that I belong, that I am involved.

My favourite part in kickboxing is improving my stance and my balance. I never thought how hard it is to balance my own body. I find it tricky and I am still learning. Every time I throw a kick, I have to make sure that I put that foot down and still be in the right position, kinda like life itself. We have been doing combination of kicks and boxing. My upper body is so sore. For some reason the carpool could not go on so I now ride my bicycle to go there — in the cold. Riding my bicycle from downtown to taking the hilly trail and all the way to the airport road has made my thighs sore as well. But you know what, for the fun and excitement it gives me, kickboxing is worth it!