It all started with a game. Not in the ring. Not at a gym. But behind a controller.
Somewhere between slashing my way through Sekiro and getting bodied by a random NPC, I started wondering—what if I could bring this discipline into real life?

I signed up for my first kickboxing class about four years ago. I had never thrown a real punch or roundhouse in my life. But I’ve always been into action and fighting games—from Street Fighter to Ghost of Tsushima. The techniques, the stances, the flow of combat—it all fascinated me. Whether it’s a katana duel or bare-knuckle brawl, that energy pulled me in.

One day, I watched a few Muay Thai training clips on YouTube—just to get a sense of what it looked like in real life. That was the spark. I found a local gym offering a one-day free trial and decided to go for it. And man, it was tough. I had zero martial arts experience. After that first session, I could barely walk for a week. But something clicked.

Kickboxing Feels Like Gaming IRL

I started to see the parallels between kickboxing and video games.
In Sekiro, you don’t beat the boss on your first try. You get wrecked, again and again.
You study patterns, improve timing, and keep showing up until your reaction becomes instinct. That’s kickboxing in a nutshell.

Each jab, each kick, each block—it’s all about repetition, awareness, and leveling up.
At first, even the warmups felt brutal. But like any good game, the grind teaches you something:

Warm-up = fighting basic enemies
Heavy bag combos = mini-boss training
Sparring = boss battles

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up, session after session, to get just a little better than last time.

The Real-World Power-Up: Discipline & Fitness

One day my trainer asked, “What’s your goal with kickboxing? You thinking of competition?”
I paused. Maybe someday. But for now, it’s deeper than that.

Right now, kickboxing is my way to build discipline, defend myself, and stay in shape. It’s not just physical—it’s mental. When you’re exhausted but still show up, that’s the kind of XP you can’t grind in-game.

Training has taught me:

You don’t need a title fight to take it seriously
You don’t need to be the best—just better than yesterday
Discipline is the true stat you’re leveling

And honestly, it feels good. Not just in my mind, but in my body. I’m more focused, more grounded, and definitely more fit than when I started.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever felt inspired by video games to move, fight, or grow—follow that spark. Whether it’s Sekiro, Tekken, or Assassin’s Creed, the mindset you build in-game can fuel something real.

Kickboxing is more than just combat—it’s consistency, focus, and personal growth. And just like your favorite games, the more you play, the better you get.So no, I’m not in any tournaments (yet). But I show up, train smart, and keep grinding.
Because at the end of the day, this is my journey to level up—both in and out of the ring.

Before every session—whether it’s at the gym or outside—there’s one thing I do first:
Fill my water bottle.

Kickboxing takes it out of you, and staying hydrated is non-negotiable. You’re gonna sweat. A lot. So trust me—water first, punches later.

But besides hydration, what you wear while training matters more than most people think.
Here’s what I personally use, what works for me, and why certain gear levels up the whole experience—without overcomplicating it.

Shorts: Movement First, Style Second

Let’s start with the legs.
I always go for black running shorts that sit above the knee. Not touching the knee, definitely not below it.

Why? Because long shorts mess with your kicks. You need room to pivot, snap, and extend without fabric dragging or clinging.

My go-to brands are Under Armour and Nike—lightweight, breathable, and they just move well. They’ve held up through bag work, pad drills, and outdoor training in the heat.

Tops: Flexible & Functional

When it comes to tops, I keep it simple:

• Plain white t-shirts (usually H&M or Uniqlo)

• Sleeveless hoodies (Decathlon all day)

The tees are light, comfy, and loose enough to let me throw punches without restriction. If a shirt’s too tight? Good luck with your hooks and uppercuts. You’ll feel that resistance every time.

But honestly? I love training in my sleeveless hoodies—especially grey or black ones. They’ve got a certain look. Throw one on, put the hood up, and boom—I feel like Smoke or Scorpion walking into a dojo. They might look heavy, but the fabric breathes surprisingly well.

And if the training is intense enough?
Shirt off. No drama.

Hand Wraps: Traditional Wins

I switch between Everlast and Venum wraps, but for full-on sessions, Everlast is my go-to.
It’s traditional, durable, and wraps clean. You feel locked in, protected.

Venum makes this half-glove, half-wrap hybrid, which looks cool—but it’s better without full gloves. I treat them like my 4 oz minimalist setup, more for light pad work or shadowboxing.

Gloves: Find Your Flow

I’ve tried a few gloves, but right now, I alternate between:
Top King 12 oz gloves – super comfy, great padding, and excellent for long rounds or heavy bag work. These protect your knuckles like armor.
UFC 8 oz gloves – when I want to go harder. They feel more raw, more exposed, and the black and red design looks clean.

If you’re training often, the right gloves make a huge difference. I’m curious to try Everlast gloves next—heard good things.

The Home Setup: My Everlast Punching Bag

This bag has taken beatings like a champ.
I’ve got an Everlast free-standing punching bag, and once you fill the base with earth or sand, it doesn’t move. Like hitting a mountain.

I’ve had moments where I’m going at it, imagining I’m sparring Blanka from Street Fighter.
No lie—it’s satisfying. And the material’s held up better than expected. Quality stuff.

Bonus: Kickboxing Socks (Optional But Clean Look)

Not necessary, but I use Decathlon kickboxing socks sometimes.
They help with grip and give the fit a finished look.
If you go without, you’ll feel it a bit more on the pads or mats—but it’s nothing crazy. Just depends on your preference.

Final Thoughts: Gear That Works for You

You don’t need flashy equipment to start kickboxing. But wearing the right stuff makes a big difference in movement, comfort, and confidence.

Start simple. Hydrate. Get gear that lets you move freely.
And if it makes you feel like Smoke, Scorpion, or a boss character on a loading screen—even better.

When I first started with kickboxing, everything felt a bit awkward. Where do I put my feet? Am I punching too low? Should my back foot be flat? But just like any new skill, the key was to start simple and focus on the fundamentals.

Here’s what I’ve learned about building a solid foundation in kickboxing—whether you’re just starting out or revisiting the basics to sharpen your form.

Start with the Foundation: Footwork & Stance

Before you throw punches or kicks, you need to learn how to stand and move. Sounds basic, but trust me—it’s everything.

The Stance

Your stance is your base.

• Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly in front of the other.
• If you’re right-handed, that usually means your left foot goes forward (orthodox stance).
• Knees should be slightly bent, weight evenly balanced on the balls of your feet, and hands up to guard your face.

This gives you mobility, balance, and readiness—whether you’re striking or defending.

Footwork

Footwork is what makes kickboxing flow. It’s not just about moving—it’s about staying balanced while doing it.
Practice moving:

• Forward & backward
• Side to side

Always reset back into your stance after each move.
Footwork might feel clumsy at first, but it gets better with reps. And without solid footwork, none of your strikes will feel right.

Essential Punches to Learn First

Kickboxing might be in the name, but your hands do a lot of work.
Here are the four basic punches every beginner should know:

• Jab: A quick, straight punch with your lead hand. It helps you keep distance and set up combinations.
• Cross: A powerful punch thrown with your back hand, usually after the jab.
• Hook: A circular punch aimed at the side of the opponent’s head or body.
• Uppercut: An upward punch targeting the chin—great for close-range striking.

Each one has its place, and combining them with proper footwork is where the magic starts.

Beginner Kicks to Build Into Your Training

Now for the fun part—kicks.
Start with these three to build solid fundamentals:

• Front Kick: A straight kick with your rear or lead leg, used to push your opponent back or hit the midsection.
• Roundhouse Kick: Pivot on your standing foot, swing your leg in a circular motion, and strike with your shin or foot. It’s powerful when done right.
• Side Kick: A linear strike where you push out with the heel or side of your foot—great for controlling distance.

Don’t rush to throw them with full power. Focus on form and control first, power will come later.

What to Keep in Mind While Training

Balance

No matter what you’re doing—kicking, punching, or moving—balance is key. Without it, your strikes won’t land well, and your defense will be shaky.

Warm-Up First

Before anything, warm up.
Get your joints moving, get your blood flowing. Trust me, your body will thank you—and you’ll lower your risk of injury.

Practice, Then Practice Some More

It might sound cliché, but consistent practice really is everything.
Reps, drills, shadowboxing… it all adds up. It’s not about going hard every time. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and improving a little every session.

Final Thoughts

Kickboxing isn’t just about throwing strikes—it’s about building a rhythm, mastering the basics, and developing discipline.

If you’re just starting out, don’t worry about looking sharp right away. We all start somewhere. Focus on your stance, your movement, and your core strikes.
Over time, it gets smoother, faster, and more natural.

And that’s when it starts to feel good—like leveling up in real life.