Just off Walton Road in Woking there is a fabulous kick
boxing gym which I discovered purely by chance. This friendly, family run, yet
professional business is run by Jesse Saunders and his wife Liz. When I first
went into Shin Kick to make enquires I met their 13 year old daughter who wowed
me with her brilliant knowledge of the business and their little one who was clearly running the reception desk with a lovely big smile.
As well as being a former professional fighter, Jesse
is a renowned referee and judge, a director at IBMTO (Independent Board of Muay
Thai Officials), a BMTA Muay Thai instructor, a level 2 fitness instructor, a level
3 personal trainer and a qualified TRX instructor.
Liz Saunders is the lady running the entire business
side of Shin Kick and she is also a massage therapist and a mummy too.
Jesse first got into Muay Thai through a Thai friend in
Guildford when he was 14 and this sparked his love of the sport. He has been
out to Thailand to train many times in the past.
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| Jesse Saunders |
The gym has excellent facilities and runs classes for
children and adults from beginners upwards. They also offer one–to-one private
trainer sessions which can be tailored to your level of fitness.
Muay Thai is a combat sport which originates from
Thailand, so essentially, Shin Kick is a fighting gym but you can learn self-discipline,
self–defence, balance and co-ordination, get fit and learn a new sport. If you
want to get in the ring you can, if you don’t want to you don’t have to.
Children attending the gym will be more self-confident and
get fit; it is a much better option than sitting on the sofa watching TV and playing
computer games. Also, belonging to a gym can make a child feel included and
part of something good, which is especially necessary for a child who needs
their self-esteem boosted. (Children can start from age 5)
Shin Kick is a gym where you can pay as you go and
there are also membership options. Clearly membership will ensure you get off the
sofa and go, always a good incentive. If you can’t commit to membership, then
the pay per class is brilliant. If you are not sure whether Muay Thai is for
you, you can ask for your first class for free.
- Personal training sessions are £40 a session but can be bought in blocks of 5 with the 6th session free.
- Adult classes are £12 per class or included free in membership from £70 a month.
- Children's classes are £7 per class or included free in membership from £35 a month.
Classes can consist of pad work, technique work, clinching
techniques, light sparring, body conditioning, abdominal work, burpees, sit ups
and more.
There are also Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes taught at
Shin Kick and they are good for self defence, cardio workout and general
fitness. These are also taught from total beginners to the advanced fighters.
Since the gym first opened in 2007, Jesse has produced
many English, British and European champions and top ranking fighters so if this
is a path you are interested in, then Shin Kick is definitely a brilliant place
to train.
When you first go to Muay Thai there is spare equipment
you can borrow, however they also sell a fabulous range of clothing and
equipment so you can treat yourself. Let’s be honest, we all want the correct kit
and to look the part. Your normal shorts and t-shirt will be great, but once
you get into the classes you need the right gear and you will want to buy the
MDK branded clothes and equipment.J
The enthusiasm and camaraderie is evident at Shin Kick
and there is a good spirit of helping each other with things like pad work and
bag work. This is a good place for adults and children alike and you shouldn’t be
put off because Muay Thai is a combat sport, there is absolutely no atmosphere
of aggression in Shin Kick and you will definitely feel more confident after a
few sessions.
For information on this fabulous gym please go to their
website:
www.Shinkick.uk or find them on
Facebook at Shinkick Muay Thai
The gym address is: 86 Walton
Road Woking, Surrey, GU21 5DW and their email contact is: info@shinkick.uk
Thank you to Shin Kick for providing the photos and for answering my endless questions.😊
