Girl Fight is the title of several different films produced and distributed by numerous companies in various years. Their storylines are very different except for one thing.
Some girl is really going to hurt another one.
One of the most famous is a 2000 American sports drama film written and directed by Karyn Kusama and starring Michelle Rodriguez in both of their film debuts. It follows Diana Guzman, a troubled teenager from Brooklyn who decides to channel her aggression by training to become a boxer, despite the disapproval of both her father and her prospective trainers and competitors in the male-dominated sport.
That version of Girl Fight premiered on January 22, 2000 at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize. It was released theatrically on September 29, 2000 and grossed $1.7 million at the box office. The film was well received by critics, who offered particular praise to Rodriguez for her performance and Ms. Kusama for her direction.
The discussion is coming back to the fore due to the most recent venture Girl Fight: A Muay Thai Story is a very up close and personal tale of women who whip each other into oblivion.
The Los Angeles Times describes it well, “Don’t let the title fool you; Girl Fight is the name of an all-women Muay Thai kickboxing gym in Seaside Heights New Jersey, and the documentary of the same name kicks as much ass as the kickboxers in it at showcasing everyday women breaking gender stereotypes just by doing what they love to do.”
Very well. It’s nice to know that women have the same rights in a sanctioned setting to bring it to one another just like the men.
In our competitive female wrestling industry, a number of elite Fem Competitors have engaged in this combat sport for years, as shown below, Leona of Hungary being one of them.
The kick boxing craze among women is trending high.
“In the early 2000s, I was introduced to the noble art of kickboxing, it thrilled me, and I loved it. I loved the honor and the discipline, and I also loved the punching.”… Nick Frost
The informative site besthealthmag.ca speaks to the benefits of this trend, “While the majority of women are turning to kickboxing for the physical workout, the self-defense aspect is a perk for many people, says Kennedy. “We teach it with an emphasis on ‘this is why you’re learning this,’ ‘this is what you would use this for.’ It’s important for people to know why they’re doing certain moves and engaging certain parts of their body.”
This is much better.
Now for confirmation.
The enjoyable site sparkpeople.com adds, “Do you hold yourself to the standards of other people, wishing you could be better than the next guy? Maybe this is motivating you, but an even greater skill is to just want to be better than yourself. How about pushing yourself to eat better, or walk longer after dinner each day? Goal setting is a great way to “compete” against yourself. You select the end result that you want in any concentration that you choose. Then, it is up to you, and only you, to work to achieve those goals. Thus, you’ll be pushing yourself towards greatness, not creating unnecessary competition against others.”
The popularity is growing among women who want to challenge themselves and not hurt other women. Stated another way, they are improving and competing against and with self.
Welcome to Cardio Kick Boxing Fitness.
In terms of self, it’s a wonderful and effective self-defense.
This is premiere fitness and no one is receiving punishment, just being trained.
The respected health improvement site livestrong.com agrees. “Cardio kickboxing developed from three separate disciplines: martial arts, aerobics and boxing. Rather than challenging competitors, cardio kickboxers challenge themselves to improve their overall fitness. Whether you sign up for kickboxing classes at your gym or buy workout DVDs to try in the comfort of your family room, you’re likely to find that kickboxing has numerous benefits for both your physical and your mental health.”
So let’s focus on the physical and mental benefits of kick boxing for your health.
As a female athlete, if you are contemplating this intense and satisfying discipline, we have a female guest writer who shares why you might want to follow through.
There certainly is a huge difference between thinking about it and actually following through on it.
Please keep thinking about the benefits and if it’s a good fit, follow through.
The Popularity Of Kick Boxing For Exercise
By VS Singh
Kick boxing is part of mixed martial arts training and has become a highly sought after activity to improve health and build muscle tone. Having been introduced to the United States sports industry in the early 1970s, it has since grown as an intensive and challenging workout. The high standard of cardio activity has gained increased recognition among fitness enthusiasts offering a dynamic approach during group classes and structured gym sessions.
Kick boxing is a combination of martial arts and traditional boxing allowing attacks using the hands and feet. In Asian practice, opponents engage the elbows and knees during a fight. Participation in a structured class can produce a variety of long term health benefits provided that it is performed under the guidance of experienced trainers and safe gym environment.
A stimulating and whole body workout is provided with kick boxing programs that can burn over 500 calories within an hour of activity. It is a fitness approach recommended for men and women who wish to lose weight and tone physique through a specific form of exercise. For optimum health and improvements in functionality, top-of-the-line cardio actions deliver both mental and physical prowess.
The unique sport targets the different muscle and joint groups during the performance of high kicks, punches and knee jabs incorporated in many self-defense and even dance classes. The cardiovascular workout aims to improve stamina, coordination and sheer confidence. The intensive approach to fitness offers a multitude of benefits for individual health and can be enjoyed by both novices and masters.
Physical fitness activities targeting core bodily components maintain a slim and toned appeal. With a shapely physique and strong function, one is equipped to engage in endurance sports and provide essential skills for future self-defense. The challenge provides improvements in cardiovascular health and the opportunity to condition the body.
Mental benefits enable participants to implement self-control and discipline with a commitment to the process. A specialized trainer can teach beginners the basics and the correct physical form to prevent injuries and support efficient results. Understanding the skills and its application develops persistence and enhanced confidence in different levels and spheres of exercise.
The popularity of kick boxing training as a form of highly intensive cardio workouts has grown among beginners and professional fitness enthusiasts. Reliance on experienced and skilled instructors in a group class or individual session can assist in learning specialized techniques encouraging mental and physical benefits. Certified programs introduce a challenging workout that will go beyond a regular exercise plan.
~ ~ ~
OPENING PHOTO CREDIT – femwrestle.com
Sources: brainyquote.com, Wikipedia, fciwomenswrestling2.com, FCI Elite Competitor, photos thank you Wikimedia Commons.
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Popularity-Of-Kick-Boxing-For-Exercise&id=9349692
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/VS_Singh/2182324
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9349692
http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/fitness/5-amazing-benefits-of-kickboxing-for-women/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/154369-why-is-kickboxing-a-good-workout/
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/quotes_translation.asp?id=6
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/girl-fight-a-muay-thai-story#/