Cheryl (Student)

I have been a member of 5 Element Martial Arts for 7 months & attend classes 3 times a week. I really enjoy the different aspects of each class & am proud of what I have achieved personally so far. The support, enthusiasm & commitment given by all of the instructors rubs off, not only on me, but to everyone in the group. It may sound like I'm slightly exaggerating, but I honestly feel total support from everyone in the group.

There are days that I don't feel like training, but there seems to be some kind of 'invisible string' that pulls me to the class! The support from the other members telling me that 'You can do it!, Keep going!, Just 1 more sit-up!, & Well done!' really gives you some sense of achievement. Something that I think is paramount to anyone looking to join the club, is that everyone trains at their own level & pace & to their own ability. Before I even attended a class, I spoke Tony Willis on the phone & voiced my concerns about my ability to keep up with everyone. Tony assured me that I would be fine, to do the best that I could & that nobody was there to judge me. I haven't looked back since. My stamina has improved tenfold. In the beginning I really didn't like sit-ups & could only manage a few before collapsing in a heap on the mats! Now I can keep up with everyone else & I actually don't mind doing them.

Recently a few of the ladies from the 'kickerise' class have joined the kickboxing class too, & some of them even do both. In the kickboxing class, I have learnt how to punch, kick & defend myself correctly & with minimal injury to myself. These techniques are practiced at each class. Of all the techniques, I enjoy punching the most. I have learnt to keep my guard up at all times, to punch correctly & how to defend should a punch come my way. Week by week my legs kicks are getting higher, & more precise. It goes to prove that the more time & effort you put in, the better you will be. I may not look it, but I do feel a lot fitter since I joined the class & now have a punch bag at home so that I can practice at the weekends - keeping fit can be addictive!

Recently, the club held a seminar hosted by Master Cris Janson-Piers & World Kickboxing Champion Kerry-Louise Norbury. (Not many clubs offer seminars like this to their members, so it was a bit special) I was slightly anxious, but wanted to see if I capable to train for 2 hours with 2 professional fighters. I did my best & learnt a lot - including being able to balance my body & to breathe correctly. I had a great time & Cris & Kerry made me feel relaxed.

It isn't all work, work work with the club either. We do fun things too! To promote the club, I have helped out a few times at school fetes & carnivals. I really enjoy these days out. You meet lots of people, including kids who would like to have a go at kickboxing, but are unsure if it's for them or not. Telling them my experience with the club can often get them to come along & have a go for themselves. Other fun things - Tony & Kellie held a BBQ for us at their home which was lovely. It was nice to socialise with members of the class outside of the club. They have also organised a Christmas party for us all in December too. I can highly recommend 5 Elements Martial Arts to anyone & everyone. It is a club where all ages & all abilities are welcome & where you will gain some sense of personal achievement. I have made some lovely friends too!