ANN/THE DAILY STAR – “Have you ever wished for a workout that pushes your physical limits, sharpens your focus, and boosts your confidence both inside and outside the gym? Kickboxing delivers all this and more, blending fitness with self-defence. With studios sprouting up, kickboxing is evolving from a mere trend into a lifestyle, equipping individuals for both physical and mental challenges in life.
To delve into the growing popularity of kickboxing and its numerous benefits, we spoke with Minhaz Remo – a certified strength and sports nutrition coach, 2nd-degree black belt in ITF Taekwondo.
A JOURNEY OF STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE
For some, the path to kickboxing is not just about fitness. It’s equally about transforming adversity into strength – for example, the journey of Remo, whose story is one of resilience.
“I’ve always seen myself as a product of my experiences.” Remo added, “Bullying during my early years pushed me towards starting a wellness journey at 14. I was skinny and sensitive, making me a target, which deeply affected me. It was then that I vowed to never let myself be seen as weak again.”
Driven by this promise, Minhaz Remo trained in Taekwondo, ultimately achieving national championship titles and representing Bangladesh in the sport. His journey did not stop there.
Remo transitioned to kickboxing, searching for a more intense form of self-defence and competition.
“Kickboxing introduced me to sports science and corrective exercise therapies,” he recalled.
After suffering a serious wrist injury, Remo’s time away from the mat allowed him to deepen his understanding of training, eventually developing his curriculum to help others overcome physical limitations.
“Now, I work with clients who suffer from chronic pain, using my knowledge to enhance their lives,” he shared.
Remo’s journey is just one example of how kickboxing goes beyond physical training – it fosters mental resilience and a commitment to growth.
“While I may not be a superhero, I use my skills to teach others how to defend themselves and regain their confidence. Kickboxing isn’t just about fighting; it’s about understanding, adapting, and thriving against all odds,” Remo said.
THE BENEFITS
Kickboxing is a full-body workout that blends strength, agility, and endurance. Remo explained the multi-faceted benefits, “Kickboxing demands strength, conditioning, and precision – anything less is an insult to the combat sport itself. It challenges you to hone specific skills on a technical level.”
Practising movements with precision builds hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and spatial awareness, pushing practitioners to remain mentally sharp. Moreover, it develops full-body functional fitness, helping to maintain balance, agility, and bone density as practitioners age.
This makes it invaluable for long-term health and resilience.
In a society where personal safety is often a concern, kickboxing empowers individuals with practical self-defence skills, especially women.
“While training, you’re not just working out; you’re preparing your body to be strong, agile, and capable,” Remo opined. The confidence gained from knowing how to defend oneself is a unique and lasting benefit.
A GROWING COMMUNITY
The enthusiasm for kickboxing is fuelled by people like Remo and fellow practitioners who inspire others through their journeys.
Take Sumaiya Sayat Rubama for example, who explained, “Kickboxing helped me get into the discipline of pushing through discomforts when required to do physically challenging moves in repetition without stopping until a target I set for myself was hit. My reaction time started improving – I was aware of my mind-body connection and how to move in response to my surroundings.”
Rubama’s experience captures the core of kickboxing’s appeal: it’s a training regimen that’s not only physically demanding but also deeply transformative on a mental level. As more people embrace kickboxing, studios have opened classes that cater to various experience levels.
These classes are attracting students, young professionals, and seasoned fitness enthusiasts who are inspired by the multifaceted benefits of the sport.
THE FUTURE
Despite the positive growth, kickboxing faces challenges, including misconceptions about safety. Some may be sceptical about injury risks, but as Remo highlighted, “Kickboxing is safe when practised under the guidance of a skilled coach and with proper equipment.”
With a focus on safety and a commitment to spreading accurate information, kickboxing studios in Bangladesh can overcome these hurdles.
“The beauty of the sport is its ability to meet diverse fitness goals,” Remo said. This flexibility is crucial as more people look for workouts that align with their lifestyles and needs.
“Kickboxing is a comprehensive training regimen that prepares you for the challenges of life, both expected and unexpected,” Minhaz Remo concluded. – Ayman Anika
