CAS Reflection: Kickboxing

Chelsey Hadeed
CAS Reflection – Kickboxing

            In 2009 I started my first kickboxing lesson in which I was afraid and nervous to begin. I had never participated in such a sport in all my life and this was a new challenge and change for me. Ever since, I have continued to practice and throughout my two years of IB I attended classes mostly every week, 2-3 times a week.

            Upon entering the class for the first time, I was not only the youngest person to attend, but I was also one of the only girls. Being in a class with all strong males I was even more intimidated then I thought. However, my assumptions were wrong, I met so many new people and became to love each and every one, I was treated so well and they were all so friendly welcoming me warmly into the class. I began to love this new sport and it became a place I could relax and wind down from my other life stresses. I was able to let out my anger, pain and fear and open up to new and different individuals, as well as the punching bag.

            Throughout the course of these lessons, I would learn new kickboxing techniques and combos, I would spar/free fight with different classmates, and also learn self-defense techniques. At times the combinations were very hard and extremely tiring, however I never let myself give up. I have become so very passionate about this sport, and I am always willing to learn and try something new. The classes would vary in terms of difficulty depending on the combinations, yet still I always enjoyed the challenge and loved fighting with the guys!

            I believe that this sport helped me in so many ways; I was able to meet new people and explore a new part of me I never new existed. It allowed me to build my strength and confidence and become a braver person. There have been days when I left class literally black and blue all over, some days I would leave crying, and others I would leave saying “woah that was really awesome, and I feel great”. The past few years of doing this sport have been really an experience. I am so happy I found a new calling that I have become so passionate about and this is a sport I wish to peruse and continue throughout university.