Quick Answer
Beginner kickboxing covers four things: a solid guard, the jab-cross combination, the lead roundhouse kick, and footwork. Everything is learned on pads — no fighting, no pressure.
Many people start kickboxing when Chennai's weather cools down and new-year resolutions arrive early. If you are thinking about starting, here is your first month demystified — what you will learn each week, the common mistakes, and how to begin.
Week 1: The guard and stance
Hands protecting the face, elbows tucked, chin down, knees soft, weight balanced between both feet. Your lead foot points roughly forward; your rear foot is angled and on the ball of the foot. The guard is your home — every technique leaves from it and returns to it.
Common mistakes: standing square to your partner, locking the knees, letting hands drift down when tired.
Week 2: Jab and cross
The two straight punches. The jab is thrown with the lead hand — fast, light, used to measure distance. The cross is thrown with the rear hand, powered by pivoting the rear foot and rotating the hips. Simple, endlessly refinable, and the backbone of everything you will ever throw.
Common mistakes: dropping the non-punching hand, punching with the arm only, leaning forward. Read beginner punching mistakes and how to fix them.
Week 3: The roundhouse kick
Your first kick: pivot on the standing foot, turn the hip over, and swing the shin through the target. Low targets first, balance before height — exactly as it should be. Many classes also introduce the front kick (teep), a push kick used to keep distance.
Common mistakes: not pivoting the standing foot, kicking with only the leg, leaning back too far. Read beginner kicks: balance before height.
Week 4: Putting it together
Footwork stitches everything together: small steps, guard up, never crossing your feet. Combinations start flowing on the pads — jab-cross-roundhouse, for example. You also start learning basic defence: blocking punches, checking kicks with your shin, and moving out of range. By now you are sweating buckets and grinning about it. Read why footwork is the secret weapon.
What comes after the first month?
- Hooks and uppercuts
- Knees and body kicks
- Longer combinations and counter-attacks
- More advanced defence
- Increasing stamina through rounds
- Controlled partner drills — and, optionally, light technical sparring much later
Do beginners hit each other?
No. Beginners hit pads and bags, not people. Partner drills are controlled and focused on technique. Light sparring, if a student chooses it, comes months later with full protective gear and close supervision. Read why sparring must be taught with safety and respect.
How fit must I be to start?
You do not need to be fit — kickboxing gets you fit. Beginners work at their own pace, rest when needed, and build stamina gradually. Tell the coach about any injuries or health conditions.
What should I bring to the first class?
- Comfortable sports clothing
- A water bottle and small towel
- Nothing else — gloves and wraps can come later once you decide to continue
Read what to wear for your first martial arts class.
Gear you will need later
Hand wraps, gloves (the coach will advise on weight), shin guards and a mouthguard. Ask before buying so you get the right type and size.
Why kickboxing for beginners?
It is fun, intense and practical: excellent cardio, full-body strength, stress relief, confidence and self-defence skills. Read kickboxing for fitness and our main kickboxing classes guide.
Start in Chennai
Kick Boxing at Spartacus is taught by Coach Kishore for striking, stamina, power, fat loss and confidence. Ask about current batch timings. book a free trial class at Spartacus or message us on WhatsApp.
