Kickboxing has given me a fun way of exercising while improving my fitness, it's also helped me gain new skills and more confidence. As for the people, they make the class, everyone is friendly, supportive and always willing to help others. I have been going for 4 years now and it's the only thing I have stuck to and enjoy it just as much now as I did when I first started.
Gemma Goodwin, 28, Heanor

Been kickboxing around three years with Neil at Heanor. Great place to learn the art of kickboxing, every week is different. Builds confidence improves fitness. Everybody is made welcome and put at ease, it's part of the family.
Antony Weston, 40, Swanwick

Everyone in the class is extremely friendly and welcoming and it's a great way to improve fitness - any age and any size, would definitely recommend it.
Tracey Garnham, 41, Ilkeston

I started kickboxing mainly as a way of keeping fit and just getting some exercise. But after joining I enjoyed it way more than just a fitness regime, I found that I really enjoyed going for belt grades and felt really accomplished when I actually passed with merit. Something I never really thought about was sparring but it was really interesting seeing the more competitive side of kickboxing ended up really enjoying that too! The biggest thing is that every training session always has a relaxed and friendly style to it but you're still pushed to do the best you can do. I've done some Shotokan karate before and never really took to the rigid style, but with kickboxing it just seems more free flowing.
Tommy Farrell, 21, Hilton

I've been training with Derbyshire Kickboxing for 2 years now and can't remember ever doing the same lesson; each week we do something new and exciting that pushes you further. Everyone is so friendly and approachable, and the instructors are fantastic and very supportive. I love training, it's a really fun way to keep fit and to reach your goals; I really can't recommend it enough! I wish I'd joined earlier.
Elise Peet, 17, Hilton

I thoroughly enjoy the weekly training sessions with kickboxing. I also love the competitive side of the sport, with the optional tournaments that the clubs organise which allow me to use what I have learnt in training against a real opponent!
Adam Millington, 16, Etwall

Really enjoy learning the art of kickboxing and have the most amazing time in the process. In the last year since I have learnt so much more than I ever expected and feeling so much healthier for it. I have a lot more confidence and really surprised myself. I never feel like I don't want to go to a class and it was the last type of sport I thought I would take up, never mind love so much.
Jane Musson, 25, Heanor

I just think the lessons are really cool, I like learning all the new moves and techniques that the instructors show us. I feel like it's helped me to reach some of my goals such as becoming more flexible too.
Charlotte Fryer, 17, Scropton

The reasons me and my son like training is that it's a professional session, with a friendly yet disciplined coaching team who make sure every member gets the correct tuition for their ability. I also like the fact that safety is always top of the list and a wide range of equipment is always utilised and available during training
James Allen, 40, Heanor

Wouldn't want to train anywhere else! It's a really friendly class and Neil and Mel are great instructors, keeping us all fit and making sure the technical standards are high.
Gareth Collyer, 24, Eastwood

It's one of the best hours of the week!
Jason Curzon, 39, Ripley

Kickboxing's great! I can honestly recommend it to anyone wanting to improve their fitness, learn self-defence or just have some fun. That's one of the benefits of the class, we have instructors who are helpful, easy to get on with and plan fun lessons - every week's different, there's no chance of being bored.
Emma Osborne, 17, Duffield<

I absolutely love coming to kickboxing! It's the first sport I've wanted to keep up, I get bored really easily but find it exciting and look forward to coming every week. Neil and Mel are always helpful and informative, if I could, I'd train 5 times a week!
Melanie Sisson, 25, Ripley

I really look forward to Tuesday nights to come kickboxing. My only regret is that I didn't start earlier!
Nathan Ottewell, 29, Swanwick

Since joining the class I've lost almost 3 stones in weight and love the physical activity the classes encourage.
Paul Birkett, 46, Belper

Kickboxing with the PKA is an excellent martial art, great cardio workout and more importantly, great fun!
Mark Jones, 45, Codnor