This week’s private lesson with my 62 year-old client was hour five of his current kickboxing course. It was also hour six of his overall kickboxing training with me, as we had attached one hour to the end of his previous boxing course. That earlier boxing work is now paying dividends. His guard, punching mechanics, foot positioning and basic ringcraft have given us a strong base. The challenge now is to add kicks without letting the boxing fall apart.

In previous sessions, we worked on balance, stance, chambering mechanics and the lead leg turning kick. His lead leg kick is improving, mainly because we have been stripping the movement down and removing unnecessary complications. In this fourth hour, the attention moved more fully to the rear leg turning kick, with the v-step used as a practical set-up.

Starting martial arts later in life can be a rewarding way to improve balance, coordination, and overall fitness. My 66-year-old client, who has a history of a serious head injury affecting his balance, recently began training to regain control and confidence in his movements. He trains in Tai Chi and Taekwondo at local clubs. I am not a Taekwondo teacher, but he sought me out to help him on his journey when he encountered some fundamental issues that needed some personal att