Page 165 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2016

alan belcher mma club www.gulfportmartialarts.com
kickboxing, the classes have made all the difference. “It’s made me not only physically, but mentally stronger,” said Asheigh Teates, a nurse practitioner from Ocean Springs. “I’m a mother of two boys, and people are amazed that I’m doing what I’m doing.”
Elizabeth Kuc is one of the students who has prior training in Kyo Kushin, a similar martial art. “I’ve been training in martial arts for about 12 years now,” said Kuc. “I love the sport because it provides a lot of cardio and has us up and moving around, and really works on coordination.”
Kuc relocated to the Coast with her military service and is currently stationed at Keesler Air Force Base.
Kickboxing as martial art readily lends itself to self- defense through its teaching of blocks and evasive maneuvers as well as disabling attacks, but has some great fitness side effects as well. “It’s a better type
of workout,” said Monica Medina, the women’s instructor at the MMA Club. “Kickboxing uses every muscle in your body while teaching you how to defend yourself.”
For women who are especially interested in self- defense, Alan Belcher offers a special Women’s Self-Defense Class that provides a friendly and safe learning environment. In the program, participants are trained on how to prevent, handle, and overcome every type of violent attack. The trainers are dedicated to ensuring that students leave with the skills to stay safe and be prepared for anything that might come their way. Through a combination of Jiu Jitsu and Krav Maga techniques, students not only master hand-to-hand combat with larger opponents, but skills on disarming attackers of their weapons
as well. Belcher knows that for women athletes,
it’s important to utilize the extremely powerful advantages of leverage and flexibility. With that in mind, his classes enable women to have the power to prevent an oncoming attack.
Alan Belcher MMA Club’s instructors are great at keeping their classes fun and motivational while still providing an intense workout. “Confidence is the number one positive effect I see kickboxing have on people here at ABMMA,” said Hill. “It starts building as the first pounds and inches begin to come off,
and they feel the physical change. Then something kind of unexpected happens; regular people find themselves enjoying throwing punches and kicks because of the empowering feeling it gives them. From the way they walk through the door, to how they approach new students and assure them they are going to do great, I’ve watched Kickboxing Class have a major impact on our ladies’ confidence!”
If you’re looking for the ultimate workout, want to relieve stress, as well as look and feel your best, fitness kickboxing is a great option.
12100 Hwy 49, Suite 606, Gulfport
228.265.7273
10598 Diberville Blvd. Ste K D’Iberville
228.392.0034
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September 2016 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 165
great for fitness and safety