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Fitness managers can ensure standards are met by employing highly accredited instructors. However, one of the main difficulties associated with implementing kickboxing classes is recruiting instructors who have the qualifications and abilities to deliver a safe, effective, fitness-based workout.

Although experienced martial artists can teach proper technique and movement patterns, the majority do not possess the expertise or skills necessary for successful mainstream group-exercise instruction. “There needs to be a balance between the sport and fitness,” says Norris.

“Therefore, instructors leading these classes should have qualifications and training in both areas.” Black belt or not, Gove, who has a background in martial arts, stresses that any kickboxing instructor should have a higher sense of kinesthetic awareness.

“You have to be really aware of how your body is moving,” she explains. “If the instructor’s [moves] are a little sloppy, the participants are going to be sloppy as well.”

Program directors who are aware of the strengths, weaknesses and abilities of their staff members may discover that their instructor team is comprised of individuals who can successfully manage a martial-arts fitness class. Gove points out that assembling an adequate pool of instructors is essential.

“The last thing you want to do is bring in something that will be exciting for members, and then get stuck [with no instructors].”

A number of programs designed to bridge the gap between the sport of martial arts and mainstream fitness are on the horizon. Reebok is launching Reebok Martial Arts R, which combines aerobics and kickboxing in a progressive instructor training package. Both Norris and Olson are members of the international development committee for Reebok Martial Arts. “We are concerned with developing fitness, not fighters,” explains Olson. “[Our goal] is to combine … cardio movements like the grapevine or jumping jacks, which increase the heart rate, [with] slow martial-arts skill development.” In Canada, TRC Fitness has introduced Bo Kwon Do, a club-based program package that includes year-long progressive instructor training, as well as advertising and promotional materials.