So, you’ve finally decided. You’re going to try kickboxing. Maybe you’ve already checked our schedule three times, hovered over the “book now” button, but hesitated. Nervous? That’s completely normal. Even the biggest champion once walked into a gym with a gym bag that was too big, feeling slightly out of place.
At Spallys in Amsterdam East, we get it. We aren’t a gym for show-offs; we are a place where you come to learn, sweat, and disconnect. To help you get over those first-time jitters, we’ve written this guide on exactly what to expect. No surprises, just a great workout.
1. The big fear: “Will I get punched in the face?”
Let’s address the elephant in the room immediately. When people hear “Dutch Style Kickboxing,” they often think of bloody noses, black eyes, and intense sparring sessions.
The honest answer? No, absolutely not.
There is a huge difference between competitive fighters and recreational training. At Spallys, safety comes first.
- Technique Classes: Here you learn the moves. You do make contact with a partner (on gloves or shin guards), but we don’t brawl. It’s about control and flow, not brute force.
- Heavy Bag Training: You don’t hit a person at all, just the bag. Perfect for stress relief.
- Sparring: We only do this if you want to and when you are ready. During a trial class, you never have to worry about being a punching bag. You’ll leave our gym with new energy, not a headache.
2. The Outfit: What should I wear?
You don’t need to buy a full professional kit before your first session. Standard gym wear is fine to start with.
- Shorts/Pants: Kickboxing shorts or tight leggings (for ladies) work best. Important: make sure there are no zippers or buttons. These can hurt you, your training partner, or damage the mats.
- Shirt: A simple T-shirt or tank top that can get dirty (you will sweat!).
- Shoes: Leave them at home! We train barefoot. This is better for your balance and helps condition your feet and shins. Tip: Bring flip-flops (slippers) to walk from the locker room to the mats for hygiene.
3. What’s in the bag? Essentials to bring
Besides your clothes, there are a few essentials you shouldn’t forget.
- Towel: Mandatory. We sweat a lot, and it’s polite to wipe down the mat or yourself.
- Water: Bring a large bottle. You’re going to get thirsty.
- Mouthguard (Bitje): Are you doing a technique class with a partner? Then we highly recommend a mouthguard. It protects your teeth if a punch accidentally slips through. For bag training, this isn’t necessary.
- Gloves and Shinguards: Don’t have your own yet? No problem. We have loaner gear available at the front desk for your trial class.
4. The Etiquette: Unwritten rules of the Dojo
Kickboxing is a sport built on tradition and respect. At Spallys, the vibe is relaxed and typically “Amsterdam,” but we do stick to a few basic rules.
- Hygiene is #1: Since we have close contact and train barefoot, being fresh is crucial. Please ensure your fingernails and toenails are trimmed short. Nobody wants a scratch from a long toenail during a clinch.
- Be on time: The warm-up is vital to prevent injuries. Please don’t walk in 5 minutes after the class has started.
- Osu! You will hear this word often. It’s a Japanese martial arts term. We use it to greet when entering the mats, and to acknowledge instructions from the trainer. It might feel weird at first, but before you know it, you’ll be saying it too.
5. Conclusion: Just do it
Kickboxing is the ultimate way to clear your head after a busy day of working or studying in the city. You use your whole body, burn a crazy amount of calories, and learn to stand your ground.
Ready to give it a shot? You are more than welcome at the Eerste Oosterparkstraat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to be fit to start? No, absolutely not. You come to the gym to get fit. Our trainers ensure that everyone can participate at their own level, whether you are a marathon runner or haven’t worked out in years.
Is Kickboxing at Spallys suitable for women? Yes! Our classes are mixed, and a large part of our member base is female. The atmosphere is safe, respectful, and empowering.
Do I need to speak Dutch? No. While our main language is Dutch, all our trainers speak English. Since we are in Amsterdam, we are used to switching languages. You won’t miss any instructions.
Can I borrow gloves for the first class? Yes, we have loaner gloves and shin guards available for trial classes. If you decide to become a member, we advise you (for hygiene reasons) to buy your own set eventually. We can advise you on the right size in the gym.
Does it hurt? You will definitely feel some muscle soreness the next day! But pain from punches or kicks is minimal in recreational kickboxing. We train for technique and control. Safety is our priority.
