There’s a lot of punching and kicking going on during the women’s kickboxing class at Oahu Taekwondo Center, but there are plenty of smiles and laughter to soften the blows.

Instructor Brassie Anderson, 31, started taking taekwondo, a Korean martial art with emphasis on kicks, about 19 years ago and earned her black belt in 1998, competing on a national and international level. She started teaching women’s kickboxing classes five years ago.

Proper form and technique are emphasized, Anderson explained. "We teach the proper way of punching and kicking but it’s in a friendly, supportive, noncontact environment. Music is played during the class to keep the atmosphere fun."

She said participants seem to become more confident after attending several classes.

"The way that they carry themselves when they walk in the gym can change," she said. "It’s comforting to know that if they need to, they can punch and kick to help defend themselves."

Anderson said it takes roughly five to seven sessions before class members are adept at performing the punch-kick sequences and holding the sparring mitts and paddles.

During a recent class, we paired up with a partner and followed Anderson’s commands, such as "one-one-two-one-two" ("one" for punch, "two" for jab). Holding the bags or mitts while a partner strikes them can be trickier than doing the actual punching and kicking.

The regulars showed patience and understanding in welcoming this newbie to their routines.

"It is a great workout," Anderson said. "No matter if it’s your first day or you have been in the program for a year, it’s always a workout."

SETTING

The class is at Oahu Taekwondo Center in Aiea. Mirrors line one wall so you can check your form but mainly folks are surrounded by heavy bags and other equipment, like mitts and gloves.

BENEFITS

The class helps women learn to properly throw punches and kicks. It’s a good cardio and strength workout, and since most of the exercises engage core muscles it’s a whole-body workout as well.

Flexibility, improved coordination, increased strength and a boost in confidence are just a few of the benefits.

THE WORKOUT

We started out with some stretching and agility drills using a ground ladder. After the warm-up, we worked on kicking and punching drills and ended class with squats, planks and other exercises that focus on specific areas such as the abdominal or leg muscles. I worked with my partner, instructor Tamara McCutcheon, who showed me how to properly do the moves throughout the class.

The class combines taekwondo kicks and boxing techniques using focus mitts, gloves and heavy bags. Wear comfortable workout clothing. The class is done barefoot.

USER REVIEW

Kim Peterson, a 39-year-old Honolulu resident, has been taking classes for a little more than two years.

"I’m not a gym person. I’ve never been into repetitive exercise like aerobics," she said. "I was looking for something different and the women’s-only class makes it less intimidating."

She described her first day as torturous, with the warm-up ladder drills leaving her spent and sweaty. Since then, she’s gained flexibility and core strength.

"I love it," she said. "I’m hooked."

TRY IT OUT?

All the kicking and punching and the adrenaline rush kept the class moving along and I forgot that I was getting a workout — until the next day when my muscles were a little achy. The class is a great fit for women who are looking for a different type of workout.

“Tryouts” features exercise and wellness classes and other fitness activities. Reach Nancy Arcayna at narcayna@staradvertiser.com or call 529-4808.