health talk:
Fighting Fit

Carl.Lorimer, 2010-07

Keeping in shape is never easy; it requires motivation, discipline and proper instruction. If going to the gym is not your idea of a fun time, why not boost your fitness level while simultaneously learning practical self-defence and meeting new people in a friendly, supportive environment? This month TALK gives you a few options on how to do exactly that.

Muay Thai – the art of eight-limbs – is a form of kickboxing designed specifically to promote fitness and build physical and mental toughness. With 15 years of training experience in Thailand and New York City, Tomer Oz is the affable Israeli owner of the popular Oz Body Fit gym, located on Kanding Lu. His 90 minute-long classes not only increase fitness levels, but improve self-defence abilities and overall confidence. “Getting in shape isn’t a hobby,” he says, “If you come three times a week I can promise you results.” He is quick to point out everyone is welcome; classes are available for all levels and only advanced students actually spar with each other. Moreover he guarantees a great social atmosphere where members share encouragement and often start friendships. A planned expansion of the gym will soon add a boxing ring with accompanying classes, as well as a women’s only fitness class in the afternoon.

Oz Body Fit. 528 Kangding Lu, near Xikang Lu, Room 103. Tel: 6288 5278. Web: www.ozbodyfit.com

Another option is Wing Chun, a Chinese close-combat system which, as legend has it, was created by a woman to take advantage of an opponent’s bulk. This southern flavour of kung fu heavily influenced the development of Bruce Lee. Brian Portworsnick, a good-natured German with a staggering 23 years of experience, is the owner of the Taikang Lu-based Wing Chun School of Shanghai. Here students learn the ancient art through building coordination, flexibility and power through speed. The classes are mixed gender and cultures, with Brian switching easily between English, German and Chinese, while providing accurate instruction over the course of an intensively aerobic two hours. According to Brian, “Wing Chun also develops functional body control which you can’t achieve through going to the gym.” Give him six months and he promises students will be confident enough to defend themselves in most situations. If you are lucky, he may even teach you the secret of the one-inch-punch!

Brian’s Wing Chun School of Shanghai. 210 Taikang Lu, Building 3, Room 311. Tel: 136 6158 4404. Web: www.brian-wingchunschool.com

Over the past 15 years, mixed martial arts, or MMA, has exploded in popularity – today it is one of the world’s fastest growing sports. As of January, Shanghai now has its own MMA gym with the opening of Sai Rui Fitness Club in Minhang. The sport combines many aspects of various martial arts and thus the club’s trainers provide instruction in not only MMA, but Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, American kickboxing, Taekwondo, Karate, Hapkido, Judo and boxing. If that isn’t impressive enough, the club is also equipped with a full-sized replica of the UFC Octagon fight cage, over 100 square metres of open mats and a full gym of strength training equipment. If you are willing to commit to a serious work ethic and keep an open mind, trainer Ramsey Dewey promises, “We will provide gym members with all the tools and knowledge they need to achieve success in combat sports and physical fitness.” The club also holds a fight night every two weeks as an outlet for students to test their skills; children’s karate classes are also available.