FORESTStarting Kickboxing in Bodrum: What to Expect in Your First Month
You don't need to be "ready" to start kickboxing. Low fitness, zero punching experience, stiff hamstrings — that's exactly what the first month works on. Here's what a beginner typically experiences in the first four weeks, so you know what to expect when you walk in and can set yourself realistic goals.
Your first class
Nobody expects a perfect kick in your first class. Your coach will ask about your sporting background, any injuries and your goals. Then comes the warm-up: skipping, light running, joint mobility and dynamic stretching. In the first weeks the warm-up can feel like the hardest part of the session — that's normal.
For the rest of the class you'll learn the basic stance and a few simple techniques. You don't have to keep up with the group; take a breather whenever you need it. At Forest Fight your first trial class is free, so use it to see if kickboxing suits you.
Week 1: Stance, guard and basic punches
The first week is about fundamentals: where your feet go, how your weight is spread and how your hands protect your face. It may seem dull, but it's the foundation everything else is built on. A good stance makes your strikes stronger and lowers the risk of injury.
You'll usually work on the jab, the cross and basic footwork — forwards, backwards and side to side — repeating them in front of a mirror or as shadow boxing. If your punches still look "beginner" at the end of the week, don't worry; what matters is that you've started repeating the right movement.
Week 2: Kicks and first combinations
Week two brings in what makes kickboxing different from boxing: kicks. You'll start with techniques where balance is easier to keep, like the front kick and the low kick. Hip rotation, pivoting on the standing foot and returning to guard after the kick are the key points.
You'll also learn your first combinations, such as jab, cross, low kick. Coordinating hands and feet can be awkward at first, but after a few classes the movements start linking together on their own.
Weeks 3–4: Pads, bag work and pace
From week three you start hitting real targets. On the pads, a partner or coach holds them at different angles while you work combinations; the heavy bag lets you build power and stamina — and it's a great stress release. The pace picks up too: training in rounds of a few minutes with short rests builds conditioning quickly. Basic defence — blocking, evading and setting up counters — arrives in these weeks. Sparring is usually not a first-month goal; you decide with your coach when you're ready.
How your body changes in month one
Sore shoulders, legs and abs after the first few classes are completely normal; delayed muscle soreness usually fades within a few days and eases as training becomes regular. Training 2–3 times a week, by week four you'll notice you run out of breath later and finish rounds more comfortably. Kickboxing burns a lot of calories, but if weight loss is your goal, sleep and nutrition matter too. Many people notice better sleep, more energy and less stress before they see the scales move.
Common first-month mistakes
- Dropping your guard: hands sink when you're tired. Bring them back to your face after every combination.
- Holding your breath: exhale sharply with every punch and kick.
- Chasing power: in month one the goal is to strike correctly, not hard. Power follows technique.
- Comparing yourself to others: everyone started somewhere. Compare yourself only to last week's you.
When to buy your own kit
For your first class, comfortable sportswear, water and a small towel are enough, and you can use the gym's gloves and wraps; kickboxing is usually trained barefoot. Once you decide to continue, buy hand wraps and your own gloves first. Later, especially before sparring, add a mouthguard and shin guards. Ask your coach which glove weight suits you.
Tips for training in Bodrum
- Hydrate: Bodrum's summer heat and humidity make you sweat more. Drink plenty before and after training.
- Be consistent: 2–3 classes a week, every week, beats occasional bursts.
- Pick your slot: kickboxing classes run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 18:00–19:00, with world champion coach Birtan Tapar. Check the weekly schedule for current times.
- Language: if you have questions in English before or after class, our English-speaking coach Mert Özen is happy to help.
- Visiting? Ask about drop-in classes and weekly passes on WhatsApp.
Conclusion
Your first month of kickboxing is when you learn to stand, throw your first combinations and get used to a new pace. You don't have to be perfect, just keep showing up. Not sure between kickboxing, boxing and Muay Thai? Read our FAQ and our guide to starting boxing with an English-speaking coach, or try them all in your free trial class.