first class

[dirtynewb]

well I just got done with my first class, and I'm well on my way to being a grand master of pain. To be honest right now i'm in a lotta of pain, but thats beside the point.
Anyways the class that I'm in right now is basically a circuit training class, with all of the basic punches, kicks, elbows, and etc. its one hour long and the circuits are 3 min. long. And I was just wondering what any of you thought of this kind of training (is it worthless, or is it a pretty good way to learn the basics) also keep in mind that I have had no training at all in any kind of martial arts until today! I'm 22, and in semi good shape (with some luck i'll be in good shape in a few months). But I just wanted to see what you guys thought.
by the way i love all of these forums you guys are pretty good about not flaming, and adding pretty good comments

One more thing do any of you guys know a good sight that shows you step by step on how to tie hand wraps, the instructor showed me how, but i'm kinda dumb and i'm still not sure how to do it.

[Torque]

I don't know what you mean by circuit training.

Here is for wrapping your hands:

http://www.boxinggyms.com/tips/handwraps.htm

I use method 2.

[Tom Yum]

Sounds like a typical muay thai gym. 10-12 circuits and 1 or 2 people on each circuit, depending on what it is. Each one 3 minutes and you work on the specific skill; putting together combinations on the bag, keeping your head moving on the slip ball, leg sparring, rope work, sparring, pad work and footwork.

It'll get you in great shape within 3 months, but be strict on your technique. For example you don't want your chin up, out and in front of your feet when you work on punching; keep your hands up at all times and move.

[dirtynewb]

Tom thats exactly what its like, the only difference is that I'm in a basics class, which cuts out sparring and all the fun stuff. But my main concern is, is this a good way to learn the basics? So far it seems like it would be, but I know crap about boxing or martial arts. O and thanks for the website about handwrapping. by the way if any of you wanna check out the Gym's website here it is www.weaponsathand.com <--nothing special, it just gives you a feel for what there about. anyways if anyone else have any other advice or any other good websites about basic kickboxing stuff that I could check out that would be great.

thanks

[Tom Yum]

Interesting gym, Newb. Kickboxing, chin na and grappling. It allmost sounds like Chinese San da format.

Yeah, that's how you learn technique. Make sure you ask the trainer to look at your technique when you start so that you don't develop bad habits.

[dirtynewb]

lol, hey Tom. I did just that the other day, I asked the instructor what I was doing wrong. he laughed and said everything, but for me to just to try and get a feel for the proper way to throw a punch and kick. Anyways I think the class is going to be great, I'm just going to try and go every day and get a good work out.

Also how long does it take to condition the shins? I know theres no, magic way to do it quick but they hurt like hell right now. does it take 6 weeks, 6 months or years??? any info would be great.

[Tom Yum]

gradually. It takes about a year of pounding the pads before you can go shin on shin without being nearly crippled the next day. I'd kick the bag with all parts of the shin (near the knee when in punching range) and towards the ankle in long distance. Get your entire shin conditioned. You want to graduate into denser materials.

Ask your coach if he has pads that are packed with cloth and sand. Its the closest thing to concrete and each one weighs ~ 15lbs! If you can move a guy holding those pads without pain, then your kick has good power.