     Kickboxing. The name alone instills images of gut wrenching combat, like those seen on your local sports network. It’s probably not the kind of exercise you might get into, especially after years away from the gym. My name is Victor Provost and I like to share my “exercise” choice with you. I was turning 39 when I finally decided to get back into shape, first by joining my local gym. After a nearly a year of lifting weights and the casual cardio workout, both of which can be terribly boring, I saw a poster at my gym announcing kickboxing classes, no experience required. Intrigued by the idea, I signed up for the initial two week free program (hey 2 weeks free, what did I have to lose), not to mention I’ve always admired boxing and martial arts, both of which I had never done before. Well the first class came, and there I was, ready to go. The instructor was a young woman named Crystal with her assistant Sandy (please read his inspiring story in “Achievements”). They were both very pleasant, but boy was I intimidated. We started off with a basic warm up and then we got the skipping ropes out (if you’ve never skipped before you will find this a workout on it’s own). Well, I was done after thirty seconds of a two-minute round, and we were still to do 2 more rounds! The rest of the class we worked on conditioning and stretching drills, boxing (jab/cross), kicking (front kick). By the end of the class I was totally exhausted. I was not used to this type of aerobic exercise, and mentally tired from trying different combinations. My body was in shock and all I could hear in my head was “your crazy!” It was FANTASTIC. I had never experienced exercise like this since playing competitive hockey in my youth. This is what I needed. There were so many goals to set for myself, from learning how to skip, increase my flexibility, to learning the various punch and kick combinations. The instructors were incredibly knowledgeable and very skilled. They advised me to take baby steps to reach my goals and to work at my “own” pace.

       Well for the next 4 months I attended classes regularly, slowly but surely developing my skills (my skipping was evening improving which impressed the heck out of my daughters). At 6 months came the real challenge and I think the decision that changed my life. To actually compete in a beginners tournament! I started to train harder with the help of my instructors, attended as many sparring workshops as I could. Well, the big day finally came (you’ll have to contact me if you want to find out the details). Let’s just say that I was hooked. Later on that year I competed at my first 2002 Nationals tournament in the open class division. The next year I took my training to the next level by attending as many classes and workshops (local and National Team) and again competed at the 2003 Nationals.

     Then the opportunity of a lifetime came to me. Did I want to compete at the World Kickboxing Championships for my country in Greece, 2004? You bet I did! I returned with a bronze medal and a different person. In the last 2 and a half years I’ve gone from knowing nothing about kickboxing to competing at the World Championships, completing my Certified Level One Coaching in boxing and teaching my own classes, not to mention coaching our fighters in competition. I’m also an official with the new C.A.S.K. (Canadian Amateur Sport of Kickboxing) officiating at fights and tournaments in Ontario and New York. My daughters Samantha (13) and Sydnee (9) are both enrolled in Nomad’s Junior program. Sam recently competed at the 2004 Nationals, earning a Gold and Bronze in two divisions. We are also competing together on Team Canada in Capetown, South Africa in March. I have also met some incredible people in this sport, and some to which I have formed deep friendships with.

        Now your probably wondering, do I have to do all this too? The answer is a definite No! If you decide to take up this activity; “YOU” decide what you want out of it. If it’s just to get out to exercise 1-2 times per week, that’s perfect, I couldn’t recommend a more all-round type of exercise. From aerobic activity to flexibility, to mental management, stress relief and weight control, this is the one. If you decide you love it and want to take it to the next level, the opportunities abound and John McMahon and Nomad can get you there, he did it with me. What ever your decision, remember, exercise is very important to our well- being and quality of life, and for me, well, life begins at forty!

Victor Provost

"Kickboxing and Boxing is our Specialty. Helping You Achieve Your Goals...
is What We Love To Do!"

Nomad Kickboxing & Boxing - 1800 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 1A2 - 613-739-9166