What’s more important: The art or the martial?

The bridge between fighting mentality and martial movement art.

Martial arts are often viewed through a competitive lens, mostly in the West, where the emphasis is typically on physical strength, speed, and dominance.

However, martial arts are far more than just combat. The term "martial arts" itself carries the word "art," which signifies that these disciplines are about self-expression, discipline, and personal growth, rather than simply fighting.

 📌 Table of Contents

1. The way of martial arts - Shapeboxing

2. Martial arts techniques 

3. The importance of footwork

4. Sparring: When and how

5. How to start?

6. Conclusion

1. The way of martial arts - Shapeboxing

If fighters embraced Qi connection, would aggression still be their primary goal?

Living in an instant gratification society, where real life often mirrors a Netflix drama, martial arts are frequently reduced to mere physical challenges, often neglecting their deeper cultural, artistic, and spiritual dimensions. However, when you fully embrace these arts, aggression no longer takes center stage.

Eastern martial arts—such as Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Shaolin practices—are deeply rooted in personal development and mastery. These arts go beyond physical training; they harmonize the body, mind, and energy, cultivating Qi (life energy) and promoting mental discipline.

For over two decades, I focused on building strength and power, but sadly, I neglected to train my inner strength and mind. Despite that, I always felt that hard sparring and fighting didn’t have to be the primary goal.

This realization led to the creation of Shapeboxing. Shapeboxing was born out of my vision to bridge the gap between the technical forms and fighting mentality of martial arts and the modern approach to group fitness training. I created Shapeboxing to bring martial arts techniques—such as boxing, kickboxing, and muay thai—into the group training world. It was designed for people who wanted to improve their physical and mental well-being through martial arts techniques, in a safe, controlled, and enjoyable environment.

I founded the Shapeboxing brand, and at its peak, it expanded rapidly across Slovenia with 13 training locations and 16 instructors teaching classes nationwide.

2. Martial arts techniques 

Why techniques alone are profound movement skill?

Shapeboxing integrates a wide variety of martial arts techniques, combining aspects from boxing, kickboxing, and muay thai. The focus is on mastering footwork, a fundamental component of all martial arts. Proper footwork ensures coordination, balance, and smooth movement, laying the groundwork for effective martial arts technique.

Training involves essential punching techniques such as jabs, crosses, hooks, and combinations, as well as different styles of kicks—including roundhouse kicks, low kicks, and high kicks. Incorporating muay thai techniques, like elbows and knees, adds versatility and enhances the overall effectiveness of the practice.

One of the core elements of Shapeboxing is partner work. Around 90% of the training is done in pairs, enabling participants to practice attack and defense techniques while improving their speed, coordination, and explosiveness. In these drills, we focus on developing strength, with an emphasis on safe practice by limiting the intensity to 60-80% for punches and 40-50% for kicks. This ensures that our martial arts training prioritizes safety and prevents injuries, while still building endurance and technique.

The combination of Shapeboxing techniques from various martial arts allows for a dynamic and engaging experience. The use of music, often upbeat and energetic, makes every session fun and motivating, making it more accessible for anyone interested in martial arts techniques and fitness without the need for full-contact sparring.

3. The importance of footwork

Light feet in boxing is like ballet in dancing

Footwork is the core of any martial art, forming the foundation of control, balance, and momentum. In Shapeboxing, we emphasize essential footwork techniques found in boxing, kickboxing, and muay thai:

• Forward, backward, and lateral movements
• Pivoting
• Creating space for strikes

Mastering these movements is key to improving agility, balance, and overall control—skills crucial for any martial discipline.

Footwork isn’t merely about moving your feet—it's about adapting your thinking. In most martial arts, combinations are memorized patterns, but footwork requires more awareness and spontaneous decision-making. With footwork, you must coordinate your movements and control your positioning, all while maintaining your stance and balance. In boxing, it becomes more complex, with pivots and weight shifts that must be executed smoothly.

Unlike set combinations, footwork demands more spontaneous decision-making and adaptability. It’s spontaneous, fluid, and not always in sync with the rhythm of music. This shift requires you to focus and adapt to your body’s movements. But with practice, this spontaneous rhythm becomes second nature, and your control over movement and space improves. As you become more confident in your footwork, it will feel more fluid and organic, improving both your technique and overall fitness.

4. Sparring: When and how

Here’s when sparring can enhance your practice, and when it’s best to focus on technique instead

Sparring in Shapeboxing is a small part of the training process, introduced only after basic techniques are well-mastered. It is not a mandatory aspect of training, especially in the beginning. Sparring becomes part of advanced training, typically after at least one year of consistent practice, and is used to further refine technique, timing, and control. It provides a challenge that simulates real fight situations, while maintaining safety and control.

Sparring offers the opportunity to learn how to react, anticipate movements, and test techniques in a dynamic setting. It is not about competition or aggression, but rather a chance to enhance the skills already acquired. Many see sparring as a way to push themselves further, but it’s not necessary for everyone. We don’t force sparring on anyone, especially not at the beginning, as not everyone is mentally prepared for this step.

In Shapeboxing, sparring remains a small, voluntary part of training that helps deepen understanding of techniques and challenge oneself. The focus is on personal growth, and it’s only introduced when participants are ready. However, it is never forced or required for progress.

5. How to start?

Starting your martial arts journey is simple, yet empowering.

It's all about taking that first step and allowing yourself to grow with each session. Here’s how you can begin:

1. Start with the basics: Don’t worry if you’ve never worn boxing gloves before. The key is to start with the fundamentals. Mastering basic footwork and simple punches will give you a solid foundation. These techniques will prepare you for the more complex movements that come later.

2. Take it slow: There’s no rush. Whether you're completely new to martial arts or have a bit of experience, the focus is on consistency and patience. Begin at a pace that feels comfortable for you. As you grow stronger and more confident, you can increase the intensity of your workouts.

3. Embrace the support: The beauty of shapeboxing lies in its supportive community. In each class, you’ll be surrounded by people at various stages of their journey. This means even if you're a complete beginner, you’ll never feel out of place. The environment is built to encourage you and give you the space to learn without feeling overwhelmed.

4. Consistency is key: The more you practice, the more you'll progress. Dedicate a little time each week to practice, even if it's just for a few minutes. Over time, the movements will feel more natural, and your confidence will grow.

5. Enjoy the journey: The most important thing is to enjoy the process. You’re not just training your body, but also your mind. Shapeboxing isn’t about competition or sparring; it’s about self-improvement. With each session, you’ll feel stronger, both physically and mentally.

Remember, Shapeboxing is for anyone who wants to improve their physical and mental well-being in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.  

6. Conclusion

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