Respect, discipline and knockout fitness
Muay Thai and Kickboxing gym, Connect Striking, has arrived in Snells Beach. Owned and operated by head trainer, Daniel Ruka, born and raised in Algies Bay and Warkworth.
Daniel has spent the last 15 years in Auckland training and competing in Muay Thai and kickboxing. He recently made the move back to his hometown to fulfil a passion and start his own business, opening Connect Striking, a gym he wishes he’d had access to when growing up in the area.
Situated at the Mahurangi East Shopping Centre, the 150 square metre gym has martial arts mats covering the floor, a variety of fairtex boxing bags, thai pads, skipping ropes, an office, a stocked fridge, a growing strength and conditioning area with squat rack, smith machine and assault bike, fans, large mirrors, seating, toilet and shower facilities - and to top it off, a 4.5 square metre boxing ring with custom ring ropes, currently being manufactured overseas, set to arrive in the new year.
Connect Striking also has a small shop selling NZ Boxer boxing equipment plus club merchandise and sports drinks. A wide range of classes are on offer for anyone aged 5 years and up, of all shapes, sizes and experience levels, from total newbies through to professional fighters.
Classes run five days a week with kids classes at 3.30pm, youth classes at 4.30pm, adult community classes at 6pm and various classes from beginners to womens to fighters held throughout the week at 7pm. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays also have 6am morning classes and 9.30am mums with babies classes on offer. As a trainer Daniel offers one-on-one and small group personal training sessions.
Muay Thai is a martial art and combat sport that originated in Thailand. It has proven to be the most effective and popular standing, striking martial art in the world. “To the uneducated person it may seem like a whole bunch of violence and you have to be a pumped up, superfit egomaniac to practise it, but in fact it’s the total opposite,” says Daniel.
A sport all about respect and discipline, you will find a positive, healthy and supportive community to be part of once you leave your fears and assumptions at the door. Plus it has a safer injury and concussion rate than other popular sports like rugby.
So whether you're a parent looking to get your kids into a fantastic martial art, wanting to burn some calories, get fit and lose weight, a mum who has nowhere to workout or you’re wanting to take the sport seriously and compete in fight shows around the country - Connect Striking Muay Thai and Kickboxing is the place for you!
www.ConnectStriking.com | 021 142 9323