​This sequence blends speed, timing, and range control:

• One-Two (Jab-Cross):
  The combination begins with a sharp one-two. This is your entry point and disruption tool. If your opponent is reaching, throwing wide punches, or telegraphing their attack, this strike has a high probability of landing clean and interrupting their forward momentum.
• Slide Back:
  Immediately after the one-two, you create space by sliding back. This movement is critical—it sets up your next strike while taking you out of immediate danger.
• Back Leg Roundhouse Kick:
  As your opponent reacts or continues forward, you deliver a powerful roundhouse kick. The slight retreat creates the perfect distance to generate force and land effectively.

Power Punch:
As your kicking leg returns, you’re once again out of range. From here, you fire a final power punch, catching your opponent 

​This combo is most effective against an advancing attacker:

• If your opponent is overextending or telegraphing, the one-two can stun and disrupt.
• Against a more guarded, experienced opponent, the one-two acts as a brief distraction—just enough to create your opening.
• The key is timing: explode off the one-two as your opponent steps in.

​The defensive side of this drill focuses on the cover-up technique:

• Stay tight and protected while moving forward.
• Apply pressure to the person executing the combo.
• Close distance to reduce the effectiveness of the strikes, especially the kick.

This teaches you not only how to execute the combo, but how to neutralize it under pressure.

​This drill is designed for two training partners:

• One partner executes Combo 2.
• The other practices the defensive cover and forward pressure.

By switching roles, both practitioners develop a deeper understanding of timing, distance, and reaction—on both offense and defense.

​Combo 2 is a powerful example of how simple techniques, when combined with smart movement and timing, can be highly effective. Whether you’re attacking or defending, mastering both sides of this exchange will elevate your overall skill and awareness.
 

Picture this: a high-energy workout that lets you channel your emotions, sweat out your stress, and build confidence with every punch and kick. Kickboxing is not just a sport—it’s a transformative experience. Here’s what it can do for you:

• Physical Power: Feel your body grow stronger and more agile as you conquer each move.
• Mental Resilience: Sharpen your focus, reduce anxiety, and boost your self-esteem.
• Emotional Release: Smash through stress and pent-up emotions in a safe, constructive way.
• Community Support: Connect with others on similar paths and celebrate victories together. 

 
At Smash Hit Kickboxing, we’ve seen lives change as participants discover the healing power of movement. The benefits are more than physical—they’re life-changing.

​​Addiction recovery is a mental game, and kickboxing is the perfect training ground. Here’s how our program strengthens your mental health:

​Boosts Your Mood: Every jab and hook releases endorphins and dopamine, nature’s own feel-good chemicals.

Builds Confidence: Mastering techniques like the jab, slipping, and guard positions translates into real-world confidence.

Sharpens Focus: The strategic demands of kickboxing teach you to stay present and mindful.

Encourages Discipline: Structured routines help you develop perseverance and self-control essential tools for recovery.

These mental health gains are powerful allies in the fight against addiction, helping you stay motivated and engaged in your journey

Our Recovery Kickboxing Program is designed for anyone seeking to transform their struggles into strengths. By shifting your focus from destructive behaviors to purposeful movement, you’ll unlock a sense of pride and accomplishment. Here's what participants have shared about their experiences:

• “I’ve gained more than fitness here; I’ve gained hope.”
• “The confidence I’ve built in the gym has spilled into every part of my life.”
• “It’s not just about kicking; it’s about kicking the negativity out of my life.”

Research conducted by Dr. Darren Lubbers, Ph.D., founder of IBH Analytics, in collaboration with Smash Hit Kickboxing’s Recovery Kickboxing Program, studied the psychological impact on participants. The findings were both inspiring and statistically significant, showcasing what we call "The Big 6" of self-efficacy improvements before and after participating in class. Building confidence in:

Physical Fitness: Participants’ confidence in maintaining physical fitness rose from 63% to 83%.

Self-Defense Ability: Confidence levels increased from 61% to 82%.

Mental Awareness: Scores improved from 62% to 81%.

Mental Discipline: Participants reported an increase from 69% to 83%.

Sense of Purpose: A remarkable boost from 74% to 87%.

Perseverance: Levels rose from 75% to 88%.
​
​These results demonstrate how the Recovery Kickboxing Program not only supports physical fitness but also fortifies mental and emotional strength. The structured, supportive environment empowers individuals to believe in their ability to thrive both inside and outside the gym.

​Recovery is a journey, and every step matters. At Smash Hit Kickboxing, we’re here to walk—and punch—that path with you. Our program combines professional coaching, personalized techniques, and a supportive community to help you reclaim your life.

• Improved physical and mental well-being.
• Tools to manage stress and emotions.
• A new sense of purpose and direction.

​Are you ready to kick addiction to the curb? Call us today and take the first step toward the strongest, happiest version of you. Together, let’s build a future worth fighting for.  Join Recovery Kickboxing

​Rock Steady Boxing is a non-contact boxing program designed to empower individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. This specialized program provides numerous benefits, such as:

• Improved motor function: Enhances balance, posture, strength, and coordination.
• Increased confidence and quality of life: Participants feel more energized and socially connected.
• Reduced falls: Promotes safer movement and reduces fall risk.
• Delayed symptom progression: Emerging studies suggest neuroprotective effects.

Led by Eric, who recently completed certification for this program, Rock Steady Boxing will include exercises like stretching, footwork, and glove work.

​For fitness enthusiasts, Eric’s Beat Box Cardio Kickboxing is back! Known for its electrifying playlists and high-energy routines, this group class is perfect for burning calories, building strength, and having fun—all while moving to the beat.

​New to the lineup is the Partner Drills Class, where participants can learn non-contact sparring techniques. Perfect for those interested in the sport of boxing without the worry of getting hit, this class focuses on footwork, timing, and precision in a safe, supportive environment.

​Eric’s impressive credentials include:

• 2009 USA Boxing Lightweight National Champion
• Coached/trained:
  • 5 National Champions
  • 10 State Champions
  • 5 Junior Olympic Gold Medalists
• Three-time Real Detroit Magazine awardee for Best Kickboxing Instructor and Best Personal Trainer
• Four-time Top Fitness Professional honoree by Cambridge Magazine

Eric’s combination of experience, passion, and a dedication to inclusivity makes him the perfect leader for these programs.

Starting February 2025, these programs will be available at Smash Hit Kickboxing. Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s, want a heart-pounding cardio workout, or are eager to explore the technical aspects of boxing, there’s something for everyone.

​Stay tuned for schedules and registration details. With Eric “Spitfire” Wilkinson at the helm, Smash Hit Kickboxing continues to innovate and inspire!

For those looking to experience Kathryn’s teaching firsthand, don’t miss her signature Sunday Morning Blast class at 9:00 AM. This high-energy, calorie-torching workout combines Muay Thai techniques with full-body cardio, offering participants a chance to improve coordination, balance, and self-defense skills—all while having a blast. Whether you’re a seasoned martial artist or new to fitness, Kathryn’s class has something for everyone.

​Join us this Sunday and discover why Kathryn Jaeger is one of Smash Hit’s most inspiring instructors. Get ready to sweat, learn, and feel empowered in a class that’s as dynamic as the instructor leading it. ✨

​If you're curious about how our beginners classes can help you achieve your fitness goals, read on! Here are some of the key benefits you'll experience:
1. Safety First: Expert-Led MovementsYour safety is our number one priority. We've researched extensively with organizations like the American Council on Exercise to ensure our members learn proper form to avoid injury. From day one, you'll be taught how to execute every move with precision, keeping you safe while maximizing results.
2. Dynamic Warm-Up: Get Ready to MoveOur warm-ups aren’t just a stretch and go. They combine music, aerobic routines, and rehearsals of basic kickboxing movements. Through repetition, these moves will become second nature, setting you up for success as you progress. It’s not only about getting your heart pumping—it’s about developing muscle memory that will make advanced moves easier down the line.
3. Real Moves for Real BenefitsAt Smash Hit Kickboxing, we don't just "pretend" to kickbox or throw punches for fun. Every move you practice is the real deal, rooted in authentic boxing and kickboxing techniques. These classes will teach you actual fighting forms, meaning you’ll gain not only fitness benefits but self-defense skills that could one day protect you if needed.
4. Self-Defense Skills: Empowering and PracticalWhile many of us don’t want to think about self-defense, knowing how to protect yourself is invaluable. By learning proper kickboxing and boxing techniques, you'll be equipped with skills that can come in handy in real-life situations. It’s empowering to know that you can defend yourself if necessary!
5. Build Focus and Muscle with Heavy Bag TrainingWorking with heavy bags is one of the best ways to improve strength and focus. You'll be taught proper form to increase speed and power, giving your muscles the same workout intensity as endurance weight training. Not only does this help build muscle, but it also increases bone density, perfect for people of all fitness levels.
6. Power, Speed, and Accuracy: Get the Most Out of Every MoveIf you’re going to throw thousands of punches and kicks during each class, why not do them correctly? We focus on honing the power, speed, and accuracy of each move, transforming your technique to unleash your full potential. Whether you’re here for fitness or to take your boxing skills to the next level, every move will be sharpened to perfection.
7. Achieve Your Goals with a Systematic ApproachEvery class at Smash Hit Kickboxing has a purpose. You'll practice set movements in combinations that are designed to challenge you progressively. We offer clear goals, like our signature "Art of Invisibility," which will have you mastering elusive, high-level techniques without even realizing how far you've come.
8. Low-Impact, High-Reward: Safe for All AgesKickboxing isn’t just for elite athletes—it's designed for everyone, no matter your fitness level. Our classes focus on controlled, purposeful movements, ensuring proper biomechanics. This means anyone can join, whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a beginner, or an older adult looking for a low-impact, high-reward workout.
9. Core Strength and Flexibility: Fighter-Style ConditioningSmash Hit classes aren’t just about punches and kicks. Our floor work will help you build core strength with abdominal drills, while prone-position arm work develops upper body strength. Kickboxing also enhances flexibility, especially through moves like our "iso-kick" stretches, which can double your leg flexibility in just one month.
10. Fat-Burning Formula: Achieve Your Ideal BodyOur classes use a blend of high and low-intensity exercises to kick your metabolism into overdrive. Beginners start with low intensity, gradually building up endurance while burning fat. As you progress, you'll be able to take on advanced combinations that boost anaerobic performance, keeping your body in fat-burning mode long after class is over.
11. Social Engagement: Find Community and CamaraderieFitness doesn’t have to be solitary! At Smash Hit Kickboxing, we offer non-contact partner drills to add fun and social engagement to your workouts. You’ll build camaraderie with fellow classmates while getting a firsthand look at the progress you're making with real kickboxing techniques.


Kickboxing is more than just a workout—it’s a path to self-improvement, empowerment, and fun! Whether you’re looking to burn calories, relieve stress, or sharpen your fighting skills, Smash Hit Kickboxing has something to offer everyone. Our beginners' classes are designed to safely introduce you to the world of kickboxing while delivering real results.
Come join the kickboxing revolution today and see how Smash Hit Kickboxing can take your fitness journey to new heights!

My name is Terrence Popp, and I am a retired First Sergeant with 33 years of service in the U.S. Army. Throughout my career, I served as a Green Beret, Airborne Ranger, paratrooper, and infantry soldier. The journey was a mix of adventure, terror, and pain that left a mark on my body and mind.

During my time in Iraq, especially in 2004, I experienced horrors that most people can hardly imagine. We faced constant shelling, roadside bombs, and ambushes. In one explosion outside Ramadi, I suffered injuries that altered my life forever. Three years of physical recovery were accompanied by mental battles that lasted far longer. My photographic memory was gone, and I struggled with anxiety, depression, and feelings of being lost in a world I no longer recognized.

After a difficult transition back to civilian life, I found myself drawn to a familiar place — the gym. In the midst of training and hitting the heavy bags, I began to rediscover something crucial: a sense of peace. The rhythm of training, the focus of each punch, and the calm between rounds became my meditation. I wasn’t just regaining physical strength — I was healing emotionally.

Seeing the transformation in myself, the owner of Smash Hit Kickboxing suggested I start teaching a class. Today, I’ve been running a Monday session for over a year now, called Warrior’s Way Kickboxing. It’s more than just a workout. It's a safe space for anyone battling PTSD, stress, anxiety, or recovering from physical and emotional injuries.

​For me, this class has become a mission — to help others find the healing and peace that I discovered in those quiet moments between punches. Every week, I see the difference it makes in others, just as it did for me. My hope is that through Warrior’s Way, we can all find the strength to keep moving forward, together.

New Year's resolutions are often about fresh starts and big goals. For me, this year was all about getting back to my best self. As a martial artist and kickboxer for decades, fitness has always been part of my lifestyle. It's not just a passion—it's a way of life that keeps me in great shape. But here's the truth:

​I push my students hard. So hard, in fact, that I realized they were in better shape than me. Life got busy with running my business, supporting my family, and teaching at Smash Hit. There was just no time for me to dedicate to a consistent workout routine that would keep me performing at my best.

So, I decided to take action.

1.  I committed to spending a few hours a week at the gym doing my own kickboxing cross-training workouts—the same ones I use to train my students.
2.  I joined in on the classes alongside them, since most of the students already had a solid grasp of the techniques.

The result? After just 45 days, I was back in peak condition and had lost 30 pounds! I felt more focused, more energized, and less stressed.

The good news is, you can do this too! If you’re ready to get in the best shape of your life and learn real self-defense along the way, all it takes is committing to just one hour a week to start. Let’s make this the year you crush your fitness goals!
 
 Karl's Round By Round Boxing, 7:00 p.m. Thursdays