To mark the release of Discovery’s new documentary Idris Elba: Fighter, reporters Thomas Hornall and Prudence Wade went to a kickboxing masterclass led by Elba’s trainers Kieran Keddle and Warren Brown.Here’s what happened.Prudence: There’s nothing quite like walking into a gym as a 5 ft 5 ins girl surrounded by a bunch of dudes that tower over you. It doesn’t inspire much confidence, and I seriously doubt Idris had to put up with that when he started.
Thankfully, I didn’t feel intimidated for long. Despite being shorter, weaker and blonder than anyone else, I soon forgot about all that – largely thanks to the brutal paces that we were put through. Thomas: In 45 minutes we powered through the same lung-cauterising training Elba went through for 12 months at the hands of Luther co-star Warren Brown and kickboxing champion Kieran Keddle.We learned the basic different types of punches and kicks (with some cheeky elbows and knees) followed by a series of muscle-deadening rounds on the pads.
And, when we were on our knees, crippled with fatigue, that just meant it was time to move on to some more press-ups and core work. (Thanks for that by the way guys.)
Despite the shredded feet, pints of sweat, and all-encompassing soreness, it was bizarrely fun and addictive.It was relentless and, at times, borderline cruel, but the encouragement of your trainers, and the satisfying sound of pads being hit, kept you going until you literally dropped.
For sure, it’s an amazing workout option for people who hate the yawn-inducing repetition of lifting weights and running on treadmills at normal gyms. We may not have come out as in-shape and badass as the man himself – but we sure felt his pain waking up the next day unable to move.Idris Elba: Fighter airs on Tuesday 17 January at 10pm on Discovery.
