Discover the Power of Water: The Healthy Benefits of WaterART Kickboxing & TaeKwonAqua
Aquatic fitness has evolved dramatically over the past several decades, and one organization has been at the forefront of that innovation. WaterART Fitness International has long been recognized as a pioneer in the aquatic fitness industry—dedicated to education, research, and creative program development that supports instructors and participants around the world. Their vision is simple yet powerful: helping people discover how to move, train, and thrive in the gym of the future—in the water.
One of the most exciting additions to the WaterART family of programs is the dynamic WaterART Kickboxing & TaeKwonAqua fitness training system. This unique aquatic workout blends martial arts movements with the natural resistance and protection of water to create a safe, energizing, and highly effective exercise experience for people of all fitness levels.
Why Train in the Water?
Aquatic exercise offers benefits that land-based workouts often cannot match. The buoyancy of water reduces stress on joints and connective tissue, making exercise accessible for a wide range of participants—from beginners and older adults to athletes and those recovering from injuries. At the same time, water provides natural resistance in every direction of movement, meaning muscles work harder while the body remains supported.
This combination results in improved muscular endurance, enhanced cardiovascular conditioning, and an environment where participants can train with confidence and safety. Simply put, water provides the perfect balance of protection, resistance, and performance.
A Unique Fusion of Martial Arts and Aquatic Fitness
The WaterART Kickboxing & TaeKwonAqua program integrates movements inspired by traditional martial arts disciplines including karate from Japan, kung fu from China, and taekwondo from Korea. These powerful movement patterns have long been known for developing strength, endurance, coordination, and mental focus.
When these movements are performed in water, they become even more effective. The water’s 360-degree resistance challenges the body in every direction, engaging muscles more fully while reducing impact on joints. Participants can kick, punch, block, and move through dynamic combinations that build both physical and mental strength. The result is a high-energy, total-body workout that feels empowering and fun while delivering serious fitness benefits.
Designed for Everyone
One of the defining features of WaterART programs is their accessibility. Classes are designed so both swimmers and non-swimmers can participate comfortably. Instructors are trained to create multi-level workouts, ensuring that beginners and experienced exercisers can work side by side while choosing an intensity level that suits their personal abilities.
WaterART encourages participants to move at their own “self-paced personal best,” allowing individuals to challenge themselves without feeling pressured to match others. This approach not only promotes safety but also helps participants stay motivated and engaged.
The Healthy Benefits of WaterART Kickboxing & TaeKwonAqua
Participants quickly discover that this program goes far beyond a simple workout. The combination of martial arts movements and aquatic training creates a comprehensive fitness experience that supports overall health and wellness.
Some of the many benefits include:
- Agility – Martial arts patterns and directional changes improve quickness and responsiveness.
• Balance – Water instability activates stabilizing muscles, helping develop stronger balance control.
• Posture Training – Core engagement and upright movement patterns promote better body alignment.
• Core Strength – Constant resistance requires the abdominal and back muscles to remain active throughout the workout.
• Strength and Endurance Training – Continuous water resistance challenges major muscle groups and builds stamina.
• Cardiovascular Conditioning – Both aerobic and anaerobic intervals improve heart and lung function.
• Range of Motion Training – Water allows joints to move freely through safe and controlled movement patterns.
• Weight Management Support – High-energy workouts help burn calories and improve metabolic health.
• Coordination – Complex movement combinations enhance neuromuscular control.
• Social Interaction – Group classes foster community, encouragement, and shared motivation.
Perhaps most importantly, participants genuinely enjoy the experience. The buoyancy of the water, the rhythmic energy of martial arts movements, and the supportive class environment create a workout that feels refreshing and empowering.
Built on Exercise Science and Creativity
WaterART programs are built on the philosophy that “the application of exercise science is an art.” Each program integrates sound exercise science with thoughtful aquatic movement design, ensuring workouts are both effective and enjoyable.
Water properties—such as buoyancy, drag, and hydrostatic pressure—are carefully used to provide resistance and support. This scientific foundation allows instructors to design creative and challenging workouts while maintaining participant safety.
Global Leadership in Aquatic Fitness
WaterART’s influence extends far beyond a single program. The organization has trained more than 29,500 aquatic fitness professionals worldwide, delivering education and certification programs across Canada, the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Africa.
Inspired Leadership
The WaterART Kickboxing & TaeKwonAqua program was developed under the leadership of Julie Twynham, Educational Director and creator of WaterART Fitness International. With an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics from the University of Waterloo and more than 45 years in the global fitness industry, Julie has dedicated her career to advancing aquatic fitness education.
Her work has been presented at major international conferences and universities, and she has produced more than 320 educational fitness videos used by professionals around the world.
The martial arts inspiration for this program also draws from the philosophy of Grandmaster Young Chi Kim, founder of TaeKwonRobics. His teachings emphasized not only physical fitness but also mental discipline, confidence, and social wellness—values that continue to influence the program today.
Inspiring a Healthier Future
Ultimately, WaterART Kickboxing & TaeKwonAqua represents more than just a workout. It is a program that combines movement, science, creativity, and community to help people build strength, confidence, and lifelong wellness.
Whether you are looking to improve cardiovascular health, build muscular strength, enhance flexibility, or simply enjoy a motivating group workout, this innovative aquatic program offers something truly unique.
By bringing martial arts energy into the water, WaterART has created a powerful fitness experience that inspires participants to move, train, and thrive—one splash at a time.
