Kickboxing is more than just a workout—it’s a dynamic combination of strength, agility, and endurance that delivers impressive physical and mental benefits. Whether you’re looking to improve cardiovascular health, build confidence, or relieve stress, training in kickboxing offers a full-body experience that enhances overall well-being.
What Is Kickboxing?
Kickboxing is a full-contact hybrid martial art based on punching and kicking, while it originated in the 1950s to 1970s the term "Kickboxing" can refer to any type of martial art that integrates both full-contact punching and kicking techniques, like: Full contact karate, Muay Thai, Japanese Kickboxing, Lethwei, Snada and Savate. The Term Kickboxing originated in Japan in the 1960s, and developed in the late 1950s from karate, mixing with boxing, and has had some influence on competition held since then.
What Kickboxing Contains:
- Punching Techniques
- Kicking Techniques
- Knee Techniques (Some Types of Kickboxing)
- Defence Techniques
The Origins of Kickboxing
Since kickboxing is a broad term, it can be hard to distinctly define when kickboxing was first a thing, especially as kicking and punching have been a sign of human aggression and exercise since prehistory. The earliest type of boxing comes from a Sumerian relief in Iraq. Forms of kickboxing existed in ancient India, with the earliest references to Musti-yuddha coming from classical Vedic epics such Ramayana and Rig Veda. The Mahabharata describes two combatants boxing with clenched fists and fighting with kicks, finger strikes, knee strikes, and headbutts.
The French were the first to include boxing gloves in a sport that included kicking and boxing techniques and in 1743, modern boxing gloves were invented by Englishman Jack Broughton. Frenchman Charles Lecour added English boxing gloves to la boxe franchise (Savate). Charles Lecour was a pioneer of modern savate or la boxe franchise.
By the 1970s and 1980s, kickboxing expanded beyond Japan and had reached North America and Europe. It was during this time that many of the most prominent governing bodies were formed.
- In Japan, the sport was widely popular and was broadcast on television.
- In North America, the sport had unclear rules, so kickboxing and full-contact karate were essentially the same thing.
- In Europe, the sport found marginal success, but did not thrive until the 1990s
The Styles of Kickboxing
Japanese Kickboxing
Japanese kickboxing was the first combat sport to adopt the name of "kickboxing" in 1966, later termed Japanese kickboxing. Since the 1990s, many of the largest kickboxing promotions such as K-1 have adopted this ruleset. The primary difference between oriental kickboxing and Muay Thai was the prohibition of elbow strikes and throws.
Korean Kickboxing
Gwon Gyokdo is a style of Kickboxing from Korea, which was founded by Jung Mo-Do. It is a hybrid style which is composed of Taekwondo, Western Boxing and Muay Thai rules and techniques. Korean Kickboxing uses the basic kicking style of Taekwondo but also adds typical Muay Thai techniques, as well as footwork and dodging tactics of Western Boxing.
American Kickboxing
This is essentially a mixture of Western boxing and traditional karate. The male kickboxers are bare-chested wearing kickboxing trousers and protective gear including: mouth-guard, hand-wraps, 280g boxing gloves, groin-guard, shin-pads, kick-boots and protective helmet (for amateurs and those under 16). Female kickboxers will wear a sports bra and chest protection in addition to the male clothing/protective gear.
Benefits of Training In Kickboxing
Full-Body Workout
Kickboxing engages multiple muscle groups, improving strength, endurance, and flexibility.
Weight Loss & Fat Burn
A high-intensity workout that helps burn calories efficiently, aiding in weight management.
Confidence And Self-Esteem
Learning self-defence techniques and mastering new skills can boost confidence.
Kickboxing is a powerful training discipline that not only boosts physical fitness but also strengthens mental resilience. With benefits ranging from weight loss to improved balance and stress relief, it offers a well-rounded approach to wellness.
