Kickboxing

Kickboxing is the most commonly practiced form of martial arts in the United States. It is most commonly practiced by adults as a form of exercise or self defense. Kickboxing, as the name implies, involves kicking but also punching. Kickboxing may be practiced individually, often using a punching bag, or with an opponent. When practiced with an opponent, the fight ends as soon as one opponent is “beaten” to the ground. When practiced with physical contact with an opponent, the martial arts style is considered a contact sport.

Because Kickboxing is so popular, there are many forms of Kickboxing currently in practice today. These include Japanese Kickboxing, American Kickboxing, Indian Kickboxing, Burmese Kickboxing, and French Kickboxing. However, the Japanese and American versions of Kickboxing are by far the most popular and the most widely practiced. The Japanese form of Kickboxing is considered, by most, the original form of the art. It was given this name by a man named Osamu Noguchi. In the Japanese form of the sport, five three minute rounds are completed. Opponents may kick the lower half of the body but not the crotch, and they may also wrestle the neck and strike the knees. However, butting of or to the head and performing any types of throws are not allowed.

As discussed above, each style of Kickboxing is different. American Kickboxing allows the boxers to hit above the hips only. Hits may be given by the fists, or the feet but not by the elbows or knees. A match will generally take anywhere from three to twelve three minute rounds. This form of the art is the most commonly used in professional matches and tournaments. It is also considered generally the safest form, as long as opponents are properly outfitted and adhere strictly to all the guidelines and rules laid out. Not doing so is grounds for dismissal from any match or tournament.

Of course, most people who engage in Kickboxing do so not to fight others or to defend themselves but simply to get in better shape. Practicing the sport has many health benefits such as weight loss and toning. It is an excellent way to shape the abdomen, the buttocks, and the legs and arms. Workout classes usually consist of a warm up, practicing strengthening stances, and then punching and kicking a punching bag or the air, usually while following and then mimicking the actions of a teacher or an instructor. Most classes will last anywhere from half an hour to an hour and a half. Those interested in the sport are encouraged to first determine their reasons for wanting to practice and then to find a form of the art that works best for them and for their personal goals and desires. Practice of the art can be fulfilling and enjoyable for many years.