Kickboxing: what it is, history and rules

Kickboxing is a combat sport standing unarmed, based on kicks (kick) It is punches (boxing). It is practiced for purposes of self-defense, general physical conditioning or as a contact sport.

The term "kickboxing" was first used in 1966 by Osamu Noguchi, Japanese fight promoter. The expression was used to name a martial art that Osamu would have created in 1958, resulting from the combination of muay thai and karate.

It is now a popular sport across the world, with international competitions held regularly.

Kickboxing requires high physical conditioning, including strength, speed and motor coordination. In addition to being effective for self-defense, it provides benefits such as improving physical fitness, reducing stress and increasing confidence.

kickboxing fight

History and origin of Kickboxing

Kickboxing has its roots in 13th and 14th centuries, dating back to the Thai martial art known as muay boran, a precursor to muay thai.

This practice was carried out by Siamese warriors and evolved to become a popular sport in the 19th century. XIX, during the reign of King Rama V, who introduced the first rules to make fights safer.

The history of modern kickboxing began in 1950s, amid the rivalry between muay thai and karate. Tatsuo Yamada, a karate practitioner, began studying Muay Thai, experimenting with techniques and rules from both modalities, thus laying the foundations for what would become kickboxing.

However, the title "father of kickboxing" is often attributed to Osamu Noguchi, a promoter who founded the first kickboxing association in 1966.

They exist different styles of kickboxing, including muay thai, lethwei, savate sport, kun gek, sanda sport, yaw-yan, shoot boxing and full contact karate. The fundamental techniques include punches, kicks, elbows and knees.

Kickboxing plays a significant role in MMA (mixing martial arts = modern "mixed martial arts"), with many champions adept at their skills.

The difference between muay thai and kickboxing involves different emphases, different rules and different techniques.

Although kickboxing is considered by some to be a martial art, its emphasis on competition and lack of of philosophy and tradition traditionally associated with martial arts raise debates about their classification. However, there is a banded classification system, although its application varies between organizations and schools.

Kickboxing Rules

Kickboxing rules vary depending on the organization that promotes the event, but some general rules are commonly followed.

Equipment

Athletes must wear protective equipment protection, including gloves, helmet, mouth guard, shin guard and genital guard.

Combat Area

  • The combat area is a ring or mat 6 meters in diameter.
  • Fighters must remain in the combat area throughout the confrontation.

Combat Time

  • Fights usually last three three-minute rounds each.
  • One minute break between rounds.

Punctuation

Judges score blows to the torso, head and legs of the opponent.

End of Combat

It can end by knockout, technical knockout, judges' decision or disqualification.

Finishing Methods

  • Knockout: occurs when a fighter is knocked down and does not get up before the referee's count of 10.
  • Technical KO: when a fighter cannot continue due to injury or is in a disadvantageous position.
  • Judges' Decision: If the fight does not end by knockout, technical knockout or disqualification, the winner is decided by the judges.

Disqualification

A fighter may be disqualified for illegal strikes, unsportsmanlike conduct or refusal to fight.

Specific standards

In addition to these general rules, there are specific rules that apply to different styles of kickboxing. For example, full contact kickboxing allows knees and elbows to the face, while low kick kickboxing restricts kicks to the knees and below.

Difference between Kickboxing and Muay Thai

Muay Thai and kickboxing are both martial arts combat sports that incorporate punches, kicks, knees and elbows. However, there are significant distinctions between these two styles.

The main difference is in their origins. Muay Thai is a traditional Thai martial art with roots dating back centuries. Kickboxing, in contrast, is a more recent sport, developed in the 20th century from the fusion of boxing, muay thai and karate techniques.

See too:

  • martial arts

  • Kung Fu

  • Karate

  • Muay Thai

  • Boxing

  • Jiu Jitsu

  • Capoeira

Meanings: more than a simple encyclopedia. A simple encyclopedia.

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