Kickboxing is one of the most widely practiced fighting sports on the planet. Because it involves punching and other hitting techniques, kickboxing gets its name from traditional boxing. Kickboxing is divided into several styles, including Dutch-style, Karate, Sanda, Kun Khmer, and Muay Thai.
Kickboxing is now practiced by people of different ages, genders, and nationalities for competitive, fitness, and recreational purposes. Many films have been made about kickboxing sports over the years, including Jean Claude Van Damme's Kickboxer and Bloodsport. Continue reading to learn more about kickboxing.
What is Kickboxing?
Kickboxing is a striking style that involves punches and kicks. In truth, it's a catch-all word for a variety of combat and martial arts disciplines.
The essence of kickboxing is that it is a form of stand-up combat. This means it concentrates solely on striking and does not include any ground combat. The number of techniques available varies depending on the kickboxing style. Kickboxing tactics often include kicks and knee strikes, in addition to normal punching techniques comparable to western boxing. Elbow strikes, grappling, and even headbutts are all used in some kickboxing schools.
History of Kickboxing
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Kickboxing has a far shorter history than karate, which has been practiced since the 19th century. In the 1950s, a Japanese boxing promoter coined the phrase "kickboxing." The word was coined by the promoter to describe a hybrid of Muay Thai boxing and karate. In the 1970s, the word became more common in the United States.
Due to the scoring limits of tournaments, American full-contact karate practitioners opted to move their fights to the boxing ring. Benny "The Jet" Urquidez and Bill "Superfoot" Wallace are two of the sport's legends from that era. When ESPN began broadcasting kickboxing events in 1979, the sport grew in popularity.
What is Muay Thai?
Muay Thai is Thailand's national sport, which translates to "Thai Boxing." It is a martial art with roots in military use dating back to the Sukhothai Kingdom in the 13th century. Muay Thai is known as the "Art of 8 Limbs" because it uses punches, elbows, knees, and kicks to establish contact.
Benefits of Kickboxing
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Physical Advantages
Kickboxing can target a variety of muscles, albeit it depends in part on the type of kickboxing you undertake. Cardio kickboxing is a high-intensity cardio workout that focuses on your abdomen. Kickboxing is a martial art that can target muscles all over your body on a regular basis. It is most typically used to improve upper-body strength.
It can help you build upper-body strength, as well as increase your aerobic and anaerobic fitness, flexibility, speed, and agility.
Everyday Advantages
Kickboxing is fantastic for enhancing cardiovascular health due to the quantity of cardio involved. A healthy heart can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and other cardiac disorders.
Kickboxing can also help you improve your balance and coordination. Hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and a quick reaction time are all required in kickboxing. Working to improve these areas on a regular basis might also help you in your daily life.
Who Can Do Kickboxing?
Everyone. You heard us! Everyone can do kickboxing. Beginners may require a few classes to grasp everything, but this will not take long. Meanwhile, you'll be moving about and burning calories while learning. The task will appeal to those who are already in good shape. Furthermore, you may always improve your workout by squatting deeper, striking harder, or wearing weighted gloves.
The majority of cardio kickboxing exercises are low-impact or readily adapted. Athletes and fitness buffs as well as beginners can do kickboxing. Most people who are new to this type of workout experience the natural "high" that comes with an intensive workout, as well as the added sense of strength and confidence.
How Do I Begin Kickboxing?
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Kickboxing is a full-contact sport that necessitates rigorous full-body conditioning. If you're thinking about taking up kickboxing, there are a few things you should do before.
Get the Right Kickboxing Gear
Although the fundamental principles of kickboxing are quite simple, the equipment required can be quite extensive.
As you might assume, the majority of this is protective gear that covers all of your body's various components. And, while it may appear at first that everything is a little over the top, it isn't.
The majority of this gear is required, which means you won't be able to do without it. While your boxing gym may give boxing gloves and mitts, consider the odor: it's simply better to have your own.
Here are a few things you might require:
1) Boxing Gloves
You won't be able to compete without these. For further protection, fighters frequently wear hand wraps beneath their gloves.
2) Other Protective Gear
Headgear, shin pads, a gumshield, and groin protection are all examples of body armor that you will require. Without them, you're not going to last long in the ring.
3) Clothing
This one is self-evident. Kickboxing necessitates the use of precise length shorts and the proper footwear.
Select an Instructor and a Learning Style
If you're a newbie, start with a no-contact cardio kickboxing group exercise class. When compared to a personal trainer, a cardio kickboxing workout can be a non-intimidating approach to begin kickboxing training, and group fitness is more accessible and affordable. Your first kickboxing class will teach you some basic kickboxing techniques.
Competitive kickboxing is available in smaller kickboxing classes if you have some kickboxing expertise or prefer a contact sport. If you decide to take kickboxing seriously, you may want to hire a personal trainer to work with you in addition to competing.
Regardless of the instructor or kickboxing class style, you select, you should discuss your fitness level and overall health with your instructor. Make sure to tell them about any health issues or injuries they should be aware of.
Make Sure You Fuel Up
Make sure you're fully fueled before a kickboxing class to ensure you have enough energy to perform at your best. Combine a large amount of slow-digesting carbohydrates like beans, brown rice, or sweet potato with a small amount of fast-digesting carbohydrates like fruit juice. To avoid any pain, eat at least one hour before your class and stay hydrated throughout the workout.
Know Your Limits
Consult your doctor before starting a new sport if you're concerned about your fitness level, especially if you have a chronic disease like asthma, diabetes, or obesity.
Kickboxing is a more intensive form of workout than regular exercise. Your body may be challenged in ways it isn't used to.
Summary
Kickboxing is good for muscle building, weight loss, general cardio conditioning, and your entire body.
Before working up to a constant kickboxing workout, make sure you practice the moves carefully at first. You'll get the most out of your workout while avoiding injuries this way. Warm-up correctly for at least five minutes before each boxing practice, and allow your body to cool down afterward.
Kickboxing can be part of your normal exercise regime. It is great for self-defense and is a full-body workout. So what are you waiting for? Get your boxing gloves on and search for fight classes around you!
