History of Kickboxing

The term kickboxing has become a little confusing as of late. Kickboxing isn't a martial art unto itself, but rather a sport, or set of rules that allows competition. Never mistake it for just boxing with kicks. It is a full contact sport like boxing, and has evolved using similar rules and equipment, but has it's own separate pace, strategy and techniques.

There are several types, or rules under which kickboxing bouts are fought under. In different countries and parts of a country, each type may or may not be allowed, or have specific rules or restrictions in place. Generally, they are:

Full Contact Karate: Allows punches as per boxing plus kicks above the waist. Legs have a greater reach than arms, and this changes the ranges at which you can engage your opponent.

Kickboxing: Similar to Full Contact rules, but allows kicks to the legs. The ability to attack your opponent's base changed the pace of the sport.

Muay Thai: Adds knees and elbows as weapons to assault your opponent with. Potentially devastating when in close, knees and elbows add a whole new dimension to kickboxing.