Kickboxing is a high-intensity combat sport that combines punches and kicks.
The fight takes place in a boxing ring, usually with boxing gloves, mouth guards, shorts, and bare feet to favor the use of kicks. Besides competition, kickboxing is also practiced for self-defense and general fitness. Some styles of kickboxing incorporate aspects of various martial arts, such as Karate.
Kickboxing is known for its intense physical demands and strategic depth.
Kickboxing originated in Japan during the 1960s and early 1970s, combining elements of karate and boxing. Originally referred to as "full-contact karate," the sport was created by Osamu Noguchi, a Japanese boxing promoter.
American kickboxing began in the 1970s, with the first World Championships sponsored by the Professional Karate Association in 1974.
Today, there are several styles of kickboxing, each with its own unique rules and techniques. The major styles include Muay Thai, which incorporates punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes; Dutch Kickboxing, which combines Muay Thai with Western boxing techniques; Full Contact Karate, which focuses on high kicks and powerful punches; Savate, a French style that emphasizes precision kicking; and Sanda, a Chinese style that includes throws and takedowns in addition to strikes.
Rule sets in kickboxing vary, but common ones include international rules, unified rules, and modified Muay Thai rules. These rules dictate how fighters can strike and where to strike.
Typically, kickboxing matches are scored using the 10-point system, where the winner of each round receives ten points and the loser receives nine or fewer points. Scoring criteria include effective striking (clean and impactful strikes that land on the opponent, defense and countering (successful evasion or blocking of strikes), and effective counter-attacks), ring control (the ability to dictate the pace and location of the fight), and overall dominance (consistent performance across all aspects of the fight).
Judges evaluate each round independently, and the fighter with the most points at the end of the match is declared the winner.
Kickboxing techniques include a combination of punches, kicks, and knee strikes. Some fundamental techniques include the jab (a quick, straight punch with the lead hand), the cross (a powerful straight punch with the rear hand), the hook (a punch thrown in a circular motion to target the side of the opponent's head), the roundhouse kick (a powerful kick delivered with the shin or foot), and the knee strike (a strike using the knee, often aimed at the opponent's midsection of head). Advanced combinations and defensive maneuvers are also significant in kickboxing training and competition.
Several organizations govern and promote kickboxing, including the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), the World Kickboxing Association (WKA), the Professional Kickboxing Association (PKA), the International Sports Karate Association (ISKA), the International Kickboxing Federation (IKF), and the World Kickboxing Network (WKN). These organizations host competitions, set rules and standards, and work to develop the sport.
Although kickboxing can be considered both a combat sport and a martial art, we have elected not to include it with the martial arts for reasons that are somewhat arbitrary.
Kickboxing is fundamentally designed for competition, the primary focus being on winning matches through effective striking, defense, and strategy. This aspect is central to combat sports, where the goal is to outperform an opponent within a set of rules and regulations. Traditional martial arts, on the other hand, generally emphasize personal development, discipline, and philosophical teachings.
While kickboxing shares several characteristics with martial arts, its primary focus on competition, standardized rules, physical conditioning, professional organizations, and practical application define it clearly as a combat sport, but sets it apart from traditional martial arts.
Topics related to the sport of kickboxing are featured in this part of our web guide, although online resources for retail sites should be listed in the corresponding Shopping & eCommerce section.
Recommended Resources
Initially formed in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1997, CKO Kickboxing now has several locations throughout New Jersey and New York. According to its website, each class combines kickboxing techniques with calisthenics, providing a comprehensive workout led by experienced instructors. Its locations, contacts, and an overview on what to expect is provided, including photographs, videos, and member success stories. Franchise opportunities are also available and described here.
https://www.ckokickboxing.com/
With several locations in the United States, ILKB offers classes that combine cardio, stretching, and resistance training with kickboxing techniques. Its 45-minute classes are designed to deliver a full-body workout that anyone at any fitness level can enjoy. ILKB franchise opportunities are available and described here, including its turn-key business model, which includes support and ongoing education, as well as the investment requirements and fees, and the steps to ownership.
https://www.ilovekickboxing.com/
The European division of the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) acts as a non-profit, non-political sports organization representing the sport of kickboxing in Europe. The organization develops all seven kickboxing disciplines and also non-fighting discipline forms. Its history, function, governance, committees, and membership information are featured, along with an events calendar, access to various documents, athlete qualifications, and contacts.
https://kickboxingeurope.com/
World Association of Kickboxing Organizations
WAKO is an international kickboxing organization with member divisions in more than 120 affiliated countries, with members on all five continents. A major governing body for amateur kickboxing, WAKO is responsible for the development of kickboxing worldwide. Formed in 1977, WAKO is recognized by the Global Association of International Sports Federations and the International Olympic Committee. Member information, events, games, results, and rankings are posted.
https://wako.sport/
Also known as the World Kickboxing and Karate Association, the WKA is one of the oldest and largest amateur and professional sanctioning bodies for kickboxing and karate. Formed in 1976, the WKA sanctions fights worldwide under the WKA ruleset. Its history, formation, championships, and contacts are featured, along with regulations, training regimens, sponsorships, upcoming events, registration, an address, telephone number, email address, and a map showing its location.
https://wkausa.com/
The WKF is an international combat sports organization founded in 1963, and presents itself as one of the oldest federations in the world. The WKF organizes various international competitions and events, including world championships and regional tournaments. The organization's focus includes its Pro Point Fighting division, its Pro-Am division, Sanda and Wushu division, the WKF MMA World, and Boxing/BKFC. Upcoming events, contacts, and a gallery of photographs are set forth.
https://www.wkfworld.com/
