Kick boxing is a relatively modern martial arts system, whose syllabus was derived by combining several fighting techniques from a variety of the more traditional disciplines, including Kung Fu, Kyokushinkai Karate, Thai Boxing, Kyokky Shinkai and Taekwondo.
Martials arts boomed during the early 1970s and interest was greatly increased by their emphasis on competition fighting. Chinese styles of fighting began to take on a more westernised form in the UK, and even more so in the United States, where the first freestyle system were beginning to be developed.
Indeed many people claim that Kickboxing originated in the US during the 1870s. This, they say was due to various karate practitioners becoming frustrated with the limitations of tournament competitive scoring while karate and the other disciplines were viewed as being entrenched with theories and set kata, and were performed in a controlled environment.
Great emphasis began to be placed on specialized techniques, such as kicks and punches being delivered with full-contact karate was already established, concerns were expressed for the safety of competitors. Initially some people felt that kick boxing looked amateurish, and questioned its validity as a traditional martial art.
It is viewed by many as a sport that is a relatively new discipline and has yet to establish long-term traditions and history. The world kick boxing Association ( known as the WKA ) apparently came into being in the early 1970s.
There is a close affinity between kick boxing and Thai boxing. While it is believed that the Amercians had created this concept in their attempt to find a sport that could refine full-contact competition, it is believed that the development of kick boxing was borne out of the WKA finding common ground between Eastern and Western fighting culture.
A down-side to the discipline is those early days was criticism of a high risk of injury. This led to improvement in the safety rules, such as contestants wearing protective clothing, there are two main fighting distictions: semi-contact and full contact.
Semi-contact is where two fighters are allowed “reasonable” light contact in an attempt to score points off each other, in the same way as fencing. Full contact is usually fought under the same conditions as a standard boxing match, in which a knock-out is the ultimate aim.
Individual clubs compete at inter-club competitions or in open, national and international, martial arts tournaments. Rules vary, but tournament organisers insist on competitors wearing full protective clothing, for even in “semi-contact with control” bouts. Men are expected to wear head guard, gum shield, groin guard, shin, hand and foot pads.
Women are expected to wear the same except the groin guard. These rules apply to children as well. Benefits of Kickboxing: There are numerous benefits derived from learning kick boxing, which extend into many aspects of everyday life.
These includes – Appeals to both men and women, irrespective of occupation or level of fitness – Develops strength and flexibility – Improves mental agility and stamina – Powerful and skilful sport – Increases confidence