Kickboxing Match

1^st Level or Partial Contact

As the name suggests, in this level of kickboxing contact between fighters is restricted to a certain level. Strict level of discipline is maintained in the ring in terms of hand and leg movements. The sport is highly controlled when it comes to boxing and kicking. Points are awarded only when a legal technique is applied. Fighters have to mainly focus on scoring as many points as possible by following controlled lawful techniques with focus and alacrity. The foremost characteristic of this level are speed, delivery and skill. Competition must be carried out in restricted contact and lightly maintaining the real sense of the sport. There is a small break after every point. Referees will announce the points and the game would start again. The game would start after the referee’s command by calling FIGHT and call TIME to stop the game. It’s not necessary that the game is stopped after every point and penalty; it is to the sole discretion of the referee. Fighters are allowed to have a coach and a second of time at one of his corners at the time of match.

2^nd Level or Intermediate Contact

In intermediate contact level the game is executed in a controlled manner. The fight continues until the main referee gives the command to STOP or to take a Break. The techniques used are from total contact but in a controlled way. Emphasis on kicking and boxing techniques is alike. As the name suggests this level is intermediate between partial and total contact of kickboxing. The role of the referee here is to only check that the fighters fight within the rules and regulations.

3^rd Level or Total Contact

At this level fighters are allowed to apply power, force and strength on the opponent. Blows and kicks are to be carried out with aim, speed and fortitude thereby attaining a total contact. Blows and kicks are legal on any side of the head but only on the front face. Paunches on the front body and sides over the waist line are considered legal. Sweeping technique is allowed. The can only be held inside a ring. It is the responsibility of the referee to make sure that the sport is carried out with rules and regulations to the safety of the fighters. Legal pointed are noted by judges on a point card. Recreational fights have 3 rounds of 2 minutes each. A break of one minute is given in between the rounds.

Photo Credits: Newsbie Pix

Originally posted 2010-04-20 03:55:22.

Muay Thai

The martial arts have been developing for thousands of years, so it makes sense that in today's culture, you can find so many disciplines and sub-disciplines within the "martial arts" realm. But what kind of martial arts define what is going on today, and what are people interested in learning? Some of the answers may surprise you. Here are some of today's most popular martial arts, and the countries of their origin.

Muay Thai. Famously associated with Thailand - heck, it is called "Thai" land - Muay Thai is a type of fighting style that you'll hear a lot about if you tune into today's mixed martial arts events. It is similar to kickboxing in its style and makes an emphasis that just about any limb or part of the body can be used as a weapon against your opponent.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu. If you haven't heard of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, then it's probably fair to say that you don't pay much attention to mixed martial arts. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a vital component to many fighters' style, including fighters like B.J. Penn and Wanderlei Silva. Country of origin? Brazil, of course, where it continues to thrive.

Tae Kwon Do. Loosely translated as "the way of the fist and foot" or the art of punching and kicking, Tae Kwon Do is traditionally associated with South Korea, coming to more popularity after the end of World War II. In the United States, you'll be able to find a variety of Tae Kwon Do classes, even if there might not be any Karate classes to sign up to!

Karate. Speaking of Karate - originating in Okinowa - one of the world's most famous martial arts emphasizes fighting without weapons. If you find yourself in a self-defense situation with no weapons, then your body and the world around you have to become your weapons. That's the philosophy behind Karate, which is a style of martial arts practically synonymous with the phrase "martial arts" in the first place.

Judo. Also originating in Japan, Judo is a type of fighting that emphasizes using an opponent's strength and weight against him. You'll find this kind of strategy also emphasized in the always-popular jiu-jitsu. Judo also emphasizes submissions and locks as part of someone's weapons against opponents who may be more powerful than yourself.

Photo Credits: loura

Originally posted 2010-01-05 03:39:09.

Is kickboxing for you?

What is Kickboxing?

In simple terms, kickboxing is a form of martial arts that incorporates both boxing (punching with gloves on) with influences of other martial arts, which means that the use of kicking is allowed. Kickboxing has its roots in karate, even though the name suggests that it comes from boxing.

Most people think of kickboxing as being essentially "boxing with kicks," which works as a general statement, but doesn't get to the heart of kickboxing itself. Knee and elbow strikes, headbutting, and takedowns are also incorporate in kickboxing, further separating it from the sport of boxing, which is limited to basic striking and blocking. If a boxer tried to use many of the moves from kickboxing, he would likely get disqualified!

The Goals of Kickboxing

Like many martial arts, the primary goal of kickboxing is self-defense. By learning striking, kicking, blocking, and throws, you should be able to use some of your kickboxing skills in the real world should you ever need them. Kickboxing is also used as a competitive sport and has matches similar to boxing in which a knockout can come into play.

But this isn't the only goal of kickboxing. Today, gyms across the United States will provide kickboxing classes to help people stay in shape; the incorporation of almost every body part helps to create a full-body workout and can really work up a sweat. Kickboxing classes also help people build confidence because they can simultaneously work on their self-defense skills.

Is kickboxing for you?

That will depend on your individual goals and needs. Kickboxing can be useful both as a method of self-defense and way to get in shape. Like many other martial arts, you can also learn self-discipline through the pursuit of kickboxing. Does kickboxing offer you something unique, or do you feel that another martial art is more closely suited to your style? Ultimately, however, only you will be able to answer whether or not kickboxing is right for you.

Photo Credits: teanitiki

Originally posted 2009-08-04 05:28:30.