Should You Take Up Kickboxing?

When most people think about kickboxing, they don't necessarily view it as a martial art, but virtually any type of active, physical fighting skills that are developed do indeed count as "martial arts." So what exactly separates kickboxing from the other popular martial arts you've heard of, such as karate or kung fu? The more important question is clear: whether these differences mean that kickboxing might be the sport 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.

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Posted by Martial Arts Karate Kung Fu on January 9, 2012 in Kickboxing, Martial Arts. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.