Kickboxing is a full-contact Martial Art that uses elements of both kicking and boxing, drawing on a mixture of different fighting styles. While gloves are worn on the hands, kicks are practiced with bare feet – and the hands and feet are the only parts of the body that participants are allowed to fight with.
Practiced throughout the world, Kickboxing is a common self-defence and fitness sport. Though there are different variants of the sport, Kickboxing in Europe was in fact born in the US. In the 1970’s, the American style of Kickboxing, which mixed karate with boxing (some people even refer to it as karate boxing) came over to Germany, and from there it began to flourish in Europe.
You’ll learn self-defence techniques utilising all of your body. For example, there are standard kicking techniques – such as front or roundhouse kicks, as well as sweeping to force opponents to fall. You’ll also master punches, blocks, as well as holding down your opponent, all of which utilises your arms and upper body. Some Kickboxing classes may involve some 1-1 sparring while others offer fitness exercises using punch bags. No matter what you do, you’ll benefit from the high intensity cardio workout that Kickboxing classes offer.
The different colour Kickboxing belts represent the different levels of progression in the sport. The beginner grade is white belt and goes through to the advanced ‘Dan’ black belt. There can be different grading systems in place depending on the school or particular style of Kickboxing, but some of the grades could include:
No matter what your background, age, gender or fitness levels, you’ll be welcome along to your local Kickboxing club.
Lessons for children can start from as young as 5 or 6 years old, and there is no upper age limit. You don’t need to have any prior experience either – most Kickboxing clubs will accept people who have never tried the sport. Kickboxing is also popular with those who want to get into something completely different. So even if you’ve not been use to much exercise, or even if you find that you, or your son or daughter, re lacking in confidence, then you’ll find much to enjoy at your local Kickboxing club.
