kickboxing

Kickboxing is a group of stand-up combat sports and martial arts based on punching and kicking, with bouts conducted in a ring or on a mat. The term arose in the 1960s and 1970s to describe hybrid systems that blended karate-style kicking with boxing. Over time, several rule sets emerged, ranging from point-based to full-contact formats. Notable variants include American kickboxing, Japanese kickboxing, and promotions operating under K-1 rules. Muay Thai, while a distinct discipline, heavily influences many kickboxing formats and is sometimes discussed alongside kickboxing.

Techniques commonly used in kickboxing include punching combinations such as jabs, crosses, hooks, and uppercuts, along with kicks like front, roundhouse, side, and low kicks. Knee strikes are permitted in some formats, while elbow strikes and extended clinching are restricted or prohibited depending on the ruleset.

Training emphasizes conditioning, technique, footwork, defense, and sparring. Practitioners use pad work, heavy bags, and shadowboxing to develop speed and accuracy. Safety measures include protective equipment, weight classes, and referees who enforce rules and stop fights when necessary.

Competition occurs at amateur and professional levels, with bouts organized around standardized rounds, weight divisions, and scoring systems specific to the governing body. Governing organizations include the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), the International Kickboxing Federation (IKF), and the World Kickboxing Association (WKA). Kickboxing is practiced worldwide for sport, fitness, self-defense, and as a foundation for mixed martial arts training.