Kickboxing: What It Is and What It Can Do For You

Kickboxing comes in different forms.  In Thailand, it is called muay thai although most Asian cultures have a form of kickboxing as a type of street martial art.  It is not like Japanese karate because Japanese karate is an art form - a martial art as well as a spiritual discipline - so it has rigid rules of engagement. It is not like Korean taekwondo which is purely a martial art.  Also, kickboxing was developed only in the 1960s. One similar martial art in the Philippines is called “yaw-yan” which corresponds to the last syllables of two words “saYAW” (meaning dance) and “kamataYAN” (meaning death).  Together the last syllables mean the “Dance of Death.”  Kickboxing is a kind of dance: the graceful yet powerful moves can be lethal.

Kickboxing has Asian roots as a form of sport.  It is almost gladiatorial.  For centuries, Asian monarchs kept kickboxers as sort of champions – instead of going out to an all-out war between kingdoms, they sent champions to fight with each other. 

The king whose champion won the bout would be declared the winner, and lands and other reparations and tribute would be paid to him by the losing monarch.  The kickboxers gained fame and an elevated status in society.

World z9 kickboxing champion, George "The Dragon" Hastings (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Kickboxing has been adapted in the West as a form of gladiatorial or spectator sport.  In places like Las Vegas, Nevada, kickboxing is a sport where placing bets is encouraged.  Kickboxers are sports celebrities in their own right and they have fans and a following.

Kickboxing is a full-contact sport.  Fighters can use their hands and their legs to either knock down their opponent or hold them down so that they are unable to move or fight. 

Unlike boxing where there are moves that are considered foul (such as head butting, pushing or hitting below the belt), in kickboxing, these moves are par for the course.  Kickboxers often get their teeth knocked out, and their bones broken (even though they win).  It is a violent sport. 

Kickboxers wear protective gear such as gloves, mouth guards and groin guards but this is more for protection for the kickboxer than it is for the protection of the opponent.

It borrows a lot of the names of the punches from boxing such as jab, upper cut, cross and straight punch.  It also borrows from karate and taekwondo the names of the kicks such as front kick, back kick, side kick and roundhouse kick.

However, in the US, kickboxing is also a form of popular exercise.  Because all four limbs are involved in the exercise, it is a total body workout.  It also involves strength training because the punches thrown must have enough power in it to knock your opponent down.
 

Roundhouse-kick in counter. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It also develops speed in order to throw punches and kicks in quick succession.  It develops agility: one must be flexible enough to dart in and out of reach of the opponent’s kicks and punches.  It is a good weight-bearing exercise because you have to be able to carry your own weight, dance around the ring and bounce on the balls of your feet.  Roundhouse kicks are difficult to execute because you balance on one leg while executing the kick.  So balance is also required for kickboxing.

The most important part of training in kickboxing – be it for sport, for exercise or even for professional fights is mental discipline. 

A kickboxer needs to be able to anticipate the moves of his opponent, and make many small decisions that might mean injury if they fail.  A kickboxer needs to develop strategy; for this, the kickboxer must be alert and he must be a good tactician and strategist.  He must also perfect a number of moves to include in his arsenal.

All told, kickboxing is a great sport as well as a great form of intense exercise.

Video: 8-Minute Daily Tai Chi Exercise Series

This short video demonstrates some basic Tai Chi movements that stretch and strengthen, improve balance, and stimulate brain and heart function. They are very gentle and flowing movements, and are great for seniors, stress relief, or just loosening up tight muscles after a long day of work, or to increase energy throughout the body to start off the day. His instruction is clear and simple, helping you understand exactly how to perform each movement.

Obviously this is different from most of our hard-hitting weekly workouts, but it is equally helpful to include this type of movement into your daily exercise routine! Tai Chi helps build holistic health throughout the whole body.

Note: If the video does not appear below, click the link to view.

Daily Tai Chi - join in this 8-minute exercise
TaiChiHealthProducts.org presents an 8-minute "Easy Tai Chi" to do daily. Join in with Don Fiore and see how you feel afterwards. Great for a senior fitness routine and home workout. Helps with balance, coordination, circulation, and strengthening bones and muscles. The movements come from our "Easy TaiChi-Qigong" DVD that can be ordered on TaiChiHealthProducts.org - a website for Holistic Health Tips and Exercises.

Video - 10-Minute Cardio Kickboxing Workout

Here is a short 10-minute workout, suitable for beginners to intermediate kickboxers. Combining kickboxing with aerobics moves gives you a great workout in just 10 minutes (includes warmup and cool down). If this is too difficult or fast for you to start with, be sure to pay attention to her suggestions for modifications - make your movements smaller, don't lift your knees as high, or lower the intensity/speed of your movements. Then ramp it up as you feel comfortable.

This is an instructional video, so she gets right to it - so grab your athletic shoes, and get ready to follow along - in just 10 minutes, you'll get a great little workout in!

10-Minute Cardio Kickboxing Workout
From www.sparkpeople.com, a 10-minute cardio kickboxing routine with our own Coach Nicole! Suitable for people of all fitness levels. This routine will help you burn calories and lose weight. Work out with this video anywhere, without equipment! For ...


Find More Fun Kickboxing Workouts Here:
   

Fun Workout Idea: Kickboxing for Fitness

If you’re looking for a new type of workout, why not consider kickboxing? Kickboxing offers an intense cardio workout. It also strengthens and tones your muscles from head to toe. It’s a full body workout that provides great weight loss benefits. Plus it really helps let off some steam, so it feels great!

Image via WikipediaJust What is Kickboxing?

Kickboxing is a stand up form of martial arts that involves kicking and punching. It’s often taught as a form of self defense. There are competitive kickboxing organizations. However, you can also find kickboxing classes at your local gym and fitness club. It’s a fun, sweaty and powerful way to get in shape.

A basic kickboxing class involves an instructor playing music and calling out sequences. For example, right kick, right kick, left punch. You’ll generally punch a punching bag however you may also work in teams and kick and punch a pad held by your partner. And sometimes you will do more cardio-based workouts which don't involve a bag.

Kickboxing At Home

If you prefer the convenience and privacy of a home-based workout you can also enjoy the heart pounding benefits of kickboxing in your own home. And you don’t need a punching bag to enjoy the workout and the results.

Image via WikipediaA home workout involves punching, kicking and power moves. It’s a great stand alone fitness program. Kickboxing provides endurance, cardio and strength training benefits. It also provides flexibility and fat burning benefits.

When working out at home, do wear proper footwear. You want to be able to jump, spin and kick with confidence. Simple athletic shoes or cross training shoes will be more than sufficient.

Be sure to check back Thursday for a great kickboxing workout you can do at home!