Brief history of kickboxing
Introduction
Kickboxing is a combat sport that combines techniques from boxing and various forms of kicking. It is a popular form of martial art that requires a high level of physical fitness, agility, and strength. The history of kickboxing is rich and spans several continents, including Asia, Europe, and North America. In this blog post, we will explore the history of kickboxing in detail and how it has evolved over time.
Origins of Kickboxing
The origins of kickboxing can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as China, Japan, and Thailand. In China, martial arts were practiced for self-defense and were also used by soldiers in battle. Some forms of Chinese martial arts, such as Shaolin Kung Fu, incorporated kicks and punches. In Japan, martial arts were also used for self-defense, and various forms of karate and judo emerged. Karate was particularly influential in the development of kickboxing, as it incorporated both punching and kicking techniques.
In Thailand, a form of martial arts known as Muay Boran emerged. Muay Boran was a form of unarmed combat that incorporated strikes with the hands, feet, elbows, and knees. Over time, Muay Boran evolved into Muay Thai, which became the national sport of Thailand. Muay Thai fighters were known for their powerful kicks and strikes, and their fights often attracted large crowds.
Development of Kickboxing as a Sport
The modern form of kickboxing originated in Japan in the 1960s. The sport was initially called full contact karate and was created by Osamu Noguchi, a Japanese boxing promoter. Full contact karate incorporated the punches and kicks of karate, but also allowed fighters to use their knees and elbows. Full contact karate matches were fought in a ring, and fighters wore gloves and protective gear.
In the 1970s, kickboxing spread to the United States and Europe, where it gained popularity as a form of martial art and as a combat sport. The first professional kickboxing match was held in Los Angeles in 1974, and the World Kickboxing Association was founded in 1976 to oversee the sport.
In the 1980s, kickboxing became a popular sport in Asia, particularly in Japan and Thailand. Kickboxing matches in Japan were often televised and attracted large audiences. Muay Thai also continued to grow in popularity, with fighters from Thailand traveling to other countries to compete.
Rules and Regulations of Kickboxing
Kickboxing is governed by a set of rules and regulations that vary depending on the organization and the country in which the match is taking place. In general, kickboxing matches are fought in a ring, and fighters wear gloves and protective gear. The rules of kickboxing typically allow fighters to use punches, kicks, knees, and elbows, although the use of elbows is often prohibited in some organizations.
Scoring in kickboxing matches is based on a point system, with judges awarding points for clean strikes to the head and body. Knockouts and technical knockouts are also possible, with the referee stopping the match if one fighter is unable to continue.
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