Introduction
Kickboxing is an intense, full-body workout that combines elements of boxing and martial arts. It is an excellent way to build physical strength and agility while also providing a great cardiovascular exercise. Kickboxing can help improve balance, coordination, flexibility, and overall fitness level for everyone from beginners to experienced fighters alike. Additionally, kickboxing has been linked to improved mental wellbeing due to its potential for relieving stress as well as increasing focus and concentration through the practice of techniques such as combinations and target practice. With many different styles available today ranging from traditional Muay Thai kickboxing to modern hybrid forms like MMA (mixed martial arts), there’s sure to be something out there that works best for you in terms of creating a balanced lifestyle!
History of Kickboxing
The origins of kickboxing can be traced back to early martial arts practices in Asia. The name “kickboxing” was coined in Japan, where the sport began as a combination of karate and muay thai moves. In the 1960s and 70s, kickboxing saw its first great wave of popularity as it made its way across Europe and eventually into North America. This original form was known as full contact karate or American kickboxing, which incorporated striking techniques from boxing such as punching with gloves on both hands along with kicks that came from various martial arts disciplines.
By the late 1970s through to the mid-1980s, kickboxing gained further traction throughout Europe and North America thanks to growing interest in martial arts films featuring Bruce Lee. As time passed, more styles emerged including Japanese Kickboxing (K-
And Shoot Boxing (which allowed for throws in addition to strikes). These two were soon followed by several others such as Savate (French Kickboxing), Sanda (Chinese Kickboxing), Muay Thai/Thai Boxing, Tae Kwon Do based forms like ITF Taekwondo & WTF Taekwondo , Karate based forms like Kyokushin Karate & Shito Ryu Karate , western boxing hybrids like Krav Maga & Boxe Francais .
In modern times we now have mixed martial arts (MMA) combining multiple fighting systems together creating hybrid combat sports with elements from judo jujitsu wrestling brazilian jiu jitsu sambo submission grappling pankration capoeira etc all coming together under one umbrella today commonly referred to simply as MMA or UFC – Ultimate Fighting Championship being a prime example amongst many other promotions out there offering events showcasing these new hybrid combat sports on a regular basis throughout the world since 1993 when it debuted during Super Bowl weekend at Mc Nichols Sports Arena in Denver Colorado USA . With continued growth over decades mixed martial artistry has become incredibly popular
Training
Training in kickboxing should start with a good warmup and stretching routine to ensure the muscles are properly prepared for the workout ahead. Stretching helps prevent any potential injuries by loosening up the joints, increasing flexibility, and improving range of motion. During a typical warmup session, some light jogging or jumping jacks can be used to get your heart rate going before moving into dynamic stretches that involve movements such as lunges, squats, twists and reaches. These exercises will help activate all of your major muscle groups prior to executing combinations during kickboxing training.
Once warmed up properly it’s time to begin practicing various combinations which are predetermined sequences of punches and kicks designed to develop skills like coordination and accuracy while also working on conditioning through cardiovascular exercise. Combinations will typically incorporate both offensive moves (like strikes) as well as defensive maneuvers (such as blocks). It is important when learning new combinations that form is given priority over power so there is minimal risk of injury while still getting an effective workout in!
The last phase of a typical kickboxing training session is target practice where you can work on developing accuracy with your strikes by hitting targets such as focus mitts held by either yourself or a partner. This part of the workout not only focuses on technique but also builds confidence since you become more confident with each successful hit made – making this type of exercise great for mental wellbeing too!
Health Benefits
Kickboxing is a great way to get in shape and stay healthy. It provides many benefits to your physical health, including improved cardiovascular endurance and increased muscle tone and strength. The high-intensity cardio workout that kickboxing offers can help you burn calories quickly while also strengthening your heart and lungs. Additionally, kickboxing helps build coordination as well as agility which can be beneficial for everyday activities such as sports or just moving around more comfortably day-to-day!
On top of the physical benefits, there are mental health perks associated with kickboxing too. Regularly engaging in this sport has been proven to reduce stress levels through the release of endorphins – those feel good hormones responsible for making us happy! Learning how to defend yourself through techniques like combinations and target practice also boosts self confidence leading to improved mental wellbeing overall!
Finally, practicing martial arts like kickboxing encourages discipline which is an important part of achieving any goal whether it’s better fitness or something else entirely. Being able to persevere even when things get tough is essential for success both inside the ring and out so having a regular routine where you push yourself physically will no doubt have positive implications on all aspects of life outside of training too!
Conclusion
In conclusion, kickboxing is an excellent way to get in shape and improve your physical and mental health. It is a full-body workout that combines elements of boxing and martial arts to build physical strength and agility while also providing a great cardiovascular exercise. With many different styles available, it can be tailored to any fitness level from beginner to experienced fighter alike. Kickboxing has been linked with improved mental wellbeing due to its potential for relieving stress as well as increasing focus and concentration through the practice of techniques such as combinations and target practice.
For those looking to start kickboxing, there are several important tips one should keep in mind: First off, warm up properly by doing some light jogging or jumping jacks before moving into dynamic stretches like lunges, squats, twists, or reaches. Once warmed up, move onto practicing various combinations which are predetermined sequences of punches and kicks designed to develop skills like coordination and accuracy while working on conditioning at the same time. Finally end with target practice where you can work on developing accuracy with your strikes by hitting targets such as focus mitts held by either yourself or a partner. No matter what your goal may be – whether it’s better fitness levels or self-defence knowledge – kickboxing is an ideal way for anyone interested in martial arts disciplines! To find out more about kickboxing classes for beginners in london, visit Xen-Do Kickboxing.
