Kickboxing

Kickboxing is a full-contact hybrid martial art and boxing type that combines punching and kicking. It began in the 1950s and takes place in a boxing ring with boxing gloves, mouth guards, shorts, and bare feet to make kicks easier to use. People practice kickboxing for self-defense, staying healthy through fitness, or competing in competitions. Some styles include full contact karate, Muay Thai, Japanese kickboxing, Lethwei, Sanda, and Savate.

Even though people have fought with their hands and feet since ancient times, the first records of using both kicking and punching in sport come from ancient Greece and ancient India. The word “kickboxing” started in Japan in the 1960s, mixing karate with boxing. In America, kickboxing became popular in 1974 when the Professional Karate Association held the first World Championships. Over time, kickboxing helped create mixed martial arts by adding ground fighting moves from Brazilian jiu-jitsu and folk wrestling.

Today, many groups oversee kickboxing, but the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations, known as WAKO, is the main one recognized worldwide. Professional kickboxing does not have one world championship; instead, different groups like Glory, K-1, and ONE Championship each give out their own titles. Each group has its own rules about moves like knees and holding.

Terminology

The word "kickboxing" can mean two things. In a narrow way, it refers only to styles that call themselves kickboxing, like Japanese kickboxing (including its related styles such as shootboxing and K-1), Dutch kickboxing, and American kickboxing. In a broader sense, it includes any modern fighting sport that allows both punching and kicking. This group includes styles such as Sanda, Muay Thai, Lethwei, Savate, Adithada, Musti-yuddha, and certain types of karate, especially full contact karate.

The term "kickboxing" was first used in the 1960s by a Japanese boxing promoter named Osamu Noguchi. He created a fighting style in 1958 that mixed Muay Thai and karate. Later, this name was also used for the American version of kickboxing. Because many fighters train in and compete under the rules of different styles, the histories of these styles are connected.

Styles and descendant arts

Fighting styles that fall under the general idea of kickboxing include:

• Japanese Kickboxing — created in Japan and the origin of the term "kickboxing".
• Any style of Full contact karate
• Sanda (Chinese kickboxing) — part of wushu/kung fu that allows takedowns and throws, along with all kinds of strikes using arms and legs.
• Shootboxing — a Japanese kickboxing style started in 1985 that allows standing throws and submission holds, similar to Sanda.
• American Kickboxing — a style that began in the United States in the 1970s.
• Dutch Kickboxing — combines Japanese Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Kyokushin style of Karate.
• French Savate — a historical sport from the 1800s known mainly for its foot-kicking techniques.
• Ukrainian Combat Hopak — focuses on punching and kicking techniques.
• Indian Musti yuddha (also called Muki boxing) and Adithada, a kickboxing style that uses knee, elbow, and forehead strikes in Southern kalaripayattu.
• Kunguk-Do — a Korean kickboxing style created in 1969 by Jung Do Mo, influenced by Traditional Karate, Muay Thai, American Kickboxing, Oriental Rules Kickboxing, and Kyeok Too Ki
• Kyeok Too Ki (also called KTK, Kyuk Too Ki, or Gyeok Tu Gi) — a Korean kickboxing style created by Kim Gwi Jin in 1964. It originally allowed throws and submission holds while standing but not ground fighting. Over time, the rules changed to focus more on strikes, similar to K-1 rules.
• The Southeast Asian family of kickboxing sports (also called "muay" at the Southeast Asian Games) includes:
  • Thai Muay Boran (Ancient boxing) — the predecessor of Muay Thai, allowing headbutts.
  • Thai kickboxing or Muay Thai — a modern Thai martial art that allows punching, kicking, knee, and elbow strikes.
  • Burmese Lethwei — a traditional Burmese martial art that has become a popular kickboxing event. It allows headbutts, knees, and elbow strikes. It is similar to Muay Thai but uses more punches and fewer kicks. Headbutts, choking, and throws are also used. There are no gloves, and matches are won only by knockout, not points.
  • Laotian Muay Lao — Laotian boxing, similar to Muay Thai
  • Filipino Yaw-Yan — developed by Napoleon Fernandez. It is similar to Muay Thai but has a hip-twisting motion and focuses on long-range attacks with downward cuts.

History

Kickboxing is a sport that mixes boxing and martial arts. People fight using their fists and feet to hit opponents. It started a long time ago, with ancient drawings showing boxing and stories from old India describing fights with fists and kicks.

The modern version of kickboxing began in the 1950s in Japan. A man named Tatsuo Yamada wanted to create a new fighting style that combined karate and Muay Thai, a sport from Thailand. In the 1960s, fights between karate and Muay Thai fighters helped shape the rules of kickboxing. By the 1970s, kickboxing spread to North America and Europe.

In Japan, kickboxing became very popular and was shown on TV. Famous fighters like Tadashi Sawamura drew big crowds. Later, the K-1 tournament in the 1990s brought kickboxing back into the spotlight.

In North America, kickboxing grew from early tournaments in the 1970s. Groups like the Professional Karate Association and the World Kickboxing Association helped organize the sport and set rules.

In Europe, kickboxing developed in different ways. In Germany, it followed the American style, while in the Netherlands, it was influenced by Japanese kickboxing. Dutch fighters have been very successful in K-1 tournaments, winning many championship titles.

Modern sport

Main article: List of kickboxing organizations

Kickboxing is a sport where fighters use their fists and feet to hit their opponents. It started in the 1950s and is fought in a ring, much like boxing. Fighters wear gloves, mouth guards, shorts, and fight barefoot to make kicking easier.

Some of the top kickboxing groups around the world include Glory, K-1, PKA, ISKA, ONE Championship, Karate Combat, RISE, WAKO, World Kickboxing Network, and Enfusion.

Notable people who help organize kickboxing events include Chatri Sityodtong for ONE Championship, Eduard Irimia for Superkombat, Kazuyoshi Ishii for K-1, Pierre Andurand for Glory, Joe Corley for PKA, and Sadaharu Tanikawa for Fighting and Entertainment Group.

Kickboxing styles and rulesets

Kickboxing has many different rules. For example, Oriental/K-1 rules allow punches, high and low kicks, and even knee strikes, while American kickboxing is limited to punches and kicks only above the belt (high kicks).

In the first two decades of the 21st century, several larger kickboxing promotions such as Glory, One Championship and Bellator Kickboxing have adopted the k1/oriental rule set, which allows knee strikes, kicking and punching.

Japanese Kickboxing

Oriental rules (also known as K-1 rules or unified rules, and sometimes referred to as Japanese kickboxing) was the first combat sport that adopted the name of "kickboxing" in 1966, later termed "Japanese kickboxing" as a retronym. Since the 1990s, many of the largest kickboxing promotions such as K-1, ONE Championship, Glory and Bellator Kickboxing adopted this ruleset. Oriental rules began to be developed by the Japanese boxing promoter Osamu Noguchi and Karate practitioner Tatsuo Yamada, and it was initially intended as a mix of Karate and Muay Thai, but it was later affected also by the Dutch rules, which were first formalised in the Netherlands in the 1970s. The primary difference between Muay Thai and Oriental Kickboxing was the prohibition of elbow strikes and throws. In addition, the amount of clinch fighting is drastically decreased. These changes were aimed at reducing injuries and making bouts more accessible to TV viewers. Oriental rules bouts were traditionally fought over 5, 3-minute rounds but 3 round bouts have since become popular. The male kickboxers are bare-chested wearing shorts (although trousers and karate gis have been worn) and protective gear including: mouth-guard, hand-wraps, shin-wraps, 10 oz (280 g) gloves.

Notable fighters under K-1 rules include Semmy Schilt, Badr Hari, Ernesto Hoost, Albert Kraus, Masato, Peter Aerts, Remy Bonjasky, Giorgio Petrosyan, Mike Zambidis, Buakaw and Andy Souwer.

Rules:

• Fighters are allowed to strike their opponent with punches, kicks, including kicks below the waist, except for the groin, sweeps and knees (only to the body).
• Elbow strikes are forbidden.
• Very limited or no clinch fighting is allowed (in some competitions clinching is completely illegal, in others only one single strike is allowed before the clinch has to be released, in other promotions just a few seconds of clinch are allowed).
• Throws and headbutts are not allowed.
• Bouts are 3 to 5 rounds (lasting 3 minutes each) with a 1-minute rest in between rounds.

Kunguk-Do

Kunguk-Do is a Korean kickboxing style created in 1969 by Jung Do Mo, drawing influences from Traditional Karate, Muay Thai, American Kickboxing, Oriental Rules Kickboxing, and Kyeok Too Ki. The founder originally came from Karate background, but influences of other arts were later added as results of fights and cross-training with other fighting styles previously listed.

Notable fighter includes Karate competitor at the Asian Games, Jeong Kwon-hong.

Rules:

• Martial Art Rules: similar to semi-contact Traditional Karate seen in Asian Games allowing punches and kicks to upper body, lasting 2-9 rounds (2 minutes each).
• Europe Rule: similar to Full Contact kickboxing, allowing punches and kicks to upper body under full contact rules, lasting 3-5 rounds (3 minutes each).
• Freestyle Rule: similar to Muay Thai, allowing punches and high and low kicks along with Clinch fighting, knees, and elbows, lasting 3-5 rounds (3 minutes each).

Kyeok Too Ki

Kyeok Too Ki (also referred to as KTK, Kyuk Too Ki, or Gyeok Tu Gi) is another form of Korean kickboxing created by Kim Gwi Jin in 1964. The founder originally had background in Judo, Boxing, and Taekwondo from his training in 1950s. Later, he also trained Oriental Rules Kickboxing when this fighting system came to South Korea from Japan, most likely in 1960s.

Notable fighters include former RISE Middleweight champion, Lee Sung-hyun and former RISE Super Featherweight champion, Chan Hyung Lee.

Rules:

• Historically, allowed techniques were punches, high and low kicks, elbows, knees, Clinch fighting, throws, and standing submission holds.
• Currently, the rules are more similar to K1 rules, banning throws and submission holds from standing positions although both are still taught for self-defense.

Full Contact

Full Contact (also referred to as American Kickboxing) is essentially a mixture of Western boxing and traditional karate, created in 1970s in United States. The male kickboxers are bare-chested wearing kickboxing trousers and protective gear including: mouth-guard, hand-wraps, 10 oz (280 g) boxing gloves, groin-guard, shin-pads, and kick-boots and protective helmet (for amateurs and those under 16). Female kickboxers will wear a sports bra and chest protection in addition to the male clothing/protective gear.

Notable fighters under full contact rules include, Dennis Alexio, Joe Lewis, Rick Roufus, Jean-Yves Thériault, Benny Urquidez, Bill Wallace, Demetrius Havanas, Billy Jackson, Akseli Saurama, Tony LoCoco, Pete Cunningham, and Don "The Dragon" Wilson

Rules:

• Opponents are allowed to hit each other with punches and kicks, striking above the waist.
• Elbows and knees are forbidden.
• Clinch fighting and grappling are forbidden, sweeps are legal boot-to-boot.
• Bouts are usually 3 to 10 rounds (lasting 2 minutes each) with a 1-minute rest in between rounds.
• The Referee is responsible for fighter safety and keeping to the rules; judges count legal techniques and note the points on the scoring card or with the help of the electronic system.

Semi Contact

Semi Contact or Points Fighting, is the variant of American kickboxing most similar to karate, since it consists in fighting for the purpose of scoring points with an emphasis on delivery, speed, and technique. Under such rules, fights are held on the tatami, presenting the belts to classify the fighters in order of experience and ability. The male kickboxers wear shirts and kickboxing trousers as well as protective gear including: mouth-guard, hand-wraps, 10 oz (280 g). boxing gloves, groin-guard, shin-pads, kick-boots, and headgear. The female kickboxers will wear a sports bra and chest protection in addition to the male clothing/protective gear.

Notable fighters under semi-contact rules include Raymond Daniels, Michael Page, Stephen Thompson and Gregorio Di Leo.

Rules:

• Fighters can score through punches or kicks, striking above the waist, and foot sweeps, executed below the ankle.
• Punches, kicks and foot sweeps are awarded 1 point. Kicks to the head or jumping kicks to the body are awarded 2 points. Jumping kicks to the head are awarded 3 points.
• Hook kicks and Axe kicks are allowed but must be executed with the sole of the foot.
• The use of the shins is seldom allowed, save for jumping and spinning techniques.
• Elbows, knees and spinning backfists are forbidden.
• Clinch fighting, throws and sweeps (with the exception of foot sweeps) are forbidden.
• Bouts are usually 3 rounds (lasting 2–3 minutes each) with a 1-minute rest in between rounds.

Combat Hopak

Main article: Combat Hopak

Combat Hopak is a Ukrainian Cossack martial art founded in 1985 by Volodymyr Pylat. Combat Hopak practitioners wear traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirts, wide long cloth belt and Sharavary. Combat Hopak fighters also wear shoes like practitioners of Savate and perform kicks while wearing them. Modern practitioners compete wearing boxing gloves.

Rules:

• Techniques allowed are punches, kicks and sweeps.
• Groundfighting is forbidden.

Dutch Kickboxing

Dutch rules (sometimes referred to as Dutch Kickboxing) came about when Japanese kickboxing and Muay Thai were first introduced in Holland in the 1970s. European rules began to be developed by the Netherland Kick Boxing Bond in the 1970s when the late Jan Plas brought the sport from Japan to his native country. The primary difference between Dutch rules and full Muay Thai rules was the prohibition of elbow strikes and the limited knees strikes (only to the body). However, elbows were allowed when both parties agree to it. These changes were aimed at reducing injuries and making bouts more accessible to TV viewers. Like the Thai counterpart, the fights are accompanied with the traditional Thai music during a battle. The Dutch kickboxing rules were instrumental to the development of the K-1 rules.

Notable fighters under Dutch rules include Alistair Overeem, Bas Rutten, Melvin Manhoef, Gegard Mousasi, Remy Bonjasky and Peter Aerts.

Rules:

• Rounds are up to 3 and they last 3 minutes.
• Punches and kicks are allowed.
• Elbow strikes are illegal, but can be allowed if both fighters agree to use them.
• Knees are illegal when they're striking the head, but are legal when they're striking the body.
• Throws, Sweeps and Trips are forbidden.
• Clinching is allowed for 5 seconds at best and it's only legal if it's used to cause damage to the opponent.

Freestyle Kickboxing

International rules, or freestyle kickboxing (also known as Low Kick in the United States), contrast with full contact rules in that it also allows low kicks. The male kickboxers are bare-chested, wearing kickboxing trousers or shorts and protective gear, including mouth-guard, hand wraps, Boxing gloves, shin guards, and groin guard. The female kickboxers will wear a sports bra and chest protection in addition to the male clothing/protective gear.

Notable fighters under international rules include Rick Roufus and Abraham Roqueñi.

Rules:

• Fighters are allowed to strike their opponent with punches, knees and kicks, including kicks below the waist, except for the groin.
• Elbows are forbidden.
• Throws and sweeps are forbidden.
• Clinch is allowed only for 5 seconds.
• Bouts are 3 to 5 rounds for amateurs and 3 to 10 rounds for professionals, all rounds lasting 2–3 minutes each. Each round has a 1-minute rest in between rounds.

WKA Kickboxing

WKA Kickboxing is a style promoted by the World Kickboxing Association, and uses a mixture of Muay Thai, Japanese Kickboxing and Full Contact Kickboxing moves and rulesets.

Rules:

• World Title bouts consist of 12 rounds, continental bouts consist of 10 rounds and national bouts consist of 5 rounds.
• The contestants must wear uniforms, tapes and bandages approved by the association.
• The contestants also wear groin protectors, mouthpieces and hair stays.
• Standard fouls (eye gouges, groin shots, bites, insults, etc.), are illegal.
• Knee Strikes, elbow strikes, back fists, clubbing strikes, headbutts, palm strikes, anti-joint techniques, grabbing the opponent's legs and arms, holding a clinch for too long are all illegal.
• Opponents who stall for too long during the fight are warned by the referee.
• A Knockout is declared of the fighter doesn't stand up after an 8 count.

ISKA Kickboxing

ISKA Kickboxing is a style promoted by the International Sport Kickboxing association from Europe, and it's a blend of Full Contact, Japanese, Muay Thai and Freestyle Kickboxing rules.

Rules:

• Fighters must wear a uniform approved by the promotion, and it varies depending on the type of match.
• Gloves, footpads, groin protectors and mouthpieces must be worn by all fighters while the use of shinpads, elbowpads and forearm pads isn't allowed.
• The use of grappling techniques, except sweeps are forbidden.
• Standard fouls are illegal.
• Special foul rules are used for spinning back fists, and it often results in penalties.
• Blocking an opponent's limb to prevent him/her from striking is illegal.
• A knockout is declared after the fighter doesn't get up suring an 8 count.
• Surpassing a specific number of Knockdowns during the bout don't determine a TKO win.

Muay Thai

Main article: Muay Thai

Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, rules usually sees bouts contested over 5, 3 minute rounds and male fighters bare-chested wearing shorts and protective gear including: mouth-guard, hand-wraps, shin-wraps, 10 oz (280 g) boxing gloves, groin-guard and sometimes prajioud arm bands. 4oz MMA-style, open-finger gloves are sometimes used. The female Thaiboxers will wear a sports bra and chest protection in addition to the male clothing/protective gear. Muay Thai is unique in that it is the only style of kickboxing that allows elbows, knees, clinch fighting, throws, sweeps and low kicks. Groin strikes were allowed until the 1980s in international Muay Thai and are still partially allowed in Thailand itself (though the boxers wear cups to lessen the impact). Kicking to mid-body and head are scored highly generating a large number of points on judges' scorecards. Moreover, kicking is still judged highly even if the kick was blocked. In contrast, punching is worth fewer points.

Notable fighters under Muay Thai rules include Apidej Sit Hrun, Buakaw Por. Pramuk, Changpuek Kiatsongrit, Rob Kaman, Ramon Dekkers, Coban Lookchaomaesaitong, Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn, Saenchai P.K. Saenchaimuaythaigym, Samart Payakaroon and Yodsanklai Fairtex.

Rules:

• Fighters are allowed to strike their opponent with punches, kicks, including kicks below the waist, elbows and knees.
• Clinch fighting is allowed.
• Certain throws and sweeps are allowed (however hip throws and sweeps with the back of the ankle are illegal).
• Bouts are generally 5 rounds (lasting 3 minutes each) with a 2-minute rest in between, but 3 round fights with a 1-minute rest are used in some promotions.

Lethwei

Main article: Lethwei

Lethwei is a type of kickboxing originating from Myanmar that features minimal rules and protective equipment. Lethwei not only allows the use of headbutts but actually emphasizes it, and fighters wear no gloves. Bouts can only be won with a knockout, either a proper or a technical. Uniquely, after one knockout and two minutes rest, the knocked out fighter may still choose to continue the fight once, unless they are knocked out in the final round. There are no points; if no knockout happens before the end of the fifth round, the fight is declared a draw. Male fighters are bare-chested and wear shorts. Protective gear consists of a mouth-guard, groin-guard, and wraps around hands and feet. Female fighters wear a sports bra and chest protection in addition to the male clothing and protective gear.

Notable fighters under Lethwei rules include Tun Tun Min, Too Too, Dave Leduc and Soe Lin Oo.

Rules:

• Opponents are allowed to strike each other with punches, kicks, including kicks below the waist, elbows, knees and headbutts.
• Clinch fighting, throws and sweeps are allowed.
• Bouts are 5 rounds (lasting 3 minutes each) with a 2-minute rest in between rounds.

Sanda

Main article: Sanda (sport)

Sanda or Sanshou (also known as Chinese boxing and Chinese kickboxing) is a form of kickboxing originally developed by the Chinese military based upon the study and practices of traditional Kung fu and modern combat fighting techniques; it combines traditional kickboxing, which include close range and rapid successive punches and kicks, with wrestling, takedowns, throws, sweeps, kick catches, and in some competitions, even elbow and knee strikes. The male fighters are bare-chested wearing shorts and protective gear including: mouth-guard, hand-wraps, 10 oz (280 g) boxing gloves and groin-guard. The female kickboxers will wear a sports bra and chest protection in addition to the male clothing/protective gear.

Notable fighters under Sanshou rules include Wei Rui, Fang Bian, Jia Aoqi, Muslim Salikhov, Pat Barry, Zhang Tiequan, Liu Hailong, Cung Le, Shahbulat Shamhalaev and Shamil Zavurov.

Rules:

• Fighters are allowed to strike their opponent with punches and kicks, including kicks below the waist, except for the groin.
• Elbows and knees are forbidden (with the exception of some competitions).
• Clinch fighting, throws and sweeps are allowed.
• Bouts are 5 rounds (lasting 3 minutes each) with a 1-minute rest in between rounds.

Shootboxing

Main article: Shootboxing

Shootboxing (also known as Standing Vale Tudo) is a style of hybrid kickboxing created in Japan (in 1985) that utilizes standing submissions such as chokeholds, armlocks and wristlocks in addition to kicks, punches, knees and throws. The male fighters are bare-chested wearing skin tight trousers and protective gear including: mouth-guard, hand-wraps, 10 oz (280 g) boxing gloves and groin-guard. The female kickboxers will wear a sports bra and chest protection in addition to the male clothing/protective gear.

Notable fighters under shootboxing rules include Rena Kubota, Kenichi Ogata, Hiroki Shishido, Ai Takahashi and Andy Souwer.

Rules:

• Opponents are allowed to strike each other with punches, kicks, including kicks below the waist, except for the groin, and knees.
• Elbows are forbidden (since 2001).
• Clinch fighting, throws and sweeps are allowed.
• Standing submissions are allowed.
• Bouts are 3 rounds (lasting 3 minutes each) with a 1-minute rest in between rounds.

Draka Kickboxing

Draka, also known as Russian Kickboxing, is a hybrid style of Kickboxing which was developed and founded by Igor Ejov in 1992, and its mainly promoted by the World Wide Draka Federation (WWDF) and the International Kickboxing Draka Federation (IKDF). The first event where this style was featured, was held in the U.S. by Ejov in association with World Wide Kickboxing Promotions. This style was created by combining the elements of Muay Thai, Western Boxing, Combat Sambo, and Wrestling.

Rules:

• Fighters are allowed to use kicks, knees, punches and elbows.
• The use of takedowns, throws and sweeps is also allowed.
• Groundfighting and chokeholds are forbidden.

Xtreme Gladiator Kickboxing

Xtreme Gladiator is a hybrid style of Kickboxing created by the International Kickboxing Federation, which is a mixture of Boxing, Muay Thai, Sanshou, Wrestling and Judo techniques. This fighting style originated in the 21st century. Just like Shoot Boxing, it's also one of the only styles who allows submission techniques like joint locks, chokeholds and strangles both standing and on the ground, although there is a 30-second or 1 minute limit time for groundfighting.

Rules:

• Closed, Hammer, Open Handed fists and strikes are legal.
• Forearm strikes and Elbow strikes are legal.
• Standing foot stomps are legal.
• Oblique kicks to the inside leg are allowed.
• Knees are allowed to the head, body and shins when the fight is upright.
• Upkicks from the ground are legal.
• Every tipe of throw, slam and takedown is allowed.
• Chokes and Joint Locks are legal.
• Downed stomps are illegal.
• Kicks and knees to the head of a grounded opponent are illegal.
• 12-6 Elbows are illegal.
• Standard fouls are illegal.

Techniques

Punching

Punching in kickboxing is very similar to boxing. Some common punches include:

• Jab – a straight punch from the front hand, often used with the cross.
• Cross – a straight punch from the back hand.
• Hook – a rounded punch to the head or body.
• Uppercut – a rising punch to the chin.
• Backfist – a strike to the head with the back of the hand.
• Flying-punch – a punch combined with a hop.
• Overhand – a powerful punch thrown from above.
• Bolo punch – a wide punch that looks like it comes from the floor.
• Haymaker – a wide looping punch.

Kicking

Common kicking techniques include:

• Roundhouse kick – a kick to the head or body with the front of the foot.
• Front kick – a kick to the face or chest with the balls of the foot.
• Side kick – a kick with the heel of the foot to the head, leg, or body.
• Semi-circular kick – a forty-five-degree roundhouse kick.

Special kicks include:

• Hook kick – a kick to the head with the heel or sole.
• Crescent kick – a forward crescent kick.
• Axe kick – a downward stomp kick.
• Back kick – a kick with the base heel of the foot.

Spinning and jumping versions of these kicks are also used.

Knee

Knee strikes are a key part of kickboxing, especially in styles influenced by Muay Thai. Some knee techniques include:

• Straight knee – a knee strike to the stomach, groin, hip, or spine.
• Flying knee – an explosive upward knee strike to the face or chest.
• Hook knee – a spinning knee strike to the sides of the opponent.
• Side knee – a deceptive knee strike to the knee joints or groin.

Defense

There are three main ways to defend in kickboxing:

• Slipping – turning the body so a punch passes by.
• Bob and weave – bending down to avoid a punch and then moving back up.
• Blocking – using hands or shins to stop a punch.
• Parrying or blocking – deflecting a punch with the hands.
• The cover-up – holding hands high to protect the face and body.
• The clinch – holding the opponent's hands or neck to prevent attacks.

Brain injury and CTE

See also: Chronic traumatic encephalopathy

Getting a hard hit to the head, like a concussion, can sometimes cause lasting harm to the brain. This harm can stay even after a person stops playing sports. A serious brain condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) can develop from repeated hits to the head, not just big injuries. This condition starts while the athlete is still active and can keep getting worse even after they stop playing.