Despite the similarity of names and related nature, these are completely different sports. They developed separately, and, accordingly, have different rules and techniques. Both boxing and kickboxing have similarities, but it is also worth knowing about the differences. In this article, we will compare these sports.
Overview of Boxing and Kickboxing
If you are into boxing bets, it does not mean that you will be able to bet on kickboxing as easily. However, it will be easier to understand the differences. Boxing is an old man with a rich history. Its roots go back to Ancient Greece, where at the Olympic Games, guys would punch each other with fists wrapped in leather belts. Modern boxing took shape in England in the 18th-19th century, when the Marquess of Queensberry rules appeared – the same ones that made boxing a sport, not a street fight. Since then, it has become a symbol of courage, strength, and discipline.
Kickboxing is a young rebel. It appeared in the 60-70s of the 20th century, when Western fighters, inspired by oriental martial arts, decided to mix them with boxing. At first it was called “full-contact karate”, but then the term “kickboxing” took hold.
In boxing, everything is simple and complicated at the same time. You only have two hands, but how much can you do with them? Jabs, crosses, hooks, uppercuts – each punch is honed to perfection. A boxer must be a master of defense: dodging, blocking, and working the body. He also needs to move competently on his feet so as not to let the opponent catch him off guard.
Kickboxing is another level of multitasking. Here, you need not only to box but also to watch your feet. Low kicks (punches to the legs), high kicks (to the head), middle kicks (to the body) – this is a whole arsenal that makes the fight spectacular. But it is also more challenging to defend yourself: in boxing, you only parry punches with your hands, and in kickboxing, you also catch a kick in the ribs if you gape.
By the way, because of this, there are more injuries in kickboxing. In boxing, it’s the face and head that suffer the most (and the brain, to be honest), and in kickboxing, you can also collect bruises on your legs or damage your ribs. So the choice between them is also a question of what’s closer to you: pure hand technique or complete freedom of action.
Key Differences Between Boxing and Kickboxing
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Of course, you already understand the general gist of the differences. However, let’s discuss them in more detail.
1. Striking Techniques
Everything is quite simple here. In boxing, you can only hit with your hands. In general, athletes use four types of strikes and their combinations. Some may think this is not enough, but for an experienced boxer, this arsenal is enough to knock out an opponent.
Kickboxing has retained the same punches, but three more kicks have been added to them. Moreover, according to some rules, elbow and knee strikes are also allowed. Of course, this is more effective but also less traumatic. Therefore, in many competitions, a fighter’s arsenal is limited to punches and kicks.
2. Stance and Movement
Since in boxing, the danger comes from the opponent’s hands, the movements usually occur in one plane. Kickboxing forces you to distribute your attention to the whole body and work on different levels. However, in both sports it is important to stand firmly on your feet and move technically. However, there are differences here too. A kickboxer has to kick and block part of the time. Therefore, it is also essential to maintain balance at all times.
3. Rules and Competition Format
Boxing rules are stricter. Yes, the competition formats and the number of rounds may differ. However, the same strikes are allowed in all professional fights. In fact, we have already talked about this before. The duration of the rounds also remains unchanged.
In kickboxing, there is much more variety. The rules of the fight and the permitted strikes depend on the specific competition. In many professional championships, only punches and kicks are allowed. However, sometimes you can also see elbows and knees.
4. Equipment and Protective Gear
The athletes’ equipment is quite similar. Both sports use gloves, hand wraps and a mouth guard. However, kickboxing is more traumatic, so helmets and pads are often used. However, much depends on the competition.
5. Fitness and Training Differences
Since the fighting styles are different, the training of these athletes will be different. It is vital for a boxer to punch well, be durable enough to last 12 rounds, and protect his head well. It is these qualities that training is usually aimed at developing. The legs are almost not involved when it comes to moving around the ring. Kickboxers’ training is aimed at developing the whole body. These athletes must move well and have equal control over their arms and legs. Flexibility and stretching, which allows them to do high kicks, are also crucial for them.
Which One Should You Choose?
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This question is simple and complicated at the same time. If you love boxing, then of course you should choose it. The same goes for if you are a fan of kickboxing. However, if you like both disciplines, then perhaps you should select for practical reasons.
If you want to master self-defense techniques, then kickboxing is definitely a winner. It gives you more flexibility and more options for punches. In addition, it develops attention to the entire body of the opponent, not just the hands. Therefore, it will be more effective in a street fight.
If you consider fighting to be a form of fitness, then both sports will be excellent activities. However, kickboxing involves the whole body, so the training will be more complex. If you plan to participate in competitions or reach a professional level, then everything is much more complicated. You need to carefully weigh your preferences and natural abilities. It is best to consult with an experienced trainer. Then you will be sure that you have chosen the most suitable sport for you.