Skip to Main Content

The Origins of Kickboxing


Originally posted on 12/29/2014

When most people think of kickboxing, they imagine some type of combination between American boxing and martial arts kicking.

Surely, that’s what it can look like to an untrained eye, as it takes place in a ring where participants may use kicks, punches, elbow and knee strikes, and sometimes headbutts to disable their opponents. But the history of kickboxing is more storied and advanced than simply a mashup of styles. While the term “kickboxing” has its origins in Japan and evolved from full-contact karate, its roots actually run deeper - all the way to Thailand and the martial art of Muay Thai Boxing.

In this article, we'll take a look at the history and origins of kickboxing.

Origins of Muay Thai Boxing

Muay Thai Boxing is considered a hard martial art, and it dates back to the ancient forms of boxing used by Siamese soldiers in the 11th century. From there, it evolved into a means of physical exercise, recreation, and self-defense and began to be practiced at sporting events, after which rules were established and participants began using gloves and other protective gear when sparring. 

Innovations to Muay Thai - Now the Sport of Muay Thai

Many years later, a Japanese boxing promoter named Osamu Noguchi combined characteristics of Muay Thai Boxing with karate, while maintaining the former’s status as a hard martial art that allowed full striking, unlike traditional karate practices of the time. During the 1960s, fighters studying Muay Thai Boxing began diligently studying aspects of karate to combine with their own form that, eventually, came to be known as kickboxing. A few years later, the first kickboxing organization, the Kickboxing Association, was founded in Japan.

Muay Thai's Transition to Kickboxing

In recent years, kickboxing has steadily risen in popularity. Many Americans enjoy engaging in kickboxing as a sports competition, while others simply practice it for the physical exercise benefits. No matter what brings you to this martial art, there is much for you to experience and much for you to gain.

Learn from Martial Arts Experts at NY Martial Arts Academy

If you’re considering the study of kickboxing, contact the professionals at NY Martial Arts Academy to speak with a skilled instructor who can help you choose a program to begin the healthy and engaging practice of kickboxing.

What Should I Expect to Learn in a Jeet Kune Do Class?

Jeet Kune Do was made popular by the martial artist, Bruce Lee. This form of martial arts training incorporates principles from boxing and fencing and borrows elements from Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and kickboxing. If you are considering...

How Can a Kids Karate Class Prevent Childhood Obesity

Americans are getting more and more overweight, and our children are certainly not immune to this epidemic. Some blame sodas and fatty foods, while others feel that inactivity is the primary culprit. Regardless of the cause of childhood obesity,...

What Can Parents Expect from a Kids Karate Class?

  Karate is a popular activity for children of all ages, and while many kids think of it as a fun way to get physically active and meet new friends, parents tend to think more practically and wonder exactly what their children will learn in...

Can Martial Arts Classes Improve My Child's Focus?

  If you’re the parent of a child who has been diagnosed with ADD, ADHD, or just seems to have problems focusing at home or at school, you may often find yourself frustrated at the prospect of helping your child learn to channel his or...

How Can Martial Arts Classes Build Confidence?

  It stands to reason that martial arts classes can increase self-confidence, but it might surprise some to learn that the factors that increase self-confidence do not come from the martial art itself.  Rather, aspects of all martial...

Self Defense for Women

According to the National Organization for Women, nearly one in five women will be assaulted at some point in their life.  The same source cites another staggering statistic.  In New York City alone, police respond to nearly 250,000 calls...

The Meaning and History Behind Karate Dojos

Anybody who has been to a modern day karate dojo has probably noticed some of the unique qualities they possess. But how many people know the reasons and traditions behind them? “Dojo” is a Japanese term, which translates to...

Martial Arts and Stress Relief

Psychologists have discovered positive correlations between practicing a traditional martial art and lower levels of hostility, aggression, and higher levels of self-esteem and overall positive attitude.   There are several aspects to...

What is Muay Thai?

Muay Thai is a type of hard martial art that is practiced in many parts of the world, but has the longest history in Thailand, where it originated and is now the national sport. The type of traditional Muay Thai that is practiced today is...

Karate vs. Taekwondo

When you’re thinking about engaging in martial arts training, you should first determine which form of martial arts is best suited for your abilities, philosophies, and lifestyle. Karate and Taekwondo are two common and separate forms for...

What is Kung Fu?

Kung Fu is a term that’s synonymous with the martial arts, but how much do you actually know about its meaning, history, and practices? Kung Fu is one of the most well-known and commonly studied styles of martial arts, second only to...

What is Self Defense Training?

  No one deserves to be assaulted. No one wants to be assaulted. But unfortunately, as anyone who reads the news can attest, the frequency of unmitigated violence is too high to ignore. Whether we want to recognize it or not, many of us will...

How Boxing Classes Can Benefit Your Body

If you’ve tried traditional workout methods, you’ve probably discovered that they can be tedious and it can take time to see results.  By taking boxing classes you can stay engaged and learn valuable self-defense techniques, while...

Lose Weight While Learning Martial Arts

Studying the martial arts is an amazing way to lose weight.  It’s such an entertaining way to exercise; you might not feel like you are performing a workout at all.  Spending an hour punching and kicking the pounds away will seem...
Page: 12345678 - All