History of Kickboxing
Brief Summary:
In brief, Kickboxing is a hybrid striking martial art comprising of punches and kicks and further (depending on the system) will also include elbows, knees and headbutts.
It developed in the 1960’s from striking arts such as Karate (Japan), Muay Thai (Thailand), Western Boxing and Taekwondo (Korea). Kickboxing began to be practiced for self defence, fitness or as a contact sport. It is ranked like most martial art systems with an armband, belt or t-shirt colour starting from white to yellow, orange, blue, red up to black etc. depending on the school (for example, the British School of Kickboxing awards a red belt before the yellow).
By the mid 1970’s, the popularity of Kickboxing spread across the United States and the western world via competition and cinema and major federations were formed.
By the mid 1990’s, with the addition of wrestling and ground fighting techniques adapted from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the art of Kickboxing contributed to the development of Mixed Martial Arts.
Development of Kickboxing by region:
Southeast Asia:
During the 13th and 14th centuries, the Siamese soldiers of Thailand practiced a system known as Muay Boran. The martial art continued to develop through to the 1920s, when the style was prominently known as Muay Thai (The Art of 8 Limbs from the use of Punches, Kicks, Knees and Elbows).
GIANT Instructors with Muay Thai coach Anthony Perosh
GIANT Instructors with Muay Thai coach Geordie Lavers McBain
GIANT Instructors with Ajarn Daniel Sullivan (student to Don Inosanto under Bruce Lee)
Buakaw Banchamek, popularised Muay Thai around the world.
Saenchai, arguably the greatest pound for pound Muay Thai fighter of all time.
A great goal for every Kickboxing practitioner should be to visit and train in Thailand!
The training strip in Chalong, Phuket does to Kickboxers and Fitness Fanatics what Vegas does for gamblers. It is a must for the bucket list. Over 15 different gyms to train and enjoy all sorts of Martial Arts and Fitness activities. Phuket also offers great beaches, restaurants and family fun activities. The training is for all levels and as you will see the sparring is very light and playful.
Enjoy the highlight below of Instructor Giorgio’s experiences and training on the island and be sure to get on board for the next trip to gain further skill and knowledge directly from the motherland of Thai Kickboxing.
GIANT Instructor Anthony with coach Ray Floro, Black Belt in the Sagasa Kickboxing system.
Philippines
Burma
Lethwei – The Art of 9 Limbs (with the addition of the headbutt) is a traditional Burmese art with a strong emphasis on knee, elbow strikes and headbutt. Any part of the body may be used to strike and be struck. It is also known as Bando Kickboxing.
The Burmese style of Lethwei remains strictly traditional with a set of old fashioned style rules that have, so far, stood the test of time. It has also expanded into Singapore.
There are no judges: if there hasn’t been a knockout after five three minute rounds, the contest is called a draw; fighters use hand wraps but not gloves and, in addition to all the strikes permitted in a conventional Muay Thai match, head butts are positively encouraged.
Other Kickboxing styles that have developed in South East Asia are Muay Lao from Laos, Pradal Serey from Cambodia and Viet Vo Dao from Vietnam.
Master Kang (pictured with GIANT instructor Giorgio), the founder of Gongkwon Yusul is a practitioner of Kyuk Too Ki.
Korea
In Korea, the Kickboxing system of Kyuk Too Ki developed from elements of Muay Thai and Taekwondo. It is a full contact sport in Korea and involves punches, kicks, elbow and knee strikes. It is also known as Kun Gek Do, Korean Kickboxing, etc.
Kickboxing as a sport in Japan was widely popular and regularly broadcast on TV before losing traction in the 1980’s. Kickboxing became popular again with the creation of the K1 tournament in 1993 and has since dominated the sport.
China
Sanshou, or Sanda, (also known as Chinese boxing) is a form of Kickboxing originally developed by the Chinese military based upon the study and practices of traditional Kung Fu. It combines rapid successive punches and kicks with takedowns, sweeps, kick catches, and in some competitions, even elbow and knee strikes.
China
Sanshou, or Sanda, (also known as Chinese boxing) is a form of Kickboxing originally developed by the Chinese military based upon the study and practices of traditional Kung Fu. It combines rapid successive punches and kicks with takedowns, sweeps, kick catches, and in some competitions, even elbow and knee strikes.
Europe
French Savate, a historical sport which developed in the 19th century. It is mostly known for its foot-kicking techniques. If you can relate the typical Muay Thai round kick to a “baseball bat”, the Savate style of kick is like a “hammer”.
Dutch Kickboxing incorporates styles of Muay Thai, Boxing and Kyokushin style of Karate. Made popular by Ramond “The Diamond” Dekkers and mixed martial artist Bas Rutten.
Benny “The Jet” Urquidez (pictured with GIANT Instructors and students)
Chuck Norris (Pictured with Instructor Giorgio’s family)
GIANT Instructors with Pancrase, Pride, UFC and WWE legend Ken Shamrock “The worlds most dangerous man”
Australia
In line with the U.S.A the general population in Australia enjoys the art of Kickboxing for fitness, self defence and competition. The International Sport Kickboxing Association (ISKA), is the biggest amateur level martial arts tournament circuit in Australia. Paul Zadro is on the board of ISKA Australia who also happens to be coach Anthony Perosh’s first teacher in Kempo Karate and Muay Thai Kickboxing.
There are a number of different Kickboxing tournament platforms to compete in such as World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO) and Muay Thai Australia (MTA).
Some of our students have fought and had success in these Muay Thai and Kickboxing competitions.
Instructor Anthony with a GIANT team competing at an ISKA tournament.
Instructor Anthony with a GIANT team competing at an ISKA tournament.
GIANT Students Kamal Mourad and Chris Gregoriou competing at WAKO nationals in Canberra.
GIANT Student Arthur competing at the Muay Thai Australia amateur promotions in Sydney.
On a professional level, the land down under has also had a fair share of Kickboxing champions on the world stage such as Stan Longinidis, Mike Zambidis, John Wayne “The Gunslinger” Parr and Sam Greco just to name a few.
SOURCES:
International Kickboxing Association
World Association of Kickboxing Organisations
Muay Thai Australia
International Sport Karate Association (ISKA)
World Kickboxing Association
International Kickboxer Magazine