What You Should Know About KickBoxing Training

Kickboxing is one of the fastest growing and popular exercise trends today. Learning proper form and technique is very important. Getting the correct training will get you in great physical and mental shape! Kickboxing training is great “core strength” building, aerobic exercise, strength training, fun, and self esteem and confidence building.

This article will aid you in getting started and familiarize you with the different kickboxing terms and techniques. Different clubs, studios and instructors may have their own methods and techniques. Ask around for a good instructor…get referrals. Visit the club first to see if they employ experienced instructors and have good methods. Find a club you’re comfortable with and one that fits your specific needs and goals.

Warm up is very important to the workout. Start by jumping rope for a few minutes followed by stretching and basic kicks and punches.

Breathe and Relax. It sounds like common sense, but many kickboxers new to the sport will tense up and not breathe through the combinations of punches. By holding your breath, you will wear out quickly and not be able to complete many sets without needing to rest. Another key is to relax. Tensing up the body will restrict the flow of movements and you won’t be able to fully complete your movements. Again, remember to breath and relax.

Fighting Stance. Stand in front of a full length mirror to make sure your stance is correct. Right handed fighters will usually stand with their left leg and shoulder facing forward. Your knees will be slightly bent and your more powerful arm is further back. Your hands should be up protecting your face and chin. Your right hand should be up by the side of your face and your left hand should be a few inches in front of your head. Keep your elbows somewhat in and close to your body for kick protection. Keep you chin tucked down.

Speed, technique and accuracy are key elements to becoming a good puncher. Punching is one of the most enjoyable elements of kickboxing. Throwing a punch can you leave you vulnerable for a counter punch so learning the proper technique and gaining speed is important to protecting yourself. Don’t leave your chin exposed and it’s behind your shoulder while the other arm is in a protective stance. Don’t look vulnerable…after following through on your punch, be sure to bring your arm and fist back to the defensive position.

Power comes from the twist in your body and legs…not the arm itself. The body transfers the body weight behind the punch. That’s why core strength is so important in kickboxing.

Basic punches in kickboxing training include the jab, cross, hook and uppercut.

The Jab.  From your fighting stance, whichever shoulder is forward this is the arm that the jab is thrown from. Usually this starts your punching combinations and sets up your next shot.  Step into your jab as it puts more body weight into the punch. 

A cross punch is thrown from the back shoulder and therefore has more body weight twisting into it. 

The hook comes around the opponent catching him off guard and striking the chin. 

The uppercut is used when in close to your opponent and will be driven up through the middle of the opponent’s arms and hits under the chin.  

The front kick is a good counter strike against your opponent’s jab. As he jabs, that will leave a space under his chin for you to kick into the lower ribs.

The side kick is the most natural feeling kick to execute and probably the first kick you want to master. It is one of the harder kicks to counter strike against if done well.

The turning kick or the roundhouse kick can be used to target many different areas of the body.

Full contact kicking is trying to go “through” your target rather than stopping just before impact. Try to focus on going beyond the point of impact for the most power. Twist your hips to put the most of your body weight behind the kick.

Bad habits are easy to pick up if you don’t start with the correct methods in kickboxing training. Get with a good instructor and enjoy the art of kickboxing!