Emerging contact sports like kickboxing have done a lot to encourage the development of a number of new forms of mixed martial arts. There's no single form of kickboxing, no single governing body, and no single world title, since it originated from a few different influences. Each form of kickboxing has a similar system of scores. The winner is the opponent who has forced a submission, a knockout, or a stoppage determined by the ref. At the end of the rounds, if no such winning manoeuvre has occurred then a team of 3 judges have to decide on the winner.
Kickboxing isn’t complicated to learn. Even as a beginner you'll make quick progress and soon pick up some solid self-defence skills. It’s a good choice for men and women alike, and even children over about 7 can learn. You'll be safe even when you start to learn some light contact techniques, as you’ll wear protective equipment that will ensure your safety. As you move on, you’ll learn even more of the basic moves. Strikes include jabs, punches, roundhouse and side kicks, jumping knee kicks, the very danger elbow strikes, and leg sweeps, which are used to topple your opponent. Depending on the variety of kickboxing you get involved with, some of these moves may not apply.
So what do kickboxers wear? If you’re looking for the right gear to get you started in kickboxing, have a look at our ranges. To begin with you’ll probably wear some mesh trousers and a t-shirt. You can get a kickboxing suit in a range of colours that combines trousers and top. Protective guards and body protection are also important, though professional kickboxers may go without head gear.
Don’t worry if you’re not particularly fit when you start learning as training sessions are designed to increase your fitness. PKA kickboxing isn’t just for cardio fitness, it’s a martial art in its own right, but it’s true, kickboxing is also great for getting fit because it gets the whole body moving. It’s great for weight loss too because you burn a lot of calories in kickboxing sessions, and it’s great for flexibility, as well as stress relief.
