Kickboxing & K1

Kickboxing classes have risen in popularity over the past 20 years due to the exciting heavyweight bouts that have graced arenas throughout Japan. Derived from the sports of Kickboxing, K1 also takes aspects of other disciplines such as Karate, Muay Thai and Taekwondo. The rules are similar to those of kickboxing with the main difference being that knees are allowed in K1.

Kickboxing requires strength, flexibility, speed and coordination. Phoenix MMA Kickboxing classes empower members to attain all these attributes through rigorous training, learning various striking techniques and improving fitness levels. We regularly hold Kickboxing Interclubs so should you wish, you can test yourself in sparring matches against members from other local clubs.

Equipment: Before coming along to a class, it’s recommended you purchase a pair of 16oz gloves, hand wraps and shin guards. A vest top or t-shirt and shorts should be worn.

History of Kickboxing

This ring based sport has a short history that dates back to the mid-19th century. A Japanese boxing promoter, Osamu Noguchi, first introduced kickboxing as just a general term in the 1950s. The name referred to a combination of Karate and Muay Thai boxing moves. The hybrid fighting skills were then spread to the United States in the 1970s, where many people loved the sport, and its popularity spread far and wide among Americans.

In 1993, a Japanese boxing organisation, K-1, was formed to govern the kickboxing fights. This organisation grew to be the world’s first Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organisation. Since then, kickboxing has continued to spread to other parts of the world.

Fighting Techniques

Well trained and competitive kickboxers adopt a variety of techniques to bring down their opponents. They mainly use well-calculated punches and kicks. The punches include; hook punch, jabs, and uppercuts. The hook punch is an excellent weapon against the opponent as it swings around and hits them from the side.

When it comes to kicks, the boxer can do sidekicks, front kicks, spinning back kicks and hooks. Spinning back kicks are a powerful tool of victory since they get the contender by surprise. The kickboxer here does a quick spin, and a backward heel drives towards the rival.

Standard Rules and Regulations

Several organisations worldwide govern kickboxing matches, and their rules may vary from one organisation to the other. However, there are standard rules for all events which include;

• The matches are made between 3-12 rounds.
• Each round of a game is 2-3 minutes long.
• The contestants should wear protective gear on their hands, and feet (elbows and knees).
• The participants are classified as per their weights.
• The outcome is determined by a knockout, draw or a decision.

Professional kickboxers undergo intense training to enhance their fighting skills. The intense training allows them to deliver and take kicks and punches throughout the entire fight. It is for this reason that you need professional training before engaging in any kickboxing fights. We at Phoenix MMA offer this kind of training that will not only strengthen your muscles but also give you techniques that will help you tactfully take out your opponent.

Engaging in kickboxing classes makes you a better fighter, helps in overall body workout, enhances self-defence, improves your level of concentration and focus, improves self-discipline, and unleashes the inner warrior in you. Kids can also start training in our gym from as young as 5 years under the supervision of our trained and dedicated team of professional trainers at Phoenix MMA.

Join our Phoenix MMA gym in Bournemouth, Gosport and Southampton and have a lifetime experience that you will love.