9781422286685

B O X I N G W I T H K I C K S

no emphasis on set movements, forms, or kata (traditional solo choreographed sequences of movements). It is largely independent from Oriental philosophy, as well as Eastern codes of behavior and healing techniques (although Thai boxers—the Eastern form of kickboxers— do have their health monitored when they are competing). Some claim that American karate tournament fighters became frustrated with the tournament scoring system and devised kickboxing as a full-contact alternative. In fact, kickboxing has only a few similarities to karate—and then only to a certain type of karate, called The American kickboxing supremos Bill “Superfoot” Wallace and Joe Lewis “eye” each other up—tongue-in-cheek fashion. Lewis and Wallace spearheaded American kickboxing. Having been hook-punched by Bill, I can vouch for why he is so successful!

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