9781422286685

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

bogu kumite . The similarities between kickboxing and bogu kumite include the use of protective equipment and full contact. There are differences between the two, however, and one of the biggest can be found in the hand techniques. While bogu kumite uses karate punches, modern kickboxing uses Western boxing techniques, including jabs, hooks, crosses, uppercuts, and a wide range of other types of body blows. In kickboxing, great emphasis is placed on delivering punches with full force, as is done in boxing proper. Because early kickboxing had a poor reputation for safety, the World Kickboxing Association and other regulating bodies were set up during the 1970s. Early kickboxing superstars from this era included the incomparable Joe Lewis, Bill “Superfoot” Wallis, Howard Jackson, and the unforgettable Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, possibly the most successful kickboxer ever. Movie and martial arts star Bruce Lee, while not a kickboxing competitor, had a huge influence on the techniques of the sport as well. Martial artists are renowned for being able to defend themselves with nothing more than their bare hands. This means that they must learn to transform fists, elbows, knees, and feet into a range of practical, natural weapons. Kickboxers—perhaps even more so than other martial artists—need to cultivate extremely practical techniques because, ultimately, they may be tested in the kickboxing ring. THAI BOXING Thai boxing is a unique form of boxing that includes kicking techniques, grabbing and holding techniques, and tripping and sweeping techniques. There are many similarities between Eastern kickboxing

13

Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online