Kick Boxing

 Kickboxing combines the punches of boxing with the kicks of karate. There are a few variations of the sport. Some competitive kick boxers practice the sport against opponents in the ring. Other fitness enthusiasts practice kickboxing as an aerobic workout. Kickboxing techniques are also practical for self defense. Over the past several decades, kickboxing has become an exciting sport to watch and to practice.

Karate has been practiced since the 19th century, but kickboxing has a much shorter history. The term "kickboxing" was created by a Japanese boxing promoter in the 1950s. The promoter used the term to refer to a combination of Muay Thai boxing and karate. The term later gained more popularity in the United States in the 1970s. American full-contact karate practitioners were frustrated by the scoring limitations of tournaments and decided to take their bouts to the boxing ring.

Cardio Kickboxing

Due to the effectiveness of kickboxing training regimens, kickboxing workouts have become popular among everyday fitness enthusiasts. Many gyms now offer cardio-kickboxing classes. Participants perform many kickboxing techniques, like jabs and roundhouse kicks. The techniques are performed at a fast pace to music. Cardio-kickboxing classes are a toned-down version of a fighter's workout, but they still provide a great calorie burn. The classes also teach participants some basic self-defense moves.