Kickboxing vs Boxing: Which Combat Sport Is Right for You?


Author: Hetal Bansal on Jun 13,2023
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Blog / Jun 13,2023

Kickboxing and boxing are both combat sports that involve striking your opponent with your hands and feet. However, there are some key differences between the two. Boxing is a sport that focuses solely on punching, while kickboxing incorporates both punches and kicks. In boxing, fighters wear gloves that are designed to protect their hands while delivering powerful blows to their opponents. In kickboxing, fighters wear gloves and footpads to protect their feet. Additionally, kickboxing allows for a wider variety of strikes, including spinning backfists, elbows, and knee strikes, whereas boxing only allows for punches. Both sports require strength, endurance, and skill, but kickboxing offers a more diverse range of techniques and strikes.

 

What Is Boxing?

 

Two professional boxer boxing in the ring

 

Boxing is a combat sport that involves two fighters punching each other with gloved hands. The objective is to hit your opponent more times than they hit you and knock them down if possible. The sport has been around for centuries and has a rich history. Boxing requires a lot of skill and training, and there are many different techniques and strategies that fighters can use to gain an advantage.

Boxing can be a great option for those looking to improve their punching technique and footwork. It also provides a good workout, as it requires a lot of cardio and endurance. However, boxing is limited to only punches, so if you are looking to incorporate kicks or other strikes into your game, kickboxing may be a better option.

 

What Is Kickboxing?

 

Two adult training kickboxing in the ring

 

Kickboxing is a martial art that combines elements of boxing with kicks and knee strikes. In addition to punches, fighters can use their feet and legs to strike their opponents, making for a more diverse range of techniques. Kickboxing also requires a lot of skill and training, as there are many different kicks and knee strikes that fighters can use to gain an advantage.

Kickboxing can be a great option for those looking to improve their overall striking abilities. It provides a good workout, as it requires both cardio and strength training. Kickboxing can also be more exciting than boxing, as there are more opportunities for flashy techniques and knockouts. However, kickboxing may not be the best option for those looking to focus solely on punching technique and footwork.

 

Which Martial Art Is Right for You?

 

When it comes to deciding between kickboxing and boxing, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your decision:

Your Goals

The first thing to consider when deciding between kickboxing and boxing is your goals. What are you hoping to achieve through training in a combat sport? If you are looking to improve your overall striking abilities and incorporate kicks and knee strikes into your game, kickboxing may be the way to go. However, if you are looking to focus solely on punching technique and footwork, boxing may be a better option.

Your Fitness Level

Both kickboxing and boxing require a lot of cardio and endurance. However, kickboxing may be more demanding in terms of strength training, as it requires the use of your legs and feet. If you are already in good shape and looking for a challenging workout, kickboxing may be a great option. However, if you are just starting out and looking for a less intense workout, boxing may be a better choice.

Your Comfort Level with Kicks

If you have never trained in martial art before, you may not be comfortable with incorporating kicks into your game. If this is the case, boxing may be a better option for you, as it focuses solely on the punching technique. However, if you are comfortable with kicks and want to incorporate them into your game, kickboxing may be a great choice.

Your Personality

Finally, it's important to consider your personality when deciding between kickboxing and boxing. Kickboxing may be more exciting and flashy, with more opportunities for knockouts and flashy techniques. If you enjoy being in the spotlight and taking risks, kickboxing may be a great choice. However, if you prefer a more strategic and technical approach to combat sports, boxing may be a better option.

 

Training for Kickboxing vs Boxing: Which Is More Intense?

 

Boxer sitting on boxing ring, black background

 

Training for Boxing

Boxing training typically consists of a combination of cardio, strength training, and technical training. Cardio and endurance are important in boxing, as fights can last for several rounds and require a lot of energy. Boxers often incorporate activities like running, jumping rope, and other cardiovascular exercises into their training.

Strength training is also important in boxing, as it helps improve punching power and overall physical endurance. Boxers often use weights, resistance bands, and bodyweight exercises to build strength.

Technical training in boxing involves working on specific techniques, such as footwork, punching combinations, and defensive techniques. Boxers may work on these techniques with a coach or partner, using mitts or punching bags to simulate a real fight.

Overall, training for boxing is intense and requires a lot of discipline and dedication. Boxers often train for several hours a day, focusing on different aspects of their game. The intensity of the training can vary depending on the boxer's level of experience and goals. For example, a professional boxer may train more intensely than someone who is just starting out.

 

Training for Kickboxing

Training for kickboxing is similar to training for boxing in many ways, but there are some key differences. As kickboxing involves both punches and kicks, there is a greater emphasis on leg and core strength. Kickboxers may incorporate exercises like squats, lunges, and other leg exercises to build strength and power.

Like boxing, kickboxing also requires a lot of cardio and endurance training. Kickboxers may use a combination of running, cycling, and other cardiovascular exercises to build stamina.

Technical training in kickboxing involves working on specific techniques, such as kicks, knee strikes, and punches. Kickboxers may work with a coach or partner, using pads or bags to practice their techniques.

In general, kickboxing training is demanding and calls for a lot of discipline and commitment. Kickboxers sometimes spend many hours each day on various facets of their sport. Depending on the kickboxer's experience level and objectives, the amount of training intensity might change.

 

Which Is More Intense?

 

When it comes to intensity, it's hard to say which sport is more intense, as it depends on a number of factors. However, there are a few things to consider when comparing training for kickboxing vs boxing:

  • Leg and Core Strength: Kickboxing requires more leg and core strength than boxing, as it involves kicks and knee strikes. This means that the strength training component of kickboxing may be more intense than that of boxing.
  • Cardio and Endurance: Both kickboxing and boxing require a lot of cardio and endurance training, so the intensity of the workouts may be similar. However, kickboxing may require more cardio and endurance training, as fights can last longer and involve more movement.
  • Technical Training: Both kickboxing and boxing involve a lot of technical training, so the intensity of this component may be similar. However, the techniques involved in kickboxing are more diverse than those in boxing, so kickboxing training may be more mentally challenging.
  • Individual Differences: Ultimately, the intensity of training for kickboxing vs boxing will depend on the individual's level of experience, fitness level, and goals. Someone who is just starting out may find either sport to be intense, while a professional fighter may find the training to be less intense.

 

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, both kickboxing and boxing are challenging and exciting combat sports that require dedication and skill. While boxing focuses solely on punches, kickboxing incorporates both punches and kicks, giving fighters a wider range of techniques and strikes to use. The use of footpads in kickboxing also adds an extra layer of protection for the fighters. Ultimately, the choice between kickboxing and boxing comes down to personal preference and goals. If a fighter wants to focus on punches and footwork, boxing may be the better choice. However, if a fighter wants to incorporate kicks and a wider variety of strikes into their game, kickboxing may be the way to go.