Kickboxing is a standing sport typically practiced for increased fitness and self-defense abilities. Many kickboxing practitioners engage in kickboxing tournaments and competitions that take place under a set of international rules and guidelines that limit certain attacks (such as punches or kicks below the belt). Students interested in training kickboxing are generally encouraged to seek a trainer in their local gym or fitness center and enroll in a kickboxing class in order to obtain the full benefits of a live instructor. With practice, dedication and a willingness to sweat, practically anyone can become proficient in the sport of kickboxing.
Step 1
Wrap each hand beginning with the palm of the hand. Weave the wraps around your thumb and palm and down your wrist to secure your hand while undergoing bag training. Tuck the loose ends under the wrapping and gently tug on the wraps to make sure they are secure. Put on your 10-oz. boxing gloves.
Step 2
Perform a daily practice regimen of practicing the basic punches, kicks and strikes of kickboxing on a heavy bag. Begin with timed punching sessions of one to two minutes followed by a three-minute period of rest between punching sets. Gradually decrease the rest time between sets until you are only resting for 30 seconds. Perform repeated jabs by thrusting your lead-hand out at the bag so that your first two knuckles strike the upper torso or face area of an imaginary opponent. Increase the speed and strength of your basic jab punch by alternating fists and stances, squeezing in as many punches as you can during your timed sets.
Step 3
Put on your kick boots or sparring feet protectors and practice the basic roundhouse kick toward the upper torso and head region of your heavy bag. Begin by lifting your right leg and pivoting your hip so that your foot arcs in the air toward the bag. Repeat the kick until you have increased the strength and speed of your roundhouse kick to your current maximum ability. Alternate legs and practice punching while kicking, snapping the heel of your feet at the heavy bag as hard as you can.
Step 4
Research the legal attacks and techniques in your full-contact kickboxing division. While most divisions limit elbow and knee attacks, as well as strikes to the groin or beneath the belt, there are some free-form kickboxing tournaments available for riskier fighters. Purchase instructional books and videos to augment your kickboxing practice and dedicate your free time to furthering your kickboxing instruction.
Posted in: Kickboxing