Kickboxing, a blend of kicks and boxing punches, offers children a full body workout. Like traditional martial arts, kickboxing incorporates different types of kicks, designed to strike an opponent's body. Unlike other martial arts, kickboxing does not use kicks, sweeps or takedowns, and it does not allow grappling techniques, such as headlocks. While adult kickboxers compete in matches with little protection, children's kickboxing competitions require full protective gear.
Features
Martial arts kicks, trained to strike the midsection and the upper portions of the body, combined with standard boxing strikes, such as jabs, hooks and crosses, make up the foundation of kickboxing. Children may take cardio-only kickboxing classes, which include performing the kicks and punches to music, but the children do not strike each other.
Types
Numerous styles of martial arts train students in kickboxing, ranging from "rigid" Korean and Japanese styles, to "flowing" Chinese and American styles. Despite their origins, martial arts must depart from traditional instruction to incorporate boxing. Students from different schools may display different combative techniques.
Benefits
Both the cardio form and the contact form of kickboxing work the upper and lower muscles in the body and encourage flexibility. For children who learn the kicks and punches as a means of self-defense, the classes may build self-esteem. Children who excel in the sport aspect of kickboxing may enjoy competitive matches.
Sport Competition
Children compete by age and by experience. The Sport Kickboxing Federation (SKF) requires children to wear protective headgear, a groin protector, foot and hand pads and a mouth guard. Matches consist of 90 seconds of controlled kicks and strikes. The children receive points for making contact with a soft kick or a punch; excessive contact may result in a disqualification. Many competitions do not allow head contact unless the child is older. Kickboxing competitions outside of the U.S. may not be as safe.
Considerations
Unless the kickboxing is strictly cardio, the children will take part in a combative sport that may be offensive to some parents since it focuses on striking other children. No standard of instruction exists in kickboxing so parents should observe classes before enrolling their child.
Posted in: Kickboxing