Karate is a Japanese term meaning "empty-handed fighting." There are numerous styles of karate that utilize specific techniques and strategies. Some of these fighting systems are centuries old and have evolved as they continue to be practiced all over the world. Kickboxing is a modern sport that combines karate techniques with strategies used in traditional boxing. Participants in both karate and kickboxing gain physical fitness and mental focus through their training.
Karate History
Karate's origins continue to be debated. Many historians trace it to the Shaolin Temple in China. They note that Chinese martial arts, or wushu, tend to utilize soft continuous movement, whereas Japanese karate styles tend to be linear and utilize hard, penetrating strikes. Travelers throughout Asia are credited with transporting different fighting styles throughout the region. Most historians agree that the hard-hitting kick/punch karate systems became prevalent in Okinawa. Shotokan Karate of America cites that the art of karate eventually developed into a combination of practical fighting techniques entwined with philosophical teachings.
Kickboxing History
Kickboxing is considered more of a sport than a martial art system. According to My Kickboxing, its development is credited to Osamu Noguchi, a Japanese boxing promoter, who in 1950 wanted to organize events in which Japanese karate fighters could compete against the Muay Thai fighters of Thailand. Muay Thai is an exciting and dangerous fighting style that allows competitors to strike with fists, feet, elbows and knees. Noguchi streamlined the sport so that fighters could only strike with punches and kicks. He recruited talented karate practitioners and Muay Thai fighters to adapt their arts to his sport and promoted kickboxing events throughout Asia.
Common Techniques
The kicking techniques taught in traditional karate styles provide powerful weapons to a kickboxer. Basic karate foot strikes such as the front kick, which strikes with the ball of the foot, the roundhouse kick, which strikes with the instep, and the side kick, which strikes with the foot's outer edge or the heel, are useful techniques in a kickboxing competition.
Different Techniques
The use of hand strikes differs between karate styles and modern kickboxing. A kickboxer's punching arsenal includes jabs, hooks and crosses that are borrowed directly from traditional Queensbury boxing. Kickboxers wear boxing gloves and are required to keep their fists clenched when striking. Punches in karate systems tend to be delivered in a straight line without circular movement. A karate fighter can also use open-handed strikes, such as the spear hand, which uses the fingers to stab, and the knife hand, which uses the outer edge of the hand to slice.
Kata
In most karate systems, practitioners are required to study kata, or forms, which include a set series of techniques that must be mastered before one can advance to a higher rank. Mastery of kata is believed to inspire instinctive reaction to attacks. Thus, the fighter eventually develops the ability to respond to a specific attack without thinking. Kickboxers train specifically for the ring in the same manner as traditional boxers. They develop conditioning so they can fight for the designated number of rounds and practice techniques that are practical in sport competition.
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