Kickboxing originates from both Thailand and Japan. Both countries possessed traditional martial arts that were transformed into sporting contests. While both countries have contests that are still practiced close to their original forms, they also served as the basis for modern kickboxing. The rules of modern kickboxing are different than those of the sports that spawned it under the auspices of the largest sanctioning organization, the World Karate and Kickboxing Association.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is possibly the oldest sport in Thailand, and is considered entwined with the country's national heritage, according to Tony More, author of "Muay Thai: The Essential Guide to the Art of Thai Boxing." Striking is allowed with the feet or shins, knees, elbows and fists. Kicks and strikes below the belt are legal, as is clinching. Mastering the clinch, known as the plum position, is vital to mastering Muay Thai. Holding the clinch and striking with the knees is a favorite technique that is not allowed in kickboxing.
Japanese Kickboxing
Japanese kickboxing has its roots in traditional martial arts, including karate. It was the first combat sport to adopt the name kickboxing in 1966 under the guidance of Osamu Noguchi and Tatsuo Yamada. Noguchi was a boxing promoter; Yamada a practitioner of karate. The rules are similar to that of Muay Thai and allow knee and elbow strikes, as well as holding of the head. Throws and ground grappling are not allowed. The largest Japanese kickboxing organization is the K-1 organization.
Martial Arts in America
Following World War II, there was a gradual increase of martial arts practice in the United States. Many troops had exposure to martial arts while stationed overseas and continued the practice when they returned home. Many instructors from overseas began opening schools in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s. A growing number of films and television shows with a martial arts theme also helped increase the awareness of martial arts in America.
United States Kickboxing
In a manner similar to that of Japan, those practitioners looking for tournaments that were more open and less structured began to set up the basis of what would become kickboxing. The first matches were fought on mats in a manner similar to that of point fighting tournaments, but later switched to boxing rings. In the 1970s, the WKA was formed and the first four kickboxing champions were crowned: Joe Lewis, Benny Urquidez, Bill Wallace and Jeff Smith.
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