Martial arts are becoming increasingly popular among the public, whether for fitness, self-discipline, or as a competitive sport. Influencers are also contributing to the popularization of various martial arts styles. Most recently, there was a boxing match between El Rumi and Jefri Nichol.
Besides boxing, kickboxing also has quite a few fans. Both may look similar, but there are fundamental differences you need to know. Understanding the difference between boxing and kickboxing for beginners is very important before starting training. By understanding the differences, you can determine the right training portion. Thus, the risk of injury can be minimized.
Definition of Boxing and Kickboxing
To understand the differences, let's start with their definitions. First, boxing is a combat sport that focuses on the technique of hitting an opponent using hands. This sport has existed for thousands of years and has developed into a professional sport with official rules, a ring, and structured competitions.
Meanwhile, kickboxing is a sport that combines boxing and kicking techniques. Kickboxing developed as a modern form of martial arts emphasizing strength, speed, and agility. This sport became well-known in Japan around the 1950s and became popular in the 1970s.
Main Differences Between Boxing and Kickboxing
1. Fighting Techniques
The main difference between boxing and kickboxing lies in the attacking techniques used. In boxing, the primary focus is on hand punches, such as jabs, crosses, hooks, and uppercuts. The feet are only used to maintain body stability and mobility.
Meanwhile, kickboxing combines boxing techniques with kicks, making its movements more varied. Kickboxing athletes not only use their hands but also their feet and knees to attack opponents. This includes front kicks, side kicks, back kicks, and knee strikes.
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2. Body Movement
Boxing heavily relies on the harmony of foot movement. Light and agile footwork will make it easier for a fighter to attack or defend. Besides training hand strength, boxing fighters must also train their leg muscles to be strong and agile. Strength and agility training are very suitable for improving leg flexibility.
Unlike kickboxing, which demands a more balanced posture, because the feet are not only for standing but also used for attacking. Footwork in kickboxing must be more flexible, allowing the fighter to avoid opponent's attacks while positioning the body effectively for attacking.
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3. Calories Burned
Boxing tends to focus on the upper body, training shoulder muscles, arms, and core muscles through punches and cardio combinations. Although the calorie burn is quite high, this exercise is more limited to hand movements and some simple leg movements. As a result, the calorie burn is not as optimal as kickboxing.
Meanwhile, kickboxing is a full-body workout. It trains hand strength, legs, core, as well as dynamic movements like kicks, knee strikes, and punch combinations. So it can be said that kickboxing results in higher calorie burning and is effective for weight loss.
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4. Risk of Injury
Boxing primarily focuses on punching, so the highest risk of injury lies in the hands, wrists, and shoulders. The pressure from frequent and hard punches can cause sprains, bruises, and even long-term injuries if the technique is incorrect or protective gear is not used properly.
Meanwhile, kickboxing involves a combination of punches and kicks, so the injury areas are more widespread. Besides hands and wrists, feet, knees, shins, and ankles are also at risk of injury due to kicks and more comprehensive body contact. Therefore, beginners are advised to always warm up, wear appropriate protective gear, and be under the supervision of a professional trainer.
5. Competition Rules
The last difference between boxing and kickboxing is about the competition rules. Different fighting rules will certainly affect the fighter's strategy to win the match. In boxing, fighters are only allowed to hit the opponent's upper body, such as the head, torso, and arms.
Attacks using legs or areas below the waist are not allowed. Thus, the strategy used focuses more on punches, footwork, and hand defense. Meanwhile, kickboxing tends to be more flexible. Fighters can use a combination of punches and kicks, both when attacking and defending.
According to Southampton University Students’ Union, these rules make kickboxing strategy more complex. Because opponents must be ready to face attacks from various directions and body heights. This difference makes each sport have different challenges and distinctive techniques.
Benefits of Boxing and Kickboxing for Beginners
Both of these martial arts still offer good benefits for your body. Regular boxing training can provide benefits in developing upper body strength and speed. If you want to focus on training hand and shoulder muscle strength, boxing is an excellent sport to pursue.
Meanwhile, if you want to train your entire body, kickboxing is the right choice. This is because this exercise combines punches, kicks, and dynamic foot movements. Thus, in addition to building muscle, this sport is also effective for losing weight and improving overall fitness.
So, Choose Boxing or Kickboxing?
After seeing the differences between boxing and kickboxing, it's time to choose what best suits your interests and goals. Boxing focuses on hand punches and footwork, suitable for training speed, reflexes, and upper body strength.
Meanwhile, kickboxing adds kicks and leg movements, training the whole body more thoroughly and increasing flexibility.
SVRG provides various tools such as Wrist & Ankle Bar, Head Guard, Boxing Speed Trainer to help you train strength and body movement combinations. Train consistently and under the supervision of a professional trainer to ensure your safety. Happy training!
