Kickin' It Jun 2014 | Page 7

1.) Kickboxing, historically developed from karate, Muay Thai and Western boxing, is a group of martial arts and stand-up combat sports based on kicking and punching. It involves coordination and quick reflexes, including endurance and strength. Kickboxing can be used for self-defence, general fitness or it can be a contact sport. The 1960s is when Japanese kickboxing began, and American kickboxing originates in the early 1970s.

2.) There are many different words we use to describe the types of moves associated with kickboxing. Some of the common terminology for punching is as follows:

•Jab – straight punch from the front hand, to either the head or the body

•Cross – straight punch from the back hand

•Hook - rounded punch to either the head or body in an arching motion

•Uppercut – rounded punch to either the head or body in an arching motion

3.) Unfortunately, I don’t pursue in kickboxing anymore due to insignificant scheduling, but I used to go to Grimsby Martial Arts studio to kick box for general fitness. I went about 3 times a week for 1 hour and we did all sorts of different things. For example, we would do combinations on the punching bags such as jab, cross, hook, then uppercut, and repeat. It is a very good workout and even though it is hard at the time, the results are worth it.

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