Martial Art: Kick Boxing
Translation: "Kick Boxing"
Country of Origin: USA
Created: 1970's

Kickboxing started in the US during the 1970's when American karate practitioners became frustrated with strict controls on martial arts competitions. Eastern martial arts were still relatively new in the West and were still being taught in a very traditional manner. Sparring matches would take place under very controlled and artificial conditions. For instance each time someone scored a point by hitting the opponent with a "proper" technique both competitors would go back to their starting positions. Also competition sparring didn't allow full contact kicks and punches (knockdown karate did exist but was a bit rough). The emphasis was on how a technique was performed rather than would it have hurt. So in an attempt to bring more reality to competition opponents were basically let loose on each other in an attempt to knock out their opponent using only punching and kicking techniques. Many questions were raised when the sport began about the high risk of injury. As a result, safety rules were improved and protective clothing was added. Competitors fight with boxing gloves, foot pads, head guards and gum shields. The sport has undergone changes and been refined during the last two decades. There are now full-contact and semi-contact versions. The full-contact version does have professional and amateur status.