kick or normal box?

[OHarra]

I think that learning to Kick at a really high standard (including head kicks) is probably the hardest thing to learn because you have to have really great flexibility (not eveyone has) and really great timing, Also you are vulnerable to take-downs, sweeps, low kicks, blocks and counters etc.

I know this because I spent 10 years training Freestyle Kick Boxing (both Semi-contact and Full contact).

I think low kicks are really effective and easier to master.

Alot of people would probably disagree with me, I would probably focus on developing really solid boxing then learn how to throw, low kicks, knees and elbows.

Would suggest not worrying too much about head kicks as they are low percentage techniques.

Solid basics beat flashy techniques 99% of the time.

[IranianWarMachine]

I think that learning to Kick at a really high standard (including head kicks) is probably the hardest thing to learn because you have to have really great flexibility (not eveyone has) and really great timing, Also you are vulnerable to take-downs, sweeps, low kicks, blocks and counters etc.

I know this because I spent 10 years training Freestyle Kick Boxing (both Semi-contact and Full contact).

I think low kicks are really effective and easier to master.

Alot of people would probably disagree with me, I would probably focus on developing really solid boxing then learn how to throw, low kicks, knees and elbows.

Would suggest not worrying too much about head kicks as they are low percentage techniques.

Solid basics beat flashy techniques 99% of the time.

Completely agree with this, the amount of times i have fought a guy in semi contact who was a better kickboxer, and beaten them with purely better boxing and boxing defense, using a solid jab and lead hook counter is ridiculous. Don't get me wrong you have to undertand the kicks otherwise you'll get smashed but solid hands should come first as you work on your flexibility i have always been better with my hands as my flexibilty for kicks is week, but my hips and knees are pretty flexible for bjj its weird.

[dunny]

i wouldnt adapt boxing into kickboxing, you develop way too many bad habits, such as bobbing and weaving. do this in a kickboxing environment and you're getting a knee to the chops. if you want to be a kickboxer, go kickboxing

[mzb]

there is a lot of wcl and put in wako and semi contact stuff comes up i used to train with this guy and he was a world champ in semi contact kickboxing and was a pro boxer really brutal fighter, so fast for a guy who weighed 90 odd kilos, just mute the sound http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hux3UOsskWg

Thanks for the link mate but i just couldn't watch it, i got to the bit where the guy ducks a punch and then turns his back on the other fighter and runs away, i was shocked! Honestly couldn't believe he turned his back in a fight

[Simon Hayes]

As a former Taekwondo and Kickboxing practitioner i would advise
anyone to train Muay Thai.
Make sure it's real Muay Thai and not an Ex-Kickboxer who has jumped on the
Muay Thai/MMA bandwagon by adding elbows and knees to their style.

There is a huge difference between Muay Thai and Kick Boxing.

Kick Boxing's roots are in Karate.It is really a version of full contact Karate.

Where it differs greatly from real Muay Thai isn't just the low kicks,the real art of Muay Thai lies in the clinch work that sets up elbows and knees.

As a TKD/Kick Boxer i can honestly say that the first time i sparred against a real Muay Thai fighter i realised i had nothing for him.

I would say on average,a guy who has trained for Muay Thai for 6 months with a good gym will be able to shut down any kick boxer who has been training for 2 years.

Kick Boxing is a great sport but it is limited.

Here is a clip of someone i believe is the best kick boxer i ever trained with,
he was something special.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM1pMAk2jeE

[Simon Hayes]

Here's John's brother Stuart having some fun.I did quite a few privates with this guy back in the mid nineties.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFuL5...eature=related

I am not just justifying Kick Boxing as a good fighting art i am just showing you what the sport looks like when guys who know what they are doing fight.

[Wiegieboard]

liked that second video. great to watch.

[Simon Hayes]

This is interesting.

This is a good young Muay Thai fighter having to compete in full contact kickboxing rules against Stuart Lawson (The Thai fighter cannot kick below waist,clinch,use elbows or knees.He has had his most damaging weapons confiscated....).

It is interesting to see the 2 styles clash under these rules.

I have no doubt the fight would look extremely different if the pair were fighting under Muay Thai rules.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1MEE...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r38m...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r38m...eature=related

[dunny]

i think its also important to remember there is more than 1 style of kickboxing

[steve_langford]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ7eoR0fRH0

Fran Zuccula , interesting to note that Fran now trains with Gracie Barra and is working on a MMA future.....