American kickboxing is not as widely known or revered as Dutch or Thai kickboxing but the influence of American kickboxing on the world of combat sports cannot be denied and it’s impact is far reaching.
In fact one of the most successful and influential MMA Academies who have produced multiple UFC fighters is AKA or American Kickboxing Academy based in SanJose, California.
But the style of American kickboxing itself was established well before MMA and the UFC. But just what is American kickboxing and what are the main features of the style?
In this post we take a deep dive into American kickboxing and explore the origins of the style and why it has been so influential in combat sports.
Origins
American kickboxing, as a distinct style, began to take shape in the 1970s. The roots of American kickboxing can be traced back to the surge in popularity of martial arts in the United States during that time.
The sport drew inspiration from traditional martial arts, particularly karate, as well as Muay Thai, a martial art from Thailand known for its effective use of kicks, elbows, knees, and clinch fighting.
The development of American kickboxing was influenced by the desire to create a full-contact striking sport that combined the techniques of various martial arts. In the early days, kickboxing matches often featured practitioners from different martial arts disciplines facing off against each other.
This cross-disciplinary approach contributed to the evolution of American kickboxing as a hybrid martial art.
In terms of rules and format, American kickboxing incorporated elements from traditional karate and added more emphasis on continuous, full-contact striking. The sport gradually established its own set of rules and regulations, differentiating it from other striking arts.
Over time, American kickboxing evolved into a distinct style with its own techniques, strategies, and training methods.
Influence on combat Sports
American kickboxing has had a significant impact on modern-day combat sports, including mixed martial arts (MMA) and organizations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Some of the most influential fighters from American kickboxing who have had a big impact on combat sports include:
- Benny “The Jet” Urquidez:
- A legendary figure in kickboxing, Benny Urquidez competed in various kickboxing and karate events during the 1970s and 1980s. He is known for his exceptional striking skills and has an impressive record of victories.
- Don “The Dragon” Wilson:
- Don Wilson is a former professional kickboxer and martial artist. He has won multiple world championships in kickboxing and is also known for his successful career in action films.
- Joe Lewis:
- Often referred to as the “Father of American Kickboxing,” Joe Lewis was a pioneer in full-contact karate and kickboxing. He played a crucial role in popularizing these sports in the United States.
- Bill “Superfoot” Wallace:
- Bill Wallace is a former professional karate and kickboxing champion. He was known for his lightning-fast kicks and exceptional flexibility. Wallace held several world championships during his career.
- Rick Roufus:
- Rick Roufus is a former professional kickboxer who competed in the 1980s and 1990s. He is known for his achievements in the sport and for his memorable fights, including battles against other kickboxing legends.
- Benny “Kid” Paret:
- Benny Paret was a successful American kickboxer known for his achievements in the ring. He competed during the early days of American kickboxing and left a lasting impact on the sport.
Main Features of the Style
American kickboxing is a hybrid martial art that blends elements of traditional martial arts, particularly karate, with influences from Muay Thai and other striking disciplines.
The sport has its own set of rules and techniques, and its main features include a focus on full-contact striking and a variety of striking techniques.
Although the style draw much of it’s influence from Karate tournaments in the 1970s, these tournaments were mainly points based and not full-contact.
American kickboxing emphasizes full-contact striking, meaning that competitors can use punches and kicks to both the head and body. This distinguishes it from traditional karate, which often restricts contact to specific areas.
American kickboxing includes a wide range of punching techniques, such as jabs, crosses, hooks, and uppercuts. Fighters employ boxing-like combinations to attack their opponents effectively.
Based on traditional Asian martial arts of Karate and Taekwondo, American kickboxing also utilizes a variety of kicks. Kicking techniques in American kickboxing draw from various martial arts styles. Common kicks include front kicks, roundhouse kicks, side kicks, and spinning kicks. Kicks are an integral part of a fighter’s arsenal.
Governing Bodies & Rules
American kickboxing does not have a single, centralized governing body like some other martial arts. Instead, there are various organizations and promotions that oversee kickboxing events in the United States.
Each organization may have its own set of rules and regulations. Additionally, American kickboxing rulesets may vary based on whether the competition is amateur or professional.
International Kickboxing Federation (IKF)
The IKF is a well-known organization that sanctions both amateur and professional kickboxing events. They have their own set of rules and divisions. The IKF is recognized for its efforts in promoting and regulating kickboxing in the United States and around the world.
World Kickboxing Association (WKA)
The WKA is another organization involved in the promotion and sanctioning of kickboxing events. They have established rules for various kickboxing styles, including full-contact, low kick, and K-1 rules.
United States Muay Thai Association (USMTA)
While Muay Thai is a distinct martial art, the USMTA is involved in sanctioning and regulating Muay Thai events in the United States. Some American kickboxers may compete under Muay Thai rules, incorporating techniques such as elbow and clinch strikes.
Glory Kickboxing
Glory is an international kickboxing promotion that features top-level kickboxers from around the world, including the United States. Glory follows a set of rules that includes three rounds of three minutes each for regular matches, with an extra round in case of a draw.
International Sport Kickboxing Association (ISKA)
The ISKA is a global organization that sanctions various combat sports events, including kickboxing. They have established rulesets for different styles and divisions, and they are involved in overseeing competitions at both amateur and professional levels.
North American Pankration Association (NAPA)
While Pankration is historically rooted in ancient Greece, NAPA is involved in the promotion of modern Pankration, which may include elements of kickboxing. This organization provides rules and regulations for Pankration competitions in the United States.
