Boxing and kickboxing are both popular combat sports that have been around for many decades.
While these sports have their roots in the realm of competition, they have also been adopted as effective forms of self defense.
If you’re considering learning one of these disciplines for self defense, you might be wondering which one is better for you.
In this article, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between boxing and kickboxing, and help you decide which one might be more appropriate for your self defense needs.
Boxing for Self Defense
Boxing is a sport that has been around for thousands of years and has a rich history.
Boxing as a combat sport involves two opponents fighting with their fists and is known for its technical prowess, speed, and power.
Boxers are trained to use their hands to strike their opponents, but they also learn how to dodge, duck, and block incoming blows.
Boxers are also trained in footwork, which is essential for avoiding punches and getting into position to launch their own attacks.
Most Street “Fight” Self Defense Involve Punches
When it comes to general self defense, most people on the street today will resort to punches and striking with their hands if they were to get involved in a street altercation.
Having knowledge and training in boxing, especially in defending against punches, staying calm and countering, you would be at a major advantage over the vast majority of people walking around on the street.
Kickboxing for Self Defense
Kickboxing, on the other hand, is a sport that combines elements of boxing with karate and other martial arts.
Kickboxers are trained to use their hands, feet, knees, and elbows to strike their opponents.
Check out another post I wrote specifically about “Is Kickboxing Good for Self Defense?”
This sport is known for its explosive power, fast-paced action, and its emphasis on grappling techniques.
Kickboxers are trained to deliver powerful kicks and knee strikes, as well as grappling techniques that can be used to take their opponents down.
There are a few different styles of kickboxing out there including, Sanda or Chinese kickboxing, Savate or French kickboxing, Dutch style muay thai and probably the most recognised style which is K-1 or Japanese style kickboxing.
But all of the different kickboxing styles include punches (very similar to those in boxing), kicks (round and straight kicks) as well as knees and in some styles, elbows also.
So in terms of techniques alone kickboxing has one major advantage over boxing which is the use and defense against a much wider range of techniques.
Boxing vs Kickboxing Self Defense
In terms of self-defense, both boxing and kickboxing have their pros and cons.
Boxing is generally considered to be more focused on hand techniques and footwork, which can be useful for avoiding punches and getting into position to strike.
However, it may not be as effective in dealing with opponents who are armed with weapons or who are trying to grab and grapple with you.
Kickboxing, on the other hand, can be more effective in dealing with armed opponents and grappling techniques, as it emphasises strikes with the feet, knees, and elbows.
Another factor to consider when choosing between boxing and kickboxing for self-defense is the level of physical fitness required.
Boxing is often seen as a sport that requires a high level of fitness, as it involves fast and powerful punches, quick footwork, and intense focus.
Kickboxing, on the other hand, is often considered to be more physically demanding, as it involves a wider range of strikes and grappling techniques, as well as explosive movements that can be physically exhausting.
Finally, it’s important to consider the training and support you’ll receive if you choose to study one of these disciplines.
Both boxing and kickboxing have a strong tradition of training and support, and you’ll be able to find a gym or dojo near you where you can learn the sport and get the training and support you need.
However, it’s worth noting that some gyms or dojos may be more focused on competition, while others may be more focused on self defense.
Boxing & Kickboxing vs Pure Self Defense Styles
Boxing and kickboxing are recognised as very effective combat sports.
And as they are sports, they also are heavily geared toward combat under rules and regulations which may make them less effective in self defense than pure fighting or self defense styles.
Boxing & Kickboxing Compete Under Rules and Use Protective Gear
Both boxing and kickboxing are generally fought under timed rounds and using protective equipment such as gloves, groin guards and mouth guards.
In a street self defense situation you will not have a referee or timed rounds and most likely no protective gear either.
Also both boxing and kickboxing do not train to deal with “illegal” strikes such as strikes to the eyes, throat or groin.
And in a no rules self defense situation these are the most vulnerable areas that one could target to end a fight quickly.
Also both kickboxing and boxing do not train to deal with multiple opponents or to deal with weapones with either.
These are some of the advantages that pure self defense styles can have over both boxing and kickboxing.
Pure Fighting or Self Defense Styles
These are styles that generally do not have sport competitions.
Krav Maga, Gracie jiu Jitsu, Wing Chun and other kung fu styles have proven to be effective in real combat (no rules) and the techniques taught and trained are focussed on no rules combat and self defense.
These styles also are often trained by police and military across the world due to their proven effectiveness in real life combat.
And these styles include training:
- against multiple opponents
- fighting on the ground
- self defense against weapons
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, both boxing and kickboxing have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to self-defense.
Boxing is generally considered to be more focused on hand techniques and footwork, while kickboxing is often seen as more effective in dealing with armed opponents and grappling techniques.
The level of physical fitness required and the training and support you’ll receive are also important factors to consider when choosing between these two sports.
Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your personal goals, abilities, and preferences.
If you’re interested in learning either boxing or kickboxing for self defense, it’s recommended that you visit a few gyms or dojos to get a feel for the sport and to find a program that is right for you.
If you are looking purely at self defense then both boxing and kickboxing may not be the best styles to train as they are restricted by rules, do not deal with multiple attackers, weapons attacks or even ground fighting.
