Whats is the difference between MMA and Kickboxing? Aren’t they the same thing?
Well, actually no.
MMA or Mixed Martial Arts and Kickboxing are two completely different combat sports and have different rules as well as seperate governing and regulatory bodies under which they operate.
The main difference between MMA and Kickboxing would be that MMA includes ground fighting and submissions such as chokes and joint locks which are not included in Kickboxing.
But there are other distinct features that lie in the difference between MMA and kickboxing which we will explore in this post.
What is MMA?
MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts.
MMA is a full-contact combat sport that allows a wide range of fighting techniques from various martial arts and combat sports to be used, including striking and grappling techniques.
The most popular and probably most famous MMA competition in the world is the UFC or Ultimate Fighting Championship.
The origins of MMA can be traced back to ancient forms of combat, such as ancient Greek Pankration and various traditional martial arts from around the world.
However, modern MMA, as we know it today, emerged in the late 20th century.
The concept of pitting fighters from different martial arts backgrounds against each other to determine the most effective fighting style gained popularity in the 1990s.
The first widely recognized MMA competition was the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which held its inaugural event in 1993.
The early UFC events featured fighters from various disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, kickboxing, and more. These early competitions aimed to determine the most effective martial art for real-life combat situations.
Over the years, MMA evolved into a sport with its own set of rules, weight classes, and regulations. The sport gained mainstream popularity, and organizations like the UFC, Bellator MMA, and ONE Championship emerged as major promoters.
MMA has become a global phenomenon, with fighters from different backgrounds competing at the highest level and millions of fans worldwide.
What is Kickboxing?
Kickboxing is a combat sport that combines elements of traditional boxing with various kicking techniques from martial arts such as karate, Muay Thai, and Taekwondo.
It involves both punches and kicks, making it a versatile striking discipline.
The origins of kickboxing can be traced back to several different sources. In the 1950s, a form of kickboxing known as “Muay Thai” or “Thai Boxing” emerged in Thailand.
Muay Thai incorporates strikes with fists, elbows, knees, and shins, and it became popular as a competitive sport in Thailand and eventually gained international recognition.
Around the same time, in Japan, a similar style known as “Karate Kickboxing” or “Full Contact Karate” was developing.
It combined karate strikes with Western-style boxing punches, and competitions were held to determine the most effective fighting style.
In the 1970s, American martial artist Joe Lewis further popularized the concept of kickboxing by combining various striking techniques from different disciplines, including karate, boxing, and taekwondo. He organized the first full-contact kickboxing events in the United States.
The term “kickboxing” itself was coined in the 1960s by Japanese boxing promoter Osamu Noguchi.
He used the term to describe a hybrid martial art that combined karate and Muay Thai techniques.
Kickboxing continued to evolve and gain popularity throughout the late 20th century. It spread internationally, and various organizations were formed to promote the sport.
The International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) and the World Kickboxing Association (WKA) are among the notable governing bodies that oversee kickboxing competitions today.
Today, kickboxing is practiced and enjoyed by individuals of all skill levels and is featured in both amateur and professional events worldwide.
It has become a popular component of mixed martial arts (MMA) training as well.
What is the Difference Between MMA and Kickboxing?
MMA and kickboxing are two distinct combat sports with key differences in terms of rules, techniques, and overall approach.
Here are some of the main differences between MMA and kickboxing:
Range of Techniques:
Kickboxing primarily focuses on striking techniques involving punches, kicks, knees, and occasionally elbows.
It emphasizes precise and powerful strikes using hands and legs. On the other hand, MMA allows a broader range of techniques, including striking, grappling, and submissions.
In MMA, fighters can utilize punches, kicks, knees, elbows, takedowns, throws, and various submission holds.
Gloves:
MMA gloves are quire distinct from regular boxing gloves in that the fingers are not covered.
MMA gloves are designed in this way to make them more suitable for the grappling techniques that are employed in MMA fights.
Kickboxing gloves on the other hand are pretty much the same as regular boxing gloves used in Western Boxing.
Ring vs Cage:
Kickboxing competitions are fought in the same ring that is used in Western Boxing and kickboxing rules are pretty much drawn on from Western Boxing Queensbury rules which include the use of the ring.
MMA on the other hand is generally fought in a cage rather than a ring and makes use of chainlink fence to allow for more grappling and specialized MMA cage techniques to be used.
Ground Fighting:
Kickboxing competitions take place entirely on the feet, and fighters are not allowed to grapple or engage in ground fighting.
In contrast, MMA includes both stand-up striking and ground fighting. MMA fighters have the option to take the fight to the ground and utilize grappling techniques, including submissions, ground-and-pound, and positional control.
Rules and Regulations:
Kickboxing has different rule sets depending on the organization or promotion, but it generally prohibits strikes to certain vulnerable areas like the groin or back of the head.
Clinching, where fighters engage in close range and hold each other, is usually allowed but limited. MMA has more comprehensive rules that govern striking, grappling, and submissions.
It may have restrictions on strikes to specific areas, prohibits certain techniques like eye-gouging or biting, and enforces weight classes.
Competition Format:
Kickboxing matches are usually stand-alone events or part of a kickboxing card where fighters compete in a series of scheduled rounds.
The winner is determined by knockout, technical knockout, decision, or other predetermined criteria specific to the organization.
MMA events often feature a variety of fights, including MMA, kickboxing, and other combat sports, but MMA fights are typically the main attraction.
MMA bouts may be scheduled for a specific number of rounds or be governed by a time limit.
Training Focus:
Kickboxing training primarily emphasizes striking techniques, conditioning, and footwork.
Fighters train to improve their striking accuracy, speed, power, and defensive skills.
MMA training encompasses a broader range of skills, including striking, grappling, wrestling, and submissions.
MMA fighters need to develop proficiency in multiple disciplines and often train in various martial arts to become well-rounded competitors.
Which is Better? MMA or Kickboxing?
Which is better to learn and train? MMA or Kickboxing?
This is a rather subjective question as it really depends on the individual and their goals they wish to obtain through training martial arts.
If competing is your goal then you can compete in either style Kickboxing or MMA.
Both amateur and professional level competitions are held regularly in both Kickboxing and MMA all over the world.
If self defense is your goal then MMA would probably be the better option.
This is because MMA includes a much wider range of useful techniques for self defense such as grappling, takedowns and submissions.
Kickboxing on the other hand is limited to purely striking techniques when it comes to choosing a style for self defense, then MMA is probably the better option.
For weight loss and fitness, both MMA and Kickboxing are excellent options as both require a good deal of conditioning and have gruelling training sessions that burn a ton of calories and develop both muscular strength, endurance and cardio conditioning as well.
