Kickboxing

Kickboxing refers to the sport of using martial-arts-style kicks and western-boxing-style punches to defeat an opponent in a similar way to that of standard boxing. It is a standing sport and does not allow continuation of the fight once a combatant has reached the ground. All punches and kicks must land above the belt. Kickboxing is often practised for general fitness, or as a full-contact sport. In the full-contact sport the male boxers are bare chested wearing kickboxing trousers and protective gear including: mouth-guard, hand-wraps, 10oz boxing gloves, groin-guard, shin-pads, kick-boots, and optional protective helmet. The female boxers will wear a tank top in addition to the male clothing/protective gear.

Kickboxing is often confused with Muay Thai, also known as Thai Boxing. The two sports are similar, however, in Thai Boxing, kicks below the belt are allowed, as are strikes with knees and elbows. Also, Thai Boxing matches are fought with no shin guards (only leg wraps), unlike kickboxing, where leg protectors are used.