Kickboxing Page 2

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What is Kickboxing ?

( a simplified explanation )

Kickboxing is a term of American origin. It is a sport with rules.It is based upon earlier systems of sparring. Most martial arts have systems of sparring. Sparring for sport dates back to ancient times. Roman gladiators fought in amphitheatres, European knights fought in jousting tournaments, Fencers have fought duels. There have been many forms of fighting for sport.

A Simplified History

Fighting with an opponent or opponents as a form of entertainment has a history that goes back thousands of years.

The rules of the contests have had a wide spectrum -

to the death / until blood is drawn / until unconsciousness of one opponent / submission of one opponent / until one " aide " submits on behalf of a contestant / until points are scored according to a pre-arranged system / until a technique is executed according to a pre-arranged system / until one contestant is held a certain way according to a pre-arranged system etc.

The contests can be subject to certain criteria -

Pre-arranged time conditions or "rounds" / There may also be certain pre-arranged area limitations / Weapons may be agreed ie: swords, guns, spears, shields, axes, knuckle dusters etc. / The contest may be "bare handed " with the possibility of pre-arranged body armour / The contest may limit the types of technique to be used / Areas of the body targeted may be limited/prohibited by arrangement.

In Japanese martial art systems, sparring may be called "Kumite" / In Chinese martial art systems it can be known as "Sanda"

Master McKinney’s System

starts with:- “Semi-Contact Freestyle”

“Semi-contact freestyle” is a fast moving system with less risk of short or long term injury than full contact. It is an excellent method of fitness training with both a sporting and competition element to it. The aim is to score points by executing recognisable martial techniques on an opponent without inflicting enough contact to cause pain or injury. This is an excellent way to develop control, reactions and skill.

We also teach full contact including the style of “Sanda” but only to seniors of a sufficient skill level.