KICKBOXING
"Kickboxing," World
Book Online Americas Edition,
http://www.aolsvc.worldbook.aol.com/
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299360, August 12, 2001.
Kickboxing is a form of martial
art in which competitors can use their elbows, feet, hands, knees and shins to
deliver blows. Unlike such martial arts as karate, however, kickboxing is a
sport and not necessarily a type of self-defense.
Kickboxers are classified as either amateurs or professionals. Rules vary, but
generally matches last from 3 to 12 rounds, with each round running 2 to 3
minutes. As in boxing, a kickboxer may win in several ways. In a knockout, one
boxer is knocked down and cannot continue fighting after a count to 10. In a
technical knockout, the referee stops the bout if, for example, one fighter
cannot defend himself or is seriously cut. In a decision, judges decide the
winner through a point system. Bouts are divided into weight divisions and
fighting styles. Under full contact rules, fighters may strike only above
the waist. International rules also allow kicks to the legs. Muay Thai
rules permit knee and elbow strikes.
Matches are held in a boxing ring. All kickboxers must wear handwraps, boxing
gloves, mouthpieces, and groin protectors. Kickboxing originated in Thailand and
came to the United States in the late 1960's. Its popularity grew rapidly, and
the sport is now practiced worldwide.
______________
Critically reviewed by the International Kickboxing
Federation.
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World Book Online Americas Edition,
http://www.aolsvc.worldbook.aol.com/
wbol/
wbPage/
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ar/
co/
299360, August 12, 2001. |
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