The term kickboxing is actually a somewhat corrupted term: in the Netherlands, the term kickboxing is often used for styles that resemble Thai boxing (Muay Thai), but historically speaking, that is not correct.
The Origins of Kickboxing in the United States
Kickboxing as we know it originated in the United States in the early 1970s. It was essentially a mixture of different fighting styles such as karate, taekwondo, and kempo. The major difference from what we generally understand as kickboxing today is the absence of kicks to the legs. These so-called low kicks are not allowed in American kickboxing, also known as full-contact.
Kickboxing in Japan
Around the same period, a form known as kickboxing also emerged in Japan. This fighting style developed from hard karate styles such as Ashihara and Kyokushin karate, combined with influences from Thai Muay Thai.
WAKO - World Association of Kickboxing Organisations
WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organisations) is one of the world's largest martial arts organizations, with 4 million practitioners, and has a clear classification of the various forms of kickboxing and Thai boxing.
WAKO distinguishes between:
- Point-Fighting
- Light contact
- Full-Contact (no low kicks)
- Low-Kick
- K-1 Rules
IFMA - International Federation of Muaythai Amateur
There is also IFMA (International Federation of Muaythai Amateur), where amateurs wearing protective equipment compete in traditional Muay Thai using punches, knees, elbows, and kicks. In the Netherlands, competitions under the so-called "Full Muay Thai" rules are rare. In full Muay Thai, elbows are also used during the fight, something that is rarely allowed in the Netherlands, except occasionally in certain A-class bouts.
K-1
We are all familiar with the K-1 rules. K-1 was not a style but a Japanese martial arts organization. K-1 fights resemble kickboxing and Thai boxing, with a few minor differences. Unlike in Thai boxing, elbows may not be used. In addition, when clinching occurs, the bout is stopped and restarted immediately, whereas in traditional Muay Thai—and to a lesser extent in kickboxing—the clinch is a very important part of the fight.
Would you also like to start kickboxing?
Are you also incredibly excited to start this amazing, fun, and healthy martial art? Good news. We have compiled a list of several kickboxing clubs in different cities across the Netherlands. What's more, you can purchase a complete kickboxing set directly from this site to get started!
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