The term kickboxing is actually a bit of a bastardized term: in the Netherlands, the term kickboxing is often used for styles that are similar to Thai boxing (Muay Thai), but historically that is not correct.
The origins of kickboxing in the US
Kickboxing actually originated in the United States in the early 1970s. It was essentially a blend of various martial arts styles such as karate, taekwondo, and kempo. The main difference from what we usually understand as kickboxing today is the absence of leg kicks. These so-called low-kicks are not permitted in American kickboxing (also known as full-contact).
Kickboxing in Japan
Around the same time, a form of fighting called kickboxing also emerged in Japan. This fighting style developed from the hard karate styles such as Ashihara and Kyokushin karate, mixed with influences from Thai Muay Thai.
WAKO - World Association of Kickboxing Organisations
The WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organisations) is one of the world's largest martial arts organizations (with 4 million practitioners) and has a clear subdivision of the various kickboxing and Thai boxing variants.
The following distinctions are made within WAKO:
- Point Fighting
- Light contact
- Full-Contact (no low kicks)
- Low Kick
- K-1 Rules
IFMA - International Federation of Muaythai Amateur
Furthermore, there is the IFMA (International Federation of Muaythai Amateur), where amateurs fight with protective gear in traditional Muay Thai, using fists, knees, elbows, and legs. In the Netherlands, fights rarely take place under so-called "Full Muay Thai" rules. In full Muay Thai, elbows are also used in the fight, something rarely permitted in the Netherlands, except for some A-class matches occasionally.
K-1
We are all familiar with the K-1 rules. K-1 wasn't a style, but a Japanese martial arts organization. K-1 fights resemble kickboxing and Muay Thai, with a few key differences. Unlike Muay Thai, elbows are not permitted. Also, clinching immediately stops and restarts the fight, whereas in traditional Muay Thai, and to a lesser extent in kickboxing, it's a very important part of the fight.
Do you also want to start kickboxing?
Are you super excited to start with this amazing, fun, and healthy martial art? Great news! We've listed a large number of kickboxing clubs in various cities across the Netherlands. Plus, you can also buy a complete kickboxing set directly from this site to get started!
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