Kickboxing is a popular pastime that combines martial arts with boxing. Though mostly used as a method of improving cardiovascular or muscular strength, it is also a competitive sport. Many kinds of kickboxing, from all over the world, make up an elaborate and varied landscape of this sport.
American
American kickboxing, created in the 1970s, combines boxing and karate. It places a heavier emphasis on boxing than other kickboxing styles, incorporating only kicks and punches. As in boxing, striking below the waist is not allowed. American kickboxing competitions are separated into divisions based on weight class.
Lethwei
Lethwei is a kind of kickboxing that originated in Myanmar. It is very rough around the edges and does not encompass the same restrictive rules as many other styles. It is a full-contact sport that allows striking above and below the waist, kicking and punching of limbs, and head-butting. In Lethwei, fighters do not wear padding.
Muay Thai and Adithada
Muay Thai and Adithada are similar in style and execution. Muay Thai, from Thailand, allows for hitting with feet, fists, knees and elbows. Strikes are allowed both above and below the waist. Adithada comes from India and allows for striking with the feet, fists, knees, elbows and head; it also incorporates grappling and pressure-point isolation.
Filipino
Filipino kickboxing also goes by the name of Yaw Yan, which means "the dance of death." This kickboxing style started alongside the American version and uses smoother motions that almost look like dancing. It is similar to Muay Thai but has a wide variety of kicks with a particular focus on downward strikes.
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