The true origins of kickboxing date back over 2,000 years but although classed as a martial art, Kickboxing Tournaments are relatively new and the sport of kickboxing was started in the US in the early 1970's. Many American Karate practitioners were sick of the strict controls placed on all traditional forms of martial arts tournaments and formed a break away group and thus kick boxing came into being with full contact kicks and punches that were formally banned in martial arts competitions At that time many people were worried by the chance of high injury rates so protective clothing was added and safety rules were put into place. The kickboxing tournaments we see today vary in style and are closely related to their traditional martial art style.
People take kickboxing classes for a number of reasons and learning kickboxing techniques is a great way of protecting yourself. Kickboxing classes are becoming extremely popular for fitness and many personal trainers are adopting forms of kickboxing for their clients. Most importantly are those individuals to whom kickboxing is their sport and indeed to some that are totally committed, kickboxing becomes a way of life and entering kickboxing tournaments a personal challenge.
Preparing for these tournaments is heard work as fitness levels must be high. Not only does the artist have to deliver powerful kicks and punches but has to be fit enough to avoid their opponent and or recover from the impact themselves. It is necessary to build up muscle strength and tone the entire body with weight training, increase endurance with cardiovascular work such as running, skipping and jumping etc. Flexibility is all important not only when competing in kick boxing tournaments but to limber up and relax before hand to eliminate stress and strain and help avoid serious injury and also to cool down afterwards to avoid muscle stiffness.
Diet needs to be strictly adhered to. Low in fats, high in protein and the necessary amount of carbohydrates as fuel. Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables round off the diet. It is necessary for all of us to drink enough water and it is recommended that the average person needs about 8 glasses a day and those in high exercise groups such as the kick boxer training for and entering kickboxing tournaments will require much more. The martial artist must stay hydrated at all times for peak performance. If not the artist will suffer from muscle soreness, fatigue and will not recover as quickly. Junk food, alcohol and caffeine are a no go. As with all martial arts the power of the mind is all important. Controlling our emotions and concentrating on our movements can make the difference to winning or loosing. Keeping tempers under control and relaxing into our moves makes for stronger and more accurate kicks and punches.
Preparation for kickboxing tournaments depends a lot on the level of fitness and the determination of the martial artist and can take a considerable amount of training and indeed time.
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