Kicking and Punching are two critical and elementary facets in kickboxing.
Therefore beginners should also understand the different punches and kicks at the elementary level.
Basic Punches:
The elementary kickboxing punches are same as the boxing punches:
· Jab: Jab is a straight and fast punch from front hand. It is thrown at the face of the opponent to defend self by combining this act with a cross.
· Cross: It is a punch thrown either by left hand towards right or right hand towards left. Cross is also considered a quick hit and is always used by kick boxers in series with Jab. Jab and Cross are the two most accepted forms of punches.
· Upper Cut: Unlike jab and cross this punch is not used in series by the kick boxers and is considered as a surprise punch. In upper cut the punch is thrown by using either of the hands to the chin. In this form the punch starts from the mid section and goes straight up as if rising.
· Hook: Hook is a rounded punch and is other surprise punch used by kick boxers. This punch makes a lot of impact on the opponent. The kick boxer uses heavy hand to execute this punch in an arching position.
Basic Kicks:
The elementary kicks used by the kick boxers are as below:
· Front kick: Front kick is also known as the "push kick". While attempting this one needs to stand facing the opponent, lift either of the legs then bend the knee and kick with the heel of the foot. This kick creates an impact on the opponent since it either strikes the chest or face of the opponent.
· Roundhouse kick: "Circle kick" is another name to address this kick. The kick boxer stands side ways facing the opponent, lifts the front leg, bends the knee and strikes with the upper foot or lower shin on the head or anywhere on the body above waist.
· Side Kick: In side kick too the kick boxer stands facing side ways to the opponent, lifts the front leg then turn it in the knee brings it back slightly and hits a kick. A lot of impact can be made on the opponent by striking a kick with outer part of the foot. The kick can be stroked either on the head or anywhere on the body above waist.
With the above techniques the beginners can start slowly but steadily.