The article in brief
La English boxing and kickboxing, two popular combat disciplines, have significant differences in their techniques and rules. Here are the main points to remember:
- Authorised techniques English boxing is limited to puncheswhile kickboxing includes kicks and shins.
- Equipment Clothing and protection specific to each sport.
- Battle rhythm Kickboxing is generally more intense and varied.
- Training : Each discipline requires a adapted physical preparation.
- Evolution : Both sports continue to gain in popularitywith different audiences.
La difference between english boxing and kickboxing is a subject that fascinates fans of combat sports. These two disciplines, while sharing certain similarities, have unique characteristics that set them apart. Let's explore the specifics of each sport together and find out what makes them so popular with practitioners around the world.
Techniques and rules: the fundamentals that separate them
The authorised offensive arsenal
The main difference between english boxing and kickboxing lies in the techniques of hit permitted. In English boxing, only punches above the belt are permitted. Kickboxing, on the other hand, considerably broadens the range of attacks by including kicks and shin kicks. This diversity of attacks gives kickboxing a particular dynamism and an extra tactical dimension.
Here is a table comparing the techniques permitted in each discipline:
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| Techniques | English boxing | Kickboxing |
|---|---|---|
| Punching | Yes | Yes |
| Kicks | No | Yes |
| Shin splints | No | Yes |
| Leg strikes | No | Yes |
Equipment and clothing
The differences also extend to the equipment used by the fighters. In English boxing, athletes wear special trousers and shoes. Kickboxing, on the other hand, is practised in shorts and bare feet, offering greater freedom of movement to perform leg techniques. This variation in clothing has a direct influence on the fighting style and mobility of the participants.
Hand-to-hand management
Le clinchThe two disciplines treat each other differently. In English boxing, the referee quickly interrupts these phases, whereas in kickboxing, they can be prolonged. This nuance has a considerable impact on the strategy and rhythm of the bouts, allowing kickboxers to make greater use of these moments of proximity to string together a variety of techniques.
Fighting styles and strategic approaches
Pace and volume of keystrokes
Kickboxing is characterised by a more sustained rhythm and a greater volume of strikes than English boxing. This greater intensity is explained by the variety of techniques that can be used and the possibility of combining punches and kicks in explosive sequences. English boxing, although fast-paced, places greater emphasis on the precision and timing of punches.
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List of aspects influencing the pace of combat :
- Variety of authorised techniques
- Targeted strike zones
- Distance management
- Endurance specific to each discipline
Posture and movement
The guard position and movements differ significantly between the two sports. English boxing favours a more profile stance, encouraging dodging and elaborate footwork. Kickboxing adopts a more frontal guard, allowing you to react quickly to leg attacks and prepare your own low strikes.
This difference in posture has a direct influence on defensive strategy. English boxers excel in the art of dodging and the bobbing and weaving (torso sway), while kickboxers need to add kick blocking to their defensive arsenal.
Targeting zones and tactics
English boxing focuses exclusively on the upper body, which directs tactics towards finding gaps in the opponent's high guard. Kickboxing, by targeting the whole body, offers a broader tactical palette. Fighters can alternate between high and low attacks, creating unexpected openings.
In kickboxing, the ability to briefly grab your opponent's leg after a kick adds an extra dimension to the fight. This technique, which does not exist in English boxing, allows for specific sequences and has a major influence on fight strategy.
Impact on athlete training and development
The distinct nature of these two sports has a considerable influence on the physical and technical preparation of athletes. English boxers focus on developing the exceptional cardiovascular endurance needed to last 12 rounds of 3 minutes. They also refine their footwork and their ability to quickly string together combinations of punches.
Kickboxers, on the other hand, need to develop greater versatility. Their training includes strengthening the legs for kicks, improving flexibility, and working on coordination between the upper and lower limbs. The generally shorter duration of the fights (3 to 5 rounds of 3 minutes) means that their preparation is geared towards more intense but less prolonged efforts.
These differences in preparation are reflected in the physique of the athletes. English boxers often have a more developed upper body musculature, while kickboxers show a more harmonious muscular balance between upper and lower body.
Developments and prospects for both disciplines
English boxing, with its rich historical heritage, continues to attract a wide audience and produce legends of the ring. Its inclusion in the Olympic Games gives it particular prestige. Kickboxing, although more recent, is gaining in popularity thanks to its dynamism and the diversity of its techniques. It is gradually establishing itself as a major discipline in the world of combat sports.
The future of these two sports looks promising, with each attracting a specific audience. English boxing retains its aura as a "noble art", while kickboxing appeals for its spectacular nature and its accessibility to a wide range of practitioners. Paradoxically, the emergence of mixed martial arts (MMA) has boosted interest in these 'pure' disciplines, which are appreciated for their technical skills and their respective traditions.
Finally, the difference between english boxing and kickboxing goes beyond the simple rules of combat. It manifests itself in the overall approach to the sport, from training to strategy to the culture that surrounds each discipline. Whether you prefer the tactical elegance of English boxing or the explosive versatility of kickboxing, both sports offer fans and spectators unique and exciting experiences in the world of combat sports.
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