Is kickboxing good for self defense? (2023)

Kickboxing is one of the most prolific martial arts out there. It focuses on kicks and punches just to incapacitate the opponent. You need physical and mental strength, focus, speed and power to compete. It's very effective in a ring with strict rules, but the lack of grip leads many to believe it's not as effective in defending in a street fight. So is kickboxing good for self-defense?

Kickboxing is very effective for self-defense, even if you don't learn grappling or ground fighting. You will become physically fit and strong, with the technique and knowledge to read your attacker and react quickly and accurately.

Kickboxing is more than just punching and kicking. Learning how to shoot and save shots is also extremely important for defending on the slopes. Kickboxing will not only provide you with that, but will also teach you how to dodge attacks and keep your opponent at bay. Kickboxing can bring you many benefits, which is why it is one of the most popular martial arts in the world.

Is kickboxing effective in a street fight?

Learning a martial art will definitely give you an edge and a great opportunity to defend yourself if necessary. Every martial art has its pros and cons, but it will beat just about any street fighter or attacker without real combat training.

Kickboxing is no different. Although it has its pros and cons in a street fight, it will give you an incredible ability to help you in self-defense. There's more than one reason for this, and we'll cover each one.

First things first: Kickboxing teaches you how to throw a punch. Many people think they know how to punch or kick until they start martial arts training. Kickboxing teaches you the correct punching and kicking techniques.

Punches are generally taught as three different basic types: jabs, hooks and uppercuts. Of course there are variations on the basic types with different execution techniques, but they all work on the same principles. Some of the more complex punching techniques are overhands, back spinning fists, superman punches, etc.

There are also three basic types of kicks based on the part of the body they land on. There are high kicks, medium kicks, and low kicks, each aimed at the head, body, or legs. Again, there are variations of each such as roundhouse kicks, toe kicks, roundhouse kicks, etc., but the basic shots you'll work on first are the first three.

As you progress, your acquisition time and surgical accuracy will improve significantly. This is also a great skill when it comes to self defense. Most street fights end in a wild brawl where brawls erupt until someone hits something. If you can counter with quick and accurate strikes, you will not only neutralize the opponent, but also avoid unfortunate damage.

With all that said, it's pretty clear how kickboxing can be used effectively to defend yourself in most cases. However, it also has its limits. There are no rules in a street fight and your kickboxing training will focus on fighting under strict rules of engagement. Therefore, you cannot rule out that someone will surprise you with punches, cheap shots, or even weapons.

That being said, one could argue that every martial art in a street fight has limitations as they all have different rules that you can operate by. Karate has limits. Wrestling has limits. Even MMA has its own set of rules and prohibited acts. Ultimately, the fact of the matter is that when pushing, having one in your arsenal is better than not having one. After all, kickboxing and other martial arts have more benefits that make them valuable than just the ability to defend against attackers.

Other benefits of kickboxing

Besides the self-defense part of kickboxing, there are many other things that can help and offer you. Your physical and mental strength will increase, you will become healthier, more vital and ultimately feel much more comfortable in your own skin. We're going to make a list of the best benefits you can get from kickboxing, and then we'll leave it up to you to decide if you should try it.

1. Improve physical condition

Kickboxing is primarily a martial art, but it is also a combat sport. I mean you have to be an athlete if you want to compete at any level. And you have to be in shape to be an athlete, so a lot of your kickboxing training will focus on training the body. Getting you in the best possible shape is what every teacher will try to do before even thinking about stepping into a ring.

Kickboxing is a high-intensity mobility exercise that burns an incredible number of calories, which ultimately results in a better metabolism. When you lose body fat, all of your muscles tighten at the same time. You will receive an intensive cardiovascular workout that, combined with physical training, will put you in impeccable physical condition.

2. Helps and strengthens mental fitness

As great as the physical aspect of kickboxing is, the mental strength you gain will impact your day-to-day life much more.

First, kickboxing can be a great stress reliever. When you're feeling frustrated and anxious, hit the gym, put on your gloves, and punch or kick all that stress and frustration out of your system. Already after the first sessions you will feel a great relief.

So when you get caught in a kickboxing match, whether it's a real fight or just sparring, you don't know how much courage it takes to keep doing it until you land your first low kick. Being physically strong is nothing if you are mentally weak, afraid of being hit, nervous or have other problems.

As you become more comfortable in a ring and your skills improve, you will become more confident. This confidence carries over into everyday life, allowing you to let go of your self-doubt and take on all responsibility without fear. Even chemically, scientists suggest that practicing martial arts releases endorphins that improve your overall mood and make you feel better.

3. Socialize

You can't learn kickboxing alone. There will be more and more practitioners in the gym, and everyone will work together. Meeting people in a friendly environment where everyone is equal can help you break free when you're struggling with social interactions.

Many people get anxious when meeting new people, worry too much and overthink everything, and finally choose to stay at home and watch TV. But in a gym there is no social status or anything else that limits you in an everyday situation. Here you are all just kickboxers playing by the same rules.

You will meet new people who obviously have similar interests. This is how you can make good friends at a kickboxing gym.

4. Improves focus and coordination

Kickboxing is a very fast martial art that requires a lot of concentration. Even a split second of distraction can have dire consequences, so you have to be extremely good at staying focused.

Finally, it will also help you to do the same in real life. Our lives are so hectic these days and it's hard to keep track and remember everything. But learning to focus and concentrate will help you organize and figure things out more efficiently.

Also, a lot of coordinated movement is required to perform kickboxing combinations. You'll need to use all four limbs, timing your punches while maintaining tremendous eye-arm and eye-leg coordination.

One of the hardest things to learn about kickboxing is getting your movements perfectly coordinated. Coordination cannot be learned overnight. It can only come from muscle memory, and muscle memory only comes with time after the combinations are repeated over and over until they become natural.

5. Improve Posture

The final item on our list is something almost everyone has a problem with these days. Our poor posture is caused by sitting awkwardly for hours, constantly looking at our phones, etc. However, you can straighten up by practicing kickboxing as it strengthens your core, resulting in a much tighter, straighter posture. .

When you combine that with the flexibility you gain from practice, you'll also gain a fantastic sense of balance like you've never had before. Sitting up straight is just the beginning, as better posture can improve many issues: back spasms, knee pain, groin stiffness, etc.

In conclusion, here is everything you need to consider before determining if kickboxing is right for you:

• This will help you achieve optimal physical and mental health.
• It will help you defend yourself effectively.
• It can improve balance, coordination and posture.
• Relieves stress and boosts self-confidence.
• Increases focus and determination.

Ultimately, it's up to you to see if you're ready to try a full-contact sport. You can of course always skip the games and competitions to try it out and see if you like it.