Learn How to Choose the Best Kickboxing Gloves

Kickboxing is a type of martial arts that has become quite popular since it first started in the United States during the 1970's. Throughout the years the regulations might have transformed but the gear utilized to protect our hands has stayed the same. One of the more important things you have the power to ever buy when training for this sport are the proper gloves.



The gloves you need are essential because they are what are going to protect your hands and fingers from becoming broken and wounded. They allow you to throw punches when you want to and without holding back so that you have the ability to knock out your opposition and not be scared of wounding yourself.There are scores of types that you have the power to purchase so you need to shop around. The easiest store to begin with is with some of the top makers. These companies know what it implies to sell their customers high end products and they are regarded the best for a reason. Try to see what they provide and what their costs are.

Sometimes you will need to forgo costs for quality. Going the other way round can prove to be damaging to you and you it is not wise to be taking any risks. The gloves that you will wish should be made with leather, a wrist strap, and padded foaming.



The leather aids to make the full thing durable and long lasting. This means that it won't tear easily and you will not have to spend a lot more money for a new pair. The wrist strap aids to keep it secure and not give it a chance to drop off in any way. It likewise prevents it from being too tight.

One of the most serious things that you need your kickboxing gloves to have is adequate foam padding inside of it. The more padding the better because this is what will soak up the shock from the punches you throw. Just make sure that the one you choose follows the guidelines for the sanctioning body in your region.

By: Naomi West

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Easy Steps to Follow for Joining a Kickboxing Class

The latest trend in fitness is kickboxing. With the right trainer, it is one of the best forms of exercise you can do. It has been shown to work all areas of your body with cardio, flexibility and strength training training. The great thing about kickboxing is it also provides spiritual and mental benefits as you work your butt off losing 400 calories at a time.The majority of the kickboxing classes offered are more unique and untraditional than they were just a few years ago. What makes them different is the way they combine martial arts with various creative twists. Try joining a kickboxing class as a new and exciting way to get in shape. It's also a fun way to boost your fitness level. Here are a few things you should know when looking to join a class:

• Obviously the first thing you need to decide upon is what type of kickboxing do you want to learn. You can't really join a class if you don't know anything about what it teaches. When it comes to kickboxing, there are a number of different classes available. The most popular are the cardio-kickboxing classes. These concentrate on a cardiovascular workout without getting into any combat or defensive techniques. If you are looking for more a sparring activity try a more traditional form of class that actively promotes competitive tournaments.

• Go over all of your options and choices after you find a specific kickboxing class that fits what you're looking for. Try going online for websites that contain useful information on these classes. Pay attention to things like rules, regulations, competitions and instruction practices used for kickboxing's various forms. This is a very helpful resource to find the specific discipline you would want to train in.

• Find a class in your local area and stop by to see how you would like it. Take a tour of the building to see if you would feel comfortable with all of the facilities and locker rooms. Before you sign up, check if the instructors are properly certified to teach the specific class you are joining. Ask about their thoughts on safety and if they offer any one-on-one instruction if needed.

• After you made up your mind on the gym meeting all your standards, choose a class that fits your skill level. Never join a class that may be a little too advanced for you. If you are just starting kickboxing, look for a beginner's course. You run the risk of hurting yourself getting in over your head with people much better that you at kickboxing.

• Before the class begins, find the instructor and ask them what you will need for the class. Many classes require you to come prepared with supplies such as protective gear or gloves. Never be to timid to ask for warming up tips to do before a class. You'll prevent the risk of injury while possibly gaining an edge on someone not warmed up.

By: Tl Kleban

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Cardio Kickboxing Classes

I Assume You Have A Gym Membership

This article assumes you have a gym membership which has cardio kickboxing classes available. If you don't have one, then get one!

Do You Get Bored On The Bike Or The Treadmill?

A lot of people get their cardio in on the stationary bike or the treadmill but if you're like me then you find it easy to get bored on these machines. Sure watching TV and listening to music can make it go by a little faster but it's still pretty boring. The hour can take forever to go by when I'm on the bike.The "excitement" factor is one of the main reasons that I enjoy taking a cardio kickboxing class. Sure it's a lot harder than just riding the bike (of course there's also benefits to it being harder that I'll get to in a moment) but it's worth it because it actually can be fun to do. Even though the cardio kickboxing class I take is 75 minutes long - goes by faster than just 30 minutes on a bike or a treadmill.


Cardio Kickboxing Burns More Calories

Muscle and Fitness Magazine has ranked Cardio Kickboxing as the #1 fat burning workout. It burns an average of 1000 calories per hour. Compare that to the 300 or so calories you may burn in an hour on the stationary bike and it's obvoius which one is the right answer for you if you really want to burn fat fast.

All Cardio Is Wasted Without A Good Fat Burning Diet

While cardio is important, so is your diet. Diet without exercise is a waste but so is exercise without diet. You need to do both if you really want to burn fat fast and reach your peak condition.

By: Lucinda H. Becks

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Kickboxing Combinations Applied to Cardio Kickboxing

By:
John Harker

This is the second in a series on martial arts striking combinations used as choreography in cardio kickboxing. As said, a key difference between a trained martial artist and a streetfighter is that the martial artist reflexively hits in sequences of three or four moves. The instinctive non-thinking reaction isn't just a one-move event, its a more effective practiced sequence of strikes. One punch or kick is easy to defend against, but three or four thrown in a row can be very difficult to deal with.This reflexive reaction of hitting in sequences is only learned through lots of repetition and drills, performing sequences over and over until it is an automatic reflex. Cardio kickboxing is an ideal way to do this. In fact many of the patterns in cardio kickboxing are drawn from such drills.



Useful for cardio kickboxing choreography, here are some real-world combinations culled from the martial art sport loosely called Kickboxing. What came to be known as competitive kickboxing is a constrained system common to a number of martial arts. The original brand of "Kickboxing" was developed in Japan in 1950 by boxing promoter Osamu Noguchi as a style/ruleset for beating Muay Thai fighters. In classic competitive Kickboxing opponents are allowed to strike with both the fists and the feet, hitting above the hip. However, unlike Muay Thai, using elbows or knees was forbidden and the use of shins was also often not allowed.

Kicks are generally more powerful than punches and so are a valuable tool. But in practice it is a good idea to set up a leg kick with handwork first. A jab or two will make your opponent think about your hands...then you step and kick. Or jab/cross/right kick, with the cross either being more of a fake and push (which allows you to kick really hard) or a hard right that sets up a right kick It's more difficult to kick hard with this combo, but if you drill the guy with a good cross he'll be knocked back a bit and then you step in...



Here are the combinations:

Jab, cross, lead hook, cover

Jab, cross, lead hook, lead front kick

Jab, cross, rear leg front roundhouse kick, cover

Introduce the sequences half-time, then depending on the students, double it up. For the last sequence above make sure to tell the students to bring their rear foot back to the rear-foot starting position after the roundhouse kick (instead of alongside the other). In practice the cover happens simultaneously with bringing the foot back.

Of course for every rule (punch before kick) there is an exception. This sequence works particularly well on the bags.

Lead leg side kick, feet together, rear leg step back

Lead leg side kick, feet together, cross with rear leg step back

These combinations can be repeated individually or in sequences either on the floor or with a heavy bag. Devote equal time to right and left leg forward positions. Most are oriented around smooth rotation around the spine, swinging the body so that each punch or kick winds up for the next. After you get the progressions down, start inter-mixing the combinations together in different patterns to present something different every class.

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Training, Diet And Preparation For Kickboxing Tournaments.

Author: Yoshi Kundagawa

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 artscompetitions 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 wieght 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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Guidelines Of Kickboxing

Author: sunshine03

Now, many training centers offer the kickboxing classes, which attract more and more people. Kickboxing has recently surged in popularity and many people sign up for a class. Before you decide to sign up for a class, it is better for you to keep a few guidelines in mind.

There are quite a different variety of styles of kickboxing classes offered.One of the more popular one right now is cardio kickboxing class because this not only increases your strength and flexibility but will also provide a great cardiovascular workout and help you burn a good amount of calories in the process.

Sit in and observe a class at your chosen training facility before you sign up. Get a feel for the way the class is conducted, and whether or not you feel comfortable with the methods the instructors are using. You should try to start at a level that suits you and slowly progress to a more intense, fast-paced kickboxing class. Many classes call for intermediate levels of fitness and meet two to three times a week.

Kickboxing requires high-intensity, so you would better not plunge in after a long stint as a couch potato. You should know well your current fitness level and prepare yourself by first taking a low-impact aerobics course and working up to a higher level of endurance. When you begin kickboxing, you should practice at your own pace and not overexerting yourself. Never feel pressured to push yourself beyond your limits. If you feel that a routine is too difficult or tiring, avoid injury and slow down your pace. Overexerting such as kicking too high and locking your arms and legs during movements can cause pulled muscles and tendons and sprained knee or ankle joints. It is very important for beginners to start with low kicks. You are more prone to developing injuries if attempting quick, complicated kickboxing moves.

If you've been thinking of signing up for a kickboxing class lately, it's a very good idea to look into the different options available to be sure you find one that meets your needs.

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Kick Higher And Better Than All The Other Women In Your Kickboxing Class

Author: Taylor Ryan

I recently received a question from an avid kickboxer. She stated that her kicks just were not making the cut in height and what could she do to turn the "medium kick" into a real life high kick?

My answer starts with one word... flexibility. Being able to extend your leg up to a powerful kick actually comes from the hip joint. Thanks to the strength in your quads and hip flexors you are able to get the joint to move. Moving is one thing, but moving it well is another.To get results I suggest some simple stretching and some active stretching for every day. The more you stretch the faster and better the results and I would say in a matter of a few weeks (probably 2-3) you will see your kick coming higher.

Some basic static stretching (stretching in which you hold a position for 20 seconds) includes:



1. Butterfly: sit on floor with the soles of feet touching and heels being brought into the body. Try to lower your knees down to the floor.

2. Lunge: Get into a lunge position with the back knee completely on the floor, slowly lean the body forward till you feel a nice stretch and hold.

3. Ballet squat: Think squat but open legs a bit wider than shoulder width and toes pointed out, try forming a line that can run from toe to toe. Lower as far as possible to get stretch and hold.

Some Active stretching:

1. Walking deep lunges- do two sets of 10 lunges to get the muscles loose and ready for kicks

2, Leg walk- if you are able to this is a great stretch. Stand facing a wall, place 1 leg on wall (with straight legs) and slowly try to slide your leg up the wall as if you were doing a split against it. This can also be done on the floor. Make sure not to strain, go only till you feel a good stretch and SLOWLY return to start.

ANOTHER GREAT IDEA: try yoga before bed every night. This is fun and a great workout. Not only are you going to gain a ton of flexibility but strength will be thrown in for a bonus. Plus, it is a great way to unwind.

Like I said before stretching needs to be done every day to see the best results. So if you start now soon your kick will be the talk of the class.

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