Kickboxing is one of the most popular sports to train for fitness. You’ll find a class or two of cardio kickboxing at most gyms worldwide. However, learning the martial art to use it for self-defense is different. If you want to use it to defend yourself, you must learn distance management, how to land combos, footwork, and many other aspects of hand-on-hand combat.
The versatile combination of punches and kicks sounds like an appealing skill to add to your self-defense tool kit. But always keep in mind that street fights are messy, and even world champions would suggest you de-escalate any conflict and leave when possible.
But is Kickboxing good for self-defense? The short answer is yes but with some adjustments. While it may not teach grappling or ground combat, Kickboxing can help you develop physical fitness, strength, and the technique and knowledge to read your attacker and respond quickly and precisely.
In addition, Kickboxing can teach you basic self-defense skills, such as creating distance between yourself and an attacker through footwork.
So, let’s dive deeper into the pros and cons of Kickboxing in self-defense, some basic techniques you can use, and how it fits in a broader self-defense scheme.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Is Kickboxing Good for Self-Defense? – What You Need to Know
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Kickboxing for Self-Defense
- Kickboxing Techniques for Self-Defense – What Should you Learn?
- Kickboxing Techniques You Shouldn’t Use For Self-Defense
- Training Kickboxing for Fitness, Competition, and Self-Defense – How are They Different?
- Combining Kickboxing with Other Martial Arts or Self-Defense Techniques – Filling the Gaps
- Kickboxing Gear for Self-Defense Training
- Real-Life Examples of Kickboxing Used for Self-Defense
- Kickboxing for Self-Defense – Final Word
Is Kickboxing Good for Self-Defense? – What You Need to Know
Kickboxing can be helpful in different situations when it’s time to protect yourself or your loved ones. However, kickboxing alone is not as effective as MMA or a weapon.
But how can Kickboxing be useful? Firstly, you’ll learn effective striking techniques that can neutralize attackers. For example, a technically flawless kick to the knees or the ribs can incapacitate an aggressor, so you can escape or continue striking until the threat is neutralized.
Additionally, most people underestimate how hard it is to fight another human being. By training Kickboxing consistently, you’ll have above-average physical fitness and mental strength that can be priceless in self-defense, allowing you to respond fast and defend yourself effectively from dangerous circumstances.
Your knowledge of kicks and punches and a solid physical foundation will help you manage the distance (the closer they are, the easier it is to punch you), dodge attacks, and counterstrike to escape to the nearest exit.
This all sounds great in theory, but there are many gaps in Kickboxing as a self-defense tool.
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No technique is foolproof
All martial arts have gaps in their game. Naturally, Kickboxing also has limitations in self-defense scenarios.
For example, Kickboxing is a striking-centered martial art. The training neglects ground fighting and grappling; you heard it before, “most fights end on the ground.” If you’re completely ignoring grappling in your training, your chances of surviving a physical confrontation on the streets decrease significantly.
In self-defense without weapons, I always recommend you train to become a well-rounded fighter. But I get it, not everybody loves grappling. Still, you can learn some simple takedowns that would work against untrained opponents and some essential escapes, and that’s it.
Trust me, you don’t want to hang out on the ground too long in a street scrap. People can, and probably will, kick you while you’re trapped in someone’s lousy mount.
Additionally, the rule set in Kickboxing training and competitions may not reflect the reality of a self-defense situation, and you might develop some bad habits for the streets.
For example, punching without gloves is way more dangerous, and you might break your hands by throwing a jab.
Kickboxing can be effective
Kickboxing can be effective in self-defense scenarios, but it should be adjusted and combined with other techniques and strategies to increase your chances of survival.
It is also important to remember that self-defense is not only about destroying attackers like in a martial arts movie. Pay attention to mental preparation, awareness, and de-escalation techniques to avoid conflict as much as possible.
Your first instinct shouldn’t be throwing a jab or a roundhouse kick but trying to de-escalate the situation and escape as soon as possible.
Let’s dive deeper into the advantages and disadvantages of using Kickboxing for self-defense.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Kickboxing for Self-Defense
Kickboxing can be an effective tool in self-defense, but like all martial arts, it has advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.
Advantages
- Effective Striking Techniques: Kickboxing teaches striking techniques that can incapacitate an aggressor, allowing you to escape or continue striking until the threat is neutralized. The combination of punches and kicks provides a versatile tool to use in different self-defense scenarios.
- Improved Physical Fitness: Regular kickboxing training can improve your physical fitness, including strength, agility, and stamina. This can be crucial in self-defense situations where physical fitness and endurance can make a significant difference.
- Mental Toughness: Kickboxing can also help develop mental toughness, giving you the confidence and resilience to respond quickly and defend yourself effectively in dangerous circumstances.
- Distance Management: Kickboxing training can teach you how to manage the distance between you and your attacker, making it easier to avoid attacks and counterstrike effectively.
- Confidence: The skills and physical fitness gained from Kickboxing can increase self-confidence, making you less vulnerable to intimidation or manipulation in self-defense situations.
Disadvantages
- Limited Ground Fighting: Kickboxing is a striking-centered martial art, and it neglects ground fighting and grappling, which are crucial skills in self-defense situations that might end up on the floor. Therefore, if you plan to rely solely on Kickboxing in self-defense scenarios, you may have difficulty defending yourself if the fight goes to the ground.
- Rule Set Limitations: The rule set in kickboxing training and competitions may not reflect the reality of a self-defense situation. For example, punching without gloves is way more dangerous, and you might break your hands by throwing a jab. You need to train in the sport but think street.
- Over-Reliance on Strikes: While Kickboxing provides a versatile tool for self-defense, over-reliance on strikes can be dangerous. In a self-defense situation, it’s essential to remain calm and avoid throwing unnecessary strikes that could escalate the situation.
- Not a Complete System: Kickboxing alone is not a complete self-defense system. It should be adjusted and combined with other techniques and strategies to increase your chances of survival. For example, learning some takedown defense or grappling basics can fill the gaps in Kickboxing and improve your self-defense capabilities.
Kickboxing Techniques for Self-Defense – What Should you Learn?
Suppose you find yourself in a situation where you must rely on your Kickboxing for self-defense. In that case, focusing on sharpening the most effective techniques to quickly neutralize an attacker and ensure your safety is crucial.
Here are some essential techniques that you should prioritize in your training:
- Jab: A quick and powerful punch that can help you maintain a safe distance from your attacker while setting up other punches and kicks.
- Cross: A strong punch that can cause significant harm to your attacker. It’s vital to use your whole body to deliver maximum impact.
- Front Kick: An effective way to keep your attacker at a distance or push them away. It’s also great for targeting sensitive areas like the stomach or groin.
- Roundhouse Kick: A powerful kick that can be aimed at various parts of your attacker’s body, such as the head, body, or legs. Make sure to pivot on your supporting foot for maximum power.
- Knee Strike: A brutal attack at close range to target your attacker’s groin, stomach, or head. Use your entire body weight to deliver a powerful strike.
Here’s a table outlining the use case of each technique for self-defense:
| Technique | Effectiveness for Self-Defense |
| Jab | Keeps attacker at a distance |
| Cross | Inflicts serious damage to the face, aiming for the nose with your palms to protect the knuckles |
| Front Kick | Pushes away or targets the groin |
| Roundhouse Kick | Powerful attack from a safe distance best targets are: the body or legs |
| Knee Strike | Devastating close-range attack, use it disengage and run |
To prepare for real-life self-defense situations, there are some adjustments you should make when training these techniques in the gym:
- Focus on speed and power: To protect yourself in self-defense, you must deliver powerful strikes quickly to stop your attacker.
- Train in realistic scenarios: Practice your techniques in scenarios that mimic real-life situations, like defending against a grab or choke.
- Incorporate situational awareness: Stay aware of your surroundings and be vigilant about potential threats to avoid dangerous situations.
- Practice under stress: Train in high-stress environments to simulate the adrenaline rush of a real-life self-defense situation. The best option is to spar every once in a while.
- Condition your knuckles or prioritize elbow strikes: If you never strike without boxing gloves, there’s a high risk of injury if you punch in a street fight.
Remember, knowing the proper techniques is only 50% of the equation for self-defense. It would help if you also executed them quickly and effectively under pressure. By focusing on these basic techniques and training them during your sparring sessions, you can be better prepared to protect yourself in a dangerous street fight.
Kickboxing Techniques You Shouldn’t Use For Self-Defense
While Kickboxing can be great for self-defense, not all techniques have the same value when protecting yourself on the streets.
In general, techniques that require a lot of space, leave you open to attacks, or are difficult to execute under stress are not ideal for self-defense situations. To put it in simple words, any technique that is too flashy or complicated should be a no-go for self-defense.
Here’s a table outlining some techniques that might lack effectiveness for self-defense:
| Technique | Why it may not be as effective for self-defense |
| Spinning Back Fist | The spinning back fist requires a ton of space and can leave you open to counterattacks if you miss. It’s also difficult to generate power and accuracy in a self-defense situation. |
| Flying Knee | The flying knee is a flashy technique that requires lots of skill and timing. You might be vulnerable to takedowns. |
| Jumping Roundhouse Kick | The jumping roundhouse kick is a high-risk technique that leaves you vulnerable to several attacks if you miss it. |
| Spinning Hook Kick | The spinning hook kick is a difficult technique to execute, and you expose your back to the attacker. |
Training Kickboxing for Fitness, Competition, and Self-Defense – How are They Different?
Training for Kickboxing and self-defense requires different approaches depending on your goals. Whether you’re training for fitness, competition, or self-defense, it’s essential to understand the differences and what each method entails.
Training for Fitness/Cardio
Many people train in Kickboxing solely for fitness, as it’s an excellent way to improve cardiovascular health, increase strength, and burn calories. In this case, the focus is on developing proper technique and conditioning the body to perform various strikes and movements.
If you train only for cardio benefits, please don’t try to use your Kickboxing in a violent confrontation. You’ll have bad habits that could leave you exposed. A great example is people lowering their guard in a cardio kickboxing class. I’ve seen it countless times, do that at the gym, and no one says anything. But lower your guard in a street fight, and you might wake up in the hospital.
Training for Competition
For those who wish to compete in Kickboxing, the training focus shifts to sparring and developing more advanced techniques. Competitors must also have a deep understanding of the rules and regulations of the sport, as well as how to train to avoid injury. However, some may overlook the need for proper rest and recovery to prevent burnout and injury.
Training for Self-Defense
When it comes to self-defense training, things are different. Your main objective should be to learn practical techniques that are easy to execute in real-life situations, like simple strikes to create distance from attackers to run.
This means that training should involve scenarios that emulate real-life situations and be done under stress to replicate the adrenaline rush you may experience.
This is challenging, as most kickboxing gyms totally neglect the self-defense aspects of martial arts. However, it is still possible to find teachers to help you keep your techniques street ready too.
It’s essential to have a well-rounded understanding of different self-defense techniques and to practice them regularly. Situational awareness and de-escalation might be as effective in protecting you as a kick to the ribs.
Whether you’re training for fitness, competition, or self-defense, each approach requires unique skills and knowledge. If you’re developing a well-rounded set of skills, you can rely on your Kickboxing as a last resource if needed.
But be careful; a violent response in a self-defense scenario might carry legal consequences for you. It will be helpful if you review the self-defense laws in your State to make sure whether you have “stand your ground” laws.
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Combining Kickboxing with Other Martial Arts or Self-Defense Techniques – Filling the Gaps
Kickboxing is an excellent form of self-defense, but it becomes even more effective when combined with other martial arts or self-defense techniques. Here are some ways that you can enhance your kickboxing skills with different styles:
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a ground fighting technique that can be combined with Kickboxing to make you a well-rounded fighter. Jiu-Jitsu teaches you how to defend yourself on the ground and submit your opponent with joint locks and chokes.
- Krav Maga: Krav Maga is a self-defense system developed by the Israeli military. It teaches you how to defend yourself against armed and unarmed attackers. Combining Krav Maga with Kickboxing will give you a complete set of self-defense skills.
- Muay Thai: Muay Thai is a striking martial art similar to Kickboxing. However, Muay Thai also teaches you to clinch and control your opponent. Combining Muay Thai with Kickboxing will give you a more comprehensive range of striking techniques and a better understanding of clinching.
You can become a more well-rounded fighter by combining Kickboxing with other martial arts or self-defense techniques. You will have a broader set of skills and techniques to draw from, making you more effective in self-defense.
Kickboxing Gear for Self-Defense Training
To train Kickboxing for self-defense, you will need some basic gear. The following are the essential items you should have:
Boxing Gloves
Gloves are the most critical piece of gear for Kickboxing. They protect your hands and knuckles while you punch your sparring partner from injuries. Choosing gloves that fit you well and feel comfortable would be best.
Hand Wraps
Hand wraps are used to protect your hands and wrists from injuries. They also help to keep your gloves in place. It is recommended to wrap your hands before putting on your gloves.
Shin Guards
Shin guards are used to protecting your shins from injuries while kicking. They also protect your sparring partner from injuries. It would help if you chose shin guards that fit you well and feel comfortable.
Mouthguard
A mouthguard is used to protect your teeth and jaw from injuries. It is recommended to wear a mouthguard during sparring.
Headgear
It is used to protect your head from injuries. It is recommended to wear headgear during sparring.
Real-Life Examples of Kickboxing Used for Self-Defense
Here you can find two real-life examples of people using their Kickboxing skills for self-defense.
- https://abc13.com/mma-fighter-gas-station-robbery/230407/
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7739049/Kickboxer-beats-armed-burglar-catching-uncle-trying-steal-TV-home.html
Kickboxing for Self-Defense – Final Word
Kickboxing is an effective form of self-defense that can help individuals prepare for real-life situations. It provides physical fitness, strength, and the technique and knowledge to read and respond quickly to an attacker.
While Kickboxing does not teach grappling or ground combat, it does teach different techniques and skills, such as creating distance between yourself and an attacker through footwork. This can make it difficult for someone to physically harm you in a hand-to-hand combat situation if they can’t reach you.
It’s important to note that while Kickboxing can be helpful in self-defense situations, it is not a guarantee of safety. It’s always best to avoid dangerous situations whenever possible and seek professional training and guidance to ensure that you are adequately equipped to handle any situation.
