Editing Kickboxing (section)

== Techniques ==
=== Punching ===
Punching techniques are very much identical to [[boxing punches]], including
* [[Jab]] – straight punch from the front hand. The arm extends from the side of the torso which is quickly turned concurrently with this action. A jab may be directed at an opponent's head or body, and is often used in conjunction with the cross.
* [[Cross (boxing)|Cross]] – straight punch from the back hand
* [[Hook (boxing)|Hook]] – rounded punch to either the head or body in an arching motion, usually not scored in points scoring
* [[Uppercut]] – rising punch striking to the chin
* [[Backfist]] usually from the front hand, '''reverse-back fist''' and ''' spinning back-fist ''' both usually from the back hand – are strikes to the head, raising the arm and bending the arm at the elbow and then straightening the arm quickly to strike to the side of the head with the rear of the knuckles.
* [[Superman punch|Flying-punch]] struck usually from the rear hand, the combatant hops on the front foot, kicking back with the rear foot and simultaneously extending the rear hand as a punch, in the form of "superman" flying through the sky.
* [[Drop (boxing)|Overhand]] (''overcut'' or ''drop'') – a semi-circular and vertical punch thrown with the rear hand. It is usually performed when the opponent is [[Bobbing (boxing)|bobbing]] or [[slipping]]. The strategic utility of the drop relying on body weight can deliver a great deal of power.
* [[Bolo punch]] – a combination of a wide [[uppercut]]/right cross/[[Swing (boxing)|swing]] that was delivered seemingly from the floor.
*[[Punch (combat)|Haymaker]] - The Haymaker is a wide angle punch similar to a hook, but instead of getting power from body rotation, it gets its power from its large loop. It is considered an unsophisticated punch, and leaves one open to a counter.

=== Kicking ===
[[File:Roundhouse-kick.jpg|thumb|Roundhouse kick]]
The standard kicking techniques are:
* [[Roundhouse kick]] or ''circle kick'' – Striking with the front of the foot or the shin to the head or the body in a ''chopping'' motion
* [[Front kick]] or ''push Kick/high Kick'' – Striking face or chest on with the balls of the foot
* [[Side kick]] – Striking with the heel of the foot with leg parallel to the ground, can be performed to either the head, leg or body
* [[Semi-circular kick]] or ''forty five degree roundhouse kick''

There are a large number of special or variant kicking techniques, including spinning kicks, jumping kicks, and other variants such as
* [[Hook kick]] (heel kick) – Extending the leg out to the side of the body, and hooking the leg back to strike the head with either the heel or sole
* [[Crescent kick]] and ''forward crescent kick''
* [[Axe kick]] – is a ''stomp out kick'' or '' axe kick''. The stomp kick normally travels downward, striking with the side or base heel (typically the base heel)
* [[Back kick]] – is delivered with the base heel of the foot.
* Sweeping – One foot or both feet of an opponent may be swept depending upon their position, balance and strength.
Spinning versions of the back, side, hook and axe kicks can also be performed along with jumping versions of all kicks.

=== Knee ===
The knee techniques in Japanese kickboxing, indicative of its Muay Thai heritage, are the main difference that separates this style from other kickboxing rules.<ref>{{Cite web|title=List of Kickboxing Moves|url=https://www.sportsrec.com/5060439/list-of-kickboxing-moves|access-date=2021-01-14|website=SportsRec|language=en}}</ref>
See ''[[Muay Thai#Knee|ti khao]]'' for details.
* '''Straight knee''' (long-range knee kick or front heel kick). This knee strike is delivered with the back or reverse foot against an opponent's stomach, groin, hip or spine an opponent forward by the neck, shoulder or arm.
* '''Flying knee''' – can be delivered with the front or back foot. It makes an explosive snap upwards to strike an opponent's face, chin, throat or chest.
* '''Hook knee''' – can be delivered with the front or back foot. It makes a half circle spin and strikes the sides of an opponent.
* '''Side knee''' – is a highly-deceptive knee technique used in close-range fighting. The knee is lifted to the toes or lifted up, and is snapped to left and right, striking an opponent's sensitive knee joints, insides of thighs, groin.

=== Defense ===
There are three main defensive positions (guards or styles) used in kickboxing. Within each style, there is considerable variation among fighters, as some fighters may have their guard higher for more head protection while others have their guard lower to provide better protection against body punches. Many fighters vary their defensive style throughout a bout in order to adapt to the situation of the moment, choosing the position best suited to protect them.

* Slip – '''[[Slipping]]''' rotates the body slightly so that an incoming punch passes harmlessly next to the head. As the opponent's punch arrives, the boxer sharply rotates the hips and shoulders. This turns the chin sideways and allows the punch to "slip" past. Muhammad Ali was famous for extremely fast and close slips.
* '''[[Bob and weave]]''' – '''[[Bobbing (boxing)|bobbing]]''' moves the head laterally and beneath an incoming punch. As the opponent's punch arrives, the kickboxer bends the legs quickly and simultaneously shifts the body either slightly right or left. Once the punch has been evaded, the kickboxer "weaves" back to an upright position, emerging on either the outside or inside of the opponent's still-extended arm. To move outside the opponent's extended arm is called "bobbing to the outside". To move inside the opponent's extended arm is called "bobbing to the inside".
*Blocking – defender's hard blocks to stop a strike in its path so preventing it reaching its target (e.g. the shin block described in more detail below)
* Parry/Block – '''[[Parrying (boxing)|Parrying]]''' or '''[[Blocking (martial arts)|blocking]]''' uses the kickboxer's hands as defensive tools to deflect incoming attacks. As the opponent's punch arrives, the boxer delivers a sharp, lateral, open-handed blow to the opponent's wrist or forearm, redirecting the punch.
* The cover-up – '''[[Blocking (martial arts)|Covering]] up''' is the last opportunity to avoid an incoming strike to an unprotected face or body. Generally speaking, the hands are held high to protect the head and chin and the forearms are tucked against the torso to impede body shots. When protecting the body, the kickboxer rotates the hips and lets incoming punches "roll" off the guard. To protect the head, the kickboxer presses both fists against the front of the face with the forearms parallel and facing outwards. This type of guard is weak against attacks from below.
* The [[Stand-up grappling position|clinch]] – '''[[Clinching position|Clinching]]''' is a form of standing [[grappling]] and occurs when the distance between both fighters has closed and straight punches cannot be employed. In this situation, the kickboxer attempts to [[Grappling hold|hold]] or "tie up" the opponent's hands or enter [[Clinch fighting|neck wrestling]] position. In one way to perform a clinch, the kickboxer loops both hands around the outside of the opponent's shoulders, scooping back under the forearms to grasp the opponent's arms tightly against his own body. In this position, the opponent's arms are pinned and cannot be used to attack. Other forms of clinch involve getting control of opponents neck by [[collar tie]] or upper body by [[underhook]]s, [[overhook]]s and [[Bear hug|body lock]]. It is often in the clinch where knee, elbow, sweep and throw techniques are used.