Once you have decided to learn self-defense, you have an overwhelming number of choices of disciplines to train in. One of the more popular choices is kickboxing, largely thanks to the popularity of mixed martial arts fighting. Today, we’ll look at Krav Maga vs Kickboxing. Kickboxing is a martial arts-based sport with rules and restrictions. Krav Maga is a self-defense system with no holds barred. The decision of whether to study and practice Krav Maga or Kickboxing will depend on your goals to learn a combat sport or a self-defense system.
What Is Krav Maga
Krav Maga’s roots go back to Bratislava, Czechoslovakia, in the 1930s. Founder Imi Lichtenfeld created Krav Maga out of necessity in order to help members of the Jewish community protect themselves from occupying Nazi forces.
Imi realized that street fighting and competitive fighting were incredibly different, and so adapted techniques from a number of influential martial arts based on which were most effective. The earlier forms of Krav Maga are carried on today by law enforcement and military personnel around the world, including the Israeli Defense Forces and various US Special Forces Units.
What Is Kickboxing
While officially Kickboxing is one of three styles, Japanese Kickboxing, American Kickboxing, or Dutch Kickboxing and their various spinoffs, it is often used to refer to any of a number of combat sports built around striking with both hands and feet, such as Muay Thai or full-contact Karate. The history varies with the discipline, but all are based around fighting an opponent with strikes from the hands, feet, and sometimes the knees and elbows.
There Are No Rules On The Street
Perhaps the first difference you’ll notice with Krav Maga vs Kickboxing is that Kickboxing is often considered a combat sport. While Kickboxing is an effective fighting style, the focus of your training will be on competition and how to beat opponents fighting in the same style in a controlled sports environment. Krav Maga, meanwhile, was developed for fighting and survival by every means available. There is no “cheating” in Krav Maga.
The next difference is the forms that offensive techniques take, an important consideration when choosing Krav Maga or Kickboxing as a self-defense art. Kickboxing emphasizes strikes, but strikes may not be the best choice. While Krav Maga trains many of the same striking techniques, it also features grappling, joint locks, and other body manipulations to create a more rounded offense.
Train For The Real World, Not The Ring
If you want training for self-defense purposes, the choice of Krav Maga vs Kickboxing is clear. We’re ready to help you learn defense skills for survival in real-world situations. Find a Krav Maga Worldwide location or affiliate and schedule your training in a Krav Maga self-defense class today.
