High-energy striking sport combining boxing punches with kicks
Join This Class All ClassesKickboxing emerged in the 1960s-70s as a hybrid combat sport, developed separately in Japan (blending karate and Muay Thai influences) and the United States (blending boxing with karate-style kicks). It grew quickly as both a competitive full-contact sport and a popular fitness discipline, and today exists in several rule-sets (K-1, full-contact, point-based) used across gyms and tournaments worldwide.
Kickboxing's major international governing body is the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), which is recognised by the International Olympic Committee and oversees world championships across multiple rule disciplines. National-level kickboxing associations in India affiliate with WAKO to select athletes for international competition.
Students who reach state, national or international medal standard in recognised martial arts tournaments may become eligible for benefits under Government of India and Tamil Nadu sports schemes — including Khelo India scholarships, Sports Authority of India (SAI) support, and sports-quota consideration in select educational institutions and government recruitment. Eligibility criteria, documentation and scheme availability change from time to time and are decided by the respective government departments — please confirm current rules directly with SAI / the relevant department, or ask us and we'll point you in the right direction.
