K-1. Kickboxing as a way of life

K-1. Kickboxing as a way of life
Сергей Цырульников

This book aims to provide readers with a comprehensive guide to K-1 Kickboxing, including information on how to train, compete, and improve their skills in this exciting and challenging combat sport.

K-1. Kickboxing as a way of life

Сергей Цырульников

© Сергей Цырульников, 2023

ISBN 978-5-0060-2160-0

Created with Ridero smart publishing system

Introduction

This book will teach the reader about K-1 kickboxing, techniques, training, and competitions. The chapters also cover advanced topics such as psychology and mental training in kickboxing, inspiring readers to practice K-1 kickboxing and live a full life. Such a book can help spread the popularity of this exciting combat sport. K-1 was founded in 1993 and is a popular professional kickboxing promotion. The «K» in K-1 stands for karate, kung fu, kickboxing, and kempo. It is a popular form of martial arts and is a hybrid kickboxing style that combines elements of full contact kickboxing, karate, boxing and Muay Thai. Featuring explosive fights that last three rounds, K-1 provides non-stop action and is easily viewed by viewers. K-1 has gained popularity all over the world due to its fast-paced nature and the ability for fighters to give their all in every round. K-1 events have been held in many countries, and live broadcasts are available worldwide. K-1 is also popular among women, and professional female fighters are getting more and more coverage. However, he doesn’t have a Japanese or American style philosophy in the literal sense. Instead, we can say that K-1 includes elements of different styles and approaches, which may vary depending on the training school, coach, or fighter. But still, there are some features and trends that are often associated with the Japanese and American approaches to kickboxing: The Japanese philosophy in kickboxing usually includes respect for traditions and culture, as well as pays attention to the spiritual and ethical side of martial arts. The Japanese style of kickboxing can be distinguished by its aesthetic appeal and emphasis on grace of movement and good technique. Japanese fighters can have a wide range of skills and techniques, and they strive for versatile development in order to be prepared for various situations in battle. The American style of kickboxing can be more energetic and emphasize aggressiveness in the execution of punches and combinations. American fighters can attach great importance to physical strength and fitness, striving to be strong and ready for high-intensity combat. The American style is characterized by the search for new techniques, strategies and training methods. Fighters should be open to experimentation and innovation in the training process. However, it is important to understand that these general characteristics are not strict and comprehensive. K-1 attracts fighters from all over the world, and each fighter can have their own unique style and philosophy, regardless of their nationality or origin. K-1 is a unique combat sport that requires strength, speed and technique, and is one of the most exciting and memorable in the world of martial arts.

Chapter 1: K-1 Kickboxing Basics

K-1 rules are different from other kickboxing styles and emphasize percussive martial arts. Fighters compete in a square ring and can use punches, kicks and knees. Elbows and throws are prohibited. Matches consist of three rounds of three minutes each, where fighters are awarded points for striking. In case of a draw, an additional round can be added. K-1 kickboxing training offers many benefits, including improved fitness, self-defense skills, and stress relief. K-1 kickboxing workouts include intense functional training that can lead to weight loss and improved cardiovascular health. K-1 kickboxing also teaches self-defense skills that can increase self-confidence and provide a sense of security. In addition, K-1 kickboxing can serve as a stress reliever, allowing participants to release accumulated energy and frustration.

Chapter 2: K-1 Kickboxing Techniques and Tactics

Punches, kicks, and knees are the main techniques used to attack an opponent. Punches are usually delivered to the head and body, with the jab being the most commonly used punch. Kicks are usually aimed at the legs, body, and head, with the most popular being a roundhouse kick. Knee strikes are applied to the body and head, and are often used in close combat. Defensive techniques in K-1 kickboxing include blocking, stands, dives, inclines, sideways shifts, and clinches. Fighters can use their hands to block punches and kicks, or they can use their feet to restrain low kicks. Supports include a blind defense against an opponent’s attack with a quick movement of the hands or feet. Inclines involve moving the body quickly to avoid an incoming hit. It is important to understand that effective defense in K-1 requires a combination of proper technique, reaction speed, flexibility, and coordination. Regular training and practice of these defensive techniques will help you develop your skills and improve the level of defense during fights. To win in K-1 kickboxing, fighters must have a clear plan of action that takes into account the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent. One of the strategies is to use various techniques to guess the opponent. Another strategy is to focus on one particular technique and use it to wear down your opponent. Fighters should also be able to adapt to their opponent’s style during combat and make adjustments accordingly. Finally, psychological resilience and physical fitness are also important factors in winning kickboxing. The choice of K-1 kickboxing strategy and tactics will depend on the physical and anatomical characteristics of the individual athlete. A successful fighter should be able to adapt their battle plan to use their strengths while minimizing their weaknesses. Defensive techniques in K-1 kickboxing include blocking, parrying, and dodging, while winning strategies include a robust battle plan, adaptability, and the ability to think in combat conditions and resist physical fatigue. So kickboxing requires a combination of strength, speed, and technique. In addition, psychological factors such as self-confidence, motivation, optimism, mental resilience and resilience, as well as a high ability to adapt contribute to the success of kickboxing. As in any martial art, it is important for kickboxers to develop individual programs of strength and functional training that are aimed at reducing injuries, balancing postural habits and strength imbalances, increasing energy supply and its rational use, as well as increasing the maximum strength and strength potential of fighters. In combat sports like K-1 kickboxing, strategy and tactics play a crucial role in winning matches. These strategies and tactics are often influenced by the athlete’s anatomical features and physical abilities. For example, taller fighters with longer limbs can use their reach advantage to keep their opponents at a comfortable distance and throw punches from a distance. Conversely, shorter fighters with a lower center of gravity can use their agility and quickness to penetrate the enemy’s defenses and deliver devastating blows. Other factors that can influence an athlete’s strategy and tactics include their overall fitness level, strength, and endurance. Fighters with greater cardiovascular endurance can use a high-tempo fighting style where they relentlessly attack their opponents with punches and combinations. Conversely, fighters with more explosive power can rely on their ability to deliver single, but lightning-fast and crushing knockout blows. Some tactics in K-1 kickboxing include using feints and non-standard stands to organize punches, using footwork to move out of the line of attack, and using defensive hand techniques to avoid punches and counterattacks. Fighters can also use various combinations and bundles of punches and kicks to disorient their opponents and open up opportunities for effective attacks. The sequence of mastering technical actions and techniques in K-1 kickboxing can be as follows: Basic stands: Start by learning basic K-1 kickboxing techniques, such as the combat stance (front), side stance, and half-body stance. Explain how to properly position your legs, arms, and torso for optimal defense and attack. Punches: Go on to learn basic punches, including the straight punch, hook, uppercut, and swing. Explain the correct punching technique, including turning your body, working your shoulders, and moving your body weight for maximum strength and efficiency. Straight Punch (Jab): This is a front-handed kick performed in a straight direction from the shoulder. A direct kick is usually fast and is used to measure distance, disrupt the opponent’s defense, or prepare for a combination. A cross is a powerful straight punch. It is performed with the back hand and is aimed at the head or body of the opponent. Hook: The hook is performed with a side arc, with the hand going from the center to the opponent’s shoulder. The hook is often directed from the side to the opponent’s jaw or body and can be used for knockout purposes. Uppercut: An uppercut is performed with an upward lifting motion of the arm. It is aimed at the opponent’s chin or body. The uppercut is usually used at short range and can be effective when working inside a melee. Swing (Overhand): Swing is a kick performed with a rotational movement of the arm from top to bottom. It is used to break through the opponent’s defense and can be aimed at the head or body. Kicking: Training in basic kicks such as low kick, high kick, mid-level side kick, front kick, roundhouse kick, and knee kicks. Pay attention to proper punching techniques, including foot positioning, direction and timing of the kick, and the importance of flexibility and balance. Low Kick: A low kick is performed with the foot, aiming at the opponent’s thigh or shin. It is aimed at weakening the leg and undermining the opponent’s stance. High Kick: A high kick is performed with the foot, aiming for the opponent’s head or neck. It can be a powerful knockout weapon. Side kick above the waist (Middle Kick): A side kick is performed with a lateral rotational movement of the leg directed at the side of the opponent’s body. It can be used to attack the liver, ribs, or side of the head. The front kick, or push kick, is one of the main kicks in K-1 kickboxing. This kick is performed using the front leg and is directed forward. It is used to create distance, control the opponent, or strike. It is performed by lifting the front leg and releasing it straight forward in the direction of the opponent’s body, using the lift of the foot or foot for contact. Spinning back kick: Rotate your body to the left (if you feel more comfortable), while the right leg moves in a circle back, and then release a reverse kick, aiming at the head or body of the opponent. Knee Strike: A knee strike is performed by lifting the knee forward. The knee can be aimed at the opponent’s torso, hip, or head. Combinations: After mastering basic punches, move on to learning different punch combinations, which include combining punches and kicks in a smooth and effective combination. Teach the kickboxer different combinations, such as: Front kick, right straight, left hook. Right cross, left hook, and right high kick. Left uppercut, right uppercut, left low kick. Left jab, right cross, left low kick. These are just some examples of basic combinations in K-1. Fighters can create their own combinations by combining different punches and kicks depending on the situation and their strategy. Blocking and dodging: There are various methods of defending yourself from your opponent’s punches. This is protection of the torso, arms and legs. Explain various blocking techniques such as hand block, leg block, and parry. Train the kickboxer in timing and coordination of blocking and dodging. Below is a description of the main defensive actions in K-1: Torso Defense: Evasion: Evasion is one of the main methods of defense in K-1 kickboxing. This is moving the torso to the side or back to avoid any blows from the opponent. Evasion requires good coordination and quick reactions. Blocking: Blocking is used to soften or completely absorb the opponent’s blows. K-1 kickboxing uses various types of locks, such as hand blocking, kick blocking, and parry. Blocking must be properly combined with dodging and counterattacking. Hand Blocking: Hand Blocking involves using your hands to block and defend against an opponent’s punches. This can be done by raising your arms up or by making cross contact in front of your head and body. Parrying: Parrying is a method of active defense in which the hand is used to deflect or divert an opponent’s blow to the side. Parry allows you to react quickly and create opportunities for counterattacks. Leg Blocking: Leg Blocking involves using your feet to block an opponent’s kicks. This can be accomplished by lifting the leg or using the leg to intercept a kick. Leg Evasion: Leg evasion involves moving the foot to the side or back to avoid kicking an opponent. Dodging with your feet requires good agility and balance. It is important to remember that proper defense in K-1 kickboxing involves combining various techniques and correctly using evasion and blocking techniques to minimize the damage received. Sparring: In the process of learning and improving technical actions and techniques, conduct training sparring sessions where the kickboxer can put their skills into practice in a controlled environment. Sparring helps you develop your reaction time, speed, coordination, and fight strategy It is important to remember that K-1 kickboxing training should be conducted under the guidance of a trainer.