The 5 Best Kickboxing Techniques for Beginners
How many times have you seen a person in a Kickboxing class and thought, Oh my God, I could never do that!? Kickboxing looks super tough—and it can be! But if you’re a beginner at kickboxing, you might be surprised to know that some of the hardest looking moves are actually some of the easiest for beginners to learn and master. In this guide, we’ll share with you the top 5 kickboxing techniques that beginners should learn first.
1) Jab
Not only is it one of the first kickboxing techniques you’ll learn in class, but it can be one of your most powerful weapons when executed correctly. The jab is an extremely fast strike that will surprise your opponent when they’re least expecting it. Jabbing also helps you establish a rhythm throughout your sparring rounds and helps you pace yourself in long fight sessions.
2) Cross
Cross is an advanced technique where you get your leg across your opponent’s neck or head, opening them up to attack. This move works best against a standing opponent, but can be used from a variety of positions as well. The step-by-step guide below will show you how to perform a basic cross. It’s worth practicing it at full speed with a training partner until you feel comfortable with it before taking it into a sparring session.
3) Hook kick
The hook kick is one of the more complex kicks in kickboxing, but it’s also one of the most effective. So what makes it so great? First, you can throw a side kick without putting too much stress on your knees. Second, you’re putting all your weight behind it. This means you can bring down almost any target with a good hook kick to its leg. To perform a hook kick, make sure your feet are shoulder-width apart and turn your hips to about 75 degrees to increase power.
4) Uppercut
The uppercut, delivered with full force to your opponent’s chin or midsection, can be lethal. Learn how to throw an uppercut using your arms, back, hips and legs to maximize power. Even if you’re not throwing your first punch ever in a real-life confrontation, practicing uppercuts will make you more powerful in general.
5) Body Shot
This is an easy and safe kickboxing technique for beginners. To make it even easier, use a pad or kick shield, which you can buy at any martial arts or fitness store. Start with your hand open and facing up, just like you would if you were blocking a punch. When your partner throws a jab at your face, block it with your open hand. Then lift that arm quickly to throw a quick left hook into their body.
