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

K-1. Kickboxing as a way of life

      Sergey Tsyrulnikov

      © Sergey Tsyrulnikov, 2024

      ISBN 978-5-0060-2160-0

      Created with Ridero smart publishing system

      K-1. Kickboxing as a way of life

      Dear Friend,

      If you have decided to embark on this amazing path of an athlete, fighter, kickboxer, then let me share with you one important secret. In this world full of challenges and trials, you will find something special that will distinguish you from many other people. Feel this magical feeling of your own uniqueness.

      But remember, with this feeling comes responsibility. You must learn to control it like a powerful weapon. Your heart should be open to kindness and compassion, and your mind should be cool and reasonable. After all, it is these qualities that make you not only a great athlete, but also a great person.

      Remember that in any situation, whether it is victory or defeat, you must remain a person with a capital letter. Justice, kindness and decency are the values that should always accompany you on this path. Do not forget that you will have to live with this feeling all your life. And even in many years, when you will no longer be as motivated and enthusiastic as you are now, remember that you are a fighter. Let your every step be filled not only with the desire to win, but also with the desire to be better than yesterday, as an athlete and as a person.

      In this book, I will tell you about K-1 kickboxing, technique, training, and preparation for competitions. The chapters in this book also cover advanced topics such as psychology and mental preparation in kickboxing, inspiring readers to practice K-1 kickboxing and live a fulfilling life. Such a book can help spread the popularity of this exciting combat sport.

      INTRODUCTION

      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 martial art and is a hybrid style of kickboxing that combines elements of full contact kickboxing, karate, boxing, and Muay Thai. With explosive fights that last three rounds, the K-1 provides non-stop action and is easy for spectators to see. K-1 has gained popularity around 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 broadcasts are available worldwide. K-1 is also popular among women, and female professional fighters are gaining more reach.

      However, he does not have a Japanese or Americanphilosophy of style in the literal sense. Instead, it can be said that K-1 incorporates elements of different styles and approaches, which can vary depending on the training school, coach, or fighter.

      But still, it is possible to identify some features and trends that are often associated with Japanese and Americanapproaches to kickboxing:

      Japanese philosophy in kickboxing usually includes respect for tradition and culture, as well as paying attention to the spiritual and ethical side of martial arts.

      The Japanese style of kickboxing can stand out for its aesthetic appeal and emphasis on graceful movements and good technique.

      Japanese fighters can have a wide range of skills and techniques, and they strive for versatile development to be ready for different situations in battle.

      The Americanstyle of kickboxing can be more energetic and focus on aggressiveness in the execution of punches and combinations.

      Americanfighters may place a high value on physical strength and fitness, striving to be strong and ready for high-intensity combat.

      The Americanstyle is characterized by the search for new techniques, strategies and training methods. Fighters should be open to experiments and innovations 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 nationalityor background.

      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.

      There are many benefits to learning K-1 kickboxing, including improved fitness, self-defense skills, and self-regulation under stress. K-1 kickboxing workouts include intense functional exercises that can lead to weight loss and improved cardiovascular health. K-1 kickboxing also teaches self-defense skills that can boost self-confidence and provide a sense of security. In addition, K-1 kickboxing can serve as a stress reliever, allowing participants to release pent-up energy and frustration. Group kickboxing classes can create a strong sense of community. A relationship with a coach can be an additional source of psychological support. Coaches can often act as motivators and mentors.

      CHAPTER 1: BASICS OF K-1 KICKBOXING

      Competition Rules:

      The rules of K-1 are not much different from other styles of kickboxing and emphasize the individuality of this direction. Fighters compete in a square ring and can use punches, kicks, and knees. Elbows and throws are prohibited. Matches consist of three or five rounds (in the case of a title fight) of three minutes each, where fighters are awarded points for hitting. A match can be completed by knockout (ko), technical knockout (TKO), decision (dec), disqualification (dq), draw or no contest.

      The referee and the doctor have the right to stop the fight. A fighter can be saved by throwing a towel into the ring only in the last round. The fight is judged by three side judges on a ten-point system (the winner of each round gets ten points, and the loser gets nine or less if the round is equal, both get ten points). If there is no winner after three rounds, then one or two additional three-minute rounds are appointed. In such a situation, only the extra round is judged. If there is still a draw after the extra rounds, then the judges evaluate the entire fight as a whole, taking into account even the slightest difference. A fight can be a draw if both fighters are unable to continue the fight at the same time, in case of injury.

      Three knockdowns in one round is a victory by technical knockout. After each knockdown, the referee counts down to eight, after which he decides whether the fighter can continue the fight. A fighter can only be saved by a gong in the last round.

      There are no restrictions or specific requirements regarding the minimum number of kicks per round.

      Kicks are allowed all over the body, except for the groin area.

      Knee strikes are allowed.

      Boxing gloves, an inguinal protector and a mouthguard to protect the teeth are mandatory elements of athletes’ equipment.

      Prohibited Activities in K-1:

      Using the head or elbows to strike and clinch is prohibited. Any throws, suffocating holds, blows to the throat and back of the head are also prohibited.

      Attacking the opponent while he is falling or rising is prohibited. Attacking an opponent after the referee’s command is not allowed.

      Arguing with the judge while in the ring is also prohibited by the current rules of kickboxing K-1.

      A fighter can be penalized as follows:

      A warning is a verbal reprimand by the referee.

      Warning – the fighter is shown a yellow card.

      Disqualification – the fighter is shown a red card.

      CHAPTER 2: TECHNIQUE AND TACTICS

      In K-1 kickboxing, 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 usually target the legs, body, and head, with the most popular being the opponent’s side kick to the thigh (low kick) and the roundhouse kick to the torso. Knee strikes are inflicted on the torso and head, and are often used in close combat.

      Defensive