A Brief Overview of American Shin Karate, Full Contact Karate, Kickboxing, and Kyokushin
When it comes to martial arts, there are numerous styles and disciplines to choose from. Four popular forms of martial arts that focus on striking techniques and full contact combat are American Shin Karate, Full Contact Karate, Kickboxing, and Kyokushin. Each of these styles has its own unique characteristics and training methods. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
American Shin Karate
American Shin Karate is a modern martial art that combines elements of traditional karate with techniques from other combat sports. It was developed in the United States and emphasizes practical self-defense techniques and full contact sparring. The training in American Shin Karate focuses on strikes, kicks, punches, and throws, with an emphasis on speed, agility, and accuracy. It also incorporates various grappling techniques and ground fighting.
American Shin Karate practitioners train in a controlled and structured environment, with an emphasis on discipline, respect, and personal growth. The style promotes physical fitness, mental focus, and self-confidence. It is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, making it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced martial artists.
Full Contact Karate
Full Contact Karate, also known as Knockdown Karate, is a style of karate that focuses on full contact sparring. It originated in Japan and gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s. Unlike traditional karate, which often involves light or semi-contact sparring, full contact karate practitioners engage in intense and aggressive fighting, aiming to knock their opponents down.
In full contact karate, fighters wear protective gear, including gloves, shin guards, and mouthguards. Matches are typically held in a ring, and fighters use a combination of punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes to score points or achieve a knockout. The style places a strong emphasis on physical conditioning, strength, and endurance.
Kickboxing
Kickboxing is a hybrid martial art that combines elements of boxing and karate. It originated in Japan and gained popularity in the United States in the 1970s. Kickboxing matches involve strikes using both the hands and legs, making it a highly dynamic and fast-paced sport.
There are different styles of kickboxing, including American Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Dutch Kickboxing, each with its own set of rules and techniques. Common techniques in kickboxing include punches, kicks, knee strikes, and clinching. Matches can take place in a ring or a cage, depending on the ruleset.
Kyokushin
Kyokushin is a style of full contact karate that was founded in Japan by Masutatsu Oyama in the 1960s. It is known for its rigorous training methods and emphasis on physical conditioning. Kyokushin practitioners engage in intense sparring matches, where punches, kicks, knee strikes, and throws are allowed.
What sets Kyokushin apart from other styles of karate is its focus on full contact strikes and its lack of protective gear during sparring. This style places a strong emphasis on discipline, perseverance, and the development of a strong spirit. Kyokushin tournaments are known for their intense and demanding nature, attracting dedicated martial artists from around the world.
In conclusion, American Shin Karate, Full Contact Karate, Kickboxing, and Kyokushin are all dynamic and physically demanding martial arts styles that focus on striking techniques and full contact combat. Whether you’re looking for self-defense skills, physical fitness, or a competitive sport, these styles offer a range of training methods and opportunities for personal growth.