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A Guide to Cardio Kickboxing Training: How It Can Help You in Martial Arts Kickboxing Class


Cardio kickboxing has become a popular workout option for those looking to break a sweat while learning some basic martial arts moves. But what many may not realise is that it can also serve as a fantastic supplement for individuals training in martial arts kickboxing. If you’re already attending martial arts kickboxing classes or planning to do so, cardio kickboxing can help you build essential skills that enhance your performance.

In this guide, we’ll explore the core principles of cardio kickboxing, how it differs from martial arts kickboxing, and most importantly, how it can boost your martial arts training, making you faster, stronger, and more agile in class.

Cardio kickboxing is an excellent way to complement your martial arts kickboxing training by improving your fitness, agility, and endurance.

 

What is Cardio Kickboxing?

Cardio kickboxing is a high-energy fitness workout that combines elements of martial arts, boxing, and aerobics. Unlike martial arts kickboxing, which focuses on sparring, self-defence, and combat techniques, cardio kickboxing emphasizes improving cardiovascular endurance, burning calories, and full-body toning. It’s typically done without contact, so participants punch and kick into the air or against pads without engaging in actual combat.

While the focus in cardio kickboxing is on fitness rather than fighting, many of the movements are derived from martial arts kickboxing, including punches, kicks, and knee strikes.

The Benefits of Cardio Kickboxing for Martial Arts Training

If you’re serious about improving your martial arts kickboxing, cardio kickboxing can be a game-changer. Here’s how:

1. Boosts Cardiovascular Endurance

In martial arts kickboxing, rounds can last several minutes, requiring high levels of stamina and endurance. Cardio kickboxing workouts are designed to keep your heart rate elevated for an extended period, which directly translates into better endurance in. Regularly doing cardio kickboxing can help you last longer in sparring rounds without getting winded or fatigued.

2. Improves Agility and Footwork

Cardio kickboxing involves a lot of fast footwork, rapid direction changes, and quick bursts of movement, all of which are crucial in martial arts kickboxing. By improving your agility through cardio kickboxing, you’ll be able to move more swiftly around your opponent, dodge attacks, and deliver more precise strikes.

3. Enhances Coordination and Balance

One of the key skills required in martial arts kickboxing is the ability to coordinate punches and kicks while maintaining your balance. In cardio kickboxing, you’re constantly moving and transitioning between strikes, helping to refine your coordination. This practice can make you more fluid and balanced when throwing combinations in class or during sparring.

4. Develops Core Strength

A strong core is vital in martial arts kickboxing, as it stabilises your movements and provides the power behind your strikes. Cardio kickboxing places a heavy emphasis on engaging your core through twisting punches, kicks, and rotational movements. This core strength will improve your ability to absorb strikes, maintain good posture, and generate force when attacking.

5. Improves Technique Repetition

Cardio kickboxing gives you the chance to repeatedly practice your punches, kicks, and defensive moves at a fast pace. Although it might not involve the same level of precision required in martial arts kickboxing, the repetition of these movements helps ingrain proper technique into your muscle memory. The more familiar your body is with the mechanics of these moves, the more natural and effective they will be in a martial arts setting.

6. Increases Power and Speed

In martial arts, the power behind your strikes is critical. Cardio kickboxing forces you to throw rapid, forceful punches and kicks in combination, training your muscles for speed and power. The high-intensity nature of cardio kickboxing also trains your body to respond quickly and forcefully in short bursts, improving your ability to strike explosively when needed.

7. Helps with Mental Focus and Discipline

Martial arts kickboxing isn’t just about physical prowess; it requires mental focus and discipline. Cardio kickboxing, with its structured sequences and fast pace, helps you stay mentally engaged throughout the workout. This kind of mental sharpness carries over to your martial arts training, where you’ll need to remain focused during long sparring sessions and react quickly to an opponent’s movements.

How Cardio Kickboxing Differs from Martial Arts Kickboxing

While cardio kickboxing offers numerous benefits for your martial arts kickboxing training, it’s important to understand the key differences between the two.

  • Purpose: Cardio kickboxing is designed for fitness, focusing on burning calories, toning muscles, and improving cardiovascular health. Martial arts kickboxing, on the other hand, focuses on mastering specific techniques, defending yourself, and engaging in combat or sparring.
  • Contact: In cardio kickboxing, there is no physical contact with an opponent. You’ll be punching and kicking into the air or pads. In martial arts kickboxing, contact is an essential part of training, as you’ll be learning how to block, counter, and spar against a real opponent.
  • Precision: Cardio kickboxing focuses on repetitive, fast-paced movements that may not always emphasize perfect form. In contrast, martial arts kickboxing requires precise technique and body mechanics to execute powerful and effective strikes.
  • Progression: Martial arts kickboxing involves learning progressively harder techniques and potentially moving through belt rankings or skill levels. Cardio kickboxing is less structured in terms of progression, as the main goal is fitness improvement rather than skill mastery.

Cardio Kickboxing Moves that Will Improve Your Martial Arts Kickboxing

While there are many overlapping moves between cardio kickboxing and martial arts kickboxing, here are some essential techniques from cardio kickboxing that can elevate your martial arts training:

1. Jab and Cross

These basic punches are fundamental in both cardio and martial arts kickboxing. Practicing them in cardio kickboxing will help you perfect your speed and timing, key elements when landing effective strikes on an opponent.

  • Jab: A quick, straight punch from your lead hand, designed to set up other punches.
  • Cross: A powerful straight punch from your rear hand, typically thrown after a jab.

2. Hook

A hook is a circular punch aimed at your opponent’s head or body. Repeatedly practicing hooks in cardio kickboxing will help you develop both speed and coordination, which is important for catching opponents off guard in martial arts kickboxing.

3. Front Kick

The front kick is a direct, fast kick aimed at an opponent’s midsection. Practicing front kicks during cardio kickboxing will improve your balance and form, as well as strengthen your legs and core.

4. Roundhouse Kick

This kick involves a sweeping motion targeting your opponent’s head or body. While it’s a key move in both cardio and martial arts kickboxing, practicing it in cardio kickboxing will help you develop the hip mobility, speed, and flexibility needed to execute a clean, powerful kick.

5. Knee Strikes

Knee strikes are commonly used in martial arts kickboxing to target the opponent’s torso or head during close-range combat. Practicing knee strikes in cardio kickboxing will strengthen your legs and core while improving your ability to generate force in close quarters.

Tips for Combining Cardio Kickboxing and Martial Arts Kickboxing

  1. Focus on Form in Martial Arts Class: While cardio kickboxing builds endurance and strength, remember that precision and technique are critical in martial arts kickboxing. Always prioritise correct form during your martial arts training.
  2. Don’t Overtrain: Both cardio kickboxing and martial arts kickboxing are intense. Be mindful of how much you’re pushing yourself, and allow for proper recovery time to prevent injury.
  3. Cross-Train for Specific Goals: If you want to increase your kicking power, focus on lower body exercises in your cardio kickboxing classes. Similarly, if you need more upper body endurance, emphasise punches and core strength in your cardio sessions.
  4. Integrate Shadowboxing: Shadowboxing is a great way to bridge the gap between cardio kickboxing and martial arts training. Practicing your martial arts kickboxing techniques in front of a mirror will help reinforce proper form while benefiting from the conditioning of cardio.

Conclusion

Cardio kickboxing is an excellent way to complement your martial arts kickboxing training by improving your fitness, agility, and endurance. With consistent practice, you’ll find yourself becoming quicker, stronger, and more confident in your martial arts classes. So, whether you’re looking to boost your stamina, refine your technique, or just get in better shape, incorporating cardio kickboxing into your routine can elevate your martial arts performance to the next level.

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