Boxing

Savate is a French martial art that combines elements of boxing and kicking techniques. Practitioners use their fists, feet, and legs to strike opponents, with a focus on precise, controlled kicks, such as the front kick, side kick, and spinning kicks. The sport emphasizes agility, flexibility, and footwork, allowing athletes to move quickly and strike from different angles. Savate training involves developing both offensive and defensive techniques, with an emphasis on timing, distance, and strategy. While it is practiced for both self-defense and sport, savate also promotes physical fitness, coordination, and mental discipline.

K-1 is a combat sport and a popular fighting competition that combines elements of kickboxing, Muay Thai, and traditional boxing. The sport allows fighters to use punches, kicks, knees, and sometimes elbows to score points or achieve knockouts. K-1 events are known for their fast-paced action and aggressive fighting style. Fighters are trained in multiple striking techniques and focus on speed, power, and agility. K-1 has gained international recognition for its exciting, high-intensity matches, and it has become a major platform for professional kickboxers to showcase their skills.

A jab is a quick, straight punch thrown with the front hand, usually aimed at an opponent's face or upper body. It is one of the most basic and commonly used punches in boxing and other striking sports. The jab is typically thrown to create distance, set up other punches, or test the opponent's defense. It is often used to control the pace of a fight, as it can be fast and difficult for the opponent to avoid. The jab helps establish rhythm, measure distance, and can be a key tool in both offense and defense.

A cross is a powerful, straight punch thrown with the rear hand, typically aimed at an opponent's head or upper body. It is one of the most effective punches in boxing and other striking sports. The cross is often used after a jab, creating a combination that allows the fighter to generate more force. It is thrown with the body rotating to add power and is designed to land quickly and sharply. The cross is a key tool for both offensive attacks and countering an opponent's moves.

A hook is a punch thrown in a circular motion with the lead or rear hand, typically aimed at an opponent's head or body. It is a powerful, close-range strike that travels around the opponent’s defense, often targeting the side of the head or ribs. The hook is effective in breaking through defenses or countering an opponent’s punches. It is a common technique used in boxing and other striking sports, relying on body rotation and shoulder movement to deliver forceful impacts. The hook is useful in combinations and can quickly change the momentum of a fight.

An uppercut is a punch thrown in an upward motion, typically aimed at an opponent's chin or body. It is a powerful strike used at close range, often when the opponent is bending forward or coming in for an attack. The uppercut is delivered by bending the knees and driving the punch upward with the rear or lead hand, using the legs and torso for added power. This punch is effective for breaking through an opponent’s guard and can cause significant damage if landed cleanly.

A body punch is a strike aimed at an opponent’s torso, usually targeting the ribs, stomach, or midsection. It can be delivered with different types of punches, such as jabs, hooks, or uppercuts, and is often used to weaken or tire the opponent. Body punches are effective in breaking an opponent’s defense and setting up headshots. These punches require good timing and accuracy, as hitting the body can drain an opponent's energy, reduce their movement, and create openings for further attacks.

A roundhouse kick is a powerful strike where the leg is swung in a circular motion, typically aimed at an opponent's head, body, or legs. It is often delivered with the lead or rear leg and involves rotating the hips for added power. The kick relies on the speed and momentum of the leg as it swings around to make contact. The roundhouse kick is commonly used in martial arts such as karate, Muay Thai, and kickboxing, and is effective at closing the distance between fighters or breaking through defenses.

A bob and weave is a defensive movement used in boxing and other striking sports to avoid punches. The technique involves bending the knees, lowering the body, and quickly moving the head side to side in a smooth, weaving motion. This allows a fighter to slip under or around an incoming punch, making it harder for the opponent to land a clean hit. The bob and weave helps maintain balance and prepares the fighter to counterattack or reposition. It is an essential skill for evading punches while staying in a good position to strike back.

Head movement is a defensive technique used in boxing and other combat sports to avoid incoming strikes by shifting the head. It involves subtle motions such as slipping, ducking, weaving, or rolling the head to the side or under a punch. By moving the head, a fighter can make it difficult for an opponent to land clean hits while staying in a position to counterattack. Effective head movement requires good timing, reflexes, and awareness, helping the fighter avoid damage and control the flow of the fight. It is an important skill for both defense and creating openings for offensive strikes.

A check hook is a defensive punch used in boxing and other striking sports. It is typically thrown when an opponent is rushing forward or trying to close the distance. The fighter steps slightly to the side while simultaneously throwing a hook. This allows them to avoid the incoming attack while landing the punch on the opponent's head or body. The check hook is effective at disrupting the opponent's momentum and creating space. It requires good timing and positioning, often catching an aggressive opponent off guard and setting up opportunities for further attacks.

A low kick is a strike aimed at an opponent's lower body, typically targeting the thighs or legs, especially the outer thigh or calf. It is commonly used in Muay Thai, kickboxing, and other striking sports. The low kick is effective for weakening the opponent's stance, slowing them down, and creating openings for other strikes. It can also disrupt their balance and movement, making it harder for them to counterattack. The kick is usually delivered with the shin, using body rotation for power, and can be thrown quickly to target the legs while staying at a safe distance.

A stoppage is a term used in combat sports to describe the end of a fight before the scheduled time due to certain conditions. This can happen for reasons such as one fighter being unable to continue due to injury, a knockout, or the referee determining that one fighter is no longer able to defend themselves properly. A stoppage can also occur if a fighter violates the rules or if the fight becomes unsafe. In some cases, the fight is stopped by the referee, while in others, the decision may be made by the medical team or officials.

A knockout (KO) occurs in combat sports when one fighter is rendered unconscious or unable to continue the fight after being struck by a powerful punch, kick, or strike. This usually happens when the blow to the head or body is forceful enough to cause a loss of consciousness, leaving the opponent unable to defend themselves. A knockout is one of the most decisive ways to end a fight, and it is often celebrated as a display of skill and power. In many combat sports, a KO results in an immediate victory for the fighter who delivered the strike.

A knockout punch is a powerful strike delivered during a fight that causes the opponent to lose consciousness or become unable to continue. This punch is typically aimed at the head, especially the chin or temple, as it can disrupt the opponent's balance and cause a sudden loss of awareness. The knockout punch is often the result of precise timing, speed, and power, and it is one of the most effective ways to end a fight quickly. In many combat sports, landing a knockout punch can secure an immediate victory.

A technical knockout (TKO) occurs when a fighter is unable to continue the fight due to injury, exhaustion, or being overwhelmed by their opponent, even if they have not been knocked out. The referee or the medical team may decide to stop the fight for safety reasons. A TKO can happen when a fighter is unable to defend themselves properly or when they are deemed unable to continue fighting in a safe manner. It can also result from a series of unanswered strikes, leading to the fight being stopped before a knockout occurs. A TKO is a common way to end a fight in many combat sports.

A split decision is a result in combat sports when the judges are divided in their scoring of the fight. Two of the judges may score the fight in favor of one fighter, while the third judge scores it for the other fighter. In this case, the fighter who receives the majority of the judges' votes wins the fight. A split decision indicates that the fight was close, with differing opinions on who performed better. It is often seen in competitive matches where both fighters display strong skills and put up a difficult fight against one another.

Shadowboxing is a training exercise in which a fighter practices their movements, strikes, and footwork without a partner or equipment. The fighter moves around as if engaging an opponent, throwing punches, blocks, and defensive maneuvers in the air. This exercise helps improve technique, speed, coordination, and stamina, allowing the fighter to focus on form and timing. Shadowboxing is commonly used in boxing, kickboxing, and other combat sports as a warm-up or part of a workout routine, and it helps build muscle memory for real fighting situations.

Sparring is a form of practice in combat sports where two fighters engage in a controlled, non-competitive match to improve their skills, technique, and timing. Unlike a real fight, sparring is typically done with protective gear and under agreed-upon rules to ensure safety. It allows fighters to test their abilities against an opponent, practice offensive and defensive techniques, and learn to adapt in a live situation. Sparring is used in sports like boxing, kickboxing, martial arts, and mixed martial arts as a way to prepare for actual competitions.

Roadwork refers to running or jogging as part of a training routine for combat sports, particularly boxing. It is often done outdoors, typically on streets or roads, and helps improve endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and stamina. Roadwork usually involves long, steady runs or sprints to help athletes enhance their overall conditioning and physical preparation for fights. It is considered an important part of a fighter's training, as it helps build the strength and energy needed to perform well during a match.

Peekaboo is a boxing stance and style that involves keeping the hands high, with the fists held near the face, while maintaining a crouched position. This stance is designed to protect the head and face while allowing the fighter to quickly slip and weave around punches. It emphasizes fast head movements and defensive techniques, making it effective for counterattacking. The peekaboo style is known for its aggressive and close-range fighting, relying on quick reflexes and precise timing to land powerful punches while avoiding incoming strikes.

A southpaw stance is a position used by left-handed fighters in boxing, where the right hand and right foot are placed forward, while the left hand and left foot are positioned at the back. This stance is the opposite of the more common orthodox stance, which is used by right-handed fighters. In the southpaw stance, the left hand is usually the lead hand, used for power punches, while the right hand is used for jabs and quick strikes. This position can be advantageous because it can confuse or throw off opponents who are more accustomed to facing right-handed fighters.

An orthodox stance is the most common boxing position, typically used by right-handed fighters. In this stance, the left foot and left hand are positioned forward, while the right foot and right hand are placed at the back. The left hand is used for jabs and quick strikes, while the right hand is used for more powerful punches. The fighter's body faces forward, with the weight evenly distributed, allowing for balance and mobility. This stance is designed to optimize a fighter’s ability to land punches while maintaining solid defense.

An undercard refers to the series of fights that take place before the main event in a boxing or combat sports card. These matches often feature up-and-coming fighters or athletes who are not the main attraction of the event. The undercard serves to build excitement for the main event and provide entertainment to the audience while giving less-established fighters a chance to showcase their skills. The matches on the undercard are typically shorter or less high-profile compared to the headline fight, which is usually the most anticipated match of the event.

The Queensberry rules are a set of rules that became the standard for modern boxing. They were first introduced in 1867 and established guidelines for how the sport should be conducted, including the use of gloves, timed rounds, and rules for how fighters should behave in the ring. These rules aimed to make the sport safer and more regulated, replacing earlier forms of bare-knuckle boxing. Under the Queensberry rules, boxers are required to fight with a certain level of sportsmanship, and there are specific regulations about when a fight should be stopped, how knockouts are counted, and what actions are illegal.

A prizefight is a competitive boxing match where the fighters compete for a reward, typically money or a prize, rather than just for sport. These fights often involve professional boxers or skilled fighters who are looking to win a financial reward or recognition. Prizefights were historically held in various settings, sometimes with large crowds and significant betting, and they played a major role in the development of modern boxing. Today, prizefights are usually organized under specific rules and regulations to ensure fairness and safety for the participants.

A teep kick is a type of kick commonly used in Muay Thai, which involves pushing or thrusting the foot forward, much like a jab with the legs. The teep is typically aimed at the opponent's body, often targeting the chest, stomach, or head. It is used to maintain distance, control the pace of the fight, and set up other strikes. This kick is effective for pushing the opponent back or off balance and is an important defensive and offensive tool in Muay Thai. The teep is known for its speed and precision, as well as its ability to disrupt an opponent’s rhythm.

A breakaway in combat sports, such as wrestling or mixed martial arts, refers to a situation where one fighter manages to escape or free themselves from an opponent’s hold or position. It typically happens when a fighter is trapped in a clinch or grappling situation and uses strength, technique, or movement to separate themselves. The goal of a breakaway is to regain control, create distance, or avoid being controlled by the opponent, allowing the fighter to reposition themselves for a better offensive or defensive strategy.

A counterpunch is a defensive move in boxing or other combat sports where a fighter responds to an opponent’s attack by quickly delivering a punch in return. It is typically thrown immediately after the opponent’s punch, taking advantage of the moment when the opponent is off-balance or open. The counterpunch is a strategic move that relies on timing, precision, and anticipation, allowing the fighter to turn their defense into offense. A successful counterpunch often catches the opponent by surprise and can lead to scoring points or creating openings for more powerful strikes.

A bout is a scheduled match or contest where two individuals compete against each other in boxing. It is a formal event in which fighters face off under regulated conditions, usually consisting of multiple rounds. The goal of a bout is for one boxer to outscore or defeat the other through punches, strategy, and technique. Bouts are typically part of larger events and can vary in length and importance, with the winner being determined by points or a knockout.