boxing or kickboxing?

[KingJeff]

IF you had to pick one to learn, which one would you choose and why? THanks.

[koto_ryu]

Boxing, cause I'm not too fond of kicking As for which you would like to pick, well, it's up to you.

[Shoot]

I suppose kickboxing is more "complete" as a striking art. However, you divide your training up among techniques making the time necessary to master the art longer. If I were a betting man, I'd bet you'd use boxing skills more in a street fight than you would kicking or punching/kicking combos. Also, if you don't study grappling your better off not kicking at all and try keeping your feet on the ground. Thus, I vote for boxing. Of course I started out as a boxer, so I obviously see it "superiority." However, if by "kickboxing" you mean to include Muay Thai, I'd have to say that that particular brand of kickboxing is very practical and simple. I think of MT as something different and more practical than say Western Kickboxing with all the spinning back fists and high kicks etc...

Also, the "wall of defense" of Muay Thai is an easier striking defense than bobbing and weaving, however it does not throw the aggressor off nearly as much. Thus, I modify my vote to American Muay Thai as some call it, which is to say Muay Thai with boxing punches and evasive defense included.

[EmptyneSs]

yeah i agree with shoot. im lucky to be at a school that i can train boxing and muay thai together to learn to use em as one, or even seperately in order to sharpen skills for both individually. i say find a school that can teach both because those 2 arts go together so well. muay thai + boxing = pwnage

[KingJeff]

I would def. do muay thai but we don't have it here in Sacramento. ALl we have are american kickboxing places.

[HtTKar]

A regular kickboxing match usually has an kick rule. They make the contestants kick, or suffer point loss. This shows that these kicks are not really that effective. Now if you add in elbows, knees, headbutts, etc, as in MT it becomes much more effective. So I'd say to either go all the way and take MT, or focus on using your hands and take boxing.

[KingJeff]

yeah...I decided on doing boxing. Might as focus just on hands until there is a muay thai school here. How long does it take on average to get decent hands? I am a total beginner and plan on going 3-5x per week.

[koto_ryu]

Depends on how often you work with it, but it's going to take a while to get really good.

[HtTKar]

If you're already in great cardio shape, athletic, and devoted It still depends on how good you Want to be. Do you just want to feel more confident in sticking up for yourself (6months). Do you want to be a good boxer (about a year), or do you want to compete, in which case your trainer will have to make that decision. Boxing concepts are very easy to learn and can be picked up quick by a bright student, just they can take a lifetime to master.

[KingJeff]

I don't necessarily want to compete, but I want to get good enough TO compete. We will see how things go.

[warriors13]

Just curious where you are going to take boxing? I'm planning to look into boxing gyms this week. Might check out the one in Elk Grove. Also saw some of your post on a different forum Are you still taking BJJ?

[KingJeff]

probably check out Mateens and washington. Yeah I still do bjj.

[KingJeff]

oh yeah, let me know how the boxing gyms go...I probably wont go til the end of this month.

[warriors13]

Cant' find info on Mateen Boxing Club. Do you know where it's located? Thanks! Also the phone number for Washington Neighborhood Gym is disconnected.

[KingJeff]

Cant' find info on Mateen Boxing Club. Do you know where it's located? Thanks! Also the phone number for Washington Neighborhood Gym is disconnected.

mateens is at the army depot. It's off of fruitride. I dont believe they have a #. Wanna roll there with me sometime?