Pittsburgh
Martial Arts & Boxing Academy offers training in American
Kickboxing, Muay Thai, San Da and International Rules Kickboxing.
Our
kickboxing program offers a unique and extremely effective blend
of western boxing, American kickboxing, muay Thai and San Shou or
San Da. Just like our boxing program, you can train for
competition, for fitness or just for the fun of it.
This
is NOT the "kickboxing" you see at your local health
club. This is NOT an exercise class. While many people participate
purely for the fitness benefits, make no mistake, this is a REAL
kickboxing gym, teaching people to fight in the ring. You will be
trained by Coaches who have actually fought in the ring. If you're
looking for a spandex-clad Barbie, bouncing in rhythm to the
latest boy band, keep looking.
Every
class at Pittsburgh Martial Arts & Boxing Academy will be
different and challenging. In class, you will learn footwork,
punches, kicks, knees, elbows, defense, boxing and Thai clinching,
and takedowns. We use a lot of equipment in class including heavy
bags, double-end bags, speed bags, uppercut bags, knee bags,
reflex bags, focus mitts, Thai pads, slip bags and more. For
conditioning, we use tires, sledge hammers, medicine balls, ropes,
barrels and more.
There are several different styles of kickboxing. Rules will vary slightly from event to event depending on what organization is sanctioning it but, in general, here's the breakdown.
Full Contact Rules Kickboxing - Also known as American
Kickboxing, this system allows kicks above the waist and all punches. Typical matches are 3 two-minute rounds (at first) and require a minimum of 6 - 8 kicks per round. This rules set evolved out of Full Contact Karate and therefore has a wider variety of kicks than the other systems.
International Rules Kickboxing - Also known as Leg Kick rules, this rule set allows kicks to the legs in addition to the rules of Full Contact Kickboxing.
Muay Thai - Or Thai Boxing, allows clinching, knees and elbows (in Full Muay Thai rules) and certain takedowns in addition to above rules. Most events in the US use modified muay Thai rules, not allowing
elbows or knees to the head.
San Da - Sometimes called San Shou, this is a Chinese
form of kickboxing that allows more takedowns, including "over-the-hip" takedowns in addition to the above rules.
STOP!
If you'd like to get a report entitled, 10
Things You MUST know Before You Start A Martial Arts Program
and periodic safety tips, send a request to Bob@PittsburghBoxing.com
