What is the difference between kickboxing and boxing?

Are you planning to start martial arts but are unsure between boxing and kickboxing? Then you are not alone. Although the two sports have many similarities, there are also clear differences in technique, training, rules, and equipment.

In this blog, we list the main differences and similarities so you can choose what suits you best.

1. The main difference: use of legs

The biggest difference is that in boxing only your fists are used, while in kickboxing you also use kicks, knees, and sometimes clinch work. This makes kickboxing more complex in terms of technique, but also physically harder on the whole body.

• 🥊 Boxing: punches (jab, cross, hook, uppercut)
• 🥋 Kickboxing: punches + kicks (lowkick, highkick), knees and clinch

2. Technique & movement forms

In boxing, the emphasis is on hand technique, head movement, and footwork. It revolves around rhythm, precision, defense, and timing.

Kickboxing also requires flexibility, balance, and leg control. You have to learn to combine punches and kicks while simultaneously protecting yourself against attacks from multiple directions.

3. Condition & load

Both sports are intensive, but the load is different:

• 💨 Boxing: high focus on endurance of the upper body, shoulders, and arms
• 🔥 Kickboxing: full-body workout; legs, hips, and core are heavily loaded

Kickboxing can be somewhat harder for beginners due to the complexity and muscle groups you are (not yet) used to using.

4. Equipment & protection

The basics are similar: you need boxing gloves, bandages, and a mouthguard. In kickboxing, additional protection is added:

• 🧤 Boxing gloves – View our collection here
• 🧣 Bandages – For extra wrist and knuckle support
• 🦵 Only in kickboxing: shin guards – Train safely with sturdy padding

5. Sparring & competition rules

The rules differ greatly between the two sports, especially in competitions:

• 🏆 Boxing: only punches allowed, no kicks or clinch
• 🥇 Kickboxing: punches, kicks, and knees allowed; clinch limited

This also affects how sparring looks in the gym. In kickboxing, sparring is often more technical and physically intense due to the broader arsenal of techniques.

6. Who is what suitable for?

Choose boxing if you:

• Focus on hand technique, precision, and footwork
• Are looking for a slightly simpler entry
• Enjoy rhythm and repetition

Choose kickboxing if you:

• Want to train your whole body
• Enjoy variety and explosiveness
• Are looking for more challenge or stress relief

Conclusion: boxing or kickboxing?

Both sports are effective, challenging, and good for body and mind. Boxing is technical, fast, and focused. Kickboxing is versatile, explosive, and dynamic. It depends on your goals, preferences, and training style.

Want to start? Begin with the right equipment:

• 🧤 Gloves for boxing & kickboxing
• 🧣 Bandages for protection
• 🦵 Shin guards for kickboxing

👉 View our collection and take the first step today: To the shop