Kickboxing refers to a group of martial arts stand-up combat sports based on kicking and punching, historically developed from Muay Thai and western boxing Kickboxing is often practiced for self-defence, general fitness contact sport.

K-1 combines stand up techniques from Muay Thai, Karate, Taekwondo, western-style boxing, and other martial arts. Its rules are similar to those of kickboxing but they have been simplified to promote exciting matches.