Kickboxing Disciplines at United Kickboxing Academy

The UKA Athlete Development Programme includes six core combat disciplines: Point Fighting, Light Contact, Kick Light, Full Contact, Low Kick, and K-1. Novice practitioners typically start with Point Fighting and Kick Light, where they enhance their speed, accuracy, control, and understanding of distance. As students advance, Light Contact helps refine their rhythm, timing, and continuous striking flow, while Full Contact focuses on building endurance, mental toughness, and upper-body power. Low Kick further enhances conditioning and tactical awareness, and K-1 integrates all skills into a dynamic, high-performance format that combines punches, kicks, and knees. Each discipline plays a vital role in the athlete’s physical, mental, and technical development, creating a structured pathway that transforms beginners into disciplined, confident, and competition-ready kickboxers.

KickBoxing's Six Combat Disciplines

Two young boys sparring in martial arts gear with red gloves and helmet.

Point Fighting (Semi-Contact)

Where beginners start

Focus: Speed, timing, and precision.
Objective: Score clean, controlled techniques; fights are paused after each point.
Characteristics: Light contact, high control, agility, and explosive movement.

Two children practicing kickboxing with gloves and protective gear.

Kick Light

Bridging the gap between beginner and intermediate

Focus: A blend of Point Fighting and Light Contact.
Objective: Continuous fighting with controlled strikes and clean techniques.
Characteristics: Especially popular for youth and intermediate divisions.

Two young boys in protective gear sparring in a boxing gym.

Light Contact

Refining technique through continuous sparring

Focus: Continuous sparring with controlled power.
Objective: Showcase technical combinations, rhythm, and control.
Characteristics: Judges score based on technique, balance, and dominance, not knockouts.

Martial artist in black gear delivering a high kick during training.

Full Contact

Power and endurance at the forefront

Focus: Power, endurance, and knockout potential.
Objective: Win by points or KO; kicks above the waist only.
Characteristics: Traditional kickboxing with high intensity and boxing-style rounds.

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Two men in black boxing gloves spar, with one delivering a high kick.

Low Kick

Expanding tactical range and realism

Focus: Similar to full contact but includes leg kicks to thighs (inner and outer).
Objective: Full-contact striking with more realism and range.
Characteristics: Requires strong conditioning and leg defense.

A young male kickboxer delivering a high kick in a dark gym.

K-1 (Kickboxing Style)

The elite level of performance

Focus: Professional-style kickboxing combining punches, kicks, and limited knees.
Objective: Fast-paced bouts with high-level striking strategy.
Characteristics: No clinch holding; very dynamic and crowd-pleasing.

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