Kickboxing was a later arrival on the steadily growing
            wave of interest that has engulfed the United States
            since the end of World War II.

Karate, the term commodity used to refer to oriental martial arts disciplines, was introduced into America by Gl's returning from Okinawa and Japan. Limited-contact fighting and forms competitions had begun.

Over the next decade, karate took another giant step with the arrival of its first film box office star, Bruce Lee. His 1972 film "Enter the Dragon" grossed $100 million worldwide. Presently, there are over 12 million Americans who practice the martial arts in the U.S.

Experiments to create a competition that would test karate athletes, allowing full contact, and also create an exciting new sport featuring fighting prowess with both hands and feet, came to the U.S. in 1968 with its first kickboxing competition. Gloves were put on fighter's hands, pads covered all but the soles of their bare feet. Kicks were required to land above the waist.

Kickboxing, as a martial art system, originated in the Orient, notably Thailand. Founders sought to distinguish the new sport from older forms of kickboxing found in parts of the Orient, notably Thailand. The older version lacked the appeal to catch on as a participation and spectator sport because of its focus on leg kicks. and its brutality, including kicks against the knee joints. and free use of elqows and knees. The new sport. for a short while, was dubbed "Full Contract Karate", Today this new sport is synonymous with the name "kickboxing" in much of the world.

Kickboxers use all martial arts kicks and all closed fist strikes and is one of the most competitive forms of the martial arts. Kickboxing has evolved into one of the most exciting sports in existence today, with fast-paced explosive action.