Kickboxing in India has fast gained popularity. It is a term, which in Japanese refers to stand up fighting sport and martial art based on punching and kicking. Traditionally, this sport, developed from Karate, western boxing and Muay Thai. This form of the sport is well-known for general fitness, self defense or may be as a contact sport. Now, this sport is popular in North eastern part of Indian states like Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland and Assam. Not only that, the eastern Indian states like Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar has also focused on kick boxing.

History of Kickboxing
Japanese kickboxing originates in the 1960s, with competitions held since the 1960s. Along with the Japanese kickboxing, American kickboxing also formed in the 1970s. In the year 1993, Japanese kickboxing developed into K-1. Traditionally, this form of martial art can be considered as a hybrid martial art formed from combination of elements of various conventional styles. This particular approach became very popular ever since 1970 and in the 1990s. Kickboxing has successfully contributed to the emergence of mixed martial arts via further hybridization with ground fighting techniques from jujutsu and professional wrestling.

Kickboxing Federation of India
In India, the rules, regulation and ethics of kickboxing is controlled and managed by associations and federations running the system. Some of the federations in India are Kickboxing Federation of India, Indian Kickboxing Association. While the latter mainly deals with developing, and spreading amateur kickboxing under Olympic rules and regulations and is recognized by WPKA, AKF and the International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education Recognized by The International Olympic Committee and UNESCO. IKBA is the first and the only federation of kickboxing in India.

International Bodies for Kick Boxing
In the international level, there is no particular international governing body. International governing bodies include, World Association of Kickboxing Organizations, World Kickboxing Association, International Sport Karate Association, International Kickboxing Federation, World Kickboxing Federation, World Kickboxing Network, among others. And as a result of the same there is no single champion title and world championship for kickboxing, as yet. Lots of questions were raised when this game first started as there were huge risks of injuries. So, safety rules were greatly improved and padding was added. Participants used kicks, sparring, shadow boxing, punches and wood breaking is learned under strict observation of professional instructor. Since this sport is a new addition, so it does not boast of great history.

Advantages of Kickboxing
Advantages of kickboxing are varied. This form of boxing, which is a newly founded form, has gained huge popularity among people. To propagate real Sportsmanship, Self Defence, kickboxing training to India. Kickboxing, apart from making a person physically fit, also helps to impart a sense of confidence and assists in character building.

Kick Boxing for Health
Presently the most famous form of kickboxing is called cardiovascular and aerobic kickboxing that combines elements of martial arts, boxing and aerobic to provide overall physical toning and conditioning. Unlike in various types of kickboxing, the cardio kickboxing does not involve physical contact between competitors.