Kick Boxing Techniques: Complete Guide to Basic Punches and Kicks

Kick boxing is one of the most complete combat sports in existence. It combines boxing punching technique with powerful kicks, creating an effective combat system for both competition and self-defense.

In this complete guide, you'll learn all the basic kick boxing techniques: from the correct guard position to fundamental punches and kicks. We include the proper terminology so you can follow any class or tutorial.

Kick Boxing Fundamentals: Principles You Must Know

Before throwing your first punch, you need to understand the principles that make kick boxing effective:

The Technical Pillars

1. Balance: Every technique must be executed while maintaining a stable center of gravity
2. Hip rotation: Power comes from the hips, not just from the arms or legs
3. Quick return: After punching or kicking, immediately return to guard
4. Breathing: Exhale on impact to generate more power and protect the core

Why Start with Basic Techniques

Many beginners want to learn spectacular kicks from day one. However, the best kick boxing competitors worldwide have something in common: they master the fundamentals perfectly.

A well-executed jab is more effective than a poorly thrown high kick. At Ryutai, we always emphasize: "Technique first, power second."

Correct Guard Position

The guard is your defensive and offensive position. Everything in kick boxing starts from here.

Orthodox Guard (for right-handers)

Element	Correct Position
Feet	Shoulder-width apart, left foot forward
Weight	50-50 between both legs, slightly on the balls
Knees	Slightly bent, never locked
Hips	Aligned with shoulders, slight angle (45°)
Hands	Closed fists at chin level
Elbows	Close to body, protecting ribs
Chin	Tucked to chest, protected by fists
Eyes	At opponent's chest (peripheral vision)

Southpaw Guard (for left-handers)

For left-handers, the guard is mirrored: right foot forward, right hand as jab. The principles are identical.

Common Guard Mistakes

• ❌ Raising elbows too high (exposes ribs)
• ❌ Dropping hands when tired (exposes face)
• ❌ Feet too close together (loss of balance)
• ❌ Straight legs (less mobility, more vulnerable to low kicks)

Basic Kick Boxing Punches

Kick boxing punches are inherited from boxing, adapted for combat with kicks. Here are the four fundamentals:

1. Jab (Lead Hand Straight Punch)

The jab is the most important punch in kick boxing. It's thrown with the lead hand (left for orthodox fighters).

Technical execution:

1. From guard, extend the left fist in a straight line
2. Rotate the fist at the end (palm down on impact)
3. Shoulder rises slightly, protecting the chin
4. Return immediately to guard

Tactical uses:

• Measuring distance
• Interrupting opponent's attacks
• Setting up combinations
• Ring center control

2. Cross (Rear Hand Straight Punch)

The cross or straight is your main power punch. It's thrown with the rear hand (right for orthodox fighters).

Technical execution:

1. From guard, rotate the right hip forward
2. Right heel rises, pivoting on the ball
3. Extend the right fist in a straight line to target
4. Shoulder protects chin during the punch
5. Return to guard with the same speed

Tactical uses:

• Power punch after the jab (1-2 combination)
• Counter when opponent misses
• Finishing combinations

3. Hook (Curved Punch)

The hook is a circular punch that attacks from the side. It can be thrown with either hand.

Technical execution:

1. From guard, elbow rises to shoulder height
2. Arm forms a 90° angle
3. Rotate hip and foot in the punch direction
4. Fist travels in horizontal arc to target
5. Impact with front knuckles

Tactical uses:

• Attacking guard sides
• Liver shot (body hook)
• Finishing combinations after straights

4. Uppercut (Upward Punch)

The uppercut is an ascending punch that targets the chin from below. Very effective at close range.

Technical execution:

1. From guard, slightly lower the punching hand
2. Bend knees to generate momentum
3. Extend legs as fist rises vertically
4. Palm faces you on impact
5. Power comes from legs and hips

Tactical uses:

• Close range combat (clinch)
• When opponent lowers their head
• After a hook that drops their guard

Punch Summary Table

Punch	Hand	Trajectory	Distance
Jab	Lead	Straight	Long
Cross/Straight	Rear	Straight	Medium-Long
Hook	Either	Horizontal arc	Short-Medium
Uppercut	Either	Ascending	Short

Basic Kick Boxing Kicks

Kick boxing kicks are what differentiate this sport from traditional boxing. They provide more range and power.

1. Low Kick (Leg Kick)

The low kick attacks the outer thigh of the opponent. It's the most used kick in kick boxing.

Technical execution:

1. From guard, transfer weight to the lead leg
2. Raise the knee of the rear leg
3. Rotate hip while extending the leg
4. Impact with the shin (not instep) on the thigh
5. Follow through, cutting across the target
6. Return quickly to guard

Tactical uses:

• Damaging opponent's mobility
• Establishing distance
• Punishing aggressive advances
• Combination after punches (1-2-low kick)

2. Middle Kick / Round Kick (Body Kick)

The middle kick or round kick attacks the ribs and flank of the opponent.

Technical execution:

1. Similar to low kick but with higher knee elevation
2. Pivot completely on support foot (heel toward target)
3. Hip turns through completely
4. Impact with shin on ribs
5. Same-side arm drops for momentum
6. Opposite arm protects face

Tactical uses:

• Damaging ribs (can end fights)
• Attacking the liver (opponent's right side)
• More power than low kick
• Punishing low guards

3. High Kick (Head Kick)

The high kick targets the opponent's head. It's the most spectacular kick but also the riskiest.

Technical execution:

1. Same as middle kick but with higher elevation
2. Knee rises almost vertical before extending
3. Hip flexibility crucial
4. Impact on temple, jaw, or neck
5. Greater balance compromise

Tactical uses:

• Going for the KO
• When opponent drops hands
• After low kicks that condition their guard
• Counter after evasion

4. Front Kick / Teep (Push Kick)

The front kick or teep is a push kick, not an impact kick. It works like a jab with the leg.

Technical execution:

1. From guard, raise knee to the front
2. Extend leg in a straight line
3. Impact with ball of foot or heel
4. Push opponent backward
5. Retract quickly while maintaining balance

Tactical uses:

• Maintaining distance
• Interrupting opponent's attacks
• Center control
• Setting up other techniques

Kick Summary Table

Kick	Target	Impact Surface
Low kick	Thigh	Shin
Middle/Round kick	Ribs	Shin
High kick	Head	Shin/Instep
Front kick/Teep	Chest/Abdomen	Ball of foot

Basic Kick Boxing Combinations

Individual techniques are important, but real kick boxing is based on fluid combinations.

The 5 Essential Combinations

1-2 (Jab-Cross)

The most basic and effective combination. The jab opens the guard, the cross impacts with power.

Jab → Cross

1-2-3 (Jab-Cross-Hook)

Adds a hook at the end to attack from the side.

Jab → Cross → Hook (left)

1-2-Low Kick

The combination that defines kick boxing. Punches high, kick low.

Jab → Cross → Low Kick (rear leg)

1-2-3-Low Kick

Complete four-strike combination. Very effective but requires practice.

Jab → Cross → Hook → Low Kick

Teep-Cross

Use the front kick to measure distance, then enter with power.

Teep → Advance → Cross

Combination Principles

1. Alternate levels: Mix head punches with low kicks
2. Finish with power: The last strike in the combination should be decisive
3. Flow naturally: If one technique doesn't land, move to the next
4. Always return: After any combination, return to guard

Basic Defense in Kick Boxing

Just as important as attacking is knowing how to defend. These are the fundamental defenses:

Defenses Against Punches

Attack	Defense	Execution
Jab/Cross	Block	Absorb with glove/forearm
Jab/Cross	Slip	Move head off the line
Hook	Cover	Raise arm protecting temple
Uppercut	Retreat	Step back, creating distance

Defenses Against Kicks

Attack	Defense	Execution
Low kick	Check	Raise knee, shin outward
Middle kick	Block	Elbow tight, absorb with arm
High kick	Cover	Open hand protects temple
Teep	Parry	Swat foot to the side

The Check: Your Best Friend

The check is the essential defense against low kicks. It consists of raising your leg and presenting the shin toward the opponent, making their kick impact bone against bone.

Correct technique:

1. From guard, raise the knee of the targeted leg
2. Slightly rotate hip outward
3. Shin points toward opponent
4. Keep hands up (don't lose guard)
5. Drop quickly after blocking

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In Punches

• ❌ Telegraphing: Making preparatory movements that warn of the punch
• ❌ Dropping hands: Exposes face to counters
• ❌ Not rotating hips: You lose 70% of power
• ❌ Punching with thumb out: Risk of thumb injury
• ❌ Overextending: Loss of balance, vulnerable to counter

In Kicks

• ❌ Not pivoting support foot: Limits range and power
• ❌ Kicking leg with instep: Risk of injury (use the shin)
• ❌ Not cutting through target: Kick loses effectiveness
• ❌ Dropping guard: Vulnerable to counters while kicking
• ❌ Kicks without setup: Without prior punches, easy to anticipate

In Guard and Movement

• ❌ Crossing feet: Total loss of balance
• ❌ Jumping while punching: You lose base and power
• ❌ Looking at the ground: You lose sight of opponent
• ❌ Holding breath: You tire faster

Conclusion: Your Path in Kick Boxing

Mastering the basic kick boxing techniques is the first step toward becoming a competent practitioner. Remember:

1. Foundation is everything: Correct guard, balance, return to position
2. Technique before power: A well-executed punch always wins
3. Practice combinations: Isolated techniques don't win fights
4. Defense saves: Knowing how to block and evade is as important as striking
5. Patience and consistency: The best spent years perfecting the basics

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Learn Kick Boxing at Ryutai Viladecans

At Ryutai, we have professional instructors from Team Calderon with national competition experience. Our kick boxing classes are designed for all levels.

What We Offer

• ✅ Classes for all levels: From absolute beginner to competitor
• ✅ Certified instructors: Real ring and competition experience
• ✅ Family atmosphere: We don't intimidate, we train
• ✅ 2 locations in Viladecans: Choose what works best for you
• ✅ No contracts: No strings attached, train when you want
• ✅ First class FREE: Try without commitment

Kick Boxing Schedule

Ryutai I (C/ Miguel Hernández, 22):

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Ryutai II (C/ del Sol, 64):

• Tuesday, Thursday: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

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Instructor: Team Ryutai - Kick boxing competitors with experience in national championships and Catalan selection.