A retrospect of the new relaunched Kicksport Boxing UK
In the beginning there was Kicksport Boxing a unique combat sport, a ring sport, its dedication was first and foremost to that of the kicking athlete. This unique sport art form aimed to exemplify promote the kicking warriors, to forum them on Regional National and it was its hoped International levels.
The style was developed solely to personify the high impact that kicks can have, there awesome tenacity, speed, power and versatility, couple this with pure physical expression and strategy and not only do we have a very challenging fight system but a highly enjoyable sport. Its original profile never reached its projected epic proportions, to coin a phrase, yet it did establish its objective to promote its cause. Its originator John Dawson had high hopes and inspirations for its growth. But has redeveloped it and the sport. We caught up with John for him to put the record straight about the birth, death and rebirth if you will of Kicksport Boxing UK.
Q. John the first question that comes to mind is why did you originally develop Kicksport Boxing?
A. Its embryonic birth came out of a need to show exactly how tough, expressive the kick art can be, especially under that type of pressure and in the ring. Many kick-orientated sports never really get the chance to show their full tenacity. Mostly semi contact art forms not full untamed kick potential.
Q. Just how much research did you do before developing Kicksport Boxing?
A. Kicksport Boxing UK.
Q. Kicksport Boxing UK. Excuse me.
A. Well contrary to belief I�ve been kicking for almost 20 years for a test of physical or true physical exertion. A sport of this nature is a true test. We, that is some colleagues and myself really actually did test the art itself for almost a year before launching it. We developed a hand book for coach�s/fighters to develop the kicking athletes, we set up the rules, we promoted it, not big time but promoted it again to test its worth, see how it would work on a kickboxing audience.
Q. So why did it disappear?
A. Good question we pulled it back a while semi contact, semi points and KickBoxing reigned supreme. It wasn�t time.
Q. Why didn�t audiences appreciate it?
A. On the contrary they loved it. I walked into the ring at a couple of venues and hopefully communicated to the public what was going to happen, the athletes came out and strutted their stuff � crash, bang, wallop! England Vs Wales thanks to a man true to his word Sabanium Chris Sparkes of U.T.A.W. We kicked butt big time. Look too much was going on sport combat wise. As I said lots of semi, lots of Kickboxing, Thai boxing and Vale Judo was coming, the clash and shootfighitng and so on, the timing was out. I decided to postpone it until it got a fair crack.
Q. But is it realistic as an art?
A. Look I�m as realistic as the next Martial Artist it�s a must for reality, we must train for all possible situations of self-preservation, yet if we look at all sport combat and Kicksport Boxing, they don�t draw upon reality they are competitive, exciting to watch. But they have a set of rules � in reality there are none. All combat sports from Boxing to Vale Judo are conducted and governed by a set of rules, they censor reality they have to. Real fights no matter how expert you are never look tidy, but in sport they can. Is Kicksport Boxing UK a way of self-preservation? No certainly not but it can compliment it. There is lots of negative publicity about kicks or head kicking, lets just say I�ve been around a while and I know there are guys, top exponents who could take your head off with a head section kick, simply because that�s what they do well.
Q. So is it like savate or W.T.F. Tae Kwon Do?
A. No not at all savate also punches, leg kicks, nudges with the hip and so on. We don�t leg kick, all kicks are hard and fast above hip height, and someone once called what we do alikened to W.T.F. Look you�re in a ring, you can�t run away from that contact and there is no body armour to protect your trunk. Theirs nothing like Kicksport Boxing, its my development, I don�t mean that in a negative or egotistic way, its original and with further research its developed into other things. Not just ways to fight, but to get in shape and get fit.
Q. What do you mean John?
A. Well Kicksport Boxing UK. as I said pulled back, but by doing so it realised its fuller potential, not only is it a great sport, but now it�s a great way to work out to get fit, toned, flexible, we are developing tapes, tuitional tapes to teach the sport and fitness tapes to engauge a great way to work out, it�s a much needed diversion, its challenging and also exciting to compete and watch, its much needed in my view.
Q. So how would someone who was interested or wanted to become involved find out about kicksport Boxing UK?
A. Look � we�d like to compile a register of fighters and coach�s so that we can develop Kicksport Boxing UK. � promotions � not only full contact but semi contact, regional and British titles. For details of any of the Kicksport Boxing UK. � from the coach�s/fighters hand book and registration to the Fitness tapes � contact John Dawson on (01429) 861144.
Q. Any further business John?
A. Yes, we are endeavoring to promote this high caliber sport and fitness program to all levels, any one wishing to expand their tuitional curriculum, students, instructors who wish to widen there program�s, fitness instructors who wish to have more on there lesson itinerary or fighters/coach�s who want a challenge, we have a full training syllabus.