Kickboxing: Dos and Don’ts

Kickboxing is one of the physical exercises that you can do to help you be fit. There are kickboxing training areas that you can take lessons in.
If you are interested in going more in-depth with this sport, here are the do’s and don’ts of kickboxing.
1. Do stay motivated and positive.
Kickboxing is a sport for a fighter. It is not for the weak-hearted. With this said, when you are training, bring your attitude with you. You may think that you can’t do it, but that will just make your mindset even more negative.
2. Don’t eat right before the class.
Don’t believe in the myth that you should eat right before your training to lose what you have eaten. Eating an hour before training will not help your digestion.
3. Do hydrate!
Drink as much as water as you could! If eating prior training is a don’t, then drinking is a must. Also, don’t forget to bring water with you so you can hydrate while you’re on your training break.
4. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
If it’s your first time to enroll in a kickboxing class, it’s completely okay to start with you not knowing anything about the sport! You will learn along the way. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Don’t expect that you’re all good after just one session. Kickboxing takes time.
5. Do take a break.
Kickboxing is a moderate-intensity exercise. But that doesn’t mean that you should not rest! For your training to go well, you will also need to take a break in between. Just do what you can. Distribute the frequency, variation, and drills of your exercises. Doing this can also help your fitness level more than having non-stop workouts.
6. Do Focus on Your Footwork
Think of your feet as your fight foundation. Sloppy footwork = easy target. Stay light, stay balanced, and move like a panther—not a bulldozer. Watch how Muhammad Ali or Vasyl Lomachenko move – footwork is what made them untouchable. Your legs aren’t just for kicking – they’re your first line of defense and attack!
Pro Tip: Mark an X on the floor. Practice moving around it while staying balanced – can you throw a jab without wobbling? That’s your homework!
7. Do Breathe Like a Pro
Holding your breath? Big mistake. Sharp exhales with every strike = more power + less fatigue. Imagine punching THROUGH the target, not just at it.
Kickboxing isn’t just about muscles—it’s about who can control their breath when the pressure’s on. Master this, and you’ll outlast, outpace, and outfight anyone gasping for air.
Your breath is your pacemaker. Control it, and you control the fight. Next time you’re gassed, listen to your breathing—not your doubts.
🥊 DRILL TO TRY:
Hit the heavy bag for 30 sec while CHANTING “TSS-TSS” with every strike.
If you run out of air, you’re doing it wrong.
8. Do Respect the Gear
Hand wraps aren’t just fashion—they’re bone-savers. No shortcuts: wrap tight, glove up, and protect those knuckles like they’re made of gold.
Your gear is an investment, not an expense. Cheap out now, pay the price later—in pain, injuries, or wasted training time.
🥊 DRILL TO TRY:
Time yourself wrapping your hands—should take under 2 minutes (no excuses).
Inspect your gloves monthly—look for tears, smells, or padding breakdown.
9. Don’t Copy YouTube Tutorials Blindly
That flashy spinning kick? Cool—until you faceplant. Master basics first (jabs, crosses, teeps) before trying to be Tony Jaa.
Actual skills are earned in the gym, not absorbed through a screen.
TRY THIS INSTEAD
Find a reputable gym with active fighters
Put in 3 months of fundamentals
Then use YouTube to refine what you already know
10. Don’t Skip Defense Drills
Offense is fun, but blocking saves faces. Practice parrying, slipping, and checking kicks like your nose depends on it (because it does).
💥 THE UGLY TRUTH ABOUT SKIPPING DEFENSE
Offense Wins Fights? → Only if you don’t get knocked out first
“I’ll Just Block With My Face” → The worst strategy in combat sports history
Reality Check: Even Mike Tyson spent 70% of training on defense
🔥 TRY THIS TODAY
Add 10 minutes of pure defense to every session
Start with 50 slips/rolls/blocks as warmup
Ask partners to point out defensive leaks
11. Don’t Train Injured
“Pushing through pain” is heroic… and stupid. A sprained wrist today = 6 weeks off tomorrow. Heal now, dominate later.
💀 THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT TRAINING HURT
“It’s Just Pain” → Until it becomes permanent damage
Hero Complex → Nobody gives you a medal for wrecking your body
Cold Reality: 90% of “minor” injuries become major when ignored
🛑 STOP THE MADNESS:
Report injuries IMMEDIATELY
Get professional assessment
Follow rehab religiously
Conclusion:
Kickboxing is chess with fists. Every move needs strategy, not just sweat. Stay sharp!
These are the some do’s and don’ts in kickboxing. Starting this journey won’t be easy but with these five tips in mind, you will get there eventually.