The roots of the martial art known as Kickboxing started in Thailand in the form of an the ancient discipline called Muay Thai fighting. This martial art started initially as a form of self-defense during combat. It then grew into a sport similar to what we know it to be today when unarmed combat (within warfare) became less effective due to advances in weaponry.
Today the sport of Thai boxing within Thailand is as popular as premier league footballers here in the Uk with fighters gaining superstar statuses.
In 1975 modern full contact kickboxing began in Germany as an amateur organisation to rival kirate success in Europe and USA known as the PKA (professional karate Association) appeared. This organisation was called WAKO (WORLD ALL STYLE KARATE ORGANIZATION) and was the only international amateur federation in Europe. Over the next several years a range of other martial arts organisations came and went. Each claiming to represent the best interests of the sport. WAKO has developed into the leading amateur federation in kickboxing.
In 1973 the former World Heavyweight champion Joe Lewis and the Senior Vice-President of Universal Studios Tom Tannenbaum conceived the idea of fully sanctioned full contact karate tournaments. It was in 1974 when promoters Mike Anderson and Don and Judy Quine came together to form the Professional Karate Association (PKA).
Today the PKA in the UK is ran by Mike Haig and is one of the leading martial arts organisations teaching kickboxing to students of all ages and abilities. The PKA today boasts of 100 teaching venues cross the UK with many hundreds of active students.
The PKA in Leicester is currently run by Steve Salter, a former WAKO title holder. The Leicester PKA contains 3 venues consisting of Central Leicester (Narborough Road), Syston in north Leicestershire, Oadby and the newest venue of Hinckley. The Leicester PKA holds martial arts classes for, kids only, women only, sparring and general level kickboxing students.
For more information on how to join the UKs leading martial arts schools Leicester branch please either call Steve Salter on 07771 562 201 email mail@leicesterpka.com, complete or quick online request form or simple pop down to oyour next local session. Click here to view our martial arts timetable and full venue list.