European Striking

Region
7 martial arts

Overview

European striking arts center on Boxing (the 'sweet science') and its derivatives. Western Boxing has the most developed professional sport infrastructure of any striking art. Kickboxing emerged as a hybrid in the 1960s-70s. Savate (French boxing) uniquely emphasizes kicking with shoes.

Country of Origin
England, France, Netherlands, Japan/USA (kickboxing hybrid)
Founded
— modern era

Combat Effectiveness

Overall Combat Rating

9/10

Boxing is one of the most combat-proven arts in history — millions of professional and amateur bouts. Kickboxing combines the best of boxing with kicks. Savate is effective but niche. Dutch kickboxing (combining Muay Thai and boxing) produced dominant K-1 fighters.

MMA Track Record

Boxing hand skills are essential in MMA. Many MMA champions started as boxers (Ngannou, McGregor's left hand, Holly Holm). Kickboxing crossover is common (Adesanya, Overeem, Cro Cop).

History & Origin

Lineage & Key Figures

Lineage

Structure & Training

Signature Techniques
jabcrosshookuppercutbody shotsfootworkhead movementroundhouse kick (kickboxing)chassé (savate)

Competition

Major Organizations
WBCWBAIBFWBOGloryK-1ONE Championship

Medical & Safety

Danger Rating
8/10
Concussion Risk
very high
Common Injuries
concussionshand fracturesbroken nosedetached retinabrain injury (CTE)

Sources & References

Geography & Status

Status
europeanboxingkickboxingsavateprofessionalsportconcussion risk

7 Martial Arts