Kickboxing is a Japanese hybrid martial art basically comprising elements of punching and kicking. It was developed by adapting fighting techniques from Karate, Western boxing, and Muay Thai. It originated in the 1960s in Japan and gained practitioners in America during the next ten years. By 1974, its popularity in the United States was symbolized by the first World Championship being held by the Professional Karate Association. By the 1990s, the addition of more ground fighting techniques adapted from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, contributed to the development of Mixed Martial Arts.

Source: Manchester Karate Studio