Boxing uses the fists only; kickboxing adds kicks and, depending on the style, knees. If you want to sharpen your hands, defence and footwork, boxing is a very good place to start. If you are after more varied training that works the whole body, kickboxing will suit you better. Either way, the right choice is the one that makes you want to come back to the next session.
In short
- Boxing: fists only, with very refined work on the hands, defence and footwork.
- Kickboxing: fists and legs, a more complete full-body workout and more techniques to learn.
- Both build stamina, coordination and self-confidence.
- There are boxing and kickboxing clubs all over Switzerland, in cities and smaller towns alike; most offer a trial session.
- Kickboxing needs slightly more starter kit (shin guards on top).
Two striking sports, two toolkits
Boxing is limited to the fists: jab, cross, hook and uppercut. Everything else exists to land those four punches in the best possible conditions: the guard, slips, blocks and above all footwork. It is a sport in which you go into great depth on a small number of movements.
Kickboxing combines boxing's punches with kicks: roundhouse kicks, front kicks and, depending on the rules, low kicks to the thighs. Some styles also allow knees. There are several formats, from light contact, where points are scored with control, to full contact. Ask the club which style it teaches, as the experience can vary quite a lot from one gym to another.
What they share: both are demanding striking sports that call for discipline, respect for your training partner and solid groundwork before any thought of sparring.
The practical differences
| Criterion | Boxing | Kickboxing |
|---|---|---|
| Techniques | Fists only | Fists, legs, sometimes knees |
| Fighting range | Short to medium | Medium to long, thanks to the legs |
| Defence | Head movement, slips, blocks | The same, plus checking kicks with the leg |
| Guard and stance | Mobile stance, compact guard | More open guard, lead leg ready to check |
| Learning curve | Fewer techniques, quick progress on the basics | More techniques, longer learning phase |
| Starter kit | Gloves, hand wraps, gum shield | The same, plus shin guards |
In practice, boxing teaches you to be accurate and mobile at close range. Kickboxing teaches you to manage a longer distance, to combine hands and legs and to defend against attacks coming from more directions.
What each sport does for your fitness
In boxing, sessions alternate between skipping, shadow boxing, bag work, pad work and footwork drills. You build cardiovascular endurance, reaction speed and strength in the upper body, shoulders and core. Your legs work hard too, because you are constantly on the move.
In kickboxing, the kicks add a great deal of work for the legs, hips and balance. Flexibility improves, and the effort is very complete: switching constantly between hands and legs raises your heart rate quickly. If all-round fitness is your main goal, that is a strong argument in its favour.
In both cases, consistency makes the difference: two sessions a week over a few months will do more for you than occasional, very hard efforts.
Pros and cons
Kickboxing
- Pros: a wide technical range, very complete training and more options for self-defence.
- Cons: more techniques to memorise, more strain on hips and knees, slightly more kit.
Boxing
- Pros: easier to get started, quick progress on the basics, very refined work on hands, defence and footwork.
- Cons: no kicking techniques, effort more concentrated on the upper body.
Getting started in Switzerland
Whether you live in Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich or a smaller municipality, you will find boxing and kickboxing clubs all over Switzerland. A few tips for a good start:
- Book a trial session in each sport before deciding. The atmosphere at the club and the quality of the coaching matter as much as the sport itself.
- Ask which style is taught in kickboxing and whether there is a separate beginners' group.
- Find out how sparring is handled: in most clubs it is optional at first and always supervised.
- Get your own basic kit after a few sessions: gloves, hand wraps and a gum shield, plus shin guards for kickboxing. Many clubs lend equipment for the first few classes.
- Check your accident insurance cover for sport, especially if you are thinking about competing.
So which one should you choose?
- You want all-round fitness and variety: kickboxing.
- You want fast hands, a sound defence and very precise technique: boxing.
- You cannot decide: start with boxing to learn the fundamentals of punching and footwork. They will serve you well if you move on to kickboxing later.
- Your goal is self-defence: both help; kickboxing offers more options, boxing is very effective at close range.
Our RDX picks
RDX P1 WAKO kickboxing uniform – CHF 99.00Matching top and trousers, WAKO-approved, in red or blue, sizes XS to 2XL.
RDX T3 Thai pads – CHF 119.00Curved Maya Hide leather pads with gel and foam for double shock absorption.
RDX T15 Noir kick shield – CHF 99.00Curved shield with Shell Shock gel and Supremo-Shock foam, with handles for kicks from every angle; sold singly.
RDX F6 KARA focus pads – CHF 49.00For partner punching drills in boxing and kickboxing alike, with a non-slip EZ-Grip.
For kicking work, explore our Thai pads collection; for your first steps in boxing, our full range of boxing equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Is kickboxing more dangerous than boxing?
Not necessarily. The risk depends mainly on the style, the level of contact and the coaching. At recreational level, with good kit and controlled sparring, both can be practised sensibly.
Can I start at 30 or 40?
Yes. Many clubs run adult beginners' groups, and competing is optional. Simply adjust the intensity to your current fitness.
Do I need to be flexible for kickboxing?
No, flexibility comes with training. At first, low and mid-level kicks are perfectly sufficient.
What kit should I buy first?
Hand wraps, training gloves and a gum shield; for kickboxing, add shin guards. Everything else can wait.
Can I do both?
Yes, and many people do. Boxing improves kickboxers' hands, while kickboxing broadens a boxer's repertoire.
Get ready for your first sessions with our boxing and kickboxing equipment. Free delivery in Switzerland from CHF 100 – order before 12:00 and it ships the same day from Meyrin.
Adapted from a guide by the RDX Sports team.
