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Kickboxing is a blend of various martial arts techniques, focusing primarily on punches and kicks. To become a professional kickboxer, you must dedicate yourself to intense training and discipline. Once you've honed your abilities, it's time to practice by sparring during classes or competing in amateur fights. With enough experience under your belt, you can seek out kickboxing promoters and start earning money by fighting professionally.
Steps
Training to Become a Kickboxer
Look online for kickboxing gyms and schools near you. Once you've found some local gyms, use online reviews and ratings to narrow down your options. Check out their websites and social media profiles to get a feel for their training approach. See if they offer classes for your age group and whether their schedules align with yours.
- Keep your options open by considering multiple schools in your area.
- Look for schools with trainers certified by organizations like the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, the International Kickboxing Federation, or the International Sport Karate Association. This info is often available on the gym's website.
- Proper training is essential if you want to become a professional kickboxer.
Speak with an instructor and enroll in classes. Reach out to the gym using the contact details provided and have a conversation with the instructor about signing up for lessons. Share your goals with them so they can advise if the gym suits your needs. Some gyms focus on aerobic kickboxing, while others train athletes for real, competitive bouts. Look for a gym that is actively preparing fighters.
- Choose a gym where you feel welcomed and encouraged. Strong support systems—whether from friends, family, teammates, or a coach—are essential for kickboxers.
- Ask the instructor what equipment you should bring for your first session.
- Trainers with professional kickboxing experience can offer unique insights into the path to becoming a pro that others may not provide.
Commit to attending kickboxing classes consistently. To develop the skills, techniques, and fitness needed to fight professionally, regular attendance is key. As a beginner, aim to take classes at least three times a week and work out on your own at least twice a week. Most pro fighters train 2-3 times a day, 4-6 days a week. Check with your trainer to assess if you're ready to take on your first fight.
- On average, it takes 4-6 months of training before stepping into competitive fights, but this varies for each person.
- Pay close attention to your instructor’s guidance to perfect your kickboxing techniques.
- Proper technique generates more power in your punches and kicks than brute strength alone.
Engage in sparring sessions regularly to become familiar with fighting. Sparring in class will help you adapt to being hit and striking your opponent. It's also a fantastic workout, improving your conditioning, strength, and technique. Check with your training partners to see if they’re interested in sparring with you.
- Don’t rush into sparring. Make sure you have mastered the basics first. Ask your instructor if you’re ready before stepping into the ring.
Incorporate cardio exercises to boost your endurance. Endurance is crucial in kickboxing. Effective cardio exercises include running, jumping rope, and various drills. The better your stamina, the longer you'll last in a fight.
- Incorporate both long-distance runs and sprints into your routine, along with exercises like jump squats, lunges, jump rope, swimming, and cycling.
- While cardio is a focus in class, it’s also beneficial to practice these exercises during your free time.
Participate in a training camp prior to your fight. A typical training camp lasts between 6-8 weeks and provides an intensive version of your regular training routine. During this time, you'll train 5-6 days a week. Speak with your coach about organizing a training camp before your first fight. This is where you’ll fine-tune your strength, stamina, and techniques, ensuring you're in top physical condition.
- If your coach isn't able to run a camp, try contacting other gyms in your area to see if they can organize one.
Completing Legal Paperwork and Requirements
Undergo a physical exam and blood test. Before you can register as a professional fighter or join a kickboxing organization, you must pass a physical exam and a blood test. If you're over 37 years old, additional tests such as an eye exam or a neurological exam may be required.
- Requirements for exams may vary depending on your location. Check with your state's athletic commission website to find out which tests you need to complete.
- Fighters over 37 years of age may need medical clearance from a doctor before competing professionally.
Ensure you meet the age requirements set by your state. Most states require fighters to be at least 18 years old to compete professionally. Visit your state’s athletic commission website to learn the specific age requirements in your state. If you're over 30, you may also need to review any additional restrictions or requirements for obtaining a fighting license.
Acquire any necessary fighting licenses or certificates for your state. States such as Pennsylvania and California require fighters to obtain a license, whether professional or amateur, before they can legally compete. Visit your state's athletic commission website to find out which certificates are needed, complete the necessary paperwork, and wait for your professional kickboxing license to be issued.
- Kickboxing promoters will ask for proof of your license if required by your state before you can participate in professional bouts.
Register with a kickboxing association. Kickboxing organizations such as The World Kickboxing Association (WKA) and the International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) require fighters to be registered before participating in events they promote. Each association has its own rules, regulations, and requirements that you must meet before you can compete. Visit their websites to fill out the necessary forms to become a member.
Turning Professional
Fight in amateur matches before turning pro. Speak with your instructor about joining amateur competitions. They might have knowledge of local promoters or events where you can compete. This will allow you to gain ring experience without facing opponents who are significantly more experienced. While amateur fights aren't a strict requirement to go pro, most fighters tend to have around 5-10 wins in the amateur circuit before advancing to professional bouts.
- Amateur fighters have less experience and do not get paid for their matches.
- If you dislike amateur bouts, professional fighting might not be the right fit for you either.
Think about hiring a manager. A manager can assist with understanding contracts, negotiating better pay, and organizing your fights. If you'd rather focus solely on fighting without dealing with business details, consider signing with a manager. Connect with fellow fighters or ex-professionals to find managers who have experience handling fighters.
- Managers typically take a percentage, usually between 10%-20%, of your fight earnings.
Reach out to local kickboxing promoters. Look for promoters who host events you've attended or ask others at your gym which promoters they work with. If you're unable to find any locally, use a search engine to find promoters in nearby cities. Once you find one, contact them and introduce yourself as a professional fighter looking for a match.
- If you're in a smaller town, you may need to expand your search to nearby cities.
Choose an opponent with a comparable skill level. Avoid jumping into your first professional fight against any opponent. Aim to compete with someone who has a similar amount of experience and skill. If you feel that the matchup is uneven or that your opponent has far more experience, talk to the promoter and request a different opponent.
- You can say something like, “My opponent has already fought 10 times professionally and remains undefeated. I feel this is an unfair match and I’d prefer to fight someone with a similar skill level. Can we find another opponent?”
Sign the agreement for your first pro match. The promoter will provide a contract outlining the details of when and who you’ll be fighting. The contract will also specify your pay and any other conditions related to the fight, such as weight limits and special rules. Once you've reviewed the contract and are satisfied with it, sign it to confirm your participation.
- If you fail to meet the weight or back out of the fight, there may be financial penalties outlined in the contract.
- If there's something you don't agree with in the contract, make sure to address it with the promoter before the fight.
Understand the rules and regulations for your specific match. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific rules for your fight. You can request the rules from the promoter or check the contract for any details. It's important to incorporate these rules into your training and sparring to ensure you're prepared for the style of the match.
- Most fights follow standardized rules set by the state athletic commission or a recognized kickboxing organization.
- For example, Muay Thai rules allow elbows and knees, while traditional kickboxing rules only permit punches and kicks.
- Breaking a rule during the fight could result in point deductions or disqualification.
Prepare and train diligently before your fight. Keep track of your weight to ensure you make the weigh-in and focus on being both mentally and physically ready for the fight. If you have put in the work and stayed disciplined, you should be ready for your first pro match.
- Once you've fought and earned a paycheck, you'll officially be a professional fighter.
