The Best Books to learn Kickboxing

When it comes to learning Kickboxing, doing so in person is arguably the best route to go down as it sinks into your muscle memory. However, on other occasions when you can’t physically train, then learning from books is a fantastic route to go down. The reason for this is that they’re cheap, practical and can be read on the go.

Some martial artists say that even if you’re not training in person, it’s best to keep your mind active and constantly thinking about learning so you don’t forget any key concepts. This is where the power of reading comes in and is another way to learn. Further, some people are naturally drawn to learning by reading and looking at pictures, which is where books come into their own.

When creating this list we looked at several qualities that make these books good. These are:

• Price
• Quality
• Pictures
• Length
• Detail
  Here’s a list of the best Kickboxing books that will progress your training.

Kickboxing: The Complete Guide by Christophe Delp

This book targets three main areas that are conditioning, technique and competition. In short, whatever your level or future goals, there’s something for everyone in this book. At over 260 pages in length, it’s fairly detailed too and Delp knows what he’s on about. Actually, Delp has also written a few Muay Thai books too, so he’s an expert in all things that involve kicking. This is also accompanied by various photos that show demonstrations of the moves which make it easier to follow.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Kickboxing by Guy Mezger

As the title suggests, this book is aimed at complete beginners and shows simple but effective moves and techniques that will take your game to the next level. A lot of the material here also focuses on fitness exercises, mindset, strength and conditioning, and even looks at nutrition. In other words, this book is great for newbies who may not know much about Kickboxing, but still want to progress. Whilst this book may not be suited to those who are elite or well experienced in the sport, it is a very solid starting point and lays down the fundamentals perfectly.

Practical Kick-Boxing by Benny Urquidez

If you don’t know about Benny ‘The Jet’ Urquidez then you don’t know about Kickboxing! This book was written in 1982 which means it’s old, but gold. During this period, Urquidez was fighting regularly and during the early 90s, left Kickboxing with an impressive 49-1 record. This book looks at both basic and advanced techniques, as well as other disciplines such as Muay Thai and Taekwondo moves. In short, you’re literally learning from one of the best ever in book form. It also looks at stuff like pad work and medicine ball training. Don’t be put off with the date on this one, it’s as relevant today as it was when it was first released.

Kickboxing 101 by Nathan DeMetz

This book looks guides you through Kickboxing from start to finish and shows pretty much everything. From starting stances to defense and attacks, it basically sets out a clear framework on how to fight. The good thing about Kickboxing 101 is that it also has over 200 demonstrations pictures which means there’s plenty to look at which is ideal. Like many on this list, it’s another book that is handy for beginners and is clear and concise with its message.

Kickboxing: From Beginner to Black Belt by Justyn Billingham

With over 550 photographs, this book is perfect for visual learners and shows practically every technique going in picture form. This book basically has everything and also has a lot on drilling moves. Often, practitioners are quick to jump into sparring without drilling and perfecting their technique first. This is where this book excels in teaching its readers the correct form that can be achieved with drilling. Another nice addition is the emphasis on stretching as well. This is another underlooked part of Kickboxing that is essential to improve the power and reach of your kicks. With this said, this book covers a lot, especially the lesser mentioned stuff.

Complete Kickboxing by Keith Livingston

This book is by far the most comprehensive guide when it comes to doing Kickboxing. As the title suggests, it really is ‘complete’. The book has nearly 500 pages in length and over 1000 photos. From pros to hobbyists and everything in between, literally every aspect of Kickboxing is covered by Livingston. It also offers strategy for fighting, sweeps, and jumps. In other words, this book may cost a little more than others but is probably the best when it comes to value for money. Another way of putting this book is almost an encyclopedia when it comes to Kickboxing.

102 Kickboxing Workouts for Weight Loss by L Robinson

If you’re wanting to train purely for fitness reasons, then this book is ideal for you. If you want to have competitive fights or train for other reasons, then this book probably isn’t for you. As it says, there are literally 102 Kickboxing workouts that can be done alone or with others and these will also help enhance your Kickboxing technique too. Just remember, the idea of this book is based on fitness, so in terms of technique or fundamentals, it may not be the best. Neither will it offer much in terms of mindset or strategy. However, if fitness is your goal then this is a good place to start out and has lots of variety.

Kick Boxing by Pat O’Keefe

This has all sorts of gems and looks at mobility, power, timing and loads of other stuff too. You may have heard of O’Keefe too who has competed for decades during his Kickboxing career. With this in mind, you’re really reading from someone that has been there and seen it all both as a competitor and a coach. At times, you can feel this experience and reality in the way he writes as well. Priced fairly, this is a good read for all levels.

Boxing Like An Old Frenchman by Enitan van Dalen

This book is actually based on Savate, which is also known as French Kickboxing. In other words, there’s actually very little between Savate and regular Kickboxing other than a few technicalities. Having said this, Savate is certainly no joke and is a tough martial art. Here, van Dalen has found scripts from the 1800s which is when Savate was booming and has translated them into English. This book is based on the culture and history of Savate, but also leans into teaching some of its main techniques. Therefore, if you want to learn Kickboxing but are also interesting in a similar culture, then this is a good read.

Cardio Kickboxing Elite by Frank Thiboutot

In this book, you’ll learn how to improve your Kickboxing technique whilst also improving your cardio. This means that it’s ideal for both beginners as well as more experienced practitioners in the subject. For instance, even if your technique is on point; you can still enhance your cardio greatly which can be an asset when sparring or in competition. Thiboutot also goes into detail about the self defense aspects of the martial art which is great if you want to learn how to protect yourself.

Kickboxing Martial Art & Sport by Liam Camm

At 340 pages in length, this is a comprehensive book that will go through the basics of Kickboxing and also has a lot devoted to clinches, warm ups and combos. It also comes with nearly 1000 photographs which means there’s a lot to look at and go through. As the title suggests, this is also written from both a self defense and sporting aspect. Here, you can expect to learn about the rules of the sport, as well as the more appropriate moves for the streets.