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Osamu Noguchi

Promoter / Founder of Japanese Kickboxing

Japanese combat sports promoter who created and coined the term Kickboxing in 1966.

Quick Facts

Date of Birth1/24/1934
Date of Death3/16/2016
Era20th century
Country of OriginJapanJapan
Rank / TitleFounder of Japanese Kickboxing (1966)
Active Years1960–2000

Biography

Osamu Noguchi synthesized Thai Muay Thai striking with Kyokushin Karate techniques after organizing cross-style bouts in Bangkok. In 1966, he coined the term "Kickboxing" and established the Oriental Kickboxing Association.

Associated Martial Arts

KickboxingFounder→

A striking sport joining boxing hands with kicks. It appeared in the 1960s and 1970s in Japan and the United States at once, from a wish to give karate full contact.