Kickboxing is a high-energy martial art that combines elements of boxing, karate, and other traditional fighting styles. One of the key components of kickboxing is the use of the met, a specialized tool designed to measure the power and force of a fighter’s kicks and punches. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the met and the role it plays in kickboxing training and competition.
What is the Met?
In kickboxing, the term “MET” refers to “Metabolic Equivalent of Task.” MET is a measure used to estimate the energy expenditure or metabolic rate associated with various physical activities. It quantifies the amount of energy expended during different activities compared to the energy expended at rest.
MET values are expressed as multiples of the resting metabolic rate (RMR), which is the energy expenditure of the body at rest. For example, a MET value of 2 means that the activity requires two times the energy expenditure of the body at rest.
Different activities have different MET values based on their intensity and the amount of energy required. These values can be useful in estimating calorie burn and planning exercise routines. However, it’s important to note that MET values are general estimates and can vary depending on factors like individual fitness level, body composition, and effort exerted during the activity.
In the context of kickboxing, the MET value can vary depending on the intensity of the workout. Higher-intensity movements such as punches, kicks, knee strikes, and rapid combinations would likely have higher MET values, indicating a higher calorie burn and energy expenditure.
How is the Met used in Kickboxing?
The met is an essential tool used in kickboxing training and competition. During training sessions, fighters will use the met to measure the strength and power of their strikes. This allows them to identify areas where they need to improve and adjust their technique to maximize their impact.
In addition to measuring the power of individual strikes, the met can also be used to measure the overall force a fighter can generate over a certain period of time. This is known as the fighter’s total power output, and it is an important metric for measuring their overall conditioning and strength.
During kickboxing competitions, the met is often used to determine the winner of a round or a fight. Fighters are awarded points based on the strength and impact of their strikes, with the highest-scoring fighter being declared the winner.
What are the Benefits of using the Met in Kickboxing Training?
There are many benefits to using the met in kickboxing training. Here are just a few:
1. Improved technique: By measuring the power and force of their strikes, fighters can identify areas where they need to improve their technique, such as their stance, balance, and timing.
2. Increased strength and endurance: Using the met to track their progress over time can help fighters to increase their strength and endurance, allowing them to deliver more powerful strikes for longer periods of time.
3. Competition preparation: By using the met to simulate competition conditions, fighters can better prepare themselves for real fights, giving them a competitive edge.
4. Motivation: Seeing their progress over time can be a powerful motivator for fighters, helping them to stay focused and committed to their training.
What are the Different Types of Met?
There are several different types of met available on the market, each designed for a specific purpose. Here are a few of the most common types:
1. Hand-held met: This type of met is held by a coach or trainer and used to measure the power of a fighter’s strikes during training.
2. Stationary met: A stationary met is mounted on a wall or stand and used to measure the power of kicks and punches aimed at it.
3. Wireless met: A wireless met is a newer type of met that uses Bluetooth technology to transmit data to a computer or mobile device, allowing fighters and coaches to track their progress over time.
4. Ground-based met: A ground-based met is a specialized pad that is placed on the ground and used to measure the power of strikes delivered from a standing or grounded position.
How is the Met Used in Kickboxing Competition?
In kickboxing competitions, the met is used to score points based on the strength and impact of a fighter’s strikes. The exact rules and scoring system can vary depending on the organization and the specific rules of the competition.
Generally, fighters are awarded points based on the force of their strikes as measured by the met. The fighter with the highest total score at the end of the round or the fight is declared the winner.
Conclusion
The met is an essential tool for kickboxing training and competition, allowing fighters to measure the strength and impact of their strikes and track their progress over time. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, incorporating the met into your training routine can help you to improve your technique, increase your strength and endurance, and prepare for competition.
