What is Free Boxing? Origins, principles and rules
Born in Marseille in 1993, Free Boxing combines strikes, wrestling, throws and submissions, in a gi jacket on the mats.
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Free Boxing is a hybrid martial art created in Marseille in 1993 by John Lelong. It sits at the crossroads of traditional martial arts, combat sports and self-defence.
Four families of techniques
The discipline follows four principles: striking, gripping, throwing and submission. You strike with your feet, shins, fists, forearms, elbows and knees. You grip, wrestle on your feet, throw, and can then go for a joint lock or a choke.
Distinctive kit and setting
Fighters wear a gi jacket, with or without sleeves, and compete on the mats. Time on the ground is limited, which keeps the stand-up exchange at the forefront.
Two ways to compete
Educational Free Boxing focuses on learning and controlled contact. Amateur Free Boxing is more full-on. In both cases, categories depend on age and weight, and protective gear is compulsory: headguard with visor, gum shield, open-finger gloves, shin guards and groin guard.
Why “free”?
Because each practitioner builds their own style from the tools they are given. The rules, kit and grades are the same at every club.
Find out more: What is Free Boxing?