Defensive techniques in kickboxing are of three main types. It is also referred to as guards and styles. Among each of the styles, there is substantial variation among the fighters, as some of them have their guards for better head protection, while others have protection in the lower part to provide better shield against body punches. The defensive styles, during a bout, vary from one boxer to another. It is changed according to the mood of the game, thereby choosing the best position which is suited towards protecting them.

Slip: The process of slipping refers to slightly rotating the body in order to avoid am incoming punch. As soon as the punch of the opponent arrives, the boxers rotates his shoulder and hips sharply, which actually turns sideways and leads the punch to slip pat.

Bob and Weave: The process of bobbing refers in the lateral movement of head, and moving the head beneath an incoming punch. As soon as the punch of the opponent arrives, the boxers quickly bend the legs and also simultaneously shift the body either to the left or slightly to the right. As soon as the punch is escaped, the boxer "weaves" back to the upright position, emerging on either the inside or outside of opponents still extended arm. The process of moving outside the extended arm of the opponent is known as "bobbing to the outside", and to move inside the extended arm of the opponent is referred to as "bobbing to the inside".

Parry/Block: Blocking or parrying is used by the boxers for defensive techniques in order to deflect incoming attacks. As the punch of the opponent arrives, the boxer delivers lateral, open handed and sharp blows to the wrists and forearms of the opponent, redirecting the punch.

Cover-Up: The last resort to avoid incoming strike to an unprotected body or face is the cover up. Speaking in a general perspective, the hands are highly held to safeguard the chin and head, and also the forearms are placed against the torso to obstruct body shots. While protecting the body, the boxer twists the hips and also lets the incoming punches roll off the guard. In order to safeguard the head, the boxers press both the fists against the front of the face with the forearms parallel and outward facing. This kind of guard is weak against attacks from below.

Clinch: The process of clinching is actually a coarse form of grappling and happens when the distance between two fighters has closed and straight punches cannot be used. In such a situation the boxer actually tries to "tie up" or hold the hand of the opponent so that he is not able to throw hooks or upper cut. In order to carry out a clinch, the boxer loops both the hand around the shoulder of the opponent, scooping back under forearms to tightly grab the arm of opponent against his own body. At this position the arms of the opponent are pinned and cannot be used for attacking purpose. Clinching is a temporary match state and is quickly dissipated by the referee