SAAKA AMATEUR RULES

4th EDITION October 2007

AUTHORITY

The regulations as contained in this document constitute the official rules of SAAKA and must govern all sanctioned events. SAAKA is the official amateur kickboxing block of Martial Arts & Games Committee ( MA & GC ) who is directly responsible to the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee ( SASCOC ).

RULE 1: SANCTIONING

    Sanctioning for an event is obtained by SAAKA in writing should it not appear on the activity calendar for that specific year. Activities on the year calendar for the specific year are sanctioned.

RULE 2: MODES / STYLES OF COMPETITION

  1. Semi contact / point fighting. The first fighter to make firm controlled contact wins the point. The referee awards the point after which the bout continues.
  2. Light contact / continuous fighting. Fighters make firm controlled contact but the bout is not stopped after each point scored. The referee controls the fight and it is scored by at least two side judges.
  3. Full contact. All blows must be applied with excessive power above the waist line / belt. The referee controls the fight and it is scored by at least three judges.
  4. Low kicks. Similar to full contact during which the thighs may also be kicked.
  5. K1 Rule. Similar to full contact and low kick with the added advantage of attacking the full length of the leg, using the knee, clinching for 5 seconds and spinning back hand.
  6. Forms. Only weapons and free style forms with music. No traditional forms.

RULE 3: SEMI CONTACT

  1. Full powered strikes are not permitted. All techniques must be used with ´reasonable´ power. Techniques that simply touch, brush or pushes an opponent must not be scored.
  2. To score with a strike the strike must pass the opponents defence clearly and make contact with the target area.
  3. Acceptable punches are direct, ridge and back hand. ( Back and ridge hand only to the head )
  4. Each successful punch counts as one (1) point.
  5. Each successful kick to the body counts as one (1) point and a jump kick two (2) points.
  6. Each successful kick to the head counts as two (2) points and a jump kick three (3) points.
  7. A successful sweep throwing the opponent to the ground counts as one (1) point. The foot sweep must be from boot to boot with any leg. The sweeper must stay standing and no foot sweep follow-up is allowed.
  8. When scoring, a fighter must maintain his / her balance and focus.
  9. When the difference reaches ten (10) points before time out the fight stops.
  10. You will be warned when leaving the fighting area deliberately and after three exists you will be disqualified. In order to have an exit one foot must be out of the fighting area. With the first exist no penalty ( warn the fighter ); the second exit one (1) point to the opponent; the third exit two (2) points to the opponent and the forth exit disqualification.
  11. Warnings for other infringements work as follows; speak to the fighters; 1st official warning + 1 point to the opponent; ( show the yellow card ) and 2rd official warning disqualification ( show red card ).
  12. Should the fight end as a draw an extra minute is added. Should extra time end in a draw, first to score wins.
  13. A fighter who deliberately uses a foul technique with bad intent can be disqualified immediately without a warning.
  14. Heel hook kicks and axe kicks using one`s heel is not allowed. When applying these kicks one must use the pad of your foot.
  15. You are not allowed to strike the opponent or block with your shin.
  16. When using the mirror system both referees must see the point scored. More than two referees majority rules.
  17. When both fighters score simultaneously points are awarded to both fighters.
  18. Semi contact is done on a padded Tatami of at least 6 x 6 meter fighting space.
  19. There are no knock downs. Should a fighter be in a bad physical condition and goes down from a legal strike the medical official must inspect where after the referee in consultation with the judges will make a final decision.
  20. Should a fighter bleed excessively and the bleeding cannot be stopped after the third attempt the bout will be stopped. The medical official will be consulted should a fighter bleed. The referee and the judges will consult one another on who wins the bout. Should the strike that caused the bleeding have been illegal the striker will loose the bout.

RULE 4: LIGHT CONTACT

  1. Full powered strikes are not permitted. All techniques must be used with ´reasonable´ power. Techniques that simply touch, brush or pushes the opponent must not be scored.
  2. Each successful kick to the body and punch to the body and head counts as one (1) point.
  3. Each successful jump kick to the body counts as two (2) points.
  4. Each successful kick to the head counts as two (2) points and a jump kick three (3) points.
  5. Foot sweeps are similar as in semi contact.
  6. Each fighter must use his / her feet as often as he / she uses his / her hands
  7. Light contact is executed by means of running time.
  8. Each judge scores each round separately by means of a counter device. It is then transferred to the 10 - 8 must system. The fighter with the most points wins.
  9. Punches are delivered with the front part of the fist or back hand strike. No ridge hand strike or rabbit punching is allowed.
  10. A 6 x 6 meter padded Tatami must be used to fight on.
  11. Once excessive contact is used the referee must act immediately and not wait for the opponent to retaliate.
  12. The warning system works similar to that of Semi Contact.
  13. Fighters who do not defend themselves must be warned.
  14. The purpose of light contact is to execute one`s techniques continuously under control and use all the defensive mechanisms to your advantage.
  15. Should a fighter bleed excessively the same procedure as in Semi Contact will be followed.
  16. There are no knock downs. Should a fighter be in a bad physical condition and be knocked down the same procedure as in Semi Contact will be followed.
  17. Only closed cell moulded boxing gloves with the thumb attachment may be used. No Semi gloves or dipped foam equipment may be used.
  18. In fighting may be allowed according to the referees discretion.
  19. Should the bout end in a draw the following criteria must be taken into consideration as to decide upon a winner = better last round = more active = more kicks = better defence = better style = better techniques = better conditioning = better movement .

RULE 5: FULL CONTACT

  1. Each technique must be done with full power. Light contact techniques do not count and must not be scored by the judges.
  2. Each fighter must deliver a minimum of six (6) kicks that must have the intention to make contact per round. Should he / she fail, the outstanding kicks will be added to the next round. Should the kicks still be outstanding after the bout a clicker point will be deducted for every outstanding kick.
  3. All kicks must be above the waist line and must make contact with the bridge or soul of the foot. You are not allowed to block a kick with your shin.
  4. Foot sweeps are similar to semi and light contact.
  5. All punches must make contact with the front part of the glove. Back hand strikes are allowed. The spinning back hand is not allowed.
  6. Scoring similar to light contact.
  7. The warning system is similar to semi and light contact for any illegal activity.
  8. Should the fighter receive a standing eight count the round is not lost. The opponent delivering the technique receives the clicker points for that specific technique.
  9. A knock-out ends the fight.
  10. All bouts must take place in a boxing ring. The fighting area is 6 x 6 meters.
  11. Only two coaches are allowed at the ring. No coaches are allowed on the apron of the ring during the bout. During intervals only one coach is allowed in the ring. No other supporters are allowed at the ring.
  12. While the decision is delivered after the bout no coaches or supporters are allowed in the ring.
  13. Should one fighter be to strong for the other fighter a standing eight count will be given and should the fighter still not be able to defend himself there after the bout will be stopped. Should the fighter receive three standing eight counts throughout the duration of the fight he / she will loose the bout.
  14. Should a fighter bleed excessively the same procedure as with Semi and Light Contact will be followed.
  15. Once an opponent has been knocked the counting will only start once the standing fighter is in the neutral corner. Should the fighter leave the neutral corner the counting will stop.
  16. Any fighter sent to the neutral corner may not be coached or lean on the ropes while waiting for the referees instructions.
  17. Should a fighter have been KO´d during the event he / she may no longer compete at the same event in any other mode of fighting. The fighter may not compete in any competition or spar at the gym for at least thirty days. Should a fighter be KO`d there after again it is suggested that he / she not do any fighting or sparring for at least three months. Should this happen a third time the fighter may not participate in full contact at all. The instructor of the KO´d fighter must ensure that the fighter go for a medical check-up after being KO`d.
  18. No fighter may be saved by the bell / gong. The time keeper may not ring the bell / gong while the referee is counting should the round be over. The time keeper must wait until the referee has completed the count and says ´fight´. Counting will continue although a towel is thrown in.
  19. Using the ropes to add power to your techniques are not allowed.
  20. Should the fight end in a draw the Light Contact procedure will be followed.
  21. All techniques count one (1) point.

RULE 6: LOW KICKS

  1. The rules of fighting are similar to full contact fighting.
  2. Kicks are allowed on the inside, outside and back of the thigh.
  3. No kicks on or below the knees are allowed.
  4. Foot sweep similar as in full contact.
  5. You are allowed to block and kick with your shin.

RULE 7: K1 RULE FIGHTING

  1. The rules of fighting are similar to full and low kick fighting.
  2. Kicks are permitted on the thigh and below the knee.
  3. The spinning back hand is allowed. The back of the hand must be used and no other part of the hand or arm may be used.
  4. Overthrowing the opponent with wrestling or judo techniques are not allowed.
  5. Holding the leg instantly after a kick to execute a technique is allowed. Only one strike may be delivered.
  6. Clinching to execute the knee strike is allowed for five seconds. Should you clinch without executing the technique the referee will call ´break´. The five seconds will be executed according to the referees discretion.
  7. You are allowed to strike the opponent with the knee on the thigh body and head.
  8. No elbow strikes are allowed.

RULE 8: FORMS

  1. Musical weapons, musical empty hand and self defence creative forms can be done at competitions.
  2. It must not be a copy of a traditional form. It must be a self developed form.
  3. You will not be selected for provincial or national colours based upon forms only. Kickboxing is a fighting art.
  4. It may not be longer than ninety seconds or shorter than sixty seconds.
  5. No dance moves are allowed.
  6. Only two gymnastic moves are allowed. Should gymnastic moves be combined with a martial art technique in the move more gymnastic moves are allowed.
  7. When doing a weapons form only martial art weapons that have been declared safe by the judges may be used.
  8. A minimum of three judges with at least a 2nd degree black belt must be used.
  9. Music must be well choreographed to the martial art movements.
  10. No theatrical costumes may be worn.
  11. Scores will range between 7.0 and 10 and scores may be given to one decimal; eg 8.5
  12. Should a weapon be dropped or placed on the ground it will be deemed as a lack of control and a mandatory 7.0 will be awarded by all judges.
  13. Should there be a tie the competitors will be asked to do a different form and should one of them not have one the first form can be repeated with a penalty of 0.5.
  14. All forms must be performed on a padded area.
  15. Judges will be looking for the following; Expertise; Precision; Degree of difficulty; Effect; Balance, Strength ; Focus; Practicality and Fluency.
  16. No less than three self defence sequences and more than five sequences will be allowed.
  17. Each sequence is done slowly and then there after at realistic speed.

RULE 9: LEGAL TECHNIQUES

  1. Punches = jab, straight, lunge, hook, back hand and upper cut. Ridge hand in semi contact only.
  2. Kicks = Front, Round house, hook, axe, back, side thrust and spinning back kick.
  3. Foot sweep = Contact must be boot to boot.

RULE 10: ILLEGAL TECHNIQUES / FOULS AND BAD ATTITUDE

  1. The following activities will not be tolerated:
  2. Spitting, biting or the use of abusive language.
  3. Head butts.
  4. Jabbing the eye with the thumb of the glove.
  5. Striking the groin, spine or throat.
  6. Hitting with the open glove or wrist. Rabbit punching.
  7. Kicking directly on the knee.
  8. Attacking on the break or after the bell has sounded.
  9. Taking the opponent to the floor in any unauthorized manner.
  10. Striking a downed opponent.
  11. Not obeying the referee or back chatting.
  12. Purposely going down without being hit.
  13. Any unsportsmanlike conduct which may injure an opponent or place the sport in ill repute.
  14. Purposely avoiding to fight once ahead on points.
  15. Holding onto the ropes while striking.
  16. Endangering oneself by running into the opponents attacks / defence.
  17. Abusive language or unsportsmanlike conduct by the coach of the fighter.
  18. Should the fighters coach, friends or family make themselves guilty of the above the fighter will be disadvantaged by means of official warnings or disqualification.
  19. Should a fighter, coach or family member continuously be found to engage in negative activities during competitions the fighter will be suspended from the association. Suspensions will be issued by the chairperson of the association in writing.
  20. To host competitions and allow fighters to compete without or with inferior / tattered equipment will also be deemed illegal.
  21. Greasing the body ( applying Vaseline ) is not allowed.

RULE 11: DURATION OF ROUNDS

Nature of boutSemiLightFullLow KickK1 Rule
Seniors3x2 min3x2 min3x2 min3x2 min3x2 min
Juniors = high school2x1.5 min3x1.5 min3x2 min3x2 min3x2 min
Juniors = primary school2x1 min3x1 min3x1.5 min3x1.5 min3x1.5 min
  1. The duration of bouts can be changed depending upon the nature of the competition.
  2. Should the duration be changed all participants involved must be notified before the competition begins.

RULE 12: RESULT TYPES

  1. Unanimous decision; when all judges decide upon the same winner.
  2. Split decision; when judges disagree on the winner.
  3. Draw decision; when equal scores are given to both fighters.
  4. In case of a draw apply decision as per fighting style. In semi contact the first to score concept will be used should there still be a draw after the extra time.
  5. KO = When the fighter has been knocked out and could not recover within 10 counts.
  6. TKO = When a fighter can no longer continue due to a technical reason.
  7. Abandonment ( AB ) = When a fighter gives up or not return to continue fighting after the rest.
  8. Referee stops contest ( RSC ) A referee stops the bout due to a fighter not being able to defend him / herself or for a reason relating to one of the rules not being met.

RULE 13: FIGHTERS EQUIPMENT

  1. For Semi Contact the following equipment must be worn; Head guard (open face and padded top); Gloves (boxing gloves with a closed cell foam mould); Mouth guard; Groin protector ( must be strapped to body ); Shin guards; Foot protectors (foot must be closed excepting the bottom of the foot ); Long trousers; T-Shirt or Gi jacket. Ladies whose breast have developed must wear breast protectors. Semi contact gloves with closed fingers and thumb may be worn.
  2. Light Contact; similar as in semi contact, except for the gloves which must be boxing gloves.
  3. For Full Contact; similar as in light contact. Males wear no top and female fighters wear a crop top.
  4. For Low Kick; similar as in full contact except for the change of pants which must be a kick-boxing short.
  5. K1 Rule; Similar to Low Kicks accept that kickers are not mandatory.
  6. Woman must wear groin and breast protectors for all modes of fighting.
  7. No one will be allowed to participate with tattered or incorrect equipment. Gloves must be made of closed cell foam with a moulded inner and thumb attachment. Equipment purchased at chain stores / shops do not comply with these regulations. Consult your instructor for advice.
  8. Should equipment be inferior you will not be allowed to participate.
  9. Participants weighing 60kg and over must wear 10 oz gloves. All seniors doing a full contact mode must wear 10 oz gloves made of leather.
  10. All participants must compete in kick-boxing dress and all T-Shirts must be tucked in. Groin guard and shin pads must be under the pants. Should you wear a Gi you must wear your belt.
  11. Hand Wrap must be used for all styles of fighting excepting semi contact . The hand wrap may not be longer than 2.5 meter in length and 50 mm wide.
  12. Should a fighter enter the fighting area without the proper equipment or incorrectly dressed / equipped he / she will be given 60 seconds to change and once the bout begins a point will be deducted from that fighter. You can be disqualified should your equipment be incorrect. Should the same fighter do it a second time at the same competition he / she will be disqualified immediately.
  13. Dipped foam equipment may only be used in Semi Contact.

RULE 14: MEDICAL

  1. All competitions must be supported by a medical official.
  2. All competitions hosting Ring Style modes must have a well qualified medical official at the ring for the duration of each bout. A fully equipped ambulance must also be at the venue, not just on standby.
  3. Events hosting Ring Style and Light / Semi contact modes simultaneously must have separate medical officials. At least one medical official for every third Tatami and one for the ring.
  4. All Ring Style fighters must undergo a medical before participating.
  5. Should the participant be found medically unfit to participate by the medical official the competition organizer, instructor or parent may not over rule the decision.
  6. An indemnity must be completed by each fighter and parents must complete an indemnity for a minor. No fighter may participate without completing an indemnity.
  7. All Ring Style fighters must do an annual medical check-up and receive a positive medical clearance to do Ring Style fighting.

RULE 15: REFEREE´S CONDUCT

  1. A referee must be objective at all times.
  2. The referee must ensure that fighters are properly dressed and equipped before competing.
  3. The commands given during the bout must be clear.
  4. The referee must not push fighters around.
  5. The referee must stay clear from the fighters but close enough to be of assistance.
  6. Before a bout starts he / she must ensure that the main table and judges are ready.
  7. Confirm uncertainties with the main table before making a decision.
  8. The safety of the fighter always comes first.
  9. The referee must be neatly dressed.
  10. Medical gloves must be worn.
  11. The referee may not over rule the decision of the ring medical official.
  12. Should a fighter loose his / her mouth guard the referee must stop the fight and have it replace.
  13. Ensure that fighters compete and not stand in the ring watching one another.
  14. Should a fighter be dazed or bleeding excessively the referee must stop the bout and let the medical official do a check-up.
  15. The referee must know the rules of the mode being participated in.

RULE 16: OFFICIALS

  1. Officials involved in managing a bout depending upon the mode / style are the following:
  2. Score keeper.
  3. Time keeper.
  4. Official in charge.
  5. Medical assistant.
  6. Judges, who are placed at the side of the ring / floor to score the bout.
  7. An official to do the draw sheet.
  8. The referee who will manage the bout.

RULE 17: CLASSIFICATION OF FIGHTERS

  1. Amateur; A person who competes for the sake of the sport and is not contractually binded for the bout.
  2. Super -amateur; An A-class amateur who competes for a belt. There are more rounds in a bout and seniors compete without a head guard. This is also used as a stepping stone to professional. These fighters can receive financial incentives.
  3. Professional; A fighter who competes for money and must be on a higher capability level than the two above. This fighter is also contracted to fight.
  4. Once a fighter has decided to turn professional after the year probation he / she is no longer an amateur and should he / she want to return to amateur status an application in writing must be sent to the chairperson of SAAKA. Each situation will be dealt with on its own merits.

RULE 18: WEIGHT DIVISIONS

  1. Senior men Ring Style Fighting = -51; -54; -57; -60; -63.5; 67; -71; -75; -81; -86; -91; 91 +
  2. Senior men Semi and Light contact = -57; -63 -69; -74; -79; -84; -89; 94; 94 +
  3. Senior woman Ring Style Fighting = -48; -52; -56; -60; -65; -70; 70 +
  4. Senior woman Semi and Light contact = -50; -55; -60; -65; -70; 70 +
  5. All junior modes = -25; -30; -35; -40; -45; -50; -55; -60; -65; -70; -75; -80; 80 +
  6. Veteran men = -75 and 75 +
  7. Veteran Woman = -60 and 60 +
  8. Weight divisions can be adapted with the permission of the chairperson SAAKA depending upon the nature of the competition. This will only be allowed when catch weight divisions are formed or semi contact team events. No Ring Style fighters accept for the + divisions may be more than 5 kg apart.
  9. Catch weight divisions are formed should there not be enough fighters in a division.
  10. Open weight categories ( the plus ( + ) divisions ) may be more than 5 kg apart.
  11. The weigh-in will take place the night before the competition or one hour before the competition begins.
  12. Should we attend an international event where the weight divisions differ to ours or where ages are used in conjunction with the weights we will adapt our team selection accordingly.

RULE 19: BANNED SUBSTANCES

  1. No fighter is allowed to use any banned substance which is generally accepted as a banned substance within the sporting world.
  2. Any fighter using any such substance will be acted against and can lead to permanent expulsion.

RULE 20: CATEGORIES OF FIGHTERS

  1. Juniors are competitors 18 years old and younger at the time of competing.
  2. Seniors are competitors 19 years old to 45 years old at the time of competing.
  3. Veterans are competitors 46 years old to 55 years old at the time of competing.
  4. No competitor may do any Ring Style Fighting once he / she has reached the age of 40 years old.

RULE 21: COMPETITION EQUIPMENT

  1. A boxing ring for all Ring Style Fighting. Specifications similar to AIBA ( Association International De Box Amateur ).
  2. A Padded Tatami for all Semi and Light contact modes. The padding of the Tatami must be condensed sponge of at least 2 cm thick and the fighting area must be 6 x 6 meter.
  3. Two clickers for every judge.
  4. Every Tatami must have its own stop watch, score board, table for officials, 6 chairs, bean bag, pens, score cards, stapler, calculator, a toilet role and a bin to put the completed score cards in. Ensure that the table has a table cloth over. A red and blue belt.
  5. The following must be at the ring = 7 tables, a gong, two stop watches, a whistle, score cards, table cloths, medical gloves, pens, stapler, calculator, two chairs per table, ring stoles, a toilet role, stairs and a bin at each fighters corner and the main table.
  6. A PA system for the competition and a smaller one for the ring.
  7. Score boards for forms. It must be at least A4 size.
  8. The Tatami for forms must be at least 8 x 8 meter in size.
  9. Yellow and red cards for every referee.
  10. Ensure that the premises in which the competition is being held is indoors and large enough for the nature of the competition.

WAKO AMATEUR RULES

  1. General Rules
  2. General Rules of Ring Sport
  3. Full Contact Rules
  4. Low Kick Rules
  5. K-1 Rules

K-1 INTERNATIONAL RULES

Revised: 15 Dec 2008 K-1 INTERNATIONAL RULES

Article 1 Each fighter shall wear regulated gloves provided by the Promoter and wear regulated protective groin guard and mouthpiece.

Article 2 WEIGHT CLASS

Gloves sizes for each weight class are as follows :
Lightweight Under 65.00kg 8oz.
Middleweight Under 70.00kg 8oz.
Light Heavyweight Under 85.00kg 10oz.
Heavyweight Under 100.00kg 10oz.
Super Heavyweight Over 101.00kg 10oz.

Article 3- FIGHT METHOD


Matches shall be held in the following manner.
   One-match fights :
Under special rules, other match method is available.
   Tournament fights:
Must Point System:
The winner must be decided in the Must Point System by scoring points. The purpose of establishing the Must Point System is to eliminate any possibility of a draw match, and the System is to be applied in the last round of the fight (draw match is a possibility with matches of three (3) minutes X three (3) rounds, which aims for fighters development). Even when the score difference is minimal, a winner will be decided on the merit of the final round fight. The following rounds shall be considered as a final round.

Article 4 - SAFETY

In consideration of fighter’s safety, no fighter shall participate in more than fifteen (15) rounds in one day.
Interval between rounds shall be one minute.

Article 5 AUTHORIZED FIGHTING TECHNIQUES

The following techniques are authorized. Punches : Straight punches, hooks, uppers, and backspin blows.
Kicks: Front kicks, low kicks, middle kicks, high kicks, side kicks, back kicks, inner thigh kicks, jumping kicks, and knee kicks.
The following restrictions apply to the usage of the backspin blow.
When it is evident that the attack was made by an elbow or forearm and not by the authorized part of the gloves, the attack is considered as a foul. In case the referee cannot determine whether the backspin blow was made by the authorized area or not, the match shall be stopped, and the rules director, supervisor, supervisory staff, and the referee and the judges shall review the fight by reviewing the Video Replay, if necessary.
When it is determined that the attack was made by the unauthorized area, the backspin blow is considered as a foul, and the fighter shall be penalized. If the committee cannot determine the area where hit the opponent, the attack shall be considered as an accident and settled according to Article 14.

Article 6 Punishment Structure for Fouls

A fighter who executes a foul technique shall be penalized with a "caution", "warning", or a "point deduction". The referee announces a "caution" and "warning" verbally. A yellow card shall be shown for a "one (1) point deduction" and "two (2) point deductions, and a red card for a "disqualification". Two (2) cautions shall lead to one (1) warning; any warning then on shall be given instead of cautions thereafter. Two (2) warnings shall lead to a one (1) point deduction, and three (3) point deductions in one (1) round shall be grounds for disqualification. However, this clause shall not apply in cases where the referee rules that the foul technique as unintentional. If the referee judges that the foul technique is malicious or causes significant damages on the opponent, the fighter might be given point reduction immediately, skipping order of foul calls. The following behavior is considered as foul techniques.

1
Category of Foul Techniques:
Using the head to deliver a blow.
Using the elbow to deliver a blow.
Attacking the opponent in the groin (knee kicking or punching the opponent in the area under the navel shall be considered as low-blows and will be ruled as fouls)
Delivering wrestling or judo throwing or submission techniques.
Thumbing the opponent
Choking and punching the throat of the opponent.
Biting the opponent.
Attacking the opponent while he is down or in the process of getting up.
Attacking the opponent after the referee calling a break.
Holding the ropes to whether offensively or defensively.
Using offensive or insulting language to the referee.
Attacking the back of the head with a punch (the side of the head and the area around the ears are not considered as the back of the head and are valid target areas).
Attempting to cause the opponent to fall out of the ring.
Voluntarily exiting the ring during the course of a match.
Attacking the opponent who turned around and showed his back. However, the referee may give a caution, warning or point reduction to the fighter who showed his back as loosing his will to fight.
Delivering a backspin blow with elbows or forearms and not with the authorized part of the gloves, and giving damage to the opponent.

2
A point reduction may be given immediately to a fighter if the referee finds that the foul technique was inflicted with malicious intent.

3
A caution shall be given to a fighter who repeatedly charges inside the opponent&acut;s arms, with his head held low (ie. to avoid attack). This shall be considered as inducing a head-butt. In case that either of the fighters gets a cut from a head-butt and is bleeding, the fighter who has caused the cut shall receive a one (1) point deduction. However, if the referee finds the head-butt to have been obviously intentional or malicious, a deduction of two (2) points shall be given. If the referee judges the head-butt as accidental, there may not be any point reduction.

4
A caution, warning, and a point reduction shall be given to a fighter who repeatedly uses holding and clinches that are not accompanied by attacks, and are judged as being defensive/passive in nature (ie. to avoid attack). Two (2) cautions will sum up to one (1) warning, and the next caution shall be a deduction of one (1) point. Furthermore, the same applies to when grasping and holding the opponent immediately after launching an attack (ie. to avoid a counter-attack.), or falling on the matt intentionally.

5
A caution, warning, and a reduction of point may be given to the fighter when a fighter is only waiting for a counter blow and is delivering few attacks, and is considered to be passive.

6
Holding the kicking leg of an opponent is not a foul, but only a single attack, whether a punch or a kick while holding the leg is authorized. Continuous attack while holding a leg is a foul. If a fighter does not take any action while holding the kicking leg, the referee shall call a break. Holding the kicking leg and using a throwing technique is also a foul.

7
When a fighter is holding a neck of his opponent with both hands, the fighter is limited to kick or knee kick his opponent to only one time. Therefore, continuous attack is judged as a foul. Attacking the opponent continuously while holding the neck with one hand is authorized. However, referee may call a break if judges the attack does not give any damage to the opponent.

8
Passive holding or clinching is prohibited. However, the referee can permit it only when it is accompanied by an authorized attack. A fighter can be penalized if he resorts to holding or clinching after an authorized attack or in order to avoid attacks.

Article 7 CATEGORIES OF OUTCOME

The outcome of fight shall be made by the following manner.
  1. KNOCKOUT (KO)
    Applicable when a fighter does not stand up within ten (10) seconds as the referee starts the DOWN count. Or when a referee decides that the fighter has severely damaged and cannot stand up within the call of count ten (10). Applicable when a fighter is judged to have lost his will to continue to fight, even though he has stood up within the call of count ten (10), and/or when a fighter is judged to be incapable of continuing the fight. Applicable when a fighter goes down three (3) times in a round (or two (2) times in a tournament fight except in the final match).
  2. TECHNICAL KNOCKOUT (TKO)
    Applicable when the referee judges that it is impossible to continue the match due to an accidental injury by neither fighter’s fault. Applicable when a corner man throws a towel into the ring during the course of a match. In the event that the referee does not notice the towel being thrown in, the supervisor is authorized to announce the end of match.
    Referee Stop
    Applicable when the referee judges that one fighter is overwhelmingly superior to his opponent and the inferior fighter is in a physically perilous condition.
    Doctor Stop
    Applicable when the official physician judges that it is impossible to continue the match due to an injury or severe damage to a fighter. If a fighter is down and has sustained severe damage, the official physician shall advise to the supervisor, and the match shall be stopped after the deliberation.
  3. DECISION
    Applicable when there is no knockout, technical knockout, or disqualification to decide the winner. Three (3) judges shall award points to each fighter, and the fighter with the higher point in total at the end of final round will be declared the winner. However, the winner must obtain the consent from two (2) out of three (3) judges. When a winner is not declared by the consent of at least two (2) judges, the extra rounds shall be conducted in tournament fights or in three (3) minutes X three (3) rounds of one match fights. A winner must be determined at the final extra round, as well as after the final round in three (3) minutes X five (5) rounds of one match fights.
  4. DRAW
    Applicable when both fighters go down at the same time and neither rises to his feet before or at the call of count nine (9). Applicable when a fighter is unable to continue the fight due to an accidental injury after the authorized round stated in Article 8, and neither fighter obtains the consent of two(2) judges as a winner after counting the points of the completed rounds. Applicable as an official record when one fighter is judged impossible to continue the match due to accidental injuries before the match is justified accordingly to Article 8. Applicable when there is no winning decision by more than two judges, for the matches that allows the fight to be a draw.
  5. NO CONTEST (NULL and VOID match)
    Applicable when both fighters are found to have violated the rule(s), match fixing, or collusion. Applicable when both fighters fail to fight in good faith (a spiritless fight) after repeated cautions and warnings by the referee, and when the referee declares disqualification of both fighters.

Article 8 JUSTIFICATION OF MATCH

A match shall be considered as justified after completed the second round in three (3) minutes X five (5) rounds matches. A match shall be considered as justified when the first round is completed in three (3) minutes X three (3) minutes matches. When there is an accident during a match, the match shall be determined in accordance with Article 14.

Article 9 INJURY JUDGING

When one of the fighters is injured by intentional or unintentional head batting and the injury becomes more serious by attacks by the opponent thereafter, and when a match is stopped due to this, the winner is determined by scorings tracking up to the point of injury stop. This applies only when match justification is confirmed according to Article 8.

Article 10 REFEREE COUNTDOWN

  1. The definition of a DOWN is when any area of fighter´s body besides the bottom of the foot has touched the ground due to a damaging attack(s). However, the DOWN shall be considered as FLASH DOWN when the referee determines that the damage is not sever, and the downed fighter shows his will to fight by standing up immediately.
  2. When a fighter falls to the ground and cannot stand up immediately, he may be considered as a "Down".
  3. Even without falling to the ground, a (standing) DOWN may be announced when it is obvious that a fighter has sustained damage, and the referee has determined that the fighter would be in a dangerous situation if the attack were to continue.
  4. The "DOWN" count will be preceded by a "DOWN" call and gesture by the referee. Following the "DOWN" call, the referee must ascertain that the opponent is in the neutral corner and then he starts the count. As the referee starts the down count, the MC shall announce the count down in accordance with the count of each second from the official timekeeper’s stopwatch. The referee shall be the sole person with authority to call a "DOWN."
  5. The fighter who has knocked downed his opponent shall go to a neutral corner immediately and wait there during the "DOWN" count by the referee until further instructions are given.
  6. If the fighter does not follow the referee’s instruction to wait at the neutral corner, the referee may stop his count, and continue the countdown only after the fighter has moved to a neutral corner.
  7. When a fighter is knocked down, and the round is finished while referee is still counting, the timekeeper shall not signal the end of the round (the time keeper will not ring the bell). Hence, the referee continues to count, and the round will end when the counts stop. When the counts reaches ten (10) counts, the downed fighter will be considered knocked out (KO). When the referee decide that the downed fighter is not in the condition to continue to fight after the ten(10) counts, the referee stops the fight and the result will be considered technical knock out.(Referee Stop: TKO).

Article 11 JUDGING CRITERIA

Awarding of points shall be based on the following elements :
  1. Whether an effective and accurate attack is acknowledged, and damage is inflicted on the opponent by authorized blows.
  2. Points will be awarded in this priority :
    Number of downs
    Extent of damage inflicted on the opponent
    Number of clean hits
  3. Degree of aggressiveness (points in the offensive)Both fighters are awarded a score of ten (10), and then points shall be deducted from both fighters as they get penalized and/or being inferior during the round. The example of scoring the points will be the following:

    When the difference is clear, the inferior fighter receives a one (1) point deduction. Therefore, the score will be 10-9.

    When a fighter is downed once, the downed fighter receives a two (2) point deduction. However, if the down is considered as FLASH DOWN, the deduction may be one (1) point. Therefore, the score will be 10-8 or 10-9.

    When a fighter is downed twice, the downed fighter receives a three (3) point deduction (applicable to the final match in tournament fights, and one match fights). Therefore, the score will be 10-7.

    A fighter shall be penalized with a one (1) point deduction for actions such as foul techniques when the referee declares such penalty. Therefore, the score will be 10-9.

    A fighter shall be penalized with a two (2) point deduction for actions such as foul techniques when the referee declares such penalty. Therefore, the score will be 10-8.

    When a downed fighter retrieves his inferiority during the round, his opponent receives a one (1) point deduction: there is a case that a downed fighter may close the margin between himself and opponents. In this case, the score will be 9-8 instead of 10-9.

    Each fighter receives a two (2) point deduction when a downed fighter takes a down from his opponent in the same round. In this case, the score will be 8-8 instead of 10-10.

    When both fighters receive one (1) point deductions, the score will be 9-9 instead of 10-10.

    In the final round, even a minimal advantage will be counted as one (1) point, and a winner must be decided (Must Point System, see Article 4-1). If there is no difference between two fighters in the final round, judges must then reconsider all rounds of the fight in order to determine a winner. The judges must take account of slight differences that were not reflected in the scores of earlier rounds. Thus, narrow margins in earlier rounds, which might have been scored 10-10, must now be assessed cumulatively in order to determine a winner.

Article 12 EXTRA ROUNDS

Except for fights allowing the decision to be a draw, , in case the points are equal in the tournament fights and One-match fights of three (3) minutes X three (3) rounds, the extra round shall take place. The maximum of two (2) extra rounds shall take place for the Final match of the tournament and/or a One-match fight with 3 minutes (X) 3 rounds, and one(1) extra round for the other matches. The extra round shall be executed when there is no point difference at the end of third round. The judges must score the round resulting in a clear difference in points.

Article 13 DISQUALIFICATION

A fighter shall be disqualified and fined the full amount (100%) of fight money in following conditions.
A fighter intentionally uses a foul technique and the referee declares the disqualification to the fighter.
A fighter fails to follow the referee´s instructions during a match.
A fighter is late for a match or does not show up at all.
A fighter exhibits ill-mannered behavior or a malicious attitude during a match.
The referee determines that a fighter does not have the will to fight.
When a fighter receives three (3) point reductions due to foul techniques within one (1) round.
The official physician deems a fighter unfit to fight as a result of a medical check.
A corner man has entered in the ring or touched one of the fighters during the match.
Corner men scuffles with each other.
A fighter is found to be positive in the result of doping test.
A fighter is found to have broken other rules.
The disqualified fighter shall be fined the full amount (100%) of fight money and suspended for three (3) months to one (1) year.

Article 14 PENALTY

In case the fighter delivers foul techniques, the fighter will be penalized in the following manner.
The full amount (100%) of fight money shall be confiscated when a fighter is disqualified (three points reduction).
Thirty percent (30%) of fight money shall be confiscated if a fighter received two (2) point reductions.
Twenty percent (20%) percents of fight money shall be confiscated if a fighter received one (1) point reduction.
The penalty shall be cumulative throughout an event. When a fighter proceeds to more than two matches in tournament fights, the penalty of the every match shall be added, and the sum of the penalty will be confiscated from his fight money.

Article 15 ACCIDENT 1

In case a fighter is injured and is impossible to continue the match, the match shall be conducted in the following manner :
  1. If the injury is caused by a rule violation by the opponent, the referee shall give the injured fighter a rest period to check his condition. If the fighter does not recover and the match cannot be resumed, the fighter who has violated the rules shall be the loser (disqualification of the violator). A fighter who is disqualified for a rule violation shall not be entitled to advance in a tournament even if the opponent is not in a condition to continue the match. An injury caused by low-blow will be considered as an accident, whether intentional or unintentional.
  2. If the cause of the injury is carelessness of the injured fighter himself and the match cannot be resumed, the fighter who has injured himself shall be declared the loser (disqualification of the injured).
  3. If the cause of the injury is accidental and at neither fighter’s fault : If the match is not justified, Tournament fights : The fighter who remains in a condition to continue fighting shall be declared the winner. One-match fights : The match shall be considered as "No Contest" and void. If the match is justified, The match is considered as justified at the end of the first round in three (3) minutes X three (3) round fights and at the end of the second round in three (3) minutes X five (5) round fights. The points shall be awarded for the completed rounds, and the fighter with more points shall be declared the winner. In case a fighter is injured after the justified round, the points shall be awarded until the actual time of the round when the fighter was injured.
  4. If the points are even; Tournament fights: The fighter who remains in a condition to continue fighting shall be considered as the winner. One-match fights: The match shall be considered as a Draw. In case the fighter who violates the rule is not-at-fault, maximum of five (5) minutes of rest is given to the fighter to recover from the damages to the groin. If he cannot continue to fight because of the damage, the fighter who can continue fights is considered as a winner.

Article 16 ACCIDENT 2

If a fighter is injured, the official physician, the supervisor, the supervisory staff, the referee and the judges shall confer to decide whether the fight shall continue or not. The official physician is allowed to provide minimal treatment (i.e; stop bleeding and taping) to the injured areas.

Article 17 ACCIDENT 3

When a fighter falls out of the ring, the time count shall be stopped immediately, and the official physician shall check the fighter. During this time, the supervisor, the supervisory staff, and the referee and the judges shall confer to discover the cause(s) of the fall.
  1. When judged as a DOWN by an authorized technique :
    If the fighter is able to resume the match :
    It shall be counted as 1 "DOWN", and the match shall resume from the time stopped.
    If the fighter is not able to continue the match:
    The match shall be ruled a Technical Knock Out (TKO) by doctor stop.
  2. When the fighter is judged as not having been downed:
    If the fighter is able to continue the match:
    The match shall be continued from the time stopped.
    If the fighter is not able to continue the match:

Article 18 DRESS CODE

  1. All fighters must be dressed in clean and proper clothes when they enter the ring for the occasions such as opening ceremony. The promoter may not approve the attire, when considered inappropriate.
  2. The only costume that fighters may wear is kick pants (the length is form waist to above-knee). Any costume, the length reaches beneath knees such as long leggings, Karate costumes, or Taekwondo costumes are prohibited regardless the materials. Also upper body, above waist cannot be covered with any kind of material. Exposure of logos of companies that finance fighters or their agencies must be informed to the promoter and approved in advance.
  3. Any attire, which may cause injury to opponents or reduces any damage to the fighter, shall be prohibited. All supporters and fighting costumes must be approved and signed by the referee and the judges or the event official. In case they determine that the supporters and the costumes are unsafe, wearing the items will not be approved.
  4. The referee and judges shall give a caution if a team does not abide by any of these regulations listed above. A yellow card shall be given for a second caution and every caution thereafter. The fighter shall be disqualified automatically by receiving three yellow cards and must leave the venue. Furthermore, the corner man and the fighter may be suspended thereafter.

Article 19 MOUTHPIECE

Mouthpiece usage is mandatory in the fight. If the mouthpiece comes out of a fighter’s mouth during a match, the referee shall, in principle, retrieve it and hand it to the corner men after the end of the round.

Article 20 USE OF OIL AND VASELINE

Fighters are allowed minimal usage of Vaseline to the facial area. No other substance shall be applied. In addition, fighters shall not apply any substance to their body. The definition of "minimal" in this case means the amount that the referee and the judges permit.
Fighters must abide by the following regulations

A fighter with an excessive amount of oil/Vaseline to the face and/or body shall not be allowed to compete. In such cases, the excessive oil/Vaseline shall be removed.

Fighters are not allowed to apply Thai Oil and oils containing any stimulative and irritating substance to any part of their body during the fight.

Fighters are allowed to apply minimal substance to the sole of their feet in order to prevent from slipping on the matt. The substance shall not be used to any other part of their body.

Fighters are not allowed to apply Thai Oil and oils containing any stimulative and irritating substance to the body even before the fight. Should the fighter and the corner men does not follow the instruction of the referee and judges, he may be given a caution, warning, and a reduction of points.

Article 21 GLOVE CHECK

All fighters must have their gloves checked, sealed and signed off by the event officials, before they are put on. The gloves may not be taken off until the match is over. If there is any evidence that the gloves have been removed or tampered with, the fighter must undergo another glove check. Moreover, the fighters shall not apply any substance nor deformation to their gloves. Caution, warning, or point reduction may be given to a fighter who does not abide by the instruction of the judges.

Article 22 MEDICAL CHECK

All fighters must declare medicines that they currently dose upon rules review. All fighters must submit to a medical check by the official physician before competing. In a tournament, the winner is obligated to go through subsequent medical checks in order to proceed to his next match.

Article 23 DOPING CHECK

In order to establish prestige and fairness of ASCFSA events, all fighters are obligated to submit to a doping check upon the promoter’s request in any occasion. Testing positive for doping will result in penalties, including the confiscation of a title, prize money, and full amount (100%) of fight money. Additionally, a fighter will also be penalized based on his own contract.

Article 24 WEIGHT CHECK

In case of a match is with weight limitation, weight check is conducted in the morning of a previous day. Fighters weight has to be within contracted weight upon the weight check. If their weight exceeds the contracted weight, the fighter is authorized to fight only when he could drop his weight to contracted weight within one (1) hour. The fighter is given one

(1) point reduction for 1kg or less overweight,
(2) point reductions for overweight of between 1kg and 2kg
disqualification for 2kg or more overweight.

K-1 Definition:


Martial arts competition: a sport in which competitors utilize standing techniques from sports such as karate, kick-boxing, kung fu, and tae kwon do to determine the world´s strongest martial artist [< k1 (sense 1) as the initial letter of karate, kung fu, and other martial arts + one, because of the event´s single weight class]

K-1 History


2006
In 2006, Paul Slowinski of Australia wins the Oceania GP Tournament in Auckland, K-1´s first major event in New Zealand; Chalid Die Faust of Germany emerges victorious in the USA GP in Las Vegas; Yasuke Fujimoto wins the Asia GP in Seoul; and Bjorn Bregy of Switzerland is the best on the night in Amsterdam to take the Europe GP.
In World Max action, Buakaw Por Pramuk of Thailand becomes the first two-time Champion; while in K-1´s mixed martial arts format Hero´s Series, Yoshihiro Akiyama wins in the Light Heavyweight Championship, and JZ Calvin of Brazil takes the Middleweight Belt.
Some 54,800 are on hand at the Tokyo Dome to watch Semmy Schilt defend his World Grand Prix Championship. The Dutchman dispatches veterans Jerome LeBanner, Ernesto Hoost and Peter Aerts en route to victory in a Final that would be broadcast in more than 120 countries.

2005
K-1´s popularity rockets in South Korea , as the gargantuan Hong-Man Choi beats three fighters (including defending Asia Champ Kaoklai Kaennorsing) to win the K-1 Asian GP in Seoul . Brazilian Glaube Feitosa emerges best in the Americas , winning the USA Grand Prix in Las Vegas in impressive style; and in Paris, Semmy Schilt of the Netherlands powers his way to victory at the European Grand Prix.
Successful Fighting Network events are held round the globe -- more than 10,000 fans fill the Globen Arena in Stockholm for the Scandinavian Tournament. Meanwhile, in World Max action, Andy Souwer of the Netherlands takes the Crown; while in K-1´s mixed martial arts format Hero´s Series, Norifumi "e;Kid"e; Yamamoto wins the Final in front of 53,025 at Osaka Dome on New Year´s Eve.
The year´s main event, the World GP Final, attracts a sellout crowd of 58,213 to the Tokyo Dome and is broadcast in more than 90 countries. And for the tenth time in K-1´s 13-year history a Dutch fighter is victorious, as Schilt stays perfect -- beating Ray Sefo, Remy Bonjasky and Glaube Feitosa to earn fightsports most coveted crown.

2004
K-1 makes its first foray into Korea , and the sellout crowd sees Thai fighter Kaoklai Kaennorsing win the first K-1 Asian GP. In World Max action, another Thai fighter, Buakaw Por Pramuk stuns the opposition to take the crown. Mighty Mo is a surprise winner at the Battle at the Bellagio III, and the slugger represents the US at the Tokyo Dome World GP Final. There, Japanese Seidokaikan fighter Musashi makes it to the last bout for the second year running, but Remy Bonjasky is better once again, and repeats as Champion. Dutch fighters have now won nine of the twelve K-1 World GP Championships.

2003
Masato beats Kraus in the World Max Final and is crowned the first Japanese K-1 Champion. The emergence of Battle at the Bellagio winner Carter Williams of the United States and Muay Thai fighter Remy Bonjasky of the Netherlands heralds the arrival K-1´s new generation. With a flashy style featuring flying knees and kicks, the 27 year-old Bonjasky outclasses the competition to take the K-1 World Grand Prix Championship at the Tokyo Dome.

2002
K-1 introduces its World Max Series, which has a 70kg weight class, and the Dutch fighter Albert Kraus is crowned the first World Max Champion. In the World GP Series, big Bob "e;The Beast"e; Sapp of the United States stuns the K-1 world by beating Ernesto Hoost twice. But an injury stops Sapp at the Tokyo Dome Final, and Hoost goes on to win it all and become K-1´s first-ever four-time World Grand Prix Champion.

2001
Mark Hunt, a hard-punching 27 year-old New Zealander, comes into the Tokyo Dome Final as an underdog, but defeats veterans Jerome LeBanner, S tefan Leko and Fran cisco Filho on a super Saturday to pull the biggest upset in K-1 history and become the sport´s first non-European World Grand Prix Champion.

2000
The new millennium and K-1 sees unprecedented expansion and popularity in Europe and the Americas . At the Tokyo Dome Final, yet another sellout crowd watches as Dutch fighter Ernesto Hoost successfully defends his World Grand Prix Championship.

1999
K-1 has its most successful year yet, with sold-out tournaments including the "e;K-1 All-Stars"e; nights and "e;K-1 Spirits"e; series taking the action to fans throughout Japan . The year is capped at another sold-out Tokyo Dome Grand Prix when Ernesto Hoost, the man they call "e;Mr. Perfect,"e; wins a thrilling final against Mirko "e;Crocop"e; Filipovic to capture the K-1 Championship.

1998
The Swiss event is renamed the K-1 European Grand Prix, with winner Stefan Lefko earning a berth in the December K-1 Grand Prix at Tokyo Dome. Similarly, Rick Roufus grabs a GP spot by winning the new K-1 USA Grand Prix, held in August at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas . In the Japan GP, held the same month, it is Satake who advances to the Tokyo Dome Grand Prix Finals, which attract 63, 800 fans and are won by Peter Aerts, K-1´s first three-time champion.

1999
K-1 fighters like Hug, Bernardo, and Aerts are now major celebrities in Japan , appearing on television and being mobbed by fans in the street. Hug´s Fight Night is broadcast on Swiss national television. In Japan , K-1 holds events in the domed stadiums of the country´s three largest cities, Nagoya , Osaka , and Tokyo . More than 45,000 tickets for the Tokyo Dome Grand Prix sell out in less than an hour. This year, Ernesto Hoost defeats Hug by decision to capture the crown. Television ratings for the tournament hit a surprisingly high 20% viewer share. K-1 is now the hottest sport in Japan .

1996
Newcomer Mike Bernardo upsets Aerts in the K-1 Grand Prix, then loses in the final to Hug, who takes a bigger Fight Night production back to Switzerland this year. In August, a K-1 video game is released for the Sony PlayStation platform, while in October the nation-wide Fuji TV Network broadcasts the Yokohama Arena K-1 Star Wars event. This marks the beginning of Fuji´s association with K-1.

1995
Aerts successfully defends his title at the 3rd K-1 Grand Prix in May. The following month, Hug´s native Switzerland hosts K-1 Fight Night, the rapidly growing sport´s first overseas event. More than 12,000 people watch favorite Hug win by knockout over WKA USA Champion Dennis Lane .

1994
Peter Aerts wins the second K-1 Grand Prix, with newcomer Andy Hug losing in his first match. In September, Hug wins a ´revenge´ bout at the Yokohama arena, and establishes himself as one of K-1´s first superstars.

1993
With karate moving closer to kickboxing in style, Ishii organizes the first K-1 Grand Prix at the Yoyogi Dai-Ichi Stadium in Tokyo . The event is held in a regulation-size boxing ring under the revolutionary K-1 rules, which permit punches to accommodate both karate and kickboxing fighters. A sellout crowd of 10,000 sees Branco Citatic win the first K-1 Championship. Two more K-1 events are held later in the year, and these are won by Satake and Ernesto Hoost.

1992
The first glove karate event in Japan , the "e;Karate Japan Open,"e; is held, and Satake wins it.

1991
Following a series of successful tournaments, Seido Kaikan comes to Tokyo for a tournament against USA Oyama Karate, in which Satake beats the legendary Willie Williams.

1988
Two of Ishii´s students, Toshiyuki Yanagisawa and Masaaki Satake, finish 1st and 2nd in the Karate Real Champion Tournament, earning Ishii´s Seido Kaikan respect in the martial arts community.

1985
Seido Kaikan opens an office in the United States with Tom Edwards as its manager.

1983
Seido Kaikan fighters square off against a group of Kung fu experts at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Kansai and win the contest. Meanwhile, Ishii becomes the first Chairman of the newly formed "e;All Japan Budo (Martial Arts) Promotion Association,"e; an organization made up of Kansai-area karate and kenpo groups.

1982
The first All Japan Karate-Do Tournament is held in Osaka , organized by Ishii and Seido Kaikan, the new governing body for Seidokan Karate. The full-contact competition fills the Furitsu Gymnasium and is broadcast on local television.

1980
Kazuyoshi Ishii establishes the Seidokan Karate school in Osaka , with dojos and university-based karate clubs in the Kansai area.

The History of Thai Boxing


As a part of Thai legacy, Thai boxing played a role in restoring of Thai freedom in 1584, in the reign of King Naresuen the Great and has continued over 400 years into the present day.

It has been studied regularly by soldiers since early times. Whether in times of war, when it was necessary to confront enemies, or in peaceful times, self-defense techniques have always been of great importance to military leaders and to the monarchy.

During the reign of King Rama VI, Thai boxing, starting to receive serious attention, with the build of boxing stadium so as to organize Thai boxing competition. Since such moment, Thai boxing has been viewed as a national sport.

Thai boxing is a martial art and a method of self-defense, with rules different from those of international boxing. International boxing holds to the principal of having a strong upper torso and of tricking or misleading the opponent.

On the other hand, skills in Thai boxing depend on a full range of factors consisting of the qualities of obedience genuine knowledge, courage, endurance, patience, compassion, gratitude, and honesty. Thai boxers can easily fight across classes and categories. It is common for small, light boxers to wallop large, heavier opponents.

It is an art of fighting with bare hands. In the old time, even the use of the head was permitted in addition to hands, feet, knees, and elbows. In 1929, Thai boxing underwent the transformation.

Rules and regulations were introduced. The equipment and training method of Thai boxing have been adapted from time to time. The use of glue, glass, and raw cotton gradually stopped.

With a switch of wearing of boxing gloves and groin guards. However, the traditional form of Thai boxing, making use of feet and elbows in a fight has not been abandoned. Whenever a quarrel arose, the contenders would still only use their bodily strength in combat without having recourse to weapons.

Thai boxing is both a sport and a martial art, a strong and vigorous art that has been passed down through the history of Thai as part of Thai cultural heritage.

Besides that, it has been interested by other natives in Asia such as Burmese, Indonesian, Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian. Western countries have been caught their eyes in Thai boxing for at least 70 years. During the First World War, Thailand sent troops to fight with its allies and Thai boxing became known in the world.

By now, Thai boxing is known all over the world. Training schools have been founded throughout Asia, Australia, Europe and America