An international martial arts sport derived from countries in Asia, kickboxing tests opponents' flexibility, strength and agility. As with other sports, certain rules govern the sport of kickboxing. These rules exist mainly to protect players against unfair techniques and provide an equal opportunity for competition. The World Kickboxing Association is one of several governing association that oversees rules for the sport.
Match Rules
Like regular boxing, the rules of kickboxing break down a match into several rounds, within which the kickboxers attempt to knock out their opponent or score points with kicks, elbows, knees or punches. Tournament play features three rounds, lasting 2 minutes each. Title matches consist of five 2-minute rounds. Fighters get a 1-minute rest in between rounds.
Rules of Engagement
The rules of kickboxing allow much more contact than regular boxing, yet not as much contact is permitted as in mixed martial arts. Fighters may punch and kick anywhere from the waist up as well as kick from the waist down on the outside of the upper legs. They may also use a sweeping motion on the lower legs to knock their opponent to the ground. Fighters may clinch---or hold each other---and hit for a maximum of 5 seconds. Illegal moves include biting, eye gouging, smacking or hitting with the palm-side of the glove, and attacking an opponent who is either on the ground or is touching the ground with at least one glove. During clinching, fighters may not grasp onto the ropes. Kicks or punches to the back of the head, as well as head butts, are illegal.
Scoring Rules
Regular kickboxing rules don't recognize knockouts, but points are awarded based on knocking down your opponent. The rules instruct judges to award points per round based on the technical aspects of each fighter. Judges may also, by rule, award a maximum of 10 points per fighter per round. In most cases, the kickboxer considered by the judges to be the better overall fighter receives the full 10 points. If the winner of the round was only marginally better, the opposing fighter receives 9 points. A fighter who is dominated by his opponent may receive as few as 7 or 8 points. In most cases, the fighter who knocks down his opponent is declared the winner. The rules of kickboxing discourage judges from awarding 10 points to both fighters within a round.
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