Become Fighter
K-1, full-contact and other rule sets: Kickboxing guide
The same kick scores differently under different rules. Learn the ones you will fight under.
Kickboxing is not one sport. Full-contact rules usually require kicks above the waist and score hands and legs together. Low-kick rules allow strikes to the thigh. K-1 style rules also allow knees and a limited clinch. Light-contact and point formats work differently again.
Your game plan depends on the rules. A fighter who wins with low kicks under one ruleset may score nothing under another. Learn the rules you will actually fight under and change your plan to suit them.
Key points
- Full-contact rules often ban leg kicks and score body kicks and head kicks heavily.
- K-1 style rules allow low kicks and knees, with limited holding in the clinch.
- Point and light-contact formats score speed and clean contact over damage.
- Check what is banned: knees, clinching, sweeps, elbows, spinning attacks, striking a downed fighter.
- Ask your coach, read the rulebook and listen to the referee's instructions before the first round.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Assuming all kickboxing is the same. Read the rules for each event. They differ more than you expect.
- Practising banned techniques at the last minute. Remove them from your habits weeks before the fight.
- Ignoring the referee's briefing. Listen to the instructions. They cover clinching, breaks and fouls.
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Style matchups module of Kickboxing foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Style matchups
- Fighting a pressure fighter: Kickboxing guide
- Fighting a counter-kicker: Kickboxing guide
- Orthodox against southpaw: Kickboxing guide
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.