Part IV: Competition requirements
1. Bout/match duration
- Bout Length
- Cadets, Junior, Intermediate, Masters: 2 × 2 minute round (1 minute rest)
- Seniors: 3 × 2 minute rounds (1 minute rest)
2. Scoring methodology
- Head Officials use clickers to score points.
- The action is stopped to award points.
- Points are awarded if 2 or more judges/referees declare the point.
3. Legal scoring techniques
- Back-fist (jab)/cross/hook (1 point).
- All kicks to body (1 point).
- All jump kicks/head kicks (2 points).
4. Legal scoring targets
- Face, sides of head, body, sides of body.
5. Illegal scoring techniques
- Blind techniques, spinning backfist, leg catch, knees, throws, grappling, thrusting kicks to legs.
6. Illegal scoring targets
- Legs, top and back of head, throat, groin, joints.
7. Scoring fouls/penalties
- The following are illegal infractions:
- Warnings – Will be issued for excessive contact, illegal techniques, illegal targets areas, unsportsmanlike conduct.
- Penalties
- Warning 1: Unofficial
- Warning 2: Official
- Warning 3: Loss of one point
- Warning 4: Loss of two points
- Warning 5: Disqualification
- Disqualification – After 5 warnings or if Referee, in collaboration with Chief Official, determine that the intent or impact of infraction is severe.
- Standing 8 Counts – Will be issued if an athlete is not able to continue competing for any reason not due to a rule violation.
8. Result declarations
- Officials declare winner based on the highest cumulative score at the end of the match.
9. Athlete attire and required equipment
- Uniforms – martial arts/kickboxing pants, V-neck martials arts/tatami top (must not be bare chested)
Updated: June 05, 2025
Published: May 23, 2025