Full contact kickboxing combines Western boxing and traditional karate techniques, allowing opponents of similar weight to exchange full contact blows and kicks to the torso and head. Rules vary, but typically opponents can strike with padded fists and feet above the hip. Matches are typically three to 12 rounds of two to three minutes each. MMA is a similar full contact sport that incorporates ground grappling.
Full contact kickboxing, also known as American kickboxing, is a combat sport that combines Western boxing and traditional karate techniques. The sport was created in 1970 and differs from traditional karate in that opponents of similar weight can exchange full contact blows and kicks to the torso and head. While the term “full contact karate” has also been used to describe the sport, this term is essentially incorrect as it refers to any school of karate that incorporates full contact sparring. Full contact kickboxing is a sport unto itself.
The rules of the competition may vary according to the preferences of the wrestler-promoter. Typically, opponents can strike with their padded fist and foot anywhere above the hip, including the head. In addition, inward and outward front leg sweeps are permitted, while the use of unpadded elbows, knees, and shins is generally prohibited. This is in contrast to Muay Thai fights where elbow and knee strikes are allowed unless otherwise specified.
Full contact kickboxing is distinguished in dress from other forms of kickboxing. Long pants and foot pads are required, in addition to mouthpieces, hand wraps, eight to ten ounce gloves, and groin cups for men. Shorts, bare feet, and headgear are strictly prohibited in full-contact professional bouts.
Matches between full contact wrestlers are typically three to 12 rounds of two to three minutes each, with a one-minute rest period between rounds. As long as neither the fighter is knocked out (KO) nor the fight is stopped by the referee declaring a technical knockout (TKO), the winner of the fight is determined by a panel of three judges. A split decision results from a disagreement between the judges, while a unanimous decision indicates full agreement regarding the winner. A winner can also be determined if a wrestler’s corner literally throws in the towel as a means of losing.
Similar to full contact kickboxing is Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), a full contact sport that incorporates ground grappling in addition to kicks and punches. American MMA emerged in 1993 with the founding of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, although events took place in Japan as early as 1989. Unlike full-contact kickboxing, MMA fighters fight with small, open-fingered gloves that allow for an open grip. MMA combat tends to be more brutal than full contact combat, as the practice of ground combat allows for extensive manipulation of the body’s faculties. The presence of women in full contact sports is one of the increases, largely due to popular wrestlers like Gina Carano and Megumi Fujii.
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