K-1

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K-1 is a Japanese martial arts organization that has long been one of the most important martial arts promotions in the world and whose fighting style is similar to Muay Thai , but without clinching and elbow use. The annual K-1 World Grand Prix of heavyweight fighters gained popularity . The organization developed its martial arts rules with the aim of allowing fighters from different martial arts to compete against each other. It was invented by Kazuyoshi Ishii in Japan.

K-1 combines techniques from boxing , karate , muay thai, taekwondo , kickboxing , savate and many other martial arts. The popularity of this set of rules meant that many events or individual fights around the world were contested according to K-1 rules without having anything to do with the K-1 organization. These circumstances, in addition to the fact that K-1 is already difficult to distinguish for laypeople from Muay Thai or kickboxing, sometimes lead to misunderstandings. The "K" is derived from the many martial arts that start with a "K" (Karate, Kung Fu , Kempo , Kickboxing; all part of the Kakutogi family, which roughly means martial arts ). It is also a play on words with the abbreviation for Formula 1 (F1), hence the name of the tournament "K-1 Grand Prix".

The Austrian Günter Singer during his K-1 preparation, Van Nuys, California

K-1 is not its own martial art, mainly representatives of different martial arts who adhere to the common rules compete. It is therefore to be classified as a separate type of competition. For example, clinching or the use of elbows (e.g. from Muay Thai) and throws (e.g. from Judo ) are not permitted .

K-1 fights are set to three rounds of three minutes each in tournament mode, with the possibility of extension up to five rounds. This relatively small number of rounds is due to the tournament rules, which are based on the elimination principle, so that a fighter has to complete up to three fights in one evening. Deviations are possible, in general the fight time depends on the class of the fighter and on whether it is a tournament fight. Diverse and dangerous attack options, which reduce the chance of a long fight anyway, are one reason for the short fight times compared to boxing or kickboxing.

In the last few years the K-1 organization almost completely stopped its activities, but formally it still exists. A popular successor organization that organizes fights under the K-1 rules is the Singapore- based Promotion Glory .

Rules and tactics of the K-1

target

The basic goal of the K-1, like other full contact sports , is to win through knockout or a referee's decision. Three judges award points for hits that determine whether a fight is over the full distance between victory and defeat.

Rules and Associations

In Germany there are now many associations that offer fights according to the K-1 set of rules. In the meantime, traditional kickboxing associations such as WAKO K-1 have also been included in their program. In general, all associations that offer K-1 are based on the Japanese model.

Summary of the rules (greatly abridged version)

  • Boxing gloves to avoid injuries.
  • The weight of the fighters must be the same or similar. There are weight classes such as B. boxing.
  • Fighters should be able to demonstrate a similar level if possible. The number of fights is compared, but this loses value for professionals, while it is very important for beginners.
  • Each fight lasts up to five rounds, with a round length of three minutes for the professionals or two minutes for the beginners. Variations are possible.
  • The fight ends with a knockout , technical knockout , "points", "disqualification", "tie", "no fight" or "abandonment".
  • Both the referee and the ring doctor have the authority to end the fight.
  • The fight is judged by three referees on a ten-point system: the winner of the round receives ten points, the loser nine or less. In the event of a tie, both fighters receive ten points.
  • If after three rounds there is a tie, the points expire and an additional round follows. The judges then only evaluate the additional round. If there is still a tie after the additional round, the judges will evaluate even the smallest differences and the rhythm of the fight. A fight can only end in a tie if both fighters go down at the same time and do not get up again.
  • The “three knockdowns rule” applies: Going down three times in a round results in a technical knockout.
  • The "binding eight count" applies: The referee must count to at least eight with every rainfall.
  • The “standing 8-count” applies: The referee has the right to declare a fighter defeated if his condition seems too dangerous for the fight to continue.
  • A fighter can only be “saved” by the bell in the last round.

Rule violations

The following actions are considered a rule violation at the K-1 (greatly abbreviated version):

  • Strikes on prohibited parts of the body, such as low blows or blows to the knee, the back of the head and the back
  • Head or elbow blows
  • Litters
  • Task handles
  • Choking or biting
  • Attacks on an opponent lying on the ground or standing up
  • Attacking the opponent after the referee has declared a break
  • Holding the ropes
  • Insult to the referee or the opponent
  • Trying to throw the opponent out of the ring
  • Voluntary leaving the ring during the fight
  • Passive combat behavior, including clinging throughout
  • More than one attack while holding the opponent's foot or neck with both hands (one action allowed, then let go)
  • Spitting or pulling hair

A fighter is punished as follows:

  • "Instruction" - instructions are only given in the event of minor offenses.
  • "Warning" - in the event of rule violations
  • "Point deduction" - Two warnings result in a point deduction; severe and obviously intentional fouls can result in an immediate deduction of points.
  • "Disqualification" - After repeated offenses, the fight is broken off and the disadvantaged person is declared the winner.

K-1 fighters

Winner of the K-1 World Grand Prix

Winner of the K-1 World MAX Grand Prix

Web links