WKO Amateur K-1 Rules

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Overview: WKO Amateur K-1 provides a ruleset between Kickboxing and Thai Boxing, suitable for all levels. Divided into A, B, and C-Class:

 

Class Breakdown:

• A-Class: Head shots allowed and scored (all ages)

• B-Class: Light contact, head shots allowed and scored (all ages)

• C-Class: Under 14s only – No head shots allowed

 

Body Shields:​

• A-Class: Optional (under 15)

• B-Class: Optional (under 15)

• C-Class: Required (under 15)

 

Age Requirements:

• Minimum age: 7 years old

 

Bout Structure (Gala):

• Non-title: 3 rounds

• Title: 5 rounds

 

Round Durations by Age:

• Under 12: 60s rounds / 30s rest

• 13–16: 90s rounds / 45s rest

• 17+: 120s rounds / 60s rest

 

Tournaments:

• A-Class: 2 rounds prelims, 3 rounds final

• B & C-Class: 2 rounds for all

• High registrations at a tournament can see all bouts set to 2 x 60s rounds / 30s rest 

 

Outcome Methods:

• KO, TKO, Decision, DQ, Draw, No Contest

 

Children’s Safety:

• Control expected – avoid head contact KOs

 

Officials:

• Referee and doctor can stop bouts

 

Scoring:

• 10-point must system (10 to round winner)

• Extra round(s) used in case of draw

 

Knockdown Rules:

• 3-knockdown = TKO (A & C-Class)

• Mandatory 8-count (A & C-Class)

• Standing 8-count applies

• Can be saved by bell only in final round

 

Prizefighter Format:

• 3-round matches

• 2-knockdown rule (except final)

• Reserve fighters may substitute in special cases

 

Required Equipment:

Gloves: 8oz (8yrs & under), 10oz (9+)

 

Headgear:

• Juniors: Mandatory for all classes

• Adults: Optional but recommended

• Gumshields: Required at all levels

• Body Shields:

  • A-Class: Optional (under 15)

  • B-Class: Optional (under 15)

  • C-Class: Required (under 15)

• Breast Protectors: Optional but recommended (females)

• Wraps: Cotton wraps & zinc oxide tape only (no tape over knuckles)

• Shorts: Thai or MMA style

• Groin Guards: Mandatory (males), optional (females)

• Shin/Instep Guards: Required, no metal

• Ankle Supports: Optional

 

Legal Techniques:

• Punches: Straight, hook, uppercut

• Kicks: All styles (front, low, high, jumping, etc.)

• Knees: Permitted (no elbow strikes)

 

Spinning Attacks Amateur:

• Spinning Hook Kicks (ball of foot) to head allowed 

• Spinning Heal Kicks (heel of foot) to the head not allowed 

• Spinning Back Fist or Hammer-fist not allowed

 

Spinning Attacks Professional:

• Spinning Heal Kicks to the head - Negotiable 

• Spinning Back Fist or Hammer-fist - Negotiable 

 

Fouls & Penalties:

• Referee may issue: Caution > Warning > Point Deduction > Disqualification

• Serious fouls can result in immediate penalties

• Examples:

  • Headbutts, elbows, low blows

  • Throws, biting, choking, holding ropes

  • Hitting downed opponent, late strikes

  • Excessive holding or passivity

 

Clinching:

• One strike allowed per clinch

• Passive clinch = foul

 

Catch & Strike:

• One attack allowed while holding a leg, then release. Cannot sweep or slam opponent

 

Scoring Criteria:

1. Knockdowns

2. Damage inflicted

3. Clean hits

4. Aggression

 

Equal strikes? Aggressor wins.

Repeated fouls = automatic loss.

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Hydration Rules:

1. Dehydrating to cut weight = Disqualification

2. After weigh-in: rehydrate with water or isotonic drinks

3. On fight day: only water allowed

4. No fizzy drinks or alcohol at ringside

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Pre-Workout drinks/powders are not allowed to be consumed before a bout is to be contested