WKO LOW KICK RULES
BOUT FORMAT
Non-title Bouts:
3 rounds
Title Bouts:
Regional: 3 rounds
National/International: 5 rounds
Bouts Round Lenght:
-
Juniors 12yrs and under
1 minute rounds with 30 seconds rest -
Cadet bouts 13yrs to 16yrs
1.5 minute rounds with 45 seconds rest -
Senior bouts 17yrs and over
2 minute rounds with 60 seconds rest
Open Tournaments (Gala or Tatami):
Tatami Sports:
1 x 1.5 minute round
Ringsports:
2 x 1 minute round with 30 seconds rest
Finals:
Tatami Sports:
2 x 1 minute round with 30 seconds rest
Ringsports:
2 x 1 minute round with 30 seconds rest
or
3 x 1 minute round with 30 seconds rest
(if entry volumes allow)
Gala Tournament Rules:
Reserve matches held in case a progressing fighter cannot continue KO’d fighters may not be eligible to replace others
HEAD CONTACT
Permitted for all ages but controlled shots for all juniors
Fight may be stopped at any time by referee or ring doctor
SCORING SYSTEM
10-Point Must System:
Winner of the round: 10 points
Loser: 9 or less (8 or 7 if dominated/knocked down)
Draw after 3 rounds → extra round(s); winner determined from extra round only
Victory Methods:
Judges decision
Knockout (KO)
Technical Knockout (TKO)
Referee stoppage (e.g., No Contest)
Knockdown Rule:
3 knockdowns in 1 round = fight stopped
4 knockdowns total = fight stopped
Standing 8-count applies
Saved by the bell only in final round
SCORING CRITERIA
Priority of Judging:
-
Number of clean hits
-
Flow of combinations (kicks + punches)
-
Willingness to win (aggressiveness)
-
Ring control
-
Damage caused
-
Effective counters
Clean shots = Unblocked, controlled strikes to legal scoring areas with clear intent.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Headguard
-
Juniors: Mandatory
-
Adults: Optional but recommended
Mouthguard
Boxing Glove
-
8oz gloves (under 9yrs)
-
10oz gloves (9yrs+)
Shin & instep guards (no metal inserts)
Foot Pads optional
Groin guard (males: mandatory / females: optional)
Thai or MMA shorts
Breast protector (mandatory for females – under clothing)
Ankle supports optional
Elbow/knee pads for comfort (not striking)
Vest or T-shirt (Juniors under 12 must wear a top)
Hand Wraps:
Cotton wraps only
Zinc oxide tape allowed (MUST NOT cover knuckles)
Gaffa tape not permitted
AUTHORIZED TECHNIQUES
Punches:
Straight punches, Hooks, Uppercuts
Kicks: Front, side, back, middle, high, Jumping and ), Low kicks (inner/outer thigh) Spinning kicks (heel is not pernitted to be used unless wearing foot pads)
FOULS & ILLEGAL ACTIONS
Immediate Penalties:
Use of knees
Elbow or head strikes
Groin attacks (punch/kick under navel)
Holding the ropes
Punching the back of the head
Verbal abuse or disrespect
Attacking downed or recovering opponents
Holding without attacking (passive clinching)
Grabbing leg and throwing
Backspin strikes with elbow/forearm/glove
Repeated passive tactics (e.g. avoiding engagement)
Penalties:
Cautions = 2 warnings
Deductions = 1-point deduction
2 point deductions in a round = disqualification
Malicious fouls = immediate deduction or DQ
Referee can DQ following first warning if can see significant risk to a fighter.
Special Cases:
Headbutts: If bleeding caused, deduction or DQ may apply depending on intent
Turning back to opponent: May be penalised if seen as quitting
Video Replay may be used for unclear spinning/back elbow strikes
SCORING DECISIONS EXPLAINED
Tatami Light Low Kick:
Points for clean, effective strikes using legal techniques
Kicking is favored over non-kicking fighters
Fighter pressing forward and attacking gains advantage if shots are equal. Counters can win if clean and effective over time
Winning the Round:
Outscore your opponent with clean, controlled strikes
Dominate the flow, pace, and impact. Control the centre and push the pace when possible.
ATHLETE HYDRATION POLICY
-
Dehydration to cut weight = automatic disqualification
-
After weigh-in: rehydrate safely (water/isotonic only)
-
On fight day: Water only is allowed during the bout
-
No fizzy drinks, alcohol, or isotonic drinks ringside during competition.
Pre-Workout drinks/powders are not allowed to be consumed before a bout is to be contested