Kickboxing is a martial art, fighting style and fighting technique. Kicking your opponent is the primary movement and the head is the primary target. Each state sets its own guidelines for official kickboxing events. The World Kickboxing Federation supplies a complete set of general competition rules, including protocol for referees and judges. Kickboxing is also popular as a group class at the gym for a cardiovascular workout.
Clothes
In an official kickboxing match, you wear red or blue shorts with a matching top. The name and flag of the country you represent is depicted on your uniform. Each competitor wears a groin protector, elasticated ankle supports and a gum shield.
Ring
The kickboxing ring, all the area inside the ropes, sits on the ring platform. According to the World Federation of Kickboxing, a small size ring should measure 18 by 18 feet and sit on a platform of 21 by 21 feet, while a large size kickboxing ring should measure 20 by 20 feet and sit on a platform that measures 23 feet on all sides.
Each of the four corners of the kickboxing ring shall be marked by a post neatly covered in foam. The red corner is placed close to the Chairman of the Judges and the blue corner is place opposite the red.
Four ropes mark the space of the kickboxing ring. As stated by the WKF, "They shall be positioned 40, 80, 120 and 150 centimeters, respectively above the ring floor." The ropes should be at least three but not more than five centimeters thick.
Weight Class
Kickboxing bouts are conducted by weight class, similar to boxing. Weight classes are flyweight, super flyweight, bantam weight, super bantamweight, featherweight, super featherweight, lightweight, super lightweight, welter weight, super welterweight, middle weight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, super light heavyweight, cruiserweight, heavyweight and super heavyweight.
Infringing Fouls
The referee can call an infringing foul when one kickboxer carries on an attack while her opponent is down or falling down. In addition, you cannot head butt or intentionally trip your opponent. Neck locks and fist trapping along with throwing him using judo or other wrestling moves are considered fouls. You cannot hold the rope while fighting your opponent or continue to fight after the referee commands you to stop. Thumping and hitting the groin area is not permitted.
Down
If any part of your body touches the floor of the ring other than your feet due to one or more moves by your opponent, you are considered down. Hanging helplessly on the ropes or having all or part of your body outside the ring also classifies. A referee can use her judgment to call a kickboxer down if he is standing up but in obvious distress and an almost unconscious state.
Posted in: Kickboxing