Rules and Regulations for Full Contact
The following is a condensed version of the official IKF Rules & Regulations. For more details about specific rules and regulations, please visit the IKF website.
General Bout Rules
- The 3-knockdown rule is always in effect in IKF kickboxing unless otherwise noted between the promoter, referee and IKF Representative at the event. The IKF 3-knockdown rule is if a fighter is knocked down to the mat 3 times in one round OR given 3 standing 8 counts in one round, the bout is automatically over.
- A fighter cannot be saved by the bell except in the final round.
- A boot-to-boot sweep in any division is NOT counted as a knockdown.
- Leg checking is permitted with the shin, but not with the foot.
- Front leg sweeps, foot-to-foot, boot-to-boot, to the inside & outside of opponents front foot are permitted by BOTH feet of the striker/sweeper. No spin sweeps. (In Muay Thai Rules ONLY, the supporting “Rear” leg is also allowed to be swept).
- Slips will not count as a knockdown or a standing 8 count in ANY Fighting division.
- Standing 8 Count is Always used in the IKF if a fighter looks helpless and receives several blows to the head or body but continues to stand, not move and not defend him or herself, the referee will give the fighter a standing 8 count and, if the referee feels it is necessary, may stop the fight at that time. (In some cases, a standing 8 count will not be used.)
- If a fighter loses by TKO or knockout from a blow to the head, the IKF WILL suspend him/her from competition for a minimum of 30 days (TKO) and 45 days for knockouts for medical and safety reasons. Longer suspensions may be given by the Events Doctor and, or the IKF Representative.
- If a fighter is knocked down to the ring floor or falls to the floor, he/she must get up under their own power.
- If a fighter is knocked down, the other fighter must retreat to farthest neutral corner or the corner instructed by the ring referee.
- If a fighter drops their mouthpiece 3 times during the entire contest, he/she may be disqualified from the match and lose by a technical knockout. The aforementioned is at the discretion of the referee
- Judges decisions are final.
Rule Sets
The IKF currently utilize International Rules, Unified Rules, Modified Muay Thai Rules, Full Muay Thai Rules w/Elbows.
International Rules
- Kickboxing or Muay Thai shorts are mandatory. Shorts cannot extend lower than 3″ from the top of the knee. Pants are not allowed.
- Fighters may kick above the waist and to the inside and outside of the thighs – Calf Kicks are allowed in full contact bouts but not encouraged.
- All standard Boxing Punches are allowed including the spinning backfist with the heel of fist or the back of the hand.
- Leg kicks (shin or foot) are allowed to the inside & outside of the legs, but not the knees.
- No kick minimums.
- Clinching is not allowed.
- No elbows or knees allowed.
Unified Kickboxing Rules
- Kickboxing or Muay Thai shorts are mandatory. Shorts cannot extend lower than 3″ from the top of the knee. Pants are not allowed.
- All standard punches and kicks are allowed. Spinning backfists/hands are allowed.
- All kicks are allowed except for cartwheel kicks. No kick minimums required.
- Knees are allowed, except to the head for Amateurs.
- Clinching – IKF gives an option in the Unified Rules to allow a full clinch and knees as long as you are working. Clinch and knees can last up to 3-5 seconds. The Referee must separate the fighters after the aforementioned time elapses. The aforementioned rule adjustment should be made clear in the match -making process.
- Sweeps are Not Allowed.
- Elbows are not allowed.
- Neck and hip throws are not allowed.
- Lifting your opponent is not allowed.
- Catching the leg is allowed as long as you counter quickly. Holding the leg is not allowed.
Modified Muay Thai Rules
- Muay Thai shorts are mandatory.
- All standard punches and kicks are allowed. Spinning backfists/hands are allowed.
- All kicks are allowed except for cartwheel kicks.
- Knees are allowed.
- Clinching is allowed as long as you are working. Referee will break up stagnated clinches.
- Neck and hip throws are not allowed.
- Catching the leg is allowed as long as you counter quickly. Holding the leg is not allowed.
Full Muay Thai w/Elbows
FOR AMATEUR EVENTS
- Elbows are allowed to the legs, body and the head.
- Amateurs Must wear elbow Pads. No Elbow Pads required for pros
- When elbow strikes are allowed to the head, IKF approved or endorsed elbow pads are MANDATORY. Strikes with elbows and knees are allowed. However, some State Athletic Commissions may not allow knees to the head or elbows at all. Under these circumstances, these Muay Thai bouts will be called “MODIFIED MUAY THAI.” To be a Muay Thai bout at all, there must be at least Knee Strikes to the body. Please CONFIRM with the event Matchmaker what will be ALLOWED in your bout. Knees to the head, elbows, etc.
- “STRAIGHT 12-6” Dropping or Spiking Downward Elbows (Where the fist is above the elbow on impact) are illegal and NOT ALLOWED!
- No strikes are allowed to the groin, knees or spine.
