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Rules of the Bouts

The WKN applies specific rules to all kickboxing disciplines, including Full Contact, Kickboxing, Oriental Rules, K-1 Rules, and Muay Thai.

1. Full Contact


Full Contact rules allow only punches and kicks above the waist. Fighters must execute a minimum of eight (8) kicks per round. A knockdown or standing eight-count counts as one (1) kick for each fighter:

  • A ½-point penalty is applied for every missed kick.
  • A fighter who fails to meet the Minimum Kick Requirement (MKR) in two (2) rounds of a bout consisting of six (6) rounds or fewer will be disqualified.
  • In bouts of seven (7) to eleven (11) rounds, failing the MKR in three (3) rounds results in disqualification.
  • In twelve (12) round bouts, failure to meet the MKR in five (5) rounds may result in disqualification at the discretion of the supervisor.

Additional Restrictions:

  • Sweeps are allowed only to the front leg, from outside-in or back-to-front, targeting the boot or lower calf.
  • No clinching, knee strikes, elbows, or leg catching/holding.
  • Spinning back kicks are allowed.
  • Spinning back fists are allowed only in professional bouts with prior written agreement between fighters and approval by the WKN national representative or event supervisor.
  • Illegal strikes include head-butts, low blows, attacks to the back of the head, and rope holding.

Equipment Requirements:

  • Approved boxing gloves: 8 oz for fighters 154 lbs (70 kg) and under, 10 oz for those above.
  • Approved foot-pads and shin guards (optional), hand-wraps, mouthguard, and groin protection are mandatory.

 

Duration:

  • Rounds last two (2) minutes with a one (1) minute break.
  • No extra rounds are allowed.

2. Kickboxing

Kickboxing rules follow the Full Contact format with the following modifications:
  1. Roundhouse kicks to all parts of the legs are permitted.
  2. No minimum kick requirement (MKR).
  3. No foot-pads or shin guards in professional bouts.
  4. Muay Thai-style shorts are mandatory.
  5. Step-up knees to the body and head may be allowed, subject to WKN or Commission approval.

Duration:
  • Five (5) round title bouts: three (3) minute rounds with a one (1) minute break.
  • Three (3) round title bouts: three (3) minute rounds with a one (1) minute break.
  • Non-title bouts: five (5) rounds of two (2) minutes each with a one (1) minute break.
  • No extra rounds allowed.

3. Oriental Rules

Oriental Rules follow the Kickboxing format with these exceptions:

  1. Step-up knees to the body and head are allowed.
    • There is no limit to the number of knees per clinch.
    • The referee has discretion to stop the action.
  2. Leg catching is allowed only with an immediate counterattack, and only if pre-approved by both teams and the national commission.


Duration:

  • Five (5) round title bouts: three (3) minute rounds with a one (1) minute break.
  • Three (3) round title bouts: three (3) minute rounds with a one (1) minute break.
  • Non-title bouts: five (5) rounds of two (2) minutes each with a one (1) minute break.
  • No extra rounds allowed.

4. K-1 Rules

K-1 Rules follow the Oriental Rules format, with the following key differences:

  1. Only one (1) knee is permitted per clinch.
  2. Catching the leg is not allowed.

Duration:

  • Five (5) round title bouts: three (3) minute rounds with a one (1) minute break.
  • Three (3) round title bouts: three (3) minute rounds with a one (1) minute break.
  • Non-title bouts: five (5) rounds of two (2) minutes each with a one (1) minute break.
  • No extra rounds allowed.

5. Muay Thai

Muay Thai rules follow the Oriental Rules format, with the following additions:

  1. Elbow strikes are allowed and compulsory, unless both fighters agree otherwise with prior written approval from the WKN representative or event supervisor.
    • Elbow pads may be used.
  2. Clinching is allowed.
  3. Catching and holding the leg is allowed.

 

Duration:

  • Five (5) round title bouts: three (3) minute rounds with a one (1) minute break.
  • Three (3) round title bouts: three (3) minute rounds with a one (1) minute break.
  • Non-title bouts: five (5) rounds of two (2) minutes each with a one (1) minute break.
  • No extra rounds allowed.

6. Pro-Amateur, Amateur, and Junior Bouts

Amateur and Junior bouts follow the professional rules of Full Contact, Kickboxing, Oriental, or Muay Thai, with the following modifications:
  1. Headgear, body protector, shin guards, elbow pads, and foot-pads may be applied.
  2. Bouts consist of three (3) rounds of two (2) minutes each with a one (1) minute break.
  3. Title bouts may consist of four (4) or five (5) rounds of two (2) minutes each.
  4. Novice and junior fighters may fight 1½-minute rounds, subject to approval.
  5. Amateur fighters may not receive payment under any circumstances.
    • WKN licensing is mandatory for all participants.
    • Rules may be modified only by the WKN representative, in accordance with local laws or sports regulations.

Special Considerations: Accidental Fight Stoppage
  • For 3-round bouts (3×2 or 3×3 minutes):
    • → At least 2 rounds must be completed and scored to declare a winner.
    • → If fewer than 2 rounds are completed, the fight is declared No Contest.

  • For 5-round bouts (5×2 or 5×3 minutes):
    • → At least 3 rounds must be completed and scored to determine a result.
    • → If not, the fight is declared No Contest.

  • For bouts with a different number of rounds, decisions will be made case-by-case, based on prior contractual agreement with the national commission and applicable local regulations.

Title Defense Regulations
  • All international professional title holders must defend their title within six (6) months.
    • → Failure to do so may result in the title being vacated.

  • For amateur titles and national professional titles, there is no mandatory defense.
    • → These titles are valid for one bout only.
    • → If a champion wishes to defend their title, they must notify the WKN World Office in writing immediately after the bout.
    • → If no notification is received within one (1) week, the title will be considered vacated.

This system ensures fair access to national and amateur titles, which are crucial for building a fighter’s record and professional career.

Flexibility of Rules and Regulations

All rules and regulations of the WKN are subject to modification by the WKN National Coordinator, in cooperation with the relevant national or regional combat sports commissions. Such amendments may be implemented as necessary to comply with the specific laws, regulations, or requirements of the country or region in which an event or bout is held, thereby ensuring full alignment with applicable local legislation and regulatory frameworks.

Commitment to National Standards

The WKN acknowledges, respects, and complies with the rules and regulations established by recognized national combat sports commissions and seeks their authorization and approval for all championship events. This commitment reflects the WKN’s dedication to ensuring athlete safety, competitive fairness, and strict adherence to local laws and regulatory standards at all WKN-sanctioned events worldwide.

Official Notice: Complaints and Decisions

The WKN does not accept any complaints, claims, or appeals related to bouts, results, refereeing, judging, or officiating decisions submitted after the event.

Any issue, dispute, or concern regarding a bout,  but not limited to refereeing decisions, judging, rule interpretation, or bout conduct, must be raised immediately on the day of the event and on-site, directly with the official WKN coordinator or event supervisor. 

Once the event has concluded and the results have been officially announced the day of the event, all decisions are final and irrevocable.

The WKN shall not be held responsible for any complaints submitted after the event, and no post-event claims will be reviewed or considered, particularly those related to refereeing or judging decisions, which are the sole responsibility of the appointed officials during the event.

By participating in or organizing a WKN sanctioned event, all parties acknowledge and accept these conditions without exception.

Official Social Media Policy – WKN

The World Kickboxing Network (WKN) maintains official social media platforms to promote the sport, its athletes, officials, and events in a respectful and professional manner.
 
Any form of defamation, harassment, hate speech, insults, threats, false accusations, or degrading comments directed toward fighters, referees, judges, officials, promoters, events, or bout results will not be tolerated.
 
Comments or publications that question, discredit, or publicly attack officiating decisions, bout results, or the integrity of WKN events are considered inappropriate and may be removed without prior notice.
 
The WKN reserves the right to moderate, delete, hide, or restrict comments, as well as block or ban users, at its sole discretion.
 
Any individual or entity engaging in repeated or serious violations may be subject to disciplinary measures, including but not limited to suspension, fines, loss of license, or exclusion from WKN-sanctioned events.
 
The WKN is not responsible for opinions expressed by third parties; however, it will act to protect the reputation, integrity, and image of the federation, its athletes, and its officials.
 
By interacting with WKN official social media platforms, all users acknowledge and accept this policy without exception.