BACK to the RULES !
WKN Official Fighting Styles and Regulations
The World Kickboxing Network – WKN officially governs six combat styles, with a seventh, Kun Khmer currently in development:
1. Full Contact
Punches and kicks above the waist only, with a mandatory number of kicks per round.
2. Kickboxing
Includes low kicks to the legs; no minimum kick requirement. Direct step-up knees to the body and head may be allowed, depending on the national sports commission’s approval and WKN agreement.
3. Oriental Rules
Allows knees and open clinching. There is no limit on the number of knees, and the referee has full discretion to break the clinch when deemed necessary. Leg catching is permitted only with immediate action, and must be pre-approved by both teams and the national commission.
4. K-1 Rules
Similar to Oriental, but limited to one (1) knee per clinch, and leg catching is not allowed.
5. Muay Thai
Full clinch, knees, and elbows are allowed. Elbow pads may be applied where required.
6. MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)
Combines striking and grappling, both standing and on the ground, under unified MMA rules.
7. Kun Khmer (coming soon)
Traditional Cambodian art known for its elbows, spinning attacks, clinch work, and cultural rituals.
Each discipline is governed by strict, style-specific regulations to ensure both safety and authenticity.
No Interim Regulations champions.
*Respect for National Commission Rules
While the WKN maintains a unified global framework, we fully respect national sports commissions.
Each WKN-sanctioned bout is individually reviewed by the WKN World Office, in coordination with the host country’s commission.
This ensures full compliance with local laws and regulations while maintaining international fairness and recognition.
Title Defense Policy
• All international professional title holders must defend their title within six (6) months.
• Failure to do so may result in the title being declared vacant.
• National and amateur titles are considered valid for one single bout.
• If the titleholder wishes to defend it, they must notify the WKN World Office in writing within seven (7) days following the event.
• Without written notice, the title is considered vacant by default.
This system helps ensure opportunity and access, especially for national and amateur athletes building their professional careers.
WKN Ratings & BOXREC Registration
The WKN fighter ranking system is independent, following its own set of technical and merit-based criteria.
Although distinct from other organizations, WKN maintains a unique partnership with BoxRec — the only global database officially recognized for tracking fight records and title history.
All WKN championships are officially recorded on BoxRec, allowing worldwide visibility, credibility, and professional integrity of our athletes and events.