The WKN Establishes the Official SILAT COMBAT Rules !
These rules, which will enhance all WKN bouts in this discipline, have been established by the World President himself after careful analysis and reflection on this ancestral martial art.
We have endeavored to preserve the martial spirit of this discipline while working closely with the international authorities of the sport, particularly our WKN coordinator, Mr. Mohd Salleh Bin Mahmor.
👊🏽 WKN SILAT COMBAT – Official Rules
*Article 1 – Definition
WKN Silat Combat is an officially recognized combat sport of the World Kickboxing Network (WKN). It is based on the ancestral martial art of Silat, preserving its traditional values, techniques, etiquette, and warrior spirit while adapting it to a modern and safe full-contact competition format.
*Article 2 – Spirit of Silat Combat
All competitors, coaches, and officials must respect the ancestral spirit of Silat, including:
• Respect for the opponent, referees, and officials.
• Discipline and self-control.
• Technical precision and fluidity of movement.
• Traditional Silat footwork and defensive movements.
• Honor, courage, and fair play.
Silat Combat is not merely a striking sport; it is a martial art that combines striking, evasions, sweeps, takedowns, and traditional Silat strategy.
*Article 3 – Competition Area
WKN Silat Combat may be contested either on a tatami or in a boxing ring.
• Tatami: minimum 8 m × 8 m fighting area, maximum 10 m × 10 m.
• Ring: standard boxing ring with ropes, approved by WKN.
• The organizer must specify the competition area in advance.
• All safety standards for tatami or ring must be respected.
*Article 4 – Categories and Duration
Amateur Division
• 3 rounds of 2 minutes each.
• 1 minute rest between rounds.
• Protective headgear is mandatory.
Professional Division
• 3 rounds of 3 minutes each.
• Championship bouts: 5 rounds of 3 minutes each.
• 1 minute rest between rounds.
• Headgear is not required in professional bouts.
*Article 5 – Mandatory Silat Equipment
The official Silat uniform is mandatory for all competitors.
• Official Silat Combat jacket (baju).
• Official Silat Combat long pants.
• Official Silat belt or sash, where applicable.
• WKN-approved gloves.
• Mouthguard.
• Groin protector.
• Shin guards for the amateur division.
• Foot protectors for the amateur division.
• Headgear for the amateur division.
Shorts are strictly forbidden. The traditional Silat uniform must be worn at all times to preserve the identity and ancestral heritage of the sport.
*Article 6 – Legal Techniques
The following techniques are permitted:
• Punches to the body and head.
• Kicks to the legs, body, and head.
• Sweeps and reaps.
• Controlled takedowns and throws.
• Short clinch actions leading immediately to a sweep or takedown.
• Defensive movements, evasions, and counterattacks.
• Traditional Silat footwork and tactical positioning.
*Article 7 – Illegal Techniques
The following techniques are strictly prohibited:
• Strikes to the throat or groin.
• Strikes to the back of the head or neck.
• Eye attacks, biting, scratching, or hair pulling.
• Headbutts.
• Elbow strikes.
• Knee strikes.
• Joint locks or submission techniques.
• Throwing an opponent directly onto the head or neck.
• Striking an opponent who is on the ground.
• Excessive force or uncontrolled attacks.
• Unsportsmanlike conduct.
*Article 8 – Clinch Rules
• Clinching is allowed only for a maximum of 3 seconds.
• During the clinch, fighters may attempt a sweep or takedown.
• Prolonged holding without action is prohibited.
• Knee strikes are forbidden in all divisions.
• The referee will separate the fighters if no immediate action occurs.
*Article 9 – Scoring System and Knockout Rules
WKN Silat Combat shall be scored using the WKN 10-Point Must System.
At the end of each round, the winner of the round must receive 10 points, and the opponent will receive 9 points or less, according to the degree of superiority demonstrated.
Standard Scoring
• 10-9: Close round, superiority by one fighter.
• 10-8: Extreme dominance by one fighter during the round, or one fighter receives a count from the referee.
• 10-7: One fighter receives two counts from the referee during the same round.
• 10-10: An even round, only in exceptional circumstances.
Judging Criteria
Judges must evaluate the bout according to the following criteria:
• Technical fluidity and authentic Silat movement.
• Effective and clean striking.
• Successful sweeps, reaps, and controlled takedowns.
• Defensive skills, evasions, and counterattacks.
• Ring or tatami control.
• Respect for the ancestral spirit and technical identity of Silat.
Particular importance shall be given to the fluidity of movement, balance, rhythm, and the authentic execution of Silat techniques.
Knockout and Referee Count Rules
Amateur Division
• A maximum of three counts is allowed for a fighter during the entire bout.
• Upon receiving a third count during the bout, the contest shall be stopped immediately, and the opponent shall be declared the winner by KO or RSC.
• The referee may stop the bout at any time if a fighter is unable to continue safely.
Professional Division
• If a fighter receives three counts in the same round, the bout shall be stopped immediately, and the opponent shall be declared the winner by KO or TKO.
• The total number of counts during the entire professional bout shall depend on the referee’s appreciation and medical safety considerations.
• The referee has full authority to stop the contest whenever a fighter’s safety is at risk.
*Article 10 – Victory Conditions
A fighter may win by:
• Points decision.
• Knockout (KO).
• Referee stoppage (RSC/TKO).
• Opponent retirement.
• Opponent disqualification.
*Article 11 – Referee Authority
The referee has full authority over the bout and may:
• Issue warnings.
• Deduct points.
• Stop the bout for safety reasons.
• Disqualify a competitor for serious rule violations.
The referee’s decision regarding safety is final.
*Article 12 – Official Recognition
Silat Combat is officially recognized by the World Kickboxing Network (WKN) as a global combat sport discipline. It joins the WKN family of combat sports, which includes:
• Kickboxing
• K1
• Oriental Rules
• Full Contact
• MMA
• Muay Thai
• Kun Khmer
• Silat Combat
These rules are established to ensure fair competition, athlete safety, and the preservation of the authentic ancestral spirit of Silat.
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