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Full Contact Kickboxing

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description Full Contact Kickboxing Overview

Full Contact Kickboxing is an American combat sport ruleset that emerged in the 1970s, created by merging Western boxing techniques with karate kicks. Under these regulations, competitors are permitted to strike using punches and kicks, but all blows must land above the waist. Unlike Muay Thai or other international rulesets, leg kicks, knees, and elbows are strictly prohibited. Fighters typically wear boxing gloves, foot pads, and long trousers, with matches often held in a standard boxing ring.

help Full Contact Kickboxing FAQ

What is Full Contact Kickboxing?

Full Contact Kickboxing is an American ruleset that emerged in the 1970s by combining Western boxing with karate kicks. Competitors use punches and kicks, but legal kicks must land above the waist.

Are low kicks allowed in Full Contact Kickboxing?

No, traditional full-contact rules restrict legal kicks to targets above the waist. Low-kick formats and Muay Thai allow a broader range of leg attacks.

How is Full Contact Kickboxing different from Muay Thai?

Full Contact Kickboxing emphasizes boxing punches and high kicks, with no traditional Muay Thai clinch, elbow, or knee system. Muay Thai is an eight-limb sport that also attacks with elbows and knees.

Which organizations recognize Full Contact Kickboxing?

WAKO, the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations, has a full-contact kickboxing discipline. Its rules distinguish the division from WAKO low-kick and K-1-style formats.

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