Section 5: Rules of Play
Match Length
- Per the Rules and Regulations, each non-title Karate Combat contest is 3 rounds of 3 minutes each, with a 1-minute rest period between rounds.
- Title/Championship bouts are 5 rounds of 3 minutes each — two additional 3-minute rounds beyond the standard non-title format.
- If the judges' scorecards result in a Draw or a Split Decision, one additional 3-minute Sudden Victory round is contested to determine the winner — including in Championship bouts, for a maximum of six 3-minute rounds.
Permitted Strikes
- Punches (closed fist, gloved)
- Kicks (legs, body, head)
- Knee strikes (body + head, including jumping knees)
- Spinning techniques fully legal
Prohibited Techniques
- No elbows (since the early seasons; subject to change by edition)
- No takedowns (any attempt = referee reset)
- No ground fighting (if both fall, immediate stand-up)
- No clinch beyond ~5 seconds (referee separates)
Knockdowns + Knockouts
- Standing 10-count rule
- Three-knockdown rule per round = TKO
- KO = total victory; TKO via referee/doctor stoppage