Rounds and Duration:
- Matches consist of three rounds, each lasting one minute with a 30-second break between rounds.
Scoring Criteria:
Judges score each round based on the following criteria:
- Effective Striking: Quality and precision of kicks and punches.
- Ring Control: Ability to maintain control of the ring and dictate the pace of the match.
- Defense: Effective blocking, dodging, and counter-attacking.
- Aggression: Demonstrating controlled aggression and actively engaging in the bout.
Each round is scored out of 10 points. The fighter who demonstrates better performance in a round receives 10 points, and the other fighter receives a proportionately lower score based on their performance (e.g., 10-9, 10-8, etc.).
Point Deductions:
Point deductions for fouls or rule violations follow WT standards:
- Illegal strikes (e.g., hitting below the belt, strikes to the back)
- Exiting the ring
- Unsportsmanlike conduct
Each infraction may result in a one-point deduction from the round score.
Penalty Application Policy:
To ensure fairness and prevent minor rule infractions from disproportionately affecting the match outcome, the following guidelines apply:
- First Minor Infraction: Results in a verbal warning.
- Second Minor Infraction: Results in a formal caution (recorded, no point deduction).
- Third and Subsequent Minor Infractions: May result in a 0.5 to 1-point deduction depending on severity.
Judges are encouraged to assess whether an infraction had a significant impact on the match before applying a deduction. If a fighter clearly wins the round based on performance, minor infractions should not override that advantage unless repeated or egregious.
Judging Panel:
A panel of three judges scores each round independently. The judges' scores are totaled at the end of the match to determine the winner.
Determining the Winner:
- The fighter with the higher cumulative score across all three rounds is declared the winner.
- In the event of a tie, the winner will be determined based on the number of rounds won.
Technical Knockout (TKO) and Knockout (KO):
- A TKO is declared if a fighter cannot continue due to injury or if the referee determines they cannot adequately defend themselves.
- A KO is declared if a fighter is knocked down and unable to continue after a 10-second count.
- Junior Safety Note:
In all junior divisions (17 and under), referees are trained to stop matches early to prevent injury. Any sign of distress, daze, or disorientation from head contact results in immediate medical evaluation and possible stoppage. Knockouts are not encouraged in junior divisions.
Age Divisions and Head Contact Rules:
5–7 Years Old (Combined Genders):
- ❌ No head contact (kick or punch). Immediate penalty if violated.
8–10 Years Old (Combined Genders):
- ✅ Light, controlled head contact allowed by foot only. No punches to the head.
11–13 Years Old (Male / Female Divisions):
- ✅ Light, controlled head contact allowed by foot only. No punches to the head.
14–17 Years Old (Male / Female Divisions):
- ✅ Light, controlled head contact allowed (foot or back fist only).
18+ Years Old (Male / Female Divisions):
- ✅ Light to moderate contact to head allowed, with control.
Clarifications for Junior Safety:
- No full-contact techniques to the head at any youth level.
- Backfists are allowed for 14–17 years only, with controlled contact to side of head.
- Jumping/spinning kicks to the head are prohibited in all youth divisions (17 and under).
Protective Gear:
Competitors must wear the following protective equipment:
- Headgear (face shield optional)
- Chest protector (optional)
- Shin guards (optional)
- Forearm guards (optional)
- Gloves (no MMA style) - (Required)
- Boots - (Required)
- Mouth guard - (Required)
- Groin protection - (Required)
- (optional for females)
Scorable Techniques:
Scoring is based on clean, controlled, and technically sound strikes demonstrating effective use of martial arts principles.
Valid Scoring Techniques Include:
Foot Techniques (Kicks):
- Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi)
- Back Kick (Dwi Chagi)
- Side Kick (Yeop Chagi)
- Hook Kick (Huryeo Chagi)
- Axe Kick (Naeryo Chagi)
- Spinning Kicks (e.g., Spinning Hook Kick, Tornado Kick)
⚠️ Head kicks must follow age-specific contact rules.
Hand Techniques (Punches):
- Straight Punch to the body and, where allowed, to face in Adult divisions.
- Reverse punches to the head are prohibited at all ages.
- Backfist: Side of head only, age 14+
Combination Techniques:
- Kick-to-Punch or Punch-to-Kick combos
- Clean counters with timing and control
Scoring Requirements:
- Must land on a valid target area with appropriate contact level
- Must show good form, balance, and control
- Must be visible to judges and intentional
Non-Allowable Techniques (Safety and Contact Restrictions):
To maintain safety, the following techniques are prohibited:
Illegal Strikes and Contact:
- Excessive force to the head or face
- Full-contact punches to the head or face
- Strikes to the back of the head, neck, or spine
- Elbow or knee strikes
- Open-hand slaps or face pushes
- Grabbing, holding, clinching
- Sweeps, takedowns, or throws
- Jumping or spinning head techniques in youth divisions
Head Contact Rules by Age Group (Summary):
5–7 Years ❌ No head contact
8–17 Years ✅ Light, controlled foot contact only (back fist ages 14+ see above)
18+ Years ✅ Light to moderate contact allowed
All Ages ❌ No contact to back of head, groin, joints, or spine