🏛️Official — Karate Combat
Loading OpenSourceSports…
Standing 10-count rule; Three-knockdown rule per round = TKO; KO = total victory; TKO via referee/doctor stoppage
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a knockout automatically means three knockdowns have occurred, leading them to argue about how many knockdowns are needed for a TKO via referee/doctor stoppage when in fact, it's three knockdowns per round, not necessarily three knockdowns of any kind.
3 rounds × 3 minutes (60-second rest between rounds); Championship fights: 5 rounds × 3 minutes
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the 3-minute rounds in Karate Combat are for each individual contestant's performance, rather than the total match duration, leading to misunderstandings about how much actual fighting time there is between rest periods. They also struggle with understanding why championship fights last longer despite both having similar round structures.
Punches (closed fist, MMA-gloved); Kicks (legs, body, head); Knee strikes (body + head, including jumping knees)
Why people argue about this
People often assume that knee strikes are strictly prohibited in Karate Combat based on their experience with traditional karate forms, forgetting that the official rules explicitly permit them as a permitted strike. The confusion arises because they overlook the specific language in the rulebook stating "Knee strikes are permitted.
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)
Why people argue about this
People often think that elbows are only prohibited in certain kicks, like roundhouse kicks, when they're really meant to be avoided in all elbow strikes across Karate Combat. The confusion arises because the prohibition is worded narrowly at first glance, making it seem like you can still use regular elbow throws or punches with your hands as long as you don't kick them in a specific way.
MMA-style 4-oz fingerless gloves — open palm for grip-and-clinch defense; Mouthguard: mandatory; Groin protector: mandatory (men); chest protector for women
Why people argue about this
People often assume that shin guards are standard in Karate Combat for both genders based on MMA-style gloves, but the official rules specify they're not included, leading to misunderstandings about what equipment is required or expected during matches.
"The Pit": proprietary sunken-floor arena (~25 ft diameter circular floor, slanted walls); No cage, no ropes — sloped walls keep action centered (fighters cannot rest on cage/rope); Padded floor + walls; lighting + camera positions optimized for live broadcast
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the lack of ropes means there are no boundaries in Karate Combat, which leads to arguments about where the actual limits of the playing area are. However, the confusion arises because the "Pit" is still defined by its sloped walls and padded floor, creating a distinct space for matches despite not having traditional cage or rope structures.
Two competitors per match; Weight classes (Men, lb): Strawweight, Flyweight, Bantamweight, Featherweight, Lightweight, Welterweight, Middleweight, Light Heavyweight, Heavyweight; Women's divisions: Flyweight, Bantamweight, Featherweight
Why people argue about this
People often assume that having just one referee in pit is enough oversight for a Karate Combat match when they see only one official there. But actually, the presence of three judges, a ringside physician, and a commission rep all indicate a comprehensive safety and fairness protocol, each with their unique role to ensure the integrity and health of the competition.
3 rounds × 3 minutes (60-second rest between rounds); Championship fights: 5 rounds × 3 minutes; Punches (closed fist, MMA-gloved)
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a Three-Knockdown Rule in Karate Combat means you need three strikes to win, which they mistakenly believe is equivalent to a full KO (Knockout). However, this rule actually results in a Technical Knockout (TKO) as the ultimate victory after a round, not necessarily requiring all three knockdowns.
10-Point Must scoring (boxing-style); Judges weight: clean technical strikes (kicks heavier than punches by tradition), aggression, ring generalship, defensive technique; Title fights produce championship rankings (Karate Combat World Title per weight class)
Why people argue about this
People often assume that Crypto-partnered voting only affects in-fight scoring, when in fact they believe it influences which events are even selected for competition, leading to debates about its relevance and fairness outside of actual matches.
Illegal techniques (elbows, takedowns, eye-poke, throat strikes, back-of-head, spine): warning → point deduction → DQ; Excessive clinching: warning + ref reset; Hitting after the bell: point deduction
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a warning for illegal techniques in Karate Combat means they can get away with minor infractions without consequences, but actually, the rule's progression—warning → point deduction → DQ if repeated—is designed to encourage fighters to correct their form and technique early rather than risking an automatic loss.
Karate Combat is full-contact stand-up combat with KO/concussion risk comparable to professional kickboxing. Mandatory pre-fight medical (neurological, cardiac, ophthalmological, MRI for major fights), ringside physician with stoppage authority, on-site EMT + ambulance, AED in arena.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that since Karate Combat is full-contact, it must be extremely dangerous, akin to MMA. But they misunderstand that safety measures are so stringent—mandatory pre-fight medical exams, ringside physician with stoppage authority, on-site EMT and AED—that the risk of serious injury or concussion is significantly reduced compared to other full-contact sports like kickboxing.