Section 8: Safety Considerations
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. Post-fight medical assessment is mandatory. KOs trigger automatic medical suspension (minimum 30-day rest, longer for severe KOs, with neurological clearance required). State athletic commission oversight at events held in commission-regulated jurisdictions. Pit floor is padded; slanted walls absorb falls more safely than vertical cage. Concussion protocol: SCAT-5 assessment; medical-clearance return-to-fight requirement.