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.
