[Proposed] KICK-9: Vote to Modify Low Kick Rules

Background:

It is with utmost urgency that we allow low kicks to the thigh in Karate Combat. Since its inception Karate Combat has only allowed low kicks to the calf. The reason for this was to incentivize the long distance striking and movement that Karate is known for by mainstream audiences. But not only does this prevent Karatekas from using their full Kicking repertoire, in practice it has also been difficult to execute due to Karate Combat’s signature Gi Pants.

Explanations on the proposed change can be viewed here

Rule Change Proposal:

Legal Techniques while Standing:
All kicking and knee strike techniques delivered to the frontline and side of the head, and torso above the beltline are Legal. All Kicking techniques targeting any part of the thigh and calf are legal.

Arguments:

  1. Accidental Thigh Kicks: Frequently fighters have accidentally targeted the thigh instead of the calf in Karate Combat. Many fighters state that the Gi Pants make it difficult to accurately target the calf in the heat of combat
  2. Low Kicks to the Thigh is a fundamental technique in some styles of Karate: In styles like Kyokushin (and the styles that descend from it) a Low Kick to the thigh is as fundamental to their training as a jab is in Western Boxing. But not just these styles, it’s also a core technique in other traditional close range styles of Karate such as Goju-Ryu, Uechi-Ryu, and Yoshukai to name a few. To not allow this technique is to limit the kicking arsenal of many Karate styles.

WE NEED YOUR VOTE:

Should Karate Combat allow low kicks to the thigh in addition to calf kicks? Vote YES or NO below.

  • Yes
  • No
0 voters
10 Likes

Thought this was already legal when I started watching KC. Really don’t know why is ilegal, it don’t make sense. This shouldn’t take too long to vote for really. Just approve ASAP.

8 Likes

Karate Combat has been a calf kick only for low kicks ruleset to this point. The main argument against this rule change is people feel like it would take away some of the uniqueness of Karate Combat as being a Calf Kick only Low Kick Striking ruleset. Even some striking coaches like this rule because they feel it will cause the evolution for striking for calf kick set ups. But if this is truly to be a ruleset that shows all the beauty of high paced Karate action than Gedan Mawashi Geri (Low Kicks to the Thigh) should be legalized in my opinion.

5 Likes

Yes of course it should be legal, it is very restrictive otherwise. To be honest, I thought they already were legal.

6 Likes

I glad to see this go to vote. Calf kicks will still be the meta - no doubt, but this gives more tools to the fighters to use.

3 Likes

ahahah we’re slowly becoming MMA :grin:

5 Likes

@ "Shotokhan” karate has thigh kicks.

5 Likes

Lets go. Approve this asap.

HIT EM WITH YOUR THIGH!

4 Likes

I know… I meant that in KC we can do almost everything they can do in MMA

1 Like

Sounds like Karate.

You may not realize this, but karate IS a mixed Martial Art.

2 Likes

yes and not… according with the kind of karate you have certain rules that you never have on MMA. Like I practiced Shotokhan and there you lose a tournament if you make your opponent bleed :joy:

2 Likes

100% Leg kicks to the thigh should be allowed
I believe they were omitted in the first place was to allow more WKF and point style fighters transition over to KC

However, KC now is bringing everyone from all disciplines so now I think bringing in kicks to the thighs will be much more inviting to those outside of the point style

1 Like

If it wasn’t for the exclusive contracts the KC athletes are forced to sign, the sport really would lose all of its identity because of this rule change.
No amount of marketing and promotion of karatekas, or even signing of olympic medalists, would impact world class kickboxers treating this fight promotion as an easy source of income, before going back to their original sport. However since they would have to deal with the side kicking weirdos for 2 years, none of them are probably interested.
Obviously eventually the KC athletes will have to test themselves against the real deal, to see if karate is actually usueful, but until then fighting washed up kickboxers from ISKA/OneFC (that think it’ll be easy) would be good prep for it.

1 Like

Remove kicks under the belt, bring back traditional kick boxing.

1 Like

Low-kicks are the way to go! As a fan, I wanna see these guys throw down with everything they’ve got. It’s gonna be way more exciting and I bet we’ll see even more interesting and calculated fights.

2 Likes

I think it should be allowed because kyokoshin fighters really are deadly with this

1 Like

You can’t have Muay Thai karate matchups and remove one of the most important striking elements of the martial art there are also karate techniques which use that low kick blanking on the names right now

1 Like

#Kickboxing is an interesting sport . Luckily, an elite #Karate organisation was created named Karate Combat . The UFC is getting rather boring with all the injuries to athletes . Karate Combat were asking about leg kicks .
Did you ever try out Kickboxing, Karate or maybe #ThaiBoxing ?
The #InternationalFederationOfKickboxing . Seem to have the rules of Kickboxing correct.
The issue is leg breaking and, low kicks. Did you ever try Karate or any of #TheMartialArts like #Taekwondo ? It’s fun to light spar with friends , and pretend to be a video game character . But not if people become seriously hurt.
Kicking at the knees and groin, for a male could cause really serious injuries . In #Boxing there’s meant to be .For the male groin, a Jock Strap worn and some type of protective box . I never saw one ! This protects the groin .
Maybe watch Trainer #IcyMike join in a Kickboxing adventure on #YouTube ?
An older gentleman manages to join in under #IKF rules when he feels fit enough , taking part in a competition that allows him to enjoy his passion . He bravely competes with a bigger and stronger opponent . Nobody is seriously hurt. “It was a little bit frightening. But they fought with expert timing”. As was sung in Kung Fu Fighting .
Luckily these athletes had built up to this level.
Unfortunately in Karate Combat they have asked ? Should the kick to the thigh be allowed ? I joined KC on the App. Join in maybe if you love Kickboxing ?

The answer is in my opinion, that kicks should not threaten the groin , or knees . Because kicks are legal many fans, will be under the illusion that Kickboxing sport they witness might be similar to a Street Fight scenario . And it’s lucky all around , it’s not an illegal Street Fight.

Without regular charachters appearing on stage, with some charisma and personality . Shows would be boring . Look at #ConnorMcGregor , out with his injured leg ?

#MMA has missed him. If it takes a year to recover from an activity . How can fans get to know athletes ? How can athletes make any money ?
The rules should disallow kicks that threaten the knees and groin with injuries. The IKF leaves Knee Attacks, open to discussion and it was suggested. No leg kicks 6 inches above or below the knees . Which seems sensible and, full protective gear. Light contact. For novices for at least 3 competitions . Great rules !

such a amazing platform.

Exactly. Those who have weaknesses will create rules…