Muay Thai Kick Boxing Rules

Muay Thai is virtually a household name today, thanks to mixed martial arts competitions and to events like K1, in which Muay Thai kickboxing has played an integral part. Muay Thai is an art from Thailand which utilizes the hands, feet, knees and elbows in brutal, full contact competitions.

The Art of Eight Limbs

Muay Thai is known as the art of eight limbs, as it entails usage of the arms, feet, knees and elbows. Muay Thai is known for brute force rather than grace or harmony, as other martial arts. You could compare an art such as Tae Kwon Do to a whip, as they use quick, snapping techniques to overcome their opponents, whereas Muay Thai would be compared to a baseball bat, forcefully crushing anything in its path. The elbows and knees are especially destructive, and in many sanctioning bodies in the United States, usage of the elbows is strictly prohibited.

Sanctioning Bodies

Though the basic rule set is the same, there are differences depending on which organization is sanctioning the bout. For example, elbows are allowed in matches, however, there must be an agreement between both fighters to allow their usage. The IKF allows elbow usage in both professional and amateur bouts, however in amateur bouts they may only be delivered to the legs and body; elbow contact to the head is prohibited. Professional matches, on the other hand, do allow elbows to the head. The ISKA completely disallows usage of the elbows. This is not uncommon, and such bouts are considered to have modified Muay Thai rules. A fighter should thoroughly understand the rules of the particular sanctioning body they are fighting under before preparing for the fight.

Fouls

There are specific actions which are considered fouls regardless of the sanctioning body governing the bout. These universal fouls include biting, strikes to the groin, straight leg kicks below the belt, spitting, holding onto the ropes, striking an opponent after the ref has ordered the action to stop. These actions are not tolerated and result in a penalty against the offender. In an instance where the foul was not an accident and carried a malicious intent, the fighter may be disqualified. When a foul is committed, the referee will notify the judges to deduct points from a fighter, however, in the event that the judges see a foul that the referee missed, they are authorized to make deductions accordingly.

Scoring

A Muay Thai bout consists of five, five minute rounds with a two minute rest in between. This is longer than the three minute rounds seen in international and American kickboxing rules. As stated previously, Muay Thai is a brutal art, and therefore, weak strikes are not seen as points. Points are awarded for correct style and technical ability, strong and accurate striking and aggression. The fighter whom demonstrates a dominant spirit and is regularly on the offensive has favor with the judges, and in the event of a close match, that quality may determine the winner.

Knockdowns

By definition, a knockdown occurs when any part of a fighters body other than their feet touches the mat. In addition, A knockdown may be counted if the fighter is unable to defend himself from his opponent's strikes, has been knocked out of the ring or if the fighter is unconscious against the ropes, but has not fallen down. Once a knockdown has been established, the referee will begin a ten second count. The referee will count to eight, even if the fighter stands up and responds prior to the eight count. This gives the fighter a chance to regain composure and gives the referee the chance to assess whether he feels to fighter is fit to continue. The referee may also stop the action and issue an eight count if he feels that a fighter is being overwhelmed. This is known as a standing eight count. Three knockdowns or three standing eight counts in any single round is considered to be a technical knockout and constitutes the end of the bout. A match will automatically end if the referee reaches a count of ten.