Editing Kickboxing (section)

== Kickboxing styles and rulesets ==
[[File:Hamid Amni the Captain of the Iran Kickboxing National team at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games 2017..jpg|thumb|Hamid Amni fighting at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games 2017 in Full-contact style with full-contact pants.]]
Kickboxing has a number of different rulesets. For example, [[#Oriental_rules|Oriental/K-1]] rules allow punches, high and [[low kick]]s and even [[Knee (strike)|knee strikes]], while [[Full contact karate#American|American kickboxing]] is limited to punches and kicks only above the belt (high kicks).

In the first two decades of the 21st century, several larger kickboxing promotions such as [[Glory (kickboxing)|Glory]], [[ONE Championship|One Championship]] and [[Bellator Kickboxing]] have adopted the [[#Oriental_rules|k1/oriental]] rule set, which allows knee strikes, kicking and punching.<ref name="Glory-2020">{{Cite web|title=Rules|url=https://www.glorykickboxing.com/rules|access-date=2020-08-16|website=Glory Kickboxing}}</ref><ref name="BW-2018">{{Cite web|date=2020-08-16|title=ONE Championship's Super Series debuts on Friday {{!}} BusinessWorld|website=[[BusinessWorld]] |url=https://www.bworldonline.com/one-championships-super-series-debuts-on-friday/|access-date=2020-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816142559/https://www.bworldonline.com/one-championships-super-series-debuts-on-friday/|archive-date=2020-08-16}}</ref><ref name="Fighter-2020">{{cite web |title=Bellator Kickboxing's Weight Classes & Rule Set Revealed |url=http://fcfighter.com/bellator-kickboxings-weight-classes-rule-set-revealed/ |website=Full Contact Fighter |access-date=26 August 2020}}</ref>

=== Japanese Kickboxing ===
{{Infobox martial art
| image = K1 style kickboxing.jpg
| imagecaption = Oriental rules kickboxing
| name = Japanese Kickboxing
| focus = [[Strike (attack)|Striking]]
| hardness = [[Full-contact]]
| olympic = No
| country = [[Japan]], 1950s-1960s
| parenthood = [[Kyokushin Karate]], [[Muay Thai]], [[Boxing]]
| descendant arts = [[Shootboxing]]
| famous_pract = See below
}}
'''Oriental rules''' (also known as '''K-1 rules''' or '''unified rules''',<ref>{{Cite web|title=IKF UNIFIED RULES|url=http://www.ikfkickboxing.com/RulesUnified.htm|access-date=2020-08-16|website=www.ikfkickboxing.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Unified Rules of Professional Kickboxing – Association of Boxing Commissions|url=https://www.abcboxing.com/unified-rules-kickboxing/|access-date=2020-08-16|website=www.abcboxing.com}}</ref> and sometimes referred to as '''Japanese kickboxing''') was the first combat sport that adopted the name of "kickboxing" in 1966, later termed "Japanese kickboxing" as a [[retronym]].<ref name="ReferenceA" /> Since the 1990s, many of the largest kickboxing promotions such as [[K-1]], [[ONE Championship]], [[Glory (kickboxing)|Glory]] and [[Bellator Kickboxing]] adopted this ruleset.<ref name="Glory-2020" /><ref name="BW-2018" /><ref name="Fighter-2020" /><ref name="k-1 rules">{{cite web |title=K-1 INTERNATIONAL RULES |url=http://www.k-1.co.jp:80/en/what/rules.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102003759/http://www.k-1.co.jp:80/en/what/rules.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-11-02 |website=K-1 Official Site |access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref> Oriental rules began to be developed by the Japanese boxing promoter [[Osamu Noguchi]] and Karate practitioner [[Tatsuo Yamada (karate)|Tatsuo Yamada]], and it was initially intended as a mix of Karate and Muay Thai,<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.extremamagazine.com/the-history-of-kickboxing/|title = The History of Kickboxing|date = 10 November 2020|access-date = 6 September 2021|archive-date = 4 March 2024|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240304080655/https://www.extremamagazine.com/the-history-of-kickboxing/|url-status = dead}}</ref> but it was later affected also by the [[#Dutch rules|Dutch rules]], which were first formalised in the Netherlands in the 1970s. The primary difference between Muay Thai and Oriental Kickboxing was the prohibition of elbow strikes and throws. In addition, the amount of clinch fighting is drastically decreased. These changes were aimed at reducing injuries and making bouts more accessible to TV viewers. Oriental rules bouts were traditionally fought over 5, 3-minute rounds but 3 round bouts have since become popular. The male kickboxers are bare-chested wearing shorts (although trousers and [[karate gi]]s have been worn) and protective gear including: mouth-guard, hand-wraps, shin-wraps, {{convert|10|oz|abbr=on}} gloves.

Notable fighters under K-1 rules include [[Semmy Schilt]], [[Badr Hari]], [[Ernesto Hoost]],  [[Albert Kraus]], [[Masato (kickboxer)|Masato]],  [[Peter Aerts]], [[Remy Bonjasky]], [[Giorgio Petrosyan]], [[Buakaw Banchamek|Buakaw]] and [[Andy Souwer]].

Rules:
* Fighters are allowed to strike their opponent with punches, kicks, including kicks below the waist, except for the groin, sweeps and [[Knee (strike)|knees]] (only to the body).
* Elbow strikes are forbidden.
* Very limited or no [[clinch fighting]] is allowed (in some competitions clinching is completely illegal,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pascua |first=Duane Lucas |date=2022-03-26 |title=ONE X results and highlights: Hiroki Akimoto wins the ONE bantamweight belt in a thrilling kickboxing bout |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-one-x-news-hiroki-akimoto-beats-capitan-petchyindee-bantamweight-kickboxing-belt |access-date=2025-04-09 |website=www.sportskeeda.com |language=en-us |quote="The champion also lost a point in the 4th round for repeatedly using the clinch"}}</ref> in others only one single strike is allowed before the clinch has to be released,<ref name="wako rules">{{cite book |page= 150 |quote="It is prohibited [...]  To perform more than one knee attack, while holding the opponent's neck or shoulders with two hands. |url=https://wako.sport/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/WAKO-Rules-12.11.2020.pdf |title=WAKO Rules |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320020705/https://wako.sport/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/WAKO-Rules-12.11.2020.pdf |archive-date=20 March 2022 }}</ref> in other promotions just a few seconds of clinch are allowed<ref name="k-1 rules" />).
* Throws and headbutts are not allowed.
* Bouts are 3 to 5 rounds (lasting 3 minutes each) with a 1-minute rest in between rounds.

===Korean Kickboxing===
Gwon Gyokdo, also known as Kun Gek Do and Kyuk Too Ki is a style of Kickboxing from Korea which was founded by Jung Mo-Do.
It is a hybrid style which is composed by Taekwondo, Western Boxing and Muay Thai rules and techniques.
Korean Kickboxing uses the basic kicking style of Taekwondo, but also adds typical Muay Thai techniques, as well as footwork and dodging tactics of Western Boxing.

Rules:<ref>{{cite web |title=Korean Kickboxing |url=https://londoncombatmma.co.uk/blog-news-%26-updates/f/korean-kickboxing-kyuk-too-ki}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |title=Gwon Gyokdo |url=https://www.kenfuderyu.co.za/Gwon%20Gyokdo.htm}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |title=Kickboxing styles |work=Kickboxing Guide |url=https://www.kickboxingguide.com/kickboxing-styles/}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |title=Kun Gek Do |url=https://www.white-tiger-tkd.com/Kun%20Gek-Do/}}</ref>

*Punches and kicks are allowed.
*Elbow strikes and knee strikes are allowed.
*Throwing and clinching is allowed.
*Spinning techniques are allowed.

=== American Kickboxing ===
{{Infobox martial art
| image = Full contact kickboxing.jpg
| imagecaption = A Full contact match
| name = American Kickboxing
| focus = [[Strike (attack)|Striking]]
| hardness = [[Full-contact]]
| olympic = No
| country = [[United States]], 1960s-1970s
| parenthood = [[Shotokan Karate]], [[Boxing]], [[Tang Soo Do]], [[Kyokushin Karate]]
| descendant arts = 
| famous_pract = See below
}}
'''Full Contact'''  (also referred to as '''American Kickboxing''') is essentially a mixture of Western boxing and traditional karate.<ref>{{cite web|last=Matuszak |first=Sascha |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/trying-to-reignite-kickboxing-in-the-usa/ |title=Trying to Reignite Kickboxing in the USA |website=Fightland.vice.com |access-date=2016-02-24}}</ref> The male kickboxers are bare-chested wearing kickboxing trousers and protective gear including: mouth-guard, hand-wraps, {{convert|10|oz|abbr=on}} boxing gloves, groin-guard, shin-pads, and kick-boots and protective helmet (for amateurs and those under 16). Female kickboxers will wear a [[sports bra]] and chest protection in addition to the male clothing/protective gear.<ref>{{cite news|title= This sport needs a role model To its followers, kickboxing is the best of both worlds |work= [[Chicago Tribune]]|date=December 6, 1992|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/12/06/this-sport-needs-a-role-model/|access-date=2010-11-25}}</ref>

Notable fighters under full contact rules include, [[Dennis Alexio]], [[Joe Lewis (martial arts)|Joe Lewis]], [[Rick Roufus]], [[Jean-Yves Thériault (kickboxer)|Jean-Yves Thériault]], [[Benny Urquidez]], [[Bill Wallace (martial arts)|Bill Wallace]], [[Demetrius Havanas]], Billy Jackson, Akseli Saurama, Tony LoCoco, [[Pete Cunningham (kickboxer)|Pete Cunningham]], and [[Don "The Dragon" Wilson]]

Rules:<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-26 |title=Wako - World Association of Kickboxing Organizations |url=https://wako.sport/ |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=Wako - World Association of Kickboxing Organizations |language=pt-br}}</ref>
* Opponents are allowed to hit each other with [[Punch (combat)|punches]] and kicks, striking above the waist.
* Elbows and [[Knee (strike)|knees]] are forbidden.
* [[Clinch fighting]] and grappling are forbidden, sweeps are legal boot-to-boot.
* Bouts are usually 3 to 10 rounds (lasting 2 minutes each) with a 1-minute rest in between rounds.
* The Referee is responsible for fighter safety and keeping to the rules; judges count legal techniques and note the points on the scoring card or with the help of the electronic system.

==== Semi Contact ====
[[File:Light Contact Kickboxing.jpg|thumb|A Semi Contact match]]
'''Semi Contact''' or '''Points Fighting''', is the variant of American kickboxing most similar to karate, since it consists in fighting for the purpose of scoring points with an emphasis on delivery, speed, and technique. Under such rules, fights are held on the [[tatami]], presenting the belts to classify the fighters in order of experience and ability. The male kickboxers wear shirts and kickboxing trousers as well as protective gear including: mouth-guard, hand-wraps, {{convert|10|oz|abbr=on}}. boxing gloves, groin-guard, shin-pads, kick-boots, and headgear. The female kickboxers will wear a sports bra and chest protection in addition to the male clothing/protective gear.

Notable fighters under semi-contact rules include [[Raymond Daniels (martial artist)|Raymond Daniels]], [[Michael Page (fighter)|Michael Page]], [[Stephen Thompson (fighter)|Stephen Thompson]] and [[Gregorio Di Leo]].

Rules:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wakoweb.com/en/attachment/e8b2be60-0f30-4b79-9582-ec0f859013ff/|title=Points Fighting Rules|publisher=wakoweb.com|access-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610005155/http://www.wakoweb.com/en/attachment/e8b2be60-0f30-4b79-9582-ec0f859013ff/|archive-date=10 June 2016}}</ref>
* Fighters can score through punches or kicks, striking above the waist, and [[Sweep (martial arts)|foot sweeps]], executed below the ankle.
* Punches, kicks and foot sweeps are awarded 1 point. Kicks to the head or jumping kicks to the body are awarded 2 points. Jumping kicks to the head are awarded 3 points.
* Hook kicks and Axe kicks are allowed but must be executed with the sole of the foot.
* The use of the [[Tibia|shin]]s is seldom allowed, save for jumping and spinning techniques.
* Elbows, [[Knee (strike)|knees]] and [[Punch (combat)|spinning backfists]] are forbidden.
* [[Clinch fighting]], throws and [[Sweep (martial arts)|sweeps]] (with the exception of foot sweeps) are forbidden.
* Bouts are usually 3 rounds (lasting 2–3 minutes each) with a 1-minute rest in between rounds.

===Dutch Kickboxing===
{{Infobox martial art
| image = 
| imagecaption = 
| name = Dutch Kickboxing
| focus = [[Strike (attack)|Striking]]
| hardness = [[Full-contact]]
| olympic = No
| country = [[Netherlands]], 1970s
| parenthood = [[Japanese Kickboxing]], [[Muay Thai]], [[Kyokushin Karate]], [[Boxing]]
| descendant arts = 
| famous_pract = See below
}}
'''Dutch rules''' (sometimes referred to as '''Dutch Kickboxing''') came about when [[#Oriental_rules|Japanese kickboxing]] and Muay Thai were first introduced in Holland in the 1970s.  European rules began to be developed by the Netherland Kick Boxing Bond in the 1970s when the late Jan Plas brought the sport from Japan to his native country. 
The primary difference between Dutch rules and full Muay Thai rules was the prohibition of elbow strikes and the limited knees strikes (only to the body). However, elbows were allowed when both parties agree to it.  These changes were aimed at reducing injuries and making bouts more accessible to TV viewers. Like the Thai counterpart, the fights are accompanied with the traditional Thai music during a battle. The Dutch kickboxing rules were instrumental to the development of the [[K-1]] rules.

Notable fighters under Dutch rules include [[Alistair Overeem]], [[Bas Rutten]], [[Melvin Manhoef]], [[Gegard Mousasi]], [[Remy Bonjasky]] and [[Peter Aerts]].

Rules:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmachannel.com/what-is-dutch-kickboxing-basic-guide-to-dutch-kickboxing/|title=Dutch Kickboxing|date=4 October 2021 }}</ref>
*Rounds are up to 3 and they last 3 minutes.
*Punches and kicks are allowed.
*Elbow strikes are illegal, but can be allowed if both fighters agree to use them.
*Knees are illegal when they're striking the head, but are legal when they're striking the body.
*Throws, Sweeps and Trips are forbidden.
*Clinching is allowed for 5 seconds at best and it's only legal if it's used to cause damage to the opponent.

=== Freestyle Kickboxing ===
[[File:Kick-Light kickboxing.jpg|thumb|A teenager Low Kick kickboxing match]]
'''International rules''', or '''freestyle kickboxing''' (also known as '''Low Kick''' in the United States), contrast with full contact rules in that it also allows low kicks. The male kickboxers are bare-chested, wearing kickboxing trousers or shorts and protective gear, including mouth-guard, hand wraps, Boxing gloves, shin guards, and groin guard. The female kickboxers will wear a sports bra and chest protection in addition to the male clothing/protective gear.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-26 |title=Wako - World Association of Kickboxing Organizations |url=https://wako.sport/ |access-date=2022-11-26 |website=Wako - World Association of Kickboxing Organizations |language=pt-br}}</ref>

Notable fighters under international rules include [[Rick Roufus]] and [[Abraham Roqueñi]].

Rules:
* Fighters are allowed to strike their opponent with punches, knees and kicks, including kicks below the waist, except for the groin.
* Elbows are forbidden.
* Throws and sweeps are forbidden.
* Clinch is allowed only for 5 seconds.
* Bouts are 3 to 5 rounds for amateurs and 3 to 10 rounds for professionals, all rounds lasting 2–3 minutes each. Each round has a 1-minute rest in between rounds.

===WKO Kickboxing===
WKO Kickboxing is a style promoted by the World Kickboxing Organisation, and uses a mixture of Japanese Karate & Queensbury Boxing to create the style of Kickboxing and Full & Light Contact versions of Kickboxing moves and rulesets.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kickboxing (FC) Rules |url=https://www.worldkickboxingorganisation.org/kickboxing-fc-rules |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=WKO-kickboxing |language=en}}</ref>

Rules:

*World Professional Title bouts consist of 5 x 3 minute rounds.
*World Amateur Title bouts consist of 5 x 2 minute rounds.
*The contestants must wear uniforms approved by WKO, tapes and bandages approved by the organisation.
*The contestants also wear groin protectors, mouthpieces.
*Standard fouls are illegal.
*Special foul rules are used for spinning back fists, and it often results in penalties.
*Knee Strikes, elbow strikes, headbutts, palm strikes, anti-joint techniques,  grabbing the opponent's legs and arms, are all illegal.
*Opponents who stall for too long during the fight are warned by the referee.
*A Knockout is declared of the fighter doesn't stand up after an 8 count.
*A points win decision is declared through a majority decision

===WKA Kickboxing===
WKA Kickboxing is a style promoted by the World Kickboxing Association, and uses a mixture of Muay Thai, Japanese Kickboxing and Full Contact  Kickboxing moves and rulesets.
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://d17nlwiklbtu7t.cloudfront.net/102/document/WKA_Rules_Professional1.pdf|title=WKA Rules}}</ref>

Rules:

*World Title bouts consist of 12 rounds, continental bouts consist of 10 rounds and national bouts consist of 5 rounds.
*The contestants must wear uniforms, tapes and bandages approved by the association.
*The contestants also wear groin protectors, mouthpieces and hair stays.
*Standard fouls (eye gouges, groin shots, bites, insults, etc.), are illegal.
*Knee Strikes, elbow strikes, back fists, clubbing strikes, headbutts, palm strikes, anti-joint techniques,  grabbing the opponent's legs and arms, holding a clinch for too long are all illegal.
*Opponents who stall for too long during the fight are warned by the referee.
*A Knockout is declared of the fighter doesn't stand up after an 8 count.

===ISKA Kickboxing===
ISKA Kickboxing is a style promoted by the International Sport Kickboxing association from Europe, and it's a blend of Full Contact, Japanese, Muay Thai and Freestyle Kickboxing rules.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iskaworldhq.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ISKA-EUROPE-PRO-AM-KICKBOXING-RULES-AND-REGULATIONS.pdf|title=ISKA Kickboxing rules and regulations}}</ref>

Rules:

*Fighters must wear a uniform approved by the promotion, and it varies depending on the type of match.
*Gloves, footpads, groin protectors and mouthpieces must be worn by all fighters while the use of shinpads, elbowpads and forearm pads isn't allowed.
*The use of grappling techniques, except sweeps are forbidden.
*Standard fouls are illegal.
*Special foul rules are used for spinning back fists, and it often results in penalties.
*Blocking an opponent's limb to prevent him/her from striking is illegal.
*A knockout is declared after the fighter doesn't get up suring an 8 count.
*Surpassing a specific number of Knockdowns during the bout don't determine a TKO win.

=== Muay Thai ===
{{Main|Muay Thai}}
[[File:Low kick.jpg|thumb|A Muay Thai match]]
'''Muay Thai''', or '''Thai boxing''', rules usually sees bouts contested over 5, 3 minute rounds and male fighters bare-chested wearing shorts and protective gear including: mouth-guard, hand-wraps, shin-wraps, {{convert|10|oz|abbr=on}} boxing gloves, groin-guard and sometimes ''prajioud'' arm bands.  4oz MMA-style, open-finger gloves are sometimes used.<ref>{{cite web |title=Liam Harrison talks upcoming ONE Championship fight and ongoing beef with Dave Leduc |url=https://thebodylockmma.com/one-championship/liam-harrison-talks-upcoming-one-championship-fight-and-ongoing-beef-with-dave-leduc/ |website=The Body Lock|date=8 January 2020 }}</ref> The female Thaiboxers will wear a sports bra and chest protection in addition to the male clothing/protective gear. Muay Thai is unique in that it is the only style of kickboxing that allows elbows, [[Knee (strike)|knees]], [[clinch fighting]], throws, sweeps and low kicks.<ref name="IFMA-2020">See page 32 for the list of allowed strikes, page 35 for list of disallowed strikes, throws and sweeps [https://muaythai.sport/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IFMA-Rules-and-Regulations-V2.01.pdf IFMA Muay Thai rules]</ref><ref name="Duuglas-Ittu-2022">{{Cite web |title=Illegal Throws in Muay Thai – Just What Can't You Do? |url=https://8limbsus.com/blog/illegal-throws-in-muay-thai-sweeps-cant-do |access-date=2022-11-18 |website=Muay Thai Blog & Journalism {{!}} Sylvie von Duuglas-Ittu |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Trainor-2022">{{Cite web |title=Preparing for your first Thai rules fight. – Damien Trainor |url=https://www.damientrainor.com/preparing-for-your-first-thai-rules-fight |access-date=2022-11-18 |language=en}}</ref> [[Groin attack|Groin strikes]] were allowed until the 1980s in international Muay Thai and are still partially allowed in Thailand itself (though the boxers wear cups to lessen the impact).<ref>Lumpinee Stadium rules only disallow knee strikes to the groin, see rule 19.8: https://web.archive.org/web/20201029141951/https://www.lumpineemuaythai.com/about/about-muay-thai/</ref> Kicking to mid-body and head are scored highly generating a large number of points on judges' scorecards. Moreover, kicking is still judged highly even if the kick was blocked. In contrast, punching is worth fewer points.

Notable fighters under Muay Thai rules include [[Apidej Sit Hrun]], [[Buakaw Por. Pramuk]], [[Changpuek Kiatsongrit]], [[Rob Kaman]], [[Ramon Dekkers]], [[Coban Lookchaomaesaitong]], [[Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn]], [[Saenchai|Saenchai P.K. Saenchaimuaythaigym]], [[Samart Payakaroon]] and [[Yodsanklai Fairtex]].

Rules:
* Fighters are allowed to strike their opponent with punches, kicks, including kicks below the waist, elbows and [[Knee (strike)|knees]].
* [[Clinch fighting]] is allowed. 
* Certain throws and sweeps are allowed (however hip throws and sweeps with the back of the ankle are illegal).<ref name="IFMA-2020" /><ref name="Duuglas-Ittu-2022" /><ref name="Trainor-2022" />
* Bouts are generally 5 rounds (lasting 3 minutes each) with a 2-minute rest in between, but 3 round fights with a 1-minute rest are used in some promotions.

=== Lethwei ===
{{Main|Lethwei}}
{{Infobox martial art
| image = Lethwei fight in Myanmar.png
| imagecaption = A Lethwei match. Different from other kickboxing styles, it is fought bareknuckle
| name = Lethwei
| focus = [[Strike (attack)|Striking]]
| hardness = [[Full-contact]]
| olympic = No
| country = [[Myanmar]]
| parenthood =
| descendant arts =
| famous_pract =
}}

'''Lethwei''' is a type of kickboxing originating from [[Myanmar]] that features minimal rules and protective equipment. Lethwei not only allows the use of headbutts but actually emphasizes it, and fighters wear no gloves. Bouts can only be won with a knockout, either a proper or a technical. Uniquely, after one knockout and two minutes rest, the knocked out fighter may still choose to continue the fight once, unless they are knocked out in the final round. There are no points; if no knockout happens before the end of the fifth round, the fight is declared a draw. Male fighters are bare-chested and wear shorts. Protective gear consists of a mouth-guard, groin-guard, and wraps around hands and feet. Female fighters wear a sports bra and chest protection in addition to the male clothing and protective gear.

Notable fighters under Lethwei rules include [[Tun Tun Min]], [[Too Too]], [[Dave Leduc]] and [[Soe Lin Oo]].

Rules:
* Opponents are allowed to strike each other with punches, kicks, including kicks below the waist, elbows, knees and headbutts.
* [[Clinch fighting]], throws and sweeps are allowed.
* Bouts are 5 rounds (lasting 3 minutes each) with a 2-minute rest in between rounds.

=== Sanda ===
{{Main|Sanda (sport)}}
[[File:Championnat national du 13 & 14 juin 2009.jpg|thumb|Sanda fighter attempts a [[double leg takedown]] on his opponent. Uniquely among kickboxing styles, Sanda allows fighters to perform [[Takedown (grappling)|takedowns]] and throws]]
'''Sanda''' or '''Sanshou''' (also known as '''Chinese boxing''' and '''Chinese kickboxing''') is a form of kickboxing originally developed by the [[People's Liberation Army|Chinese military]] based upon the study and practices of traditional [[Kung fu]] and modern combat fighting techniques; it combines traditional kickboxing, which include close range and rapid successive [[Punch (strike)|punches]] and [[kicks]], with [[wrestling]], [[Takedown (grappling)|takedown]]s, throws, sweeps, kick catches, and in some competitions, even elbow and [[Knee (strike)|knee]] strikes. The male fighters are bare-chested wearing shorts and protective gear including: mouth-guard, hand-wraps, {{convert|10|oz|abbr=on}} boxing gloves and groin-guard. The female kickboxers will wear a sports bra and chest protection in addition to the male clothing/protective gear.

Notable fighters under Sanshou rules include [[Wei Rui]], [[Fang Bian]], [[Jia Aoqi]], [[Muslim Salikhov]], [[Pat Barry (fighter)|Pat Barry]], [[Zhang Tiequan]], [[Liu Hailong]], [[Cung Le]], [[Shahbulat Shamhalaev]] and [[Shamil Zavurov]].

Rules:
* Fighters are allowed to strike their opponent with punches and kicks, including kicks below the waist, except for the groin.
* Elbows and [[Knee (strike)|knees]] are forbidden (with the exception of some competitions).
* [[Clinch fighting]], throws and sweeps are allowed.
* Bouts are 5 rounds (lasting 3 minutes each) with a 1-minute rest in between rounds.

=== Shootboxing ===
{{Main|Shootboxing}}

'''Shootboxing''' (also known as '''Standing [[Vale Tudo]]''') is a unique style of hybrid kickboxing popular in Japan that utilizes [[standing]] [[Submission (combat sports)|submissions]] such as [[chokehold]]s, [[armlock]]s and [[wristlock]]s in addition to kicks, punches, [[Knee (strike)|knees]] and [[Throw (grappling)|throws]]. The male fighters are bare-chested wearing skin tight trousers and protective gear including: mouth-guard, hand-wraps, {{convert|10|oz|abbr=on}} boxing gloves and groin-guard. The female kickboxers will wear a sports bra and chest protection in addition to the male clothing/protective gear.

Notable fighters under shootboxing rules include [[Rena Kubota]], [[Kenichi Ogata (shoot boxer)|Kenichi Ogata]], [[Hiroki Shishido]], [[Ai Takahashi (kickboxer)|Ai Takahashi]] and [[Andy Souwer]].

Rules:
* Opponents are allowed to strike each other with punches, [[kick]]s, including kicks below the waist, except for the groin, and [[Knee (strike)|knees]].
* Elbows are forbidden (since 2001).
* [[Clinch fighting]], [[Throw (grappling)|throws]] and sweeps are allowed.
* Standing [[Submission (combat sports)|submissions]] are allowed.
* Bouts are 3 rounds (lasting 3 minutes each) with a 1-minute rest in between rounds.

===Draka Kickboxing===
Draka, also known as Russian Kickboxing, is a hybrid style of Kickboxing which was developed  and founded by Igor Ejov in 1992, and its mainly promoted by the World Wide Draka Federation (WWDF) and the International Kickboxing Draka Federation (IKDF).
The first event where this style was featured, was held in the U.S. by Ejov in association with World Wide Kickboxing Promotions.
This style particularly resembles Sanda and Shoot Boxing with Muay Thai, Boxing, Sambo, Judo and Wrestling techniques added to the mixture.
*Fighters are allowed to use kicks, knees, punches and elbows.
*The use of takedowns, throws and sweeps is also allowed.
*Groundfighting and chokeholds are forbidden.
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asbarez.com/varazdat-does-it-again/|title=Varazdat Does It Again|date=13 April 2001 }}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ikfkickboxing.com/draka.htm|title=Draka}}</ref> 
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kenfuderyu.co.za/Kickboxing.htm|title=Kickboxing}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-sep-04-sp-28915-story.html|title=No Holds Barred|website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=4 September 1997 }}</ref>

===Xtreme Gladiator Kickboxing===
{{Infobox martial art
| image = 
| imagecaption = 
| name = Xtreme Gladiator
| focus = [[Hybrid martial arts|Hybrid]], [[Strike (attack)|Striking]], [[Grappling]]
| hardness = [[Full-contact]]
| olympic = No
| country = [[United States]]
| parenthood = [[Boxing]], Kickboxing, [[Muay Thai]], [[Sanda (sport)|Sanshou]], [[Judo]], [[Wrestling]], [[Brazilian Jiu Jitsu]], [[Mixed Martial Arts]]
| descendant arts =
| famous_pract =
}}
Xtreme Gladiator is a hybrid style of Kickboxing created by the International Kickboxing Federation, which is a mixture of Boxing, Muay Thai, Sanshou, Wrestling and Judo techniques.
Just like Shoot Boxing, it's also one of the only styles who allows submission techniques like joint locks, chokeholds and strangles both standing and on the ground, although there is a 30-second or 1 minute limit time for groundfighting.

Rules:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ikfkickboxing.com/RulesXG.htm|title=XG Rules}}</ref>

*Closed, Hemmer, Open Handed fists and strikes are legal.
*Forearm strikes and Elbow strikes are legal.
*Standing foot stomps are legal.
*Oblique kicks to the inside leg are allowed.
*Knees are allowed to the head, body and shins when the fight is upright.
*Upkicks from the ground are legal.
*Every tipe of throw, slam and takedown is allowed.
*Chokes and Joint Locks are legal.
*Downed stomps are illegal.
*Kicks and knees to the head of a grounded opponent are illegal.
*12-6 Elbows are illegal.
*Standard fouls are illegal.