WKO Amateur K-1 Rules
Overview: WKO Amateur K-1 provides a ruleset between Kickboxing and Thai Boxing, suitable for all levels. Divided into A, B, and C-Class:
Class Breakdown:
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A-Class: Head shots allowed and scored (all ages)
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B-Class: Light contact, head shots allowed and scored (all ages)
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C-Class: Under 14s only – No head shots allowed
Body Shields:
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A-Class: Optional (under 15)
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B-Class: Optional (under 15)
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C-Class: Required (under 15)
Age Requirements:
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Minimum age: 7 years old
Bout Structure (Gala):
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Non-title: 3 rounds
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Title: 5 rounds
Round Durations by Age:
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Under 12: 60s rounds / 30s rest
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13–16: 90s rounds / 45s rest
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17+: 120s rounds / 60s rest
Tournaments:
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A-Class: 2 rounds prelims, 3 rounds final
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B & C-Class: 2 rounds for all
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High registrations at a tournament can see all bouts set to 2 x 60s rounds / 30s rest
Outcome Methods:
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KO, TKO, Decision, DQ, Draw, No Contest
Children’s Safety:
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Control expected – avoid head contact KOs
Officials:
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Referee and doctor can stop bouts
Scoring:
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10-point must system (10 to round winner)
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Extra round(s) used in case of draw
Knockdown Rules:
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3-knockdown = TKO (A & C-Class)
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Mandatory 8-count (A & C-Class)
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Standing 8-count applies
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Can be saved by bell only in final round
Prizefighter Format:
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3-round matches
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2-knockdown rule (except final)
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Reserve fighters may substitute in special cases
Required Equipment:
Gloves: 8oz (8yrs & under), 10oz (9+)
Headgear:
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Juniors: Mandatory for all classes
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Adults: Optional but recommended
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Gumshields: Required at all levels
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Body Shields:
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A-Class: Optional (under 15)
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B-Class: Optional (under 15)
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C-Class: Required (under 15)
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Breast Protectors: Optional but recommended (females)
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Wraps: Cotton wraps & zinc oxide tape only (no tape over knuckles)
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Shorts: Thai or MMA style
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Groin Guards: Mandatory (males), optional (females)
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Shin/Instep Guards: Required, no metal
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Ankle Supports: Optional
Legal Techniques:
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Punches: Straight, hook, uppercut
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Kicks: All styles (front, low, high, jumping, etc.)
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Knees: Permitted (no elbow strikes)
Spinning Attacks Amateur:
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Spinning Hook Kicks (ball of foot) to head allowed
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Spinning Heal Kicks (heel of foot) to the head not allowed
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Spinning Back Fist or Hammer-fist not allowed
Spinning Attacks Professional:
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Spinning Heal Kicks to the head - Negotiable
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Spinning Back Fist or Hammer-fist - Negotiable
Fouls & Penalties:
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Referee may issue: Caution > Warning > Point Deduction > Disqualification
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Serious fouls can result in immediate penalties
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Examples:
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Headbutts, elbows, low blows
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Throws, biting, choking, holding ropes
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Hitting downed opponent, late strikes
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Excessive holding or passivity
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Clinching:
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One strike allowed per clinch
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Passive clinch = foul
Catch & Strike:
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One attack allowed while holding a leg, then release. Cannot sweep or slam opponent
Scoring Criteria:
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Knockdowns
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Damage inflicted
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Clean hits
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Aggression
Equal strikes? Aggressor wins.
Repeated fouls = automatic loss.
Prohibited:
Jewellery, zips, buttons, pockets, glasses, metal objects
👁️ Visual Aids Policy
Soft contact lenses are permitted, but must be worn at the competitor’s own risk.
Sport-specific protective goggles may be allowed where necessary, also at the competitor’s own risk.
⚠️ Please note:
While goggles may offer some protection, they also increase the risk of orbital fractures upon impact. For this reason, their use is not recommended during competition.
The safety of our athletes is our top priority. Please consider these risks when deciding whether to use visual aids in competition.
Hydration Rules:
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Dehydrating to cut weight = Disqualification
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After weigh-in: rehydrate with water or isotonic drinks
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On fight day: only water allowed
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No fizzy drinks or alcohol at ringside
Pre-Workout drinks/powders are not allowed to be consumed before a bout is to be contested