Competition Rules – Asia Kempo Committee
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Official IKF Regulations

Competition Rules

Official rules and regulations for Kempo competitions sanctioned by the Asia Kempo Committee and the International Kempo Federation (IKF).

General Rules Overview

Key regulations that govern all official Kempo competitions across Asia.

Weight Categories

Competitors are divided into weight classes to ensure fair competition. See full table below.

Match Duration

  • Each match: 2 rounds of 2 minutes
  • 1-minute break between rounds
  • Overtime: 1 minute (sudden victory)

Protective Gear

  • Headgear (with face shield)
  • Mouthguard (mandatory)
  • Gloves (10 oz minimum)
  • Shin & instep guards
  • Chest protector (female)

Legal Techniques

  • Punches & strikes (above the belt)
  • Kicks (to the body and head)
  • Knee strikes (body only)
  • Sweeps (below the knee)
  • Controlled throws & takedowns

Illegal Techniques

  • Headbutts, elbows, eye gouging
  • Attacks to the spine or back of head
  • Joint locks & submissions
  • Full-force strikes to the face
  • Spitting or unsportsmanlike conduct

Scoring System

  • 3 points: Head kick / Throw with control
  • 2 points: Body kick / Sweep to ground
  • 1 point: Punch / Hand strike
  • 5-point lead = immediate victory

Official Weight Categories

Category Weight (kg) Weight (lbs)
Flyweightup to 52 kgup to 115 lbs
Bantamweight52.1 – 57 kg115 – 126 lbs
Featherweight57.1 – 62 kg126 – 137 lbs
Lightweight62.1 – 68 kg137 – 150 lbs
Welterweight68.1 – 74 kg150 – 163 lbs
Middleweight74.1 – 80 kg163 – 176 lbs
Light Heavyweight80.1 – 86 kg176 – 190 lbs
Heavyweight86.1 – 92 kg190 – 203 lbs
Super Heavyweight92.1+ kg203+ lbs
Note: Weight categories may be adjusted for youth and masters divisions. Athletes must weigh-in on the day of competition.

Match Procedure

  • Referee calls "Hajime" to start
  • Points awarded by side judges
  • "Yame" stops the match
  • Winner determined by points or TKO

Penalties & Warnings

  • WARNING Minor infractions
  • YELLOW CARD Repeated warnings / unsportsmanlike
  • RED CARD Disqualification (severe foul)
Official Document: The complete IKF Competition Rules are available as a PDF. For the most current version, please refer to the official IKF website.