K-1 is a martial arts organization that combines techniques from, among others, thai boxing, taekwondo, karate, kung-fu, kickboxing, and traditional boxing. The ‘K’ stands for karate, kung-fu, and kickboxing. The term K-1 is derived from F-1 or Formula 1. Just like F-1 in motorsport, K-1 represents the highest class in martial arts.
History of K-1
The sport was introduced by Kazuyoshi Ishii in 1993 in Japan. In 1993, a K-1 match was broadcast on television for the first time. Every year, K-1 tournaments are held worldwide to determine which eight fighters may participate in the K-1 World Grand Prix in Japan. Until 2006, the final was held annually in the Tokyo Dome in the Japanese capital Tokyo, and in 2007 and 2008 in the Yokohama Arena. The winner of the final receives $400,000. Since the start of the K-1 matches, the Dutch have dominated the K-1 tournament. So far, the Dutch have won 13 of the 16 editions.
K-1 rules:
- A match normally lasts 3 rounds of 3 minutes. In case of a draw, an extra round is added. If the match is still undecided after this round, another round is added. A match consists of a maximum of 5 rounds.
- A match can be won on points, by knockout or technical knockout, or by submission.
- Fighters are allowed to kick or punch the body, legs, or head.
- Fighters are allowed to use knees to the body, legs, or head.
- Fighters are allowed to use throwing techniques.
- The use of elbow techniques is prohibited.
- Clinch fighting is not allowed. However, briefly holding the opponent to deliver a knee or punch is permitted.
- Fighting on the ground is not allowed.
K-1 winners:
1993 Branko Cikatic, 1994 Peter Aerts, 1995 Peter Aerts, 1996 Andy Hug, 1997 Ernesto Hoost, 1998 Peter Aerts, 1999 Ernesto Hoost, 2000 Ernesto Hoost, 2001 Mark Hunt, 2002 Ernesto Hoost, 2003 Remy Bonjasky, 2004 Remy Bonjasky, 2005 Semmy Schilt, 2006 Semmy Schilt, 2007 Semmy Schilt, 2008 Remy Bonjasky, 2009 Semmy Schilt, 2010 Alistair Overeem, 2013 Mirko Filipovic
