K-1 is a combat sports organization that combines techniques from 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 as F-1 represents the highest class in motorsport, K-1 represents the highest level in combat sports.
History of K-1
The sport was introduced by Kazuyoshi Ishii in Japan in 1993. The first K-1 match was broadcast on television in 1993. Every year, K-1 tournaments are held around the world to determine which eight fighters may compete in the K-1 World Grand Prix in Japan. Until 2006, the final was held every year at the Tokyo Dome in the Japanese capital, Tokyo, and in 2007 and 2008 at the Yokohama Arena. The winner of the final wins $ 400,000. Since the start of the K-1 matches, the Dutch have dominated the K-1 tournament. To date, Dutch fighters have won 13 of the 16 editions.
K-1 rules:
- A match normally consists of 3 rounds of 3 minutes each. In the event of a draw, an additional 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 fighter can win 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 strike the body, legs, or head with their knees.
- Fighters are allowed to use throwing techniques.
- The use of elbow techniques is prohibited.
- Clinch fighting is not allowed. However, briefly grabbing an opponent with the intention of delivering a knee or punch is permitted.
- Fighting does not continue on the ground.
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
