K-1 is a martial art 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 like F-1 in motor racing, K-1 stands for the highest class in combat sports.
History of K-1
The sport was introduced by Kazuyoshi Ishii in Japan in 1993. In 1993, a K-1 competition was broadcast on television for the first time. Every year, K-1 tournaments are held around the world to determine which eight fighters will compete in the K-1 World Grand Prix in Japan. The final was held every year until 2006 in the Tokyo Dome in the Japanese capital Tokyo and in 2007 and 2008 in the Yokohama Arena. The winner of the final will win $400,000. Since the start of the K1 competitions, the Dutch have dominated the K-1 tournament. The Dutch have won 13 of the 16 editions so far.
K-1 rules:
- A match normally lasts 3 rounds of 3 minutes. In the event of a tie, a round will be added. If the match is not decided after this round, another round will be added. A match consists of a maximum of 5 rounds.
- You can win on points, by knockout or technical knockout and by withdrawal.
- Fighters are allowed to kick or punch to the body, legs or head.
- Fighters are allowed to make knees to the body, legs or head.
- Fighters are allowed to use throwing techniques.
- The use of elbow techniques is prohibited.
- Clinching is not allowed. However, briefly grabbing the opponent with the aim of making a knee or punch is permitted.
- There is no fighting 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, 200 5 Semmy Schilt, 2006 Semmy Schilt, 2007 Semmy Schilt, 2008 Remy Bonjasky, 2009 Semmy Schilt, 2010 Alistair Overeem, 2013 Mirko Filipovic
