K-1 is a combat sport 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. Like F-1 in motorsport, K-1 stands for the highest class in combat sports.
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 all over the world to determine which eight fighters will be allowed to compete in the K-1 World Grand Prix in Japan. The final was held in the Tokyo Dome in the Japanese capital Tokyo every year until 2006 and in the Yokohama Arena in 2007 and 2008. The winner of the final wins $400,000. Since the start of the K-1 matches, 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 case of a draw, a round is added. If the match is not decided after this round, another round is added. A match consists of a maximum of 5 rounds.
- Wins can be made on points, by knockout or technical knockout, and by surrender.
- Fighters are allowed to kick or punch to the body, legs or head.
- Fighters are allowed to kneel 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 delivering a knee or punch is allowed.
- There is no further 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, 2005 Semmy Schilt, 2006 Semmy Schilt, 2007 Semmy Schilt, 2008 Remy Bonjasky, 2009 Semmy Schilt, 2010 Alistair Overeem, 2013 Mirko Filipovic
