To Fight

FIGHTER REQUIREMENTS & HOW TO FIGHT FOR THE IKF UPDATED JANUARY, 2012
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Please Be Aware of the IKF KO/TKO Fight Suspension Rules - CLICK HERE!

Second Impact Syndrome

ON THIS PAGE
1. Amateur Status
2. Fighter Minimum Age
3. Women
4. Register Into The IKF Rankings
5. Fight Status
6. Fighters Age
7. Fighters Physical
8. Medically Fit
9. Trainer(s) Cornermen
10. Fight Booking
11. Booked Fight Weight
12. IKF Title Fights
13. Pro Purses
14. Fight Equipment
15. Fight Dress Codes
16. Record Updates
17. Fighters Rules Meeting
18. Additional Fighter Rules

AMATEUR STATUS
- ALL Amateur Fighters are required to complete an AMATEUR Fighter Confirmation Form at the event weigh-ins and hand to the IKF Event Representative for legal proof of their Amateur Status..
- To view such a form Click HERE.
FIGHTER MINIMUM AGE
- Fighters must be a minimum of 8 years old.
  - JUNIOR AMATEUR AGES 8-17
  - ADULT DIVISION: *16 - **40
    - (*) Ages 16-17 may fight as a JUNIOR AMATEUR Fighter or an ADULT Fighter.
    - ** Fighters above the age of 40 have special "Medical" requirements. See "FIGHTERS AGE" Below.
- All Fighters will be required to show a PHOTO ID to the IKF Event Representative for confirmation of their name and age.
FIGHTERS AGE
- Fighters over the age of 8 may participate in an IKF Sanctioned event.
  - FIGHTERS AGES 8-17
    - These Fighters are JUNIOR AMATEUR Division Fighters.
      However, fighters over the age of 16 may participate in an Adult Division.
  - FIGHTERS AGES 18 TO 39
    - These Fighters are considered an ADULT Division fighter.
  - FIGHTERS AGES 40 TO 44
    - For Insurance, Safety & Health reasons, fighter's who haves reached 40 years of age or will reach 40 years of age during the calendar year of any bout will be required to submit the following to the IKF a minimum of "20 DAYS PRIOR" to their scheduled fight (Or within a calendar year -12 month period - of a scheduled bout) to be approved to fight on an IKF Sanctioned event.
      - FULL Physical
        
        From a Licensed Physician prior to their match.
        
        To download this form for your Doctor, click HERE.
      - MEDICAL APPROVAL
        
        Written Approval from a Licensed Medical Doctor that your Fitness Level is Qualified to Compete for the number of scheduled ROUNDS the bout is scheduled for.
      - FIGHT ABILITY
        
        A "RECENT" video of them "SPARRING" hard for 3 straight rounds with the round breaks left in.
        If the video shows "CUTS" or has been edited, it will not be accepted as a review video by the IKF.
        Upon review the IKF will notify the trainer or fighter if they have been approved to fight in a bout on an IKF Sanctioned event.
      - VERIFIED APPROVAL TO COMPETE
        
        Written Approval of your Fighting Ability AND Fitness/Cardio Level from a Qualified Trainer who will be your bout cornerman.
      - CURRENT ID
        
        Drivers License, Federal ID Card or Certified copy of birth certificate.
        
        If approved by the IKF to compete, this same copy of identification will be required by the IKF event Representative at time of weigh-ins of the scheduled bout. If not able to provide, the fighter will be pulled from the bout and will NOT be allowed to fight.
      - EYE EXAM
        
        By an Opthamologist ONLY.
      - NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION
        
        Extensive Neurological Examination by Neurologist.
      - BLOOD TESTS
        
        Report of physical examination including an original laboratory report with the fighters name and the date of the blood tests which will include:
        
        HIV Test
        
        The HIV test must be done within 30 days of submitting all requirements to become licensed.
        
        Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test.
        
        Hepatitis C Antibody Test.
        
        The Hepatitis B & C tests can be done within the calendar year.
        
        CBC, chemistry panel including electrolytes, creatinine, liver function.
      - FIGHT HISTORY
        
        Documented Fight Record that would include a "Bout by Bout" outline that details
        
        WHEN the fighter last fought.
        
        Any additional bouts the fighter has had.
        
        WHERE the bout(s) took place.
        
        WHO the Promoter of the event was.
        
        WHO the opponent of the fighter was.
        
        RESULT(S) of these bouts.
  - FIGHTERS AGES 45 AND OLDER
    For Insurance, Safety & Health reasons, ALL fighter's who have reached 45 years of age or will reach 45 years of age during the calendar year of any bout, the following requirements are needed and the fighter must submit the following to the IKF a minimum of "20 DAYS PRIOR" to their scheduled fight (Or within a calendar year -12 month period - of a scheduled bout) to be approved to fight on an IKF Sanctioned event.
    
    The fighter must send to the IKF
    - FULL Physical
      - From a Licensed Physician prior to their match.
        
        To download this form for your Doctor, click HERE.
    - MEDICAL APPROVAL
      - Written Approval from a Licensed Medical Doctor that your Fitness Level is Qualified to Compete for the number of scheduled ROUNDS the bout is scheduled for.
    - FIGHT ABILITY
      - A "RECENT" video of them "SPARRING" hard for 3 straight rounds with the round breaks left in.
        If the video shows "CUTS" or has been edited, it will not be accepted as a review video by the IKF.
        Upon review the IKF will notify the trainer or fighter if they have been approved to fight in a bout on an IKF Sanctioned event.
    - VERIFIED APPROVAL TO COMPETE
      - Written Approval of your Fighting Ability AND Fitness/Cardio Level from a Qualified Trainer who will be your bout cornerman.
    - CURRENT ID
      - Drivers License, Federal ID Card or Certified copy of birth certificate.
        
        If approved by the IKF to compete, this same copy of identification will be required by the IKF event Representative at time of weigh-ins of the scheduled bout. If not able to provide, the fighter will be pulled from the bout and will NOT be allowed to fight.
    - EYE EXAM
      - By an Ophthalmologist ONLY.
    - CHEST X-RAY
      - TO TEST: Pathology of the Chest, Amorality of Lungs.
    - NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION
      - Extensive Neurological Examination by Neurologist.
    - CARDIO
      - Extensive Cardio/Stress Test/EKG/Echo Cardiogram.
    - MRI
      - MRI of the brain No Contrast.
    - BLOOD TESTS
      - Report of physical examination including an original laboratory report with the fighters name and the date of the blood tests which will include:
        
        HIV Test
        
        The HIV test must be done within 30 days of submitting all requirements to become licensed.
        
        Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test.
        
        Hepatitis C Antibody Test.
        
        The Hepatitis B & C tests can be done within the calendar year.
        
        CBC, chemistry panel including electrolytes, creatinine, liver function.
    - FIGHT HISTORY
      - Documented Fight Record that would include a "Bout by Bout" outline that details
        
        WHEN the fighter last fought.
        
        Any additional bouts the fighter has had.
        
        WHERE the bout(s) took place.
        
        WHO the Promoter of the event was.
        
        WHO the opponent of the fighter was.
        
        RESULT(S) of these bouts.
WOMEN
- A Female Fighter will not engage in a contest with a male combatant.
- A Female Fighter must sign the IKF Amateur Confirmation Form certifying that she is not pregnant.
- A Female Fighter must sign the IKF Amateur Confirmation Form certifying that the contest will not take place during a menstrual period.
REGISTER INTO THE IKF RANKINGS
- Although a fighter does not have to be registered in the IKF Rankings to compete in an IKF event, it does help the fighter as far as their "CREDIBILITY" when speaking with an IKF Promoter. To register as a fighter into the Official IKF World Rankings CLICK HERE.
- Questions: some questions you will be required to answer are things such as:
  - YOUR FIGHT RECORD IN ALL COMBAT SPORTS
    - This is, of course, if you have previous fight experience. Your record includes ALL bouts & the results. Before and after each IKF sanctioned event, the IKF Representative checks all fighters background. If it is found that you were not truthful about your record, your bout will be forfeited. If you won an IKF title in the bout, the title will be stripped from the fighter. The fighter will also be liable for ALL EXPENSES the promoter paid to book them for the event.
  - BACKGROUND
    - What makes you eligible to fight as a kickboxer?
  - CONTACT INFO
    - Your Address & Phone Number.
  - ADDITIONAL INFO
    - Are you Left or Right handed.
    - Are you a LICENSED fighter with any STATE ATHLETIC Commission.
    - Your HEIGHT.
    - Injury Background. Have you ever been knocked out? If so, when?
    - Title Background. Do you hold any boxing or kickboxing titles?
    - Health Physical. You must have received a physical in the calendar year in which you are fighting.
FIGHT STATUS
- Are you an Amateur fighter or a Professional fighter?
  - PRO VS AMATEUR
    - A fighter who has fought as a PRO (Been Paid) in ANY Combat sport (Kickboxing, boxing or mixed martial art) will not be allowed to fight as an amateur on an IKF Sanctioned event. To better understand the IKF's position and definition of a PRO fighter CLICK HERE and HERE!
      - AMATEUR: One who engages in an activity as a pastime rather than as a professional; one who lacks expertise. AMATEUR IN SPORTS: An athlete who has never participated in competition for money. An athlete who is not paid for his/her performance. An athlete at the beginning learning levels of his/her career.
      - PROFESSIONAL: Performed by persons receiving pay. An expert in a field of endeavor. PROFESSIONAL IN SPORTS: An athlete who is paid for his/her performance. Paid for their excellence of experience, knowledge and ability of their given sport. An athlete who plays for pay.
FIGHTER PHYSICAL
- All fighters are required to receive a FULL Physical from a Licensed Physician prior to their match.
  - To download this form for your Doctor, click HERE.
- All fighters are required to receive a "PRE BOUT" physical from a Licensed Physician within 24 hours prior to their match.
  - To view such a form Click HERE.
- ANY Fighter found to be medically unfit in any way by the Licensed Physician giving him or her their pre-fight Physical shall not be allowed to compete until any such medical condition is confirmed healed by a Licensed Physician.
MEDICALLY FIT
- Every Fighter that is to participate in an IKF Sanctioned bout must be PRE Approved "Medically Fit" by the Medical Doctor who completes their full body physical as well as the Event Medical Doctor during the Pre Fight Physical.
  - If not, the fighter will not be allowed to fight.
TRAINER(S) CORNERMEN
- RANKING - REGISTRATION
  - It is not mandatory for a fighter to "REGISTER" into the IKF Rankings with a trainers name listed.
    Those fighters who train themselves will be listed as "Self" trained.
    However, ALL FIGHTERS 45 years of age or older MUST submit the name of the trainer VERIFYING their ability to compete and this trainer MUST be the cornerman for the fighter if approved to fight.
- WHEN FIGHTING
  - It is MANDATORY that "ALL" fighters fighting on an IKF Sanctioned event must have a minimum of "ONE" Cornerman that has read and agrees to follow all IKF Cornerman rules. To review these rules please click HERE.
- CORNER EQUIPMENT - SUPPLIES
  - The fighters cornerman must have with them at ringside the following:
    - Spit Bucket.
    - Towel.
    - Water for their Fighter.
    - White Athletic Tape.
    - EXTRA mouth piece for their Fighter.
    - Equipment for cuts.
    - For any other cornerman necessities they feel they need they must have approved by the IKF Event Representative during weigh-ins or prior to event.
      - NOTE: Ammonia or any type of smelling salts are illegal in a fight & will result in disqualification.
FIGHT BOOKING
- BOOKING
  - As noted above, a fighter does not have to be registered in the IKF Rankings to compete on an IKF sanctioned event. However, it does help the fighter as far as "CREDIBILITY" when speaking with an IKF Promoter. To be booked for a fight on an IKF Sanctioned event, we suggest you contact IKF Promoters you see on the IKF Events Page.
- COMMITMENT
  - Any fighter who agrees to fight, registers to fight, confirms a fight, signs a fight contract etc. etc. (Whether amateur or pro) on any IKF Sanctioned Event shall not fight on any other event within 45 days prior to the scheduled date of the confirmed booking on the IKF Sanctioned event. The reason for this is the 45 day minimum medical suspension required of a fighter for a Knockout or Technical Knockout. To read more on this International Rule CLICK HERE!
- FIGHTER INFO
  - When being booked for an IKF event, you must provide the below info to the events matchmaker/promoter.
BOOKED FIGHT WEIGHT
- FIGHTING WEIGHT
  - It is MANDATORY that you weigh-in within the EXACT WEIGHT RANGE the promoter and or matchmaker booked you at.
  - You may LOSE weight at the official weigh-ins but you may not GAIN weight.
  - MAXIMUM WEIGHT LOSS: FIGHTER'S (AMATEUR OR PRO) MAY ONLY LOSE 2 lbs. WITHIN 2 HOURS.
  - Failure to make your booked or contracted weight may result in a forfeit loss to you.
  - If a pro, you will be fined and your fight possibly cancelled.
    - PROS
      - If you are overweight but your bout is not cancelled you will be fined by the IKF the following:
        
        For a bout of 5 rounds or less: Minimum $200 (US) or 20% of the fighter's purse, whichever is greater.
        
        For a 6 or 7 round bout: Minimum $300.00 or 20% of the fighter's purse, whichever is greater.
        
        For a 8 or 9 round bout: Minimum $400 or 20% of the fighter's purse, whichever is greater.
        
        For a 10-12 or 9 round bout: Minimum $500 or 20% of the fighter's purse, whichever is greater.
        
        The fine is enforced buy the IKF. Upon collection, 50% will go to the fighters opponent and 50% will go to the Promoter.
        
        The fighters TRAINER & or Manager will be fined the same.
- AMATEURS "AND" PROS
  - If your bout is cancelled due to you not making weight, you will be held liable for all expenses the promoter has paid to book your bout which will include;
    - Any paid expenses to your opponent for his/her travel.
    - If your bout was a Pro bout, you will be fined your opponents fight purse.
    - Medical expenses - Bloodwork, etc.
    - Any additional expenses confirmed justified by the IKF.
    - The Fighter as well as the Fighter's TRAINER/Manager will be liable for the amount of money due to the event Promoter.
    - The Fighter will be placed on SUSPENSION until all fees are paid.
IKF TITLE FIGHTS
- For IKF Title Requirements, Click HERE.
- RANKINGS
  - ANY and ALL Fighters requesting to fight for an IKF TITLE must be officially registered in the IKF Rankings "BEFORE" the fight and/or the fight contract (Pros) is confirmed.
  - To do so, click HERE
- TITLE REQUEST
  - If you are seeking an IKF Title bout, you will be required to complete the IKF Title Qualification Info Form and fax to the IKF (916-663-4510) for your approval of a Title Bout Challenge.
  - This form can be found by clicking HERE
- VIDEO - DVD
  - The IKF requires a FIGHT VIDEO OR DVD of ANY "NON IKF RANKED" CHALLENGER a minimum 30 days prior to the bout date.
  - The video must be of their most recent bout that occurred within the last 12 months.
- MAKING TITLE WEIGHT
  - For Weight Classes Click HERE.
  - Both fighters must be within the weight spread of the TITLE fight weight.
  - They may lose weight but are not allowed to GAIN weight after their first weigh-in.
  - Fighters who do not make weight have 2 hours after their first weigh-in to make their weight.
    FIGHTER'S (AMATEUR OR PRO) MAY ONLY LOSE 2 lbs. WITHIN THESE 2 HOURS.
  - CANCELLED TITLE FIGHT DUE TO WEIGHT
    - If a fighter does not make weight for a scheduled bout, the other fighter will be awarded the win by forfeit - default.
    - If a fighter's (Champion or Challenger) weight is out of the title weightclass and/or the weight spread is too great to even have the fight, even as a non title fight, the fighter not making weight will have his purse held and NOT PAID by the event Promoter. If any portion of the purse was "Pre Paid" the fighter will be required to refund the entire amount to the promoter IMMEDIATELY!
    - In addition, the fighter not making his/her weight will be liable for ALL EXPENSES the event Promoter has paid to book the title fight in question that would include;
      - Sanctioning Fees
      - Title Belt Fees
      - Travel Fees
      - Opponents Purse
      - Medical expenses - Bloodwork, etc.
      - Any additional expenses confirmed justified by the IKF.
      - The Fighter as well as the Fighter's TRAINER/Manager will be liable for the amount of money due to the event Promoter.
      - The fighter will be placed on SUSPENSION until all fees are paid.
  - PRO TITLE FIGHTERS WHO DO NOT MAKE THEIR TITLE WEIGHT
    - If a Pro Title holder or Title Challenger does not make their weight, but their weight is still within the legal weight spread, they are allowed to still fight, but the bout will not be for the Title. The fighter making the Title weight has "won the title on the Scale."
    - If they choose to fight, the fighter not making the weight spread would only be fined a portion of his/her fight purse.
      - For a bout of 5 rounds or less: Minimum $300 (US) or 20% of the fighter's purse, whichever is greater.
      - For a 6 or 7 round bout: Minimum $500.00 or 20% of the fighter's purse, whichever is greater.
      - For a 8 or 9 round bout: Minimum $800 or 20% of the fighter's purse, whichever is greater.
      - For a 10-12 or 9 round bout: Minimum $1,000 or 20% of the fighter's purse, whichever is greater.
  - If a Title Challenger does not make their title weight they will be held liable for all expenses the promoter has paid to book their bout which will include any paid expenses to their opponent for his/her travel. If their bout was a pro bout, they will be fined their opponents fight purse as well.
  - ALL FINES ARE ENFORCED BUY THE IKF
    - 50% will go to the fighters opponent
    - 50% will go to the Promoter.
    - TRAINER & or Manager will be fined the same.
PRO PURSES
- The "STARTING" wage for pro fighters is $100.00 per round.
- Some promoters and fighters may agree on less, depending on the country and their financial conditions.
FIGHT EQUIPMENT
- FIGHT GLOVES
  - All IKF Promoters are required to supply the fight gloves for all IKF Sanctioned bouts.
    - Gloves must be IKF Approved Fight Gloves.
    - In each bout, Gloves must be the same BRAND and WEIGHT.
    - It is best for Promoter to supply a RED pair of gloves for the fighter fighting out of the RED Corner and a BLUE pair of gloves for the fighter fighting out of the BLUE Corner.
    - For glove weights click HERE.
- FIGHTER'S REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
  - All Fighters are required to supply the following equipment themselves:
    - MALE: Groin cup
    - FEMALE: Foul-Proof Chest Protector Are Mandatory: Minimum of a Sports Bra.
    - MOUTHPIECE
      - Fighters are required to wear an IKF approved mouthpiece at all times while the bout is in progress.
      - It is strongly recommended that all Fighters have two (2) form fitted mouthpieces available for use in their bouts.
      - The round cannot begin if the mouthpiece is not inside the Fighters mouth and set in place.
      - The mouthpiece must be inside the Fighters mouth and properly set at all times during the bout.
      - Dislodged Mouthpiece:
        
        If the mouthpiece is dislodged during the bout, the referee will wait until the first opportune moment, without interfering with the action, call time out, and have the mouthpiece replaced.
        
        POSSIBLE POINT DEDUCTIONS
        
        At the discretion of the referee, points may be deducted or a disqualification rendered in the following situations:
        
        When the mouthpiece is not being properly kept inside of the Fighters mouth.
        
        When the mouthpiece is purposely spit out by the Fighter.
        
        When the Fighters corner fails to make sure the Fighter mouthpiece is in place or delays in placing the mouthpiece after it falls out OR at the beginning of a round.
    - HANDWRAPS & GAUZE
      - Fighters may tape their wrists and hands but not over their knuckles.
      - Pro wraps are OK with tape and gauze.
      - Regular training handwraps secured by tape are OK too.
      - ALL Fighter handwarps must be "SIGNED OFF" by the IKF Event Representative PRIOR to the beginning of their bout.
      - DO NOT ADD TAPE OR GAUZE TO YOUR HAND AFTER BEING SIGNED OFF!
      - If after the bout your glove is removed and there is no IKF Event Officials signature on your handwrap you WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.
      - For details on Handwrap Rules Click HERE.
    - HEADGEAR - SEE BELOW
    - For ADDITIONAL Equipment Click HERE.
- AMATEUR HEADGEAR
  - Headgear is MANDATORY for all JUNIOR AMATEUR Fighters - Ages 8-17.
  - Headgear is MANDATORY for all fighters with 2 bouts or less.
  - Headgear is **NOT Mandatory for fighters with 3 bouts or more.
    - (**) Some States such as Florida and Colorado, Headgear is MANDATORY regardless of how many bouts an amateur fighter has.
    - (**) Headgear is also MANDATORY for all bouts fought in the United Kingdom.
  - Fighters must come to the fight with their own IKF Approved Headgear.
    - Not doing so will result in the fighters disqualification.
    - It must be IKF Approved with NO "Jaw Protector".
    - Cheek pads, ( Although they may block your vision), are allowed but not recommended.
    - To see IKF Approved Headgear Click HERE.
  - To see IKF Approved Equipment, Click HERE!
    - For the 2005 IKF Optional Headgear Rule, Click HERE!
- SHIN GUARDS
  - Shin pads are MANDATORY for all "Full Contact Rules" fighters fighting on an IKF Sanctioned event.
  - These must be supplied by the fighter.
  - They must be secured to the shin by a wrap of White Athletic Tape ONLY!
- FOOT PADS
  - Foot pads are MANDATORY for all "Full Contact Rules" fighters fighting on an IKF Sanctioned event.
  - These must be supplied by the fighter.
  - They must FULLY cover the toes, back of heel & top of foot.
  - They must be secured to the foot by a wrap of White Athletic Tape ONLY!
FIGHTER DRESS CODES
- Full Contact Rules
  - All must wear LONG PANTS!
  - Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
- International, MuayThai & San Shou
  - All must wear shorts.
  - Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
- Fighters may NOT wear any clothing to the ring, in the ring and away from the ring with ANY OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE or IMAGES on them.
- Long hair must be tied back with rubber bands or hair bands but NO Solid clips, etc.
- Fighters fingernails and toenails must be cut and trimmed prior to any IKF bout.
- Under no circumstances shall apparel or equipment which includes metallic and/or hard plastic and/or any edge or surface which could cause extraneous injury to the fighters be allowed.
- BODY ART
  - NO Body Jewelry or Piercing Accessories may be worn during any IKF bout.
  - NO Henna or any kind of temporary tattoos.
  - NO Makeup of any kind.
  - NO Advertisements shall be written on a fighters skin (EX: Golden Palace.com)
  - ANY "Entree" Masks, costumes or props must be approved by the IKF Event Representative prior to the start of the event.
RECORD UPDATES
- It is each fighters responsibility to update the IKF after each of their bouts, win, loss or draw.
- This way your record listed with your name in the IKF Rankings is assured to be accurate to potential matchmakers and promoters seeking to book you for their event.
FIGHTERS RULES MEETING
- All fighters are required to attend the pre-fight rules meeting held the day of or the day before all IKF bouts/events.
- Such meeting will be conducted by the IKF Referee and/or IKF Event Representative.
ADDITIONAL FIGHTER RULES
- At all times during the match, all fighters shall obey the referee.
- All fighters are required to act with proper sportsmanship at all times, and to obey the IKF rules and regulations, at all times, and in all ways connected with the match.
- Fighters may not train or fight under the influence of any illegal drug, or legal drug used illegally.
- Fighters must report any and all medication that they are taking to the match physician prior to the bout.
- If a fighter is under the influence of alcohol or any stimulant, or is taking any narcotic or other medication, which the match physician determines would endanger the fighter or his opponent, he/she will not be allowed to compete.

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