EXECUTIVE FIGHT
-BUSHIDO-

RULES – GKL Official Rules

RULES

GKL Kickboxing Official Rulebook

Global Kickboxing League Rule Overview

GKL Rules Overview

Download PDF (approx. 300KB)

① Competition Philosophy

GKL Kickboxing aims to develop fighters who possess both “strength” and “character” through stand-up martial arts.

This competition is based on the spirit of Bushido, valuing courtesy, determination, challenge, and gratitude.

② Match Format

Matches are held in a ring or cage.

  • One-Hit: 2 minutes × 1 round (point system)
  • B Class: 1 minute 30 seconds × 2 rounds
  • A Class: 2 minutes × 2 rounds
  • Pro: 3 minutes × 3 rounds (title matches include 1 extra round)

Extra Round: Only for professional title matches (must-decision)

Interval: 60 seconds between rounds (30 seconds for B Class only)

③ Permitted Techniques

◆ Punches

  • Jab
  • Straight
  • Hook
  • Uppercut

◆ Kicks

  • Calf Kick
  • Low Kick
  • Middle Kick
  • High Kick
  • Front Kick

◆ Knees

  • Pro: Allowed
  • Amateur: No knees to the face
  • One-Hit: No knees to the face

※ Clinch allowed within 3 seconds

④ Prohibited Techniques (Major Fouls)

  • Headbutts
  • Elbow strikes (generally prohibited)
  • Groin attacks
  • Attacks to the back of the head or from behind
  • Throws and joint locks
  • Attacks on a downed opponent
  • Attacking while holding the ropes
  • Biting or scratching
  • Excessive clinching

⑤ Clinch Rules

  • Clinch within 3 seconds
  • Immediate break if no attack
  • Only one continuous attack allowed

⑥ Catch Rules

  • Kick catch limited to one motion
  • Only one attack after catching
  • No holding or pulling down

⑦ Down & KO Rules

  • Failure to stand within a 10-count results in KO
  • Inability to defend results in TKO
  • One-Hit: KO with one valid hit
  • B/A Class: TKO after 2 knockdowns
  • Pro: TKO after 3 knockdowns (cumulative)

⑧ Judging Criteria

  1. Damage (highest priority)
  2. Effective strikes
  3. Aggression
  4. Control

※ Damage is valued over number of strikes

⑨ Scoring System

  • 10-point must system
  • 10-9 (advantage)
  • 10-8 (knockdown)
  • 10-7 (dominant round)

※ One-Hit uses a unique point system

⑩ Class Rules

  • One-Hit: Point system / KO allowed / safety prioritized
  • B Class: Beginner level
  • A Class: Intermediate level
  • Pro: Full-decision system

⑪ Equipment

  • Junior high school and above: 14oz gloves
  • Elementary division: 12oz gloves
  • Mouthpiece (mandatory)
  • Groin guard (mandatory)
  • Shin guards & knee supports (amateur)
  • Headgear (except A Class and Pro)
  • Chest guard (for upper elementary and junior high female competitors)
    　Recommended; optional for participants. Only models without abdominal padding are permitted.

  • ※ Equipment provided by the organizer
  • 　・Gloves
  • 　・Headgear
  • 　・Body protectors

⑫ Safety Rules

  • Doctor check required
  • Immediate stoppage in case of abnormality
  • Final decision by the referee

⑬ Penalties

  • Caution
  • Warning
  • Point deduction
  • Disqualification

⑭ Match Stoppage Criteria

  • Unable to defend
  • Loss of will to fight
  • Serious damage
  • Doctor’s decision

⑮ Second (Corner) Rules

  • Each fighter may have only 1 corner person (1 corner pass issued per fighter)
  • Corner passes will be distributed at reception on the day of the event.
  • Only 1 corner person may be present during the match.
  • Defamation or abusive remarks toward opposing fighters may be treated as a violation and may result in point deduction.

⑯ Weigh-in Regulations

  • Weigh-in will be held on the day of the event.
  • Overweight may result in point deduction or disqualification.
    ※ Extreme weight cutting, or participation while injured or ill, is strictly prohibited.

⑰ Etiquette Rules (Bushido)

  • Bow before and after matches
  • No provocative behavior
  • Show respect to the opponent

⑱ Attitude of Valuing the Bushido Spirit

  • Courtesy
  • Fighting spirit
  • Discipline
  • Character

⑲ Title Matches

  • Held for both professional and amateur divisions
  • In the event of a draw, the champion retains the title

⑳ Awards

  • MVP
  • Best Bout
  • KO Award

㉑ Additional Fouls

  • Head clashes
  • Eye pokes
  • Neck throws
  • Other dangerous acts

㉒ Features of GKL

  • Strength × Character
  • Educational martial arts
  • Integrated development from amateur to professional
  • Balance of safety and entertainment

Final Definition

GKL is not just a martial art.

It is—

“A place that develops people through combat.”