International Rules

• In its official rule manual, the IKF mandates that all punches must land above the waist. Punches must be delivered with the front knuckle area of the gloves, with the exception of the spinning back fist, which can be delivered with the backhand area of the glove. The wrist or the lace areas cannot be used to strike. Slaps, palm strikes, elbow attacks and forearm strikes are illegal.
  
  Kicks may target the legs, body and face, with the exception of the knee. The exception is the side thrust kick, which cannot be delivered below the waist. Kicks must be delivered with either the shin or the foot. Knee strikes are illegal. All strikes to the groin area are illegal. Fighters must wear shorts or boxing trunks. Long pants are unacceptable.
  
  

American Rules

• American-style kickboxing rules vary slightly from the international rules. The most notable difference is that all strikes must land above the waist. Kicks to the thigh and calf areas that are acceptable in international competition are illegal by American rules. A fighter may sweep the leg of his opponent to knock him off balance, but only from a traditional fighting stance. Spinning sweeps are illegal. American rules require that fighters in professional bouts throw a minimum of eight kicks per round. Amateur fight rules require at least six kicks per round. Fighters must wear long pants. Shorts are unacceptable.
  
  

Muay Thai Rules

• Muay Thai kickboxing is a style developed in Thailand that is now practiced all over the world. Unlike in other kickboxing styles, the IKF Muay Thai rules allow strikes to be delivered with the knees and elbows, as well as the hands and feet. Sweeps are illegal; however, kicks may be delivered to the thigh and calf areas. A fighter can catch an opponent's leg, but after taking only one step forward, he must deliver a strike. If he does not deliver a strike immediately, he must release the leg. Fighters must wear shorts or boxing trunks. Long pants are unacceptable.
  
  

Junior Full-Contact Rules

• The IKF recognizes junior fighters as amateurs between the ages of 8 and 17. Divisions are determined by age, weight class and gender. All strikes must be delivered above the waist. Sweeps are legal from the traditional boxing stance. Long pants are required. Shorts or boxing trunks are unacceptable. Junior fighters must wear the designated protective equipment, including headgear, padded boots, chest protector, shin guards, groin cup and mouthpiece.
  
  

Semi-Contact Rules

• In semi-contact kickboxing, a fighter wins by scoring more points than his opponent. According to the IKF rule manual, fights last 1 to 3 rounds, depending on the proficiency of the fighters. A point is scored when a fighter delivers a controlled strike to one of her opponent's target areas. Points are determined by ringside judges. Intended knockout blows are illegal. All strikes must land above the waist. Strikes cannot target the knees, groin or spine. A fighter must wear long pants, as well as a headgear, mouthpiece, gloves, shin guards and padded boots that cover the toes.