Rules for XFA Karate (Continuous Fighting)

General Rules

• Mandatory Safety Equipment: MMA Sparring Gloves, mouthpiece, groin cup, shin guard, and foot protector.
• Striking Areas: Face/head, chest, stomach, thigh, and lower leg.
• No Contact Areas: Back of the head, eyes, neck, spine, groin, and knees.
• Prohibited Techniques: elbows, knees, headbutts, choke, joint locks, sweeps or throws, takedowns, body slam, and knockout punches or kicks. When the opponent is standing on one leg, no kicking or sweeping to the standing leg. Once the opponent is down on the ground, no more attacking permitted.
• Contact is continuous; punching and kicking with light force only.
  
  

Duration of Bout

• Each bout is 3 rounds except for Championship bouts which are 5; each round is 90 seconds with 1 minute rest in between each round.
  
  

The Winner of the Bout is Determined By

• Each bout is judged on the 10-point must system with 3 judges cageside scoring each bout
• Both competitors’ effectiveness in executing their techniques during attacks and defenses.
• If the competitor becomes disqualified by the judge, his/her opponent wins the bout.
• Forfeit by a competitor or his/her coach results in an automatic win for the competitor’s opponent.
  • To forfeit, the competitor has to raise one hand and then verbally tell the referee that he/she is forfeiting this bout.
  • The competitor’s coach can also make the decision to forfeit by throwing in a white towel.

Warning

• Punching and kicking with heavy force.
• Punching and kicking to the “No Contact” areas.
• Using “Prohibited Techniques” against the opponent.
• Using performance-enhancing drugs prior or during the bout.
• Disrespecting the referee, judges, or the opponent.
• Disregards the instructions of the referee and the judges.
• The referee has the right to disqualify a competitor from the bout or competition if:
  • The competitor receives 3 or more warnings from the referee.
  • The competitor engages in unsportsmanlike conducts.
  • The competitor injures his/her opponent using prohibited techniques or attacks to the no contact area, depending on the seriousness of the injury.
• The referee has the right to stop the contest if:
  • There is a big gap in the skill level between the 2 competitors. The competitor with the skill advantage wins the bout.
  • A competitor is injured as a result of a legal maneuver, depending on the seriousness of the injury. The opponent wins the bout.
• Courtesy Rule: Salute to the judges first and then competitors salute to each other before the bout begins. After the bout finishes, salute to the judges again and then competitors salute to each other.