Kudo Competition Rules

The format of Kudo competition rules implies victory over the opponent by direct full contact punches and kicks, which bring the opponent down and gives the winner victory by ‘Ippon’. Victory can be also achieved by winning ‘Ippon’ as a result of effective submission technique, and by conducting effective techniques that award the performer with ‘Waza-ari’, ‘Yuko’ or ‘Koka’ points.
In regular division, submission is allowed 2 times 30 seconds each during 3-minute match. If the winner is not decided in the main match, 2to3-minute extensions are permitted.

Classes Division and Types of Rules

To ensure safety of Kudo as a sport, competition rules stress the safety elements.
In female division and junior division, the duration of the match is shortened and competitors have to wear chest protector and shin protectors to ensure safety.
Rules are adjusted for each class according to age and gender.

• Regular Male Division (19 and older)
• Regular Female Division (19 and older)
• Senior Division (45 and older)
• Businessman Class (Class for those who are 30 years old or older and are new to Martial Arts)
• Junior Division (under 19)
  • Under 19 (16 to 18 years old)
  • Under 16 (13 to 15 years old)
  • Under 13 (12 years old and less)

There are some differences of rules in each division.
For example, punches to the head are prohibited in the Under 16 and Under 13 division.
Details can be found in the “KIF Tournament Rules” and it’s supplementary materials. The copyright of the content of the “KIF Tournament Rules” and it’s supplementary materials belong to Kudo International Federation. Reprint and redistribution of copies is prohibited without Federation permit.

KIF Tournament Rules

The tournament rules are available only to KIF member countries.
All rights related to these rules belong to KIF.