Warrior Martial Arts has an active fight squad for those interested in competing. We have a grassroots development program that aims to help anyone get into the competition scene. There is a tonne of information around competing, so we have distilled the key points below. Always feel free to speak to your Coach for further information.

Competition Disciplines

Point Fighting

Point Fighting is a fast-paced, discipline where competitors score points by landing clean, controlled strikes on their opponent, typically with punches, kicks. The emphasis is on speed, accuracy, and technique, rather than power.

Scoring: Points are awarded based on the precision, control, and technique of the strikes. Only clean and controlled strikes that land on the target area (head and torso) score points.

Rounds: Typically consist of 1 to 2-minute rounds, with a brief rest in between.

Goal: The goal is to outscore your opponent by landing the most effective strikes within the time limit.

Light Continuous

Light Continuous is a middle ground between Point Fighting and Full Contact. It is a continuous, but controlled form of kickboxing where fighters engage in sustained exchanges of strikes with moderate intensity. The action flows continuously, but there are still rules to prevent excessive force.

Scoring: Points are awarded for clean, controlled strikes. While there is continuous action, the emphasis remains on control, and heavy or uncontrolled strikes (like full-power punches) are penalised.

Rounds: Usually 2 to 3 rounds of 2 minutes each.

Goal: The focus is on technique and stamina, with the goal being to accumulate points through consistent, controlled striking.

Kick Light

Kick Light is a variation that allows the addition of leg kicks to Light Continuous. The emphasis is on fast and technical kickboxing, where competitors are allowed to use more kicks and a variety of punches.

Scoring: Kicks are the primary weapon, but punches are also allowed. Points are awarded for clean and controlled strikes.

Rounds: Usually 2 to 3 rounds of 2 minutes each.

Goal: The goal is to score points by landing clean strikes while maintaining control and precision. This discipline emphasises agility, accuracy, and technique.

Full Contact

Full Contact is a more intense and traditional form of kickboxing that allows for stronger strikes than Light Continuous or Kick Light. The focus is on powerful punches and kicks, combined with athleticism and aggression. It is a fast-paced and high-intensity sport, where both precision and power are important.

Scoring: Full Contact fighters score by landing clean punches and kicks, particularly to the head and body. The strikes are heavier than in Light Continuous or Kick Light, but the contact is still controlled within safety regulations.

Rules: Full Contact rules generally allow punches and Kicks. Elbows and low kicks (below the belt) are prohibited.

Rounds: Generally consists of 3 rounds, with each round being 2 to 3 minutes in length.

Goal: To knock out the opponent or to outscore them over the course of the fight. Full Contact is about a balance of aggression and technique, with an emphasis on powerful, controlled strikes.

K1

K1 is one of the most popular and well-known kickboxing formats globally, often featured in major international competitions. It combines elements of Full Contact kickboxing with specific rules for combat, making it a very exciting and aggressive style.

Scoring: K1 fighters score by landing powerful punches, kicks, and knees to the head, body and legs. The scoring focuses on the effectiveness and power of strikes, with a more aggressive approach than Full Contact.

Rules: K1 allows punches, kicks (including low kicks), and knee strikes. It is known for its aggressive nature, and the clinch is allowed, although only for a short period. Fighters can deliver knees while in the clinch.

Rounds: Typically consists of 3 rounds of 3 minutes each.

Goal: The goal is to win by knockout, technical knockout, or by outscoring the opponent with clean and powerful strikes. K1 is known for its dynamic, high-energy action.

Levels of competition

Club Level (grassroots)

In house tournaments run at our locations, exclusively for WMA Students. We match students up accordingly, based on weight, height, age and experience level. This is to give them an introduction to the idea of competing and allow them to experience the rules and systems in a safe, controlled environment. Students are only required to have minimal sparring equipment of their own and we lend out whatever else they’ll require.

Inter-Club Level

These are small tournaments ran between us and other clubs where we match students from a larger pool of fighters. Similar to Club Level, students only require basic equipment and the idea here is to give them the competition experience on a smaller scale. The benefit of Inter-Clubs is competing against people you have never met before and starting to truly simulate what it’s like to compete at a National Level.

National Level

We regularly take our fighters to Kickboxing GB National Events. These include, but are not limited to GB Grand Slams, Cimac Superleagues, Watford Open, Bristol Open and many more. These events have devisions based on age, weight and experience level. Those who have taken part in a Club and Inter-Club event will now be eligible to compete at the Beginner Level in Nationals. These events do required a full WAKO Approved Sparring Kit and appropriate uniform. We will lend equipment for students first few events until they are able to purchase their own gear.

National Championships

The Kickboxing GB National Championships are held once a year. With the Tatami (on the mats) event in February and the Full Contact (in the ring) event in April. These events are for advanced fighters only as no beginner divisions are available. Placing at Nationals is one of the first steps to making it onto the National Team and representing Great Britain in Kickboxing at the European, World and Olympic Championship Level.

International Level

WAKO Kickboxing events are found around the world, and we will attend and support fighters should they wish to attend International events. These follow the same rules and requirements as UK based National Level events. But obviously require a level of travel, accommodation and other logistics. Speak to your Coach if you are interested.

European, World and Olympic Level

The pinnacle of our sport, the Championships are held once a year (separated for Juniors and Adults) with the World and European games alternating each year. The Olympics taking place every 4 years. In order to take part in these events you would need to make it onto the National Team by placing at Nationals and attending Kickboxing GB Squad Training sessions throughout the year to be scouted by the National Coaches.

Wolf Pack UK (our National Fight Squad)

Our club is a proud member of Wolf Pack UK. This is a coalition of clubs from the South East who come together at National Level and above events to help and support each other. We share our Coaches and combined experience which allows us to better support our fighters. Being a Wolf Pack UK fighter also means you get access to funding via our Wolf Pack UK foundation.

Wolf Pack UK is a non-profit organisation and fighters pay a £40 annual membership which then makes them eligible to attend Wolf Pack UK Squad Trainings. Paying your membership to Wolf Pack UK means that we will pay for your 2nd division at the National Championships and Crawley GB Grand Slam (fully reimbursing you plus more) and financially support you if you reach the European or World Level Games.

Once you are competing at a National Level or above we will discuss the benefits of joining Wolf Pack UK.

WAKO Approved Sparring Equipment

All fighting equipment used in WAKO events (including headguards, gloves, foot pads, elbow pads, and shin pads) must carry the WAKO-approved label. Additionally, labelled fight clothing will be mandatory at World Cups, European Championships, and World Championships.

The sparring equipment we sell in our store is suitable up to and including Inter-Club Level. We are happy to provide links, advice and resources for those looking to purchase WAKO Approved Equipment from external suppliers.