The two primary methods of scoring that are utilised in competitive kickboxing for many people are referred to as points fighting and light continuous fighting.
Points fighting
This type of fighting is also referred to as "semi-contact fighting," and it is based on the idea that competitors earn points in the match by landing strikes to specific target areas on their opponent's body. The areas of the head, chest, and abdomen are going to be focused on.
The speed and accuracy of the blow can determines the number of points that are awarded; more points are often awarded for kicks to the head or jumping kicks, however aren’t as fast as quickly striking with a punch.
The points awarded in often cases are as follows; Punches, kicks, and foot sweeps are awarded 1 point. Kicks to the head or jumping kicks to the body are awarded 2 points. Jumping kicks to the head are awarded 3 points. Sometimes you can have slight changes or additions to these rules I.e after a sweep you can follow up with a punch for a additional point.
At the conclusion of the fight, victory is awarded to the competitor who has accumulated the most points. Fighting for points is a fantastic way to improve your technique, as well as your speed and accuracy.
Light contact kickboxing
Kickboxing also uses a system called light continuous fighting, or light contact kickboxing. It has all the same moves and rules as full contact kickboxing but is done in a more controlled and lighter manner.
It is a form of competition in which fighters compete in rounds that typically last between one to two minutes. In contrast to points fighting, the objective of light continuous fighting is to score as many points as possible by landing strikes on an opponent's body without knocking them out. Points are awarded for each successful strike. Every time a fighter lands a blow, they receive a point, and the victor of the round is the one who finishes with the most points. Fights that are relatively short but continuous are an excellent way to build stamina, speed, and power.
The judges are in charge of awarding points in both of these scoring systems, and they do so according to the severity and accuracy of the strikes that are landed. When assigning points, the judges take into account not only the fighter's power and speed but also their control and technique. In order to be successful in both points fighting and light continuous fighting, it is essential for fighters to develop strong technique, speed, accuracy, and control.
Fighters can achieve success in both point fighting and light continuous fighting if they cultivate strong technique, speed, accuracy, and control in their fighting style. Kickboxing is an excellent way to improve both your physical and mental fitness while simultaneously learning valuable self-defence skills, and it is suitable for individuals with varying levels of fighting experience.
Full contact kickboxing
Full-contact kickboxing is a combat sport that allows strikes with punches and kicks, and can be contested either in a ring or a cage. The objective is to knock out your opponent or earn more points than them within a predetermined time limit.
Fighters are required to wear gloves, hand wraps, shin guards, and a mouthguard for safety. Fighters may also wear protective headgear, but it is not mandatory (depending on the rules set).
Matches are typically divided into three to five rounds, each lasting three minutes, with a one-minute rest period in between. matches are scored on a point system. Judges award points to fighters based on the quality and effectiveness of their strikes. The fighter who accumulates the most points at the end of the bout wins the match.
Striking rules are as follows; Full-contact kickboxing allows both punches and kicks to the body and head. Knees and elbows are not allowed. Strikes must be delivered with the front of the fist. Strikes with the back of the hand or foot, as well as strikes to the groin or back of the head, are illegal.
Fouls include hitting the opponent with the elbow, knee, or head, hitting the opponent below the belt, striking the opponent when they are down, or attacking the opponent's back. If a fighter commits a foul, they may receive a warning, have points deducted, or be disqualified (there are certain rule sets that allow elbows and knees or even kicks to the leg).
Fighters are allowed to clinch, which means grappling with their opponent while standing. However, the clinch must be broken up after five seconds by the referee.
If a fighter is knocked down and cannot get up before the referee counts to ten, the bout is over, and their opponent wins by knockout.
