Vote To Make Low Kicks Legal In Karate Combat ✅

gov.karate.com/t/proposed-kic...

[@Jujitard69420]

I voted to make karate great again legalize lowkicks

[@Jujitard69420]

I also knew you were fighting soon and wanted you to win and adding lowkicks adds to your chances

[@JaredClaunch]

If they actually want their promotion to pit karate styles against each other, they can’t ban fundamental techniques of those styles

[@_SPIIIDER_]

Kyokushin allows it. I don't see why it's unallowed in Karate Combat. Seems like a no Brainer 🔥🔥🔥

[@clapdrix72]

Because then it basically turns into Glory kickboxing in a pit. They have to distinguish their product. It's the same logic Glory used to distinguish themselves from Miay Thai: no clinch (boring), no elbows (too gory for casuals), limited kick catching (encourage kicks). In light of those business reasons, I think it's far from a no brainer.

[@strangeone7198]

​@@clapdrix72 because Karate is literally just old generation kickboxing

[@ensnaredbyflesh1030]

​@@clapdrix72 the takeaway from this is that the style of karate they're going for is simply an outdated form of fighting.

[@_SPIIIDER_]

@clapdrix72 @clapdrix72 Fair points! With creating limitations to establish, essentially a new product. Why do you think Daido Juku Kudo is not as or even equal in popularity? Gi's and head gear create merchandise for a budding market for growth in the business aspect. Slap some marketing patches on the Gi's and Fighters will thrive along with their Sponsors! My 2 cents, but I like your view 👊

[@Korn-fu6lf]

@@clapdrix72 clinch is only boring for casuals

[@Freethink_Rebel]

They should allow leg kicks. It's about time for kyokushin fighters to come in and do what they do.

[@dustinjones5146]

I think adding the low kicks will be great for them. Also, I'd like to see a division that allows the gi and using grips on your opponents gi for throws and strikes.

[@konohagakurejonin4461]

Using some Judo Techniques. I think they've done it once during kumite series.

[@adrianjagmag]

Kyokushin uses the shin, Goju uses the shin and also the ball of the foot for penetrating low kicks (and also liver and rib kicks) that are underrated and extremely brutal, I hope we see more of those.

[@oxstone341]

I believe in minimal rules as long as it's still safe enough to keep the contenders continuing there career.

[@Thelucassiwy]

Can't wait to watch the fight! You got this Gabriel!!!

[@ybu22z]

Voted. 98% support - only 3 votes against. Looking forward to seeing this happen.

[@elserpientethechamp2122]

I voted for low kicks to be legal Gabriel because in my opinion they 100% should be legal, because it can really help when someone is good at slipping to blast a low kick him at him to the thigh and break his momentum a bit, amazing video non the less, I will be rooting for you to beat your opponent on May 30th, I will 100% be watching! 🥊🥋🎉

[@soulsamurai-qc2yo]

Looking forward to your fight! Godspeed sir!

[@faustoaguilerabravo]

Done Gabe. Support your journey all the way!

[@tylerrichlen3286]

If you can't throw thigh kicks, start pulling the leg to set up your shots. It's just a matter of fading to their weak side and making the calf kick a pull(pull your toes back to your shin and hook the low leg and "pull" it). It will set up your hands and make them wary of the longer stance since they will fall over from it and be open to ground and pound from a bad position. ESPECIALLY if they try to check it, which will open up the calf kicks again. So if you don't get the thing kicks, you just have to get those sneaky Ashihara/Enshin style sweeps in and your hands will open back up.

[@tronbonn]

Oh bro KC needs to actually adopt or at least offer real karate rules under a professional Kudo ruleset with no headgear, and ground punches. Maybe go 2 rounds with the first being to 5 and the second until it’s done by (T)KO, forfeit or sub, we get penalized for 10 seconds of no aggression, 3 strikes. Going to vote for low kicks because it’s also a step forward!

[@combatsportsarchive7632]

It is super strange because Okinawan Kempo and Japanese Karate already had low kicking techniques like the shovel kick and calf kick before the rise of point Kumite. How do I knew these old kicks existed in their original syllabus? Just watch my "Was Okinawan Karate Similar To Muay Thai Before 1960s" to get historical context. I've gathered lots of old photos and clips for that video of mine.

[@MarkoObradovich]

I wish you all success brother 💪👊

[@philipfontaine8964]

Do your best!! You’re doing it!

[@honigdachs.]

I voted for it. They allowed them for the karate vs. Muay Thai bouts they had last month and it was good. I think that currently the karate styles that allow low kicks are underrepresented and adding those kicks in would level the playing field. Also, if they add it - which seems likely - then it seems like KC would be having the best striking centered ruleset. They have takedowns and throws but no submission grappling, and they already allow catching kicks which ONE unfortunately banned. So that would be pretty comprehensive. I personally don't mind not having elbows - Glory never had them and it certainly didn't make the fights less interesting.

[@RageNg]

I think rules should be primarily for safety. Other than that, the onus is on the competitors to evolve their game to deal with “new” challenges. Karate was never meant to be stagnant, nor was it meant to only be used against specific styles. I really hope KC allows low kicks and clinching in the near future.

[@Cobretti1991]

The karate point fighters in KC are probably terrified right now. They know that as soon as leg kicks are made legal, they're gonna end up like Raymond Daniels in his fight with Joe Valtellini, where Daniels got his legs smashed.

[@makesenz]

Voted. As a Kyokushin guy i wanted to see more Kyokushin fighters, i think it's crucial really. Osu!

[@justin8865]

Doing my part! Also its cool as shit they let us vote on rule changes

[@adamtankersley7441]

I obviously voted for thigh kicks. But with that said, I think Madeira leaves himself vulnerable to all of the leg attacks. I went and watched his last fight, and was just thinking inside leg kick power right hand. (Hendo H bomb style). But he also throws a lot of hooks while not guarding his head. I think a well timed power uppercut could really ruin his night. But he is very fast in and out of the pocket. Looks like an exciting fight. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@caravaneerkhed]

I like what Dewey Ramsay said on rules.. they aren’t there to protect the fighters but to protect the spectators feelings, if a rule is unnecessary… then it should be there. All I’m saying is in kickboxing (karate) this rule is very goofy.

[@efarjeonfgc]

Great idea!

[@derekvandenburg6689]

They should just go full vlown PKA rules, original rules, with the throws.

[@fatjeezussouthtexasoutdoor5244]

Benny "the Jet" Urqiidez vs Muay Tai is a prime example of the low-kick's power!!! My vote is FOR low kicks

[@toyoseries]

I think you mean the Rick Roofus vs Changpeurk fight

[@fatjeezussouthtexasoutdoor5244]

@@toyoseries I think you're correct sir, my old ass memory is getting bad

[@ModiboDiop-kh9gh]

Yes to mimic a real life scenario

[@toyoseries]

I don't think the average joe that goes on bar fights knows shit about low kicks. I think it's already enough if said event is already full-contact itself.

[@tylertheschnoz1345]

They need to not only add low kicks, but they need to ditch the takedowns! People can tune into MMA for that

[@Rotscrek]

I never understood banning low kicks but allowing calf kicks.

[@jinsou8461]

Good luck mentor

[@clapdrix72]

The reason leg kicks aren't allowed I think is a good one from a business perspective. If you want to distinguish your product from the other striking promotions, not just in name but in terms of the action in the "ring", you have to take measures to ensure it actually looks like karate and not just kickboxing in a weird pit thing. It's the same logic Glory used to distinguish itself from Muay Thai: no clinch (boring), no elbows (too gory for casuals), limited kick catching (encourage kicks). Removing leg kicks encourages the karate bladed stance and prevents the spamming of traditional Dutch combos (1-2-3 leg kick, etc). From a fighter standpoint I get it, but from a business petspective I think it's smart.

[@toyoseries]

Im pretty sure doing low kicks with a bladed stance has been done before in old school kickboxing (international rules)

[@clapdrix72]

@@toyoseries By and large, leg kicks discourage the bladed stance. You'd be hard pressed to name 5 Glory fighters that fight with a fully bladed stance, past or present. It doesn't mean it's impossible to adopt that stance and avoid getting your leg chopped off, a la Wonderboy Thompson and MVP, but those are the exceptions. It also encourages more "kickboxy" looking combos rather than more karate-ish looking ones where you punctuate hand combos with a leg kick. Nothing wrong with those combos of course, it's just that they don't necessarily fit the aesthetic of the brand of fighting KC is trying to establish, presumably.

[@Sulamanjansulttaani]

So one move completely makes the normal karate stance pretty much unusable? No wonder people have bad stuff to say about karate

[@user-wq4nf4dk3s]

​@@SulamanjansulttaaniIt always depends on rulesets. For example, the bladed stance is incredibly widespread in boxing for example, where the threat of a low kick is not present. Not to mention, full contact karate styles are just as widespread and the default stance would be considered more "spread", for example Kyokushin

[@navinthiyambarawatte5121]

Good luck digital coach!

[@Markperna1]

Voted yes.

[@nikolakuzmanovic122]

what? no leg kicks? why? Kyokuhin has it, why not here? What's the logic?

[@stephencox8723]

No low kicks is why I look at fights like Hoost vs Roufus, or Kaman vs Roufus funny or any other legendary ISKA fight. Low kicks are too valuable of a weapon to just not allow in kickboxing.

[@vanquese8947]

Aint this becoming kickboxing

[@clapdrix72]

Yep, kickboxing in a pit. They want to distinguish their product. Glory disallowed certain MT techniques to appeal to a wider audience, Karate combat did a similar thing to occupy a niche. From a business perspective, allowing leg kicks this early in the promotion's tenure could be a death sentence for their business.

[@user-wq4nf4dk3s]

@@clapdrix72 Personally I think the rest of the brand sets it apart and do not think this rule change will kill it. From the pit to the theatrics that aren't seen in any other promotion, fighting with the gear they do and the interesting rules on throws and limited grappling, there's already plenty that separate KC from the rest that kicks to the thigh would not impact.

[@clapdrix72]

@@user-wq4nf4dk3s I think you're underestimating how much leg kicks will change fighter tactics, in particular their stance. Karate is primarily a bladed stance discipline so right now it looks like karate, without the bladed stance and its accompanying techniques it would look like kickboxing with a few gimmicks. Their name is "Karate Combat" not "Alternative Rules Kickboxing".

[@user-wq4nf4dk3s]

@@clapdrix72 Your comment was referencing it from a business standpoint and not a fighting standpoint originally. Taking the stance into account, Full Contact Karate in general is majority "square" stance, and the bladed stance was made popular by WKF sport style that was brought to America and turned into American Kickboxing (Karate) such as Wonderboy. The public might not know better, but calling the bladed stance "karate" and a square stance not, is disingenuous. "Karate is primarily a bladed stance discipline" is as much a fact as saying "Muay Thai is slow and rigid". As for suggestions on more ways to differentiate KC from other promotions. I made a separate comment addressing it: "To set aside promotionally, in my opinion KC should allow open hand and forearm strikes, similar to a wild hook punch at extremely close range. They would never allow strikes to the neck but other techniques used in kata would make it look more "karate" and give the opportunity for pressure testing. Recently an influx of standing hammer strikes after it was brought to attention in other promotions. Same could happen for other techniques, would provide a solid testing ground"

[@clapdrix72]

@@user-wq4nf4dk3s My point is clearly still from a business standpoint. The "purists" knowledge of esoteric historical context is irrelevant from a business standpoint, what matters is the casual fan's perception, which is overehelmingly that karate=bladed stance. I don't disagree with your other suggestions for differentiation but I remain unchanged in my "stance" against leg kicks.

[@jty1999]

Let's goooooooo

[@kevinkengkiatlim308]

✅

[@Beans113]

I had to make an account to vote yes on this. It’s a very silly thing to not include while having all this grounded wrestling.

[@tchaliz4925]

If we have low kicks and knees, isn t it kick bixing with small gloves?

[@user-wq4nf4dk3s]

Well, that is I suppose how western kickboxing historically came to be. Still, Kyokushin and other forms of full contact karate are still karate. WKF style is not the only way karateka fight

[@moreparrotsmoredereks2275]

I'm a bit torn on this. Yes, I think the lack of low kicks is silly, but if you add them, I suspect that Karate Combat will just look like other kickboxing styles, which kind of eliminates the selling point of Karate Combat. Not sure which I'd prefer

[@user-wq4nf4dk3s]

I think if the brand identity is supposed to be western sports point style karate, low kicks would definitely hinder that. That said, there are other techniques that they could allow that would bring it back to differentiating from other promotions. As it stands, KC is favouring WKF backgrounds over full contact karate backgrounds which make up another significant portion of karate based combat athletes

[@tclyue]

I voted yes first thing I saw it

[@bblvrable]

Seems like a weird arbitrary rule to have in the first place. I can kind of understand them not wanting the clinch, as there's a lot of fighters who will do nothing but tie up their opponent in the clinch and then throw knee after knee after knee, and while it might be effective, it's boring to watch. But I don't get no low kicks, unless it's to avoid oblique kicks, but then why not just ban oblique kicks?

[@borgy7085]

This is really hard to decide... Before lowkicks, Kickboxing was all fancy kicks in the pocket, then it become muay thai without elbows, and knees... However, I like lowkicks, but maybe this is what makes Karate Kombat unique, to mma, or other full kontact kombat sports? BUT, calf kicks only do not make sense too...

[@user-wq4nf4dk3s]

To set aside promotionally, in my opinion KC should allow open hand and forearm strikes, similar to a wild hook punch at extremely close range. They would never allow strikes to the neck but other techniques used in kata would make it look more "karate" and give the opportunity for pressure testing. Recently an influx of standing hammer strikes after it was brought to attention in other promotions. Same could happen for other techniques, would provide a solid testing ground

[@TheNEOverse]

@@user-wq4nf4dk3s I don't think those are banned at all in KC, just ineffective.

[@user-wq4nf4dk3s]

@@TheNEOverse From the official website: "FOULS - INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: Striking with an open hand (other than a ridge-hand strike), or striking with the fingers to any target Striking with hammerfist or ridge-hand strikes when a fighter is grounded Striking with the elbow, forearm or head Kicking the portion of the leg below the hip and above the lower part of the knee Striking or grabbing the throat in any way i.e. squeezing the trachea Striking to the spine or the back of the head Kicking, stepping on, stomping, jumping on or throwing oneself on a grounded opponent Groin attacks of any kind Grabbing or holding any part of your opponent's body (including head) and striking. You can pull your opponent's head or other body part as long as you release before the strike lands. This is inclusive of catching the kicking leg."

[@TheNEOverse]

@@user-wq4nf4dk3s Huh. Well considering they aren't banned in MMA and aren't even used, I suspect they wouldn't matter in KC.

[@user-wq4nf4dk3s]

@@TheNEOverse Considering the backgrounds of most in MMA, those sorts of strikes probably wouldn't even be in their mind, let alone trained often enough to be repeated in a fight. Not a good indicator of usage, considering standing hammer strikes and even calf kicks were unknown and underutilised until recently

[@outerlast]

good luck, gabriel. don't get thrown as easily as the previous one :p

[@mennokooper837]

Lowkicks should be legal at karate combat the same with knees to the legs. Ashihara karate has them so they belong in KARATE combat.

[@DeeperThought11]

The ruleset in Karate Combat is confusing and convoluted, the refs don't even undderstand or enforce it.

[@bullfrog8221]

I voted yes

[@islandofmelanat]

I did my part 🫡

[@jeffmurray6219]

Banning low kicks has actually turned me off watching Karate Combat.

[@GKJusticar55]

Making rules simpler is better.

[@bunmeng007]

Banning thigh kick is stupid and make incomplete fighters

[@TheNEOverse]

No one in MMA actually thigh kicks anymore, I don't think a thigh kick will change all that much. Calf kicks are basically all they do, its even the case in kickboxing and MT

[@bunmeng007]

@@TheNEOverse the thigh kick is a weapon of a kickboxer. Its effective against karate stance or boxing heavy fighter. If u have been kick in the thigh u will know it hurts so much if kick repeatedly

[@TheNEOverse]

@@bunmeng007 it’s calf kicks now. Calf kicks kill people more than ever. Thigh kicks are considered obsolete now. Calf kicks are harder to check, longer and put you off balance less, while also doing quite a bit of damage.

[@andrewf6111]

If its trying to showcase karate then why would they legalize low kicks? Maybe showing my ignorance here, but if you add too many things wont this just become kickboxing?

[@Arkeo36]

Kickboxing as a ruleset doesn't exclude karate practitioners. The easier thing to do would be to make a rule for registration - fighters have to be affiliated with an accredited dojo system and have a black belt or something along those lines. Basically make it such that only karateka are allowed to participate in the promotion.

[@wynsonrao5177]

Leg kicks are an integral aspect of knockdown karate styles such as Kyokushin. Obviously KC aims more for a floaty point fighting style, put that's only one dimension of karate as a whole

[@user-wq4nf4dk3s]

Low kicks have been an integral part of traditional karate (as seen in kata) since before even the adoption of high kicks. While flashy high kicks are what modern sports karate is known for nowadays, kicks to gedan are part of its core, whereas kicks above the chest don't even exist in true traditional karate.

[@andrewf6111]

Idk. When I think low kicks I think muay Thai. When I search karate guy vs Muay Thai guy, Thai fighter Is hammering the low kicks.

[@user-wq4nf4dk3s]

@@andrewf6111 Look into "Kyokushin" or other full contact styles. Or into older kata such as Kururunfa, Naihanchin, Saifa

[@whoknows8223]

I think they are afraid of muay thai fighters dominating their karate sport. Seriously: calf kick is ok but thigh is illegal? What the heck?

[@junglejim3433]

It seems like they’ve been creating a certain style of fight, like a fantasy of Shotokan full contact. I think it’s lame. The one thing that I don’t like about Karate Combat

[@PP_Derrick]

It's not gonna be called Karate Combat when you introduce Muay Thai rules

[@user-wq4nf4dk3s]

Low kicks have existed in traditional karate since before high kicks.

[@PP_Derrick]

@@user-wq4nf4dk3s Not talking of low kicks

[@user-wq4nf4dk3s]

@@PP_Derrick What were you talking of

[@PP_Derrick]

@@user-wq4nf4dk3s Clinches, knees, throws that Gabriel was mentioning

[@user-wq4nf4dk3s]

@@PP_Derrick All elements of traditional karate dating back hundreds of years. See bunkai for Sanchin, Naihanchin, Kururunfa, concepts for Muchimi, Kakie.

[@amazed2341]

Bored of KC tbh, maybe leg kicks will make it more interesting

[@dannyrodriguez2436]

Then karate people with have to change there whole stance and approach 🤌🏾😂😂😂