Hey guys, I have two questions. 1) Is a British kickboxing club more likely to use American or European rules? 2) Are knees legal in European kickboxing? Thanks!
From what I know of, normal european kickboxing uses american rules (kicks & punches above waist ), but there is also the "low kicks" category witch is the above + low kicks , and another one with the above + knees. Those are diferent categories. Normal kickboxing uses the american rules.
European uses below the waist kicks, too. The style is known as "International rules", and american kickboxing is known as "full contact rules". Both, however, are full contact!!! International Rules FEET & LEGS Fighters may kick to their opponents legs as well as upper body. Kicks may be made with the fighters Shin or Foot. Kicks are allowed to the inside and outside of the fighters legs. Kicks are not allowed to a fighters knees. Kicks are not allowed to a fighters groin. Direct Side Kick Style kicks to the front of a fighters legs Are NOT ALLOWED. Tim, refer to european rules as international rules from now on (Yes, I know I told you otherwise before :bang.
ILLEGAL TECHNIQUES: Headbutts. Punches to the back of the Head. Striking to the Spine Area. (Kidneys are OK.) Slapping. (Striking with the LACE Side of the Gloves) Spitting. Biting. Holding your opponents head or arm and Hitting. Knee Strikes (However These ARE Allowed in MuayThai Bouts) Strikes to the Knees. Elbow & Forearm Strikes. (However These ARE Allowed in MuayThai Bouts) Palm Heel Strikes (Using the heel part of your palm.) Joint Attacks: (Striking to "AND" Arm bars.) Takedowns, Throwing or Grappling. ("SOME" Throwing is allowed in MUAYTHAI and ALL Throws are Allowed in San Shou.) Clubbing (Hammerfist Karate Style Strikes) Strikes to the Groin. Spinning Sweeps. (Boot To Boot Sweeps are allowed as long as the user does not "SPIN" while doing them.) Karate Chopping Style Strikes. Striking opponent when he/she has slipped or fallen to 1 knee or more. An opponent is down when any part of his/her body touches the floor of the ring. Abusive language in the ring. Attacking when the referee is breaking the fighters apart. Fighting after the bell has indicated the end of the round. Pushing and or Shoving Are NOT Allowed in International and Full Contact Rule Style bouts but are allowed in MuayThai & San Shou Bouts. Pushing or shoving an opponent through the ropes or out of the ring. Grabbing or holding onto an opponents leg, foot or any other part of the body is not allowed in Full Contact & International Rule Style bouts. HOWEVER, This "IS" Allowed In MuayThai & San Shou Style Bouts)
