Sport KajuKenbo Rules Explained By John Hackleman.
In this video, John Hackleman—head of the Sport KajuKenbo division—breaks down the official rules for the upcoming Sport KajuKenbo tournament happening on July 18th at the 2025 Emperado KSDI World Championships in Las Vegas (July 18–19). This unique division blends striking and grappling in a safe, controlled format designed to prepare students for the intensity of MMA-style competition—without it being MMA. It’s the perfect entry point for martial artists looking to test their skills with both stand-up and ground work under a structured rule set. Whether you're a seasoned KajuKenbo fighter or new to the sport side of the system, this is your guide to what to expect on tournament day. 🗓 Division Date: July 18 📍 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada 🥋 Event: 2025 Emperado KSDI World Championships 🔗 Sign Up Here: https://www.kajukenbo.com/events/2025...
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IMPORTANT: NO KNOCKOUTS ALLOWED. ALL CONTACT OR COMBINATIONS OF PUNCHES AND KICKS WILL BE CONTROLLED WITH LIGHT FORCE ONLY AND PRIMARILY FOCUSED ON EXECUTION OF TECHNIQUES. ANY INTENTIONAL FULL CONTACT BLOWS, KICKS OR KNOCKOUTS WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION.
If a fighter voluntarily quits due to exhaustion or any unforeseen severe cuts/lacerations or self-induced type injuries will automatically give the win to his or her opponent by default. All stoppage circumstances shall be determined by the collective agreement of the center Ring Referee and Ringside judges.
PUNCHES: All punches must be delivered with the padded side of the gloves. Punches to the face will be lead jab Only. The wrist or the lace areas cannot be used to strike.
KICKS/FOOT STRIKES: All kicks/foot strikes must be applied and landed with controlled light force. All kicks must only target the front or side part of the body. Kick target areas can be clarified by the center referee prior to each match if questions by the competitors arise. Kicks can be delivered with either the shin or the foot.
AXE KICK or SPINNING HEEL KICKS: Axe kicks or spinning kicks are only allowed when the person delivering these types of kicks is wearing the proper full foot protectors that covers the heel of each foot. Full control is to be exercised when executing these types of kicks and they must not land on the head or face.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: To ensure athlete safety and uphold competitive standards, ALL participants in the Sport Kajukenbo sparring divisions must adhere to the following protective gear requirements:
8oz or larger Combat Style Sparring Gloves
Gloves must be at least 8oz MMA – Style, designed specifically for sparring or amateur competition.
Must provide full knuckle coverage and adequate thumb protection.
Gloves will be inspected prior to matches. Damaged or excessively worn gloves will not be permitted.MMA – Style Shin Guards with foot protection (Designed for Grappling)
Foot protection should cover the heel and toes.
Shin guards must offer adequate protection while allowing full mobility for grappling.
Must be secure fitting with minimal bulk to prevent interference during clinch or ground transitions.Mouth Guard
Mandatory for all competitors.
Must be properly fitted; both custom and boil-and-bite styles are acceptable.Groin Protection
Mandatory for all male competitors.
Recommended for female competitors.
Must be worn under the uniform and provide adequate coverage.Headgear
Head protection is mandatory for all competitors.
Headgear style can be the same as Continuous Fighting
All fighters’ gloves will be inspected and pre-approved by the center Referee prior to each fight. All gloves, Foot protectors, mouthpieces, hand wraps, groin cups, competition approved boxing style head gear suitable for continuous fighting or Sport Kajukenbo fighting and shin pads are also required in competition and MUST be provided by the competitors themselves. Vaseline or similar is highly recommended and will be provided by the fighter or coach and can only be applied to the face to help reduce facial burns and cuts during a fight.
Match Scoring: Matches are typically scored at the end of each round with a center referee and judges call identifying the most effective fighter and awarding the winner 10 points for each round won while awarding the opposing competitor nine or less points. A fighter wins the match by scoring more points than his opponent or submission.
Match Timing: At the discretion of the center referee and judges, each Sport Kajukenbo Fighting round will be tentatively scheduled as follows:
Timing and Rounds:
Kids <18 months training: 3 x 1 min rounds
Kids >18 months: 3 x 1.5 min rounds
Adults <18 months: 3 x 1.5 min rounds
Adults >18 months: 3 x 2 min rounds
Competitors are allowed 30 seconds rest period in between each scheduled round.
Kids, less than 18 months of training, flyweight, lightweight, middleweight, heavyweight, Kids,18 months or more of training, flyweight, lightweight, middleweight, heavyweight, Adults, less than 18 months of training, flyweight, lightweight, middleweight, heavyweight, Adults, 18 months or more of training, flyweight, lightweight, middleweight, heavyweight, Fight stays on the ground 30 seconds max, then the fight is changed back to a standing position.
For Safety Reasons: The ONLY type of strikes allowed to the face are a controlled lead jab type punch. This includes the State of Nevada Rules.
Illegal Moves: Any move determined illegal will result in a warning from the center referee for the first infraction. If a competitor punches or kicks any areas of the head and/or body deemed unsafe or illegal, he or she will be warned or possibly disqualified at the discretion of the center referee and side judges.
No Body Slams
No Leg Locks
No Slaps
No Palm Strikes
No Forearm Strikes
No Strikes using the head
No Elbow Strikes
No Linear Kicks or Oblique Kicks to the knee
No Strikes to the back of the head
No Strikes to the Groin
No Strikes to the Back or Spine
No Strikes to the Throat
SAFETY: is our number one goal. Referees and Ring Judges reserve the right to change, identify or enforce the type of legal Head Shots allowed during a fight. They have the authority to stop a fight or disqualify a fighter at any given time if they witnesses unsportsmanlike conduct or feel injury is imminent during any given fight. Any unwarranted interference or unsportsmanlike conduct by instructors, coaches and spectators will not be tolerated and will be the grounds for dismissal from the tournament.
