MMA Combatives: Rules & Regulations

INTERNATIONAL KAJUKENBO ASSOCIATION
MMA COMBATIVES DIVISION RULES
State of Hawaii – Amateur Division

Purpose
The IKA MMA Combatives Division develops practical, street-tested mixed martial skills under strict safety protocols. Matches are controlled, amateur, rule-bound contests focused on technical excellence, timing, and controlled power. Full-force knockouts are not the primary objective. This division is not professional MMA and is not “no-rules” combat.

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1. Eligibility
– All competitors must be current IKA members in good standing.
– Minimum age: 16 years (with parental/guardian consent and medical clearance for ages 16–17). Adults 18+ require standard medical clearance.
– Competitors must present valid government-issued ID and proof of current negative HIV, Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, and Hepatitis C Antibody tests (dated within 6 months) plus a physical examination by a licensed physician (valid for 1 year).
– No competitor currently under medical suspension or disqualified in any other jurisdiction may participate.

2. Required Safety Equipment (Mandatory)
– Open-finger MMA gloves (4–6 oz approved)
– Mouthguard
– Groin protection (males mandatory; females recommended)
– Shin guards with instep protection
– Headgear (mandatory for all junior and intermediate divisions; optional for advanced adult black-belt divisions at promoter/referee discretion)
– Elbow pads and knee pads strongly recommended
– No metal, hard plastic, or jewelry of any kind

3. Match Format
– Duration: 1 round of 3 minutes (juniors/intermediates) or 2 rounds of 3 minutes with 1-minute rest (advanced adults).
– Overtime: If scores are tied, one 2-minute sudden-victory round.
– Matches take place on a matted surface or approved cage/ring under the supervision of a licensed referee.

4. Legal Techniques
– Standing: Controlled punches, kicks, knees, and elbows to legal target areas. Clinch work, trips, and takedowns permitted.
– Ground: Positional control, submissions (chokes, armbars, leg locks, joint locks), and controlled ground-and-pound (no uncontrolled full-power strikes to the head on the ground).
– All techniques must demonstrate control and technical intent.

5. Illegal Techniques & Fouls (Immediate Warning, Point Deduction, or Disqualification)
– Strikes to the back of the head, spine, throat, or groin
– Eye gouges, fish-hooking, small-joint manipulation
– Headbutts, biting, hair-pulling
– Strikes to a downed opponent’s head with full intent to knock out
– Twisting knee locks that hyperextend the joint in an uncontrolled manner
– Throws that deliberately drive the opponent’s head or neck into the mat
– Any technique intended to cause unnecessary injury
– Passive stalling or refusal to engage

Three fouls or one intentional foul may result in disqualification.

6. Scoring
– 10-point must system per round.
– Criteria (in order of priority): Effective striking & grappling, effective aggression, control of the fighting area, and defense.
– Submissions that force a tap or referee stoppage win the match immediately.
– Technical superiority (dominant control + high-percentage techniques) is rewarded over wild power.

7. Medical & Safety Protocols
– Ringside physician required for all events.
– Referee or physician may stop the match at any time for safety.
– Any competitor who is knocked unconscious or suffers a serious injury is subject to medical suspension per Hawaii DCCA guidelines.
– No competitor may continue if the physician deems them unfit.

8. Officials
– Center referee must have documented experience refereeing mixed martial or combatives matches.
– Two or three side judges.
– All officials must be approved by the IKA and, when required by law, licensed by the State of Hawaii.

9. Hawaii Compliance Statement
This division operates strictly as an amateur, rule-bound combatives program. It is not a professional Mixed Martial Arts contest under HRS Chapter 440E and does not constitute “no rules combat, extreme fighting, or similar contests” prohibited under §440E-23. All promoters must obtain any required event permits or notifications from the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs when applicable.

10. Code of Conduct
Competitors, coaches, and corner personnel shall uphold the IKA Code of Ethics and the spirit of Kajukenbo: respect, control, and the protection of the vulnerable. Unsportsmanlike conduct, verbal abuse, or failure to obey the referee will result in ejection and possible suspension from IKA events.