American Kickboxing
(formerly known as 'Full-Contact Karate')

Considered to be the least robust of the full contact codes, the striking area is above the waist only (akin to Western boxing). The back-fist may also be used in addition to kicks and punches. The use of knees, elbows and throws are illegal. Six / Eight kicks per round must be thrown to avoid points deduction. Duration of bouts: 2 x 2 minutes, up to 12 x 2 minutes. Pads are worn on the shin and the instep.

Freestyle Kickboxing
(formerly known as 'WKA' and 'Japanese Kickboxing')

Kicks are permitted to any part of the body, except the groin and the lower leg. Throws may also be allowed where stipulated. Instep pads are sometimes permitted. Bouts are comprised of 2-3 rounds (N/C class) and 5-12 rounds (B/A class).

Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) - also known as Burmese Boxing and Cambodian Boxing.

Knees and elbows can be used in addition to punches, kicks and throws. Bouts consist of two, three or five rounds of 2-3 minutes.

Savate

Developed in France during the 19th Century, it is now becoming one the worlds premier ring sports. Savatuers wear a one piece tunic, 10oz gloves with wrist protection and boots similar to those worn by wrestlers. Bouts are 2-5 rounds of 1-2 minutes each, kicks score more points than punches.