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PART 1: K-1 CORPORATION~
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Q: What is K-1?
K-1 is a hybrid stand-up fighting sport that originated in Japan, in 1993. It was the first event to use a set of rules which allowed all stand-up striking arts to compete within one ring. Since that time K-1 has grown to be the most popular real combat sport in Japan.
K-1's History
Q: What does K-1 stand for?
The "K" refers to Karate, Kung Fu, Kickboxing, and any other martial arts beginning with the letter "K", although K-1 is not limited only to these obviously. The "1" symbolizes the gathering of all these fighting styles into one ring.
Q: Who is Ishii?
Kazuyoshi Ishii is the founder of K-1. He began his career as a Seidokan Karate master and moved on to become a high ranking martial arts mentor and promoter. These days he functions as the matchmaker of K-1 as well. Recently however Ishii has gotten in trouble for tax evasion and has resigned as president of the corporation.
Q: What are the weightclasses in K-1?
K-1 has all the usual weight classes, but the most publicized and popular weight division is heavyweight - specifically 86 kg and up. There is also a league called K-1 MAX, which is for smaller fighters up to 72 kg. There was a tournament held in 1993 called K-2, which was a light-heavyweight event. There is a new weight class for fighters under 100kg.
Q: What are the exact rules?
Essentially the fights consist of either 3, each 3 minutes long. Most strikes are allowed but elbows and headbutts are disallowed. A full explanation of the official rules can be found at the K-1 America page.
Full K-1 Rules
Q: Are knees allowed?
Yes, knees are allowed in K-1. In some regional events they are prohibited in order to conform with the local kickboxing federations' guidelines or for legal reasons, as was the case in Paris.
Q: How is K-1 different from "normal" kickboxing?
Essentially the rules are a bit different. For more information on kickboxing rules, follow the link below.
IKBF Rules
Q: Which martial arts style is the best for K-1?
The most successful styles have historically been Muay Thai and Kyokushin Karate, and some pure Boxing training is desirable as well. However this question could be argued about endlessly.
Q: How does the regional qualifying system work?
K-1 holds tournaments all over the world on an annual basis in preparation for the culmination of each year's results, the Grand Prix Tournament Finals held every December at the Tokyo Dome. The Regional Qualifiers are single-elimination tournaments and the winners of these move on throughout the year, progressing through all the big shows until they are either eliminated or they earn a spot at the GP Finals.
A Detailed Description of the World GP
Q: How much money does the Grand Prix Champion receive?
$400,000 US.
Q: Who is the K-1 World GP Champion?
The current Champion is Semmy Schilt, the winner of the 2005 K-1 World Grand Prix.
Q: Who won each K-1 World GP?
See Part 3 below for complete K-1 World GP results with winners of the annual tournament.
Q: Who has won the most K-1 World GPs?
Ernesto Hoost with 4 (1997, 1999, 2000 & 2002 K-1 World GPs).
Q: Who has won the K-1 MAX World Grand Prix?
Albert Kraus did in 2002, Masato in 2003, Buakaw Por.Pramuk in 2004 & Andy Souwer in 2005.
Q: Who is the best K-1 fighter of all time?
That's obviously debatable but many people would say the top three are Hoost, Aerts, and Hug so far.
Q: What is K-1 MAX?
K-1 MAX is a specific division of K-1 with a weight limit of around 74 kg (155 lbs.) The league follows a similar format to the regular K-1 World GP, holding shows year round and then finishing off the year with a tournament for the title. The action is faster, more technical, and often more exciting than the heavyweight division of K-1. The current champion is Albert Kraus from Holland.
Q: What is K-2?
K-2 was a tournament held by the K-1 organization only once, in 1993. The tournament featured light-heavyweights and included such fighters as Kaman, Changpuek, Petridis, Hoost, and Gibson. Hoost won the tournament.
Q: What is K-3?
Once again we have a mysterious and confusingly named K-1 tournament on our hands. This one was held in 1995 in Holland, for fighters up to 74 kg. It included Reding, Hippolyte, Ubeda, Anchez, De Jager, Theysse, Masseurs, Dumcic, Dolman and Toubert. Hippolyte won the event.
Q: Are K-1 fighters the best standup fighters in the world?
It depends how you look at it. The fastest and most technical fighters are the Lumpinee and Rajdamnern stadium champions. Some of the top K-1 fighters can indeed be called cream of the crop heavyweight kickboxers though.
Q: How big is K-1 in Japan?
BIG. Most large K-1 events are sold out and the GP is held every year at the Tokyo Dome selling out consistently. The TV Ratings of the 2002 GP were the highest share during its time, surpassing even baseball and other non-combat sports. K-1 is more popular than PRIDE in Japan as well.
Q: Is K-1 shown on PPV?
K-1 is available on PPV, but usually a month or so after the event has occurred. K-1 is often broadcasted on Eurosport and sometimes on ESPN2 as well.
Q: Where can I find K-1 tapes and DVDs?
If you're in North America you probably have to order tapes. Sherdog has some, as well as the Official K-1 homepage. There are no K-1 DVDs available outside of Japan. Older K-1 tapes can mostly only be found as bootlegs outside of Japan.
Official K-1 Merchandise
Q: What are the best tapes to get?
Well that's subjective but generally the GP Finals from 96-99 are good, with 99 being the best.
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