Kung Fu World Games

IKF World Competitions

• The International Kung Fu Federation hosts various kung fu world games. The main international competitions are the world championships plus those for junior age groups, senior ages, universities and military members. The IKF also hosts various smaller national and international competitions worldwide, including some in U.S. cities.

Gaining Points

• The IKF world championship rules empower judges to evaluate fighters on speed, power, coordination, eye position, balance and keeping a low center of gravity, among other elements. Points are given for a fighter's overall performance, his force and coordination, and his fighting spirit and determination to win against his opponent. Legal moves include boxing to the head and body in a controlled manner, kicks, throws and sweeps. Rules vary among championships, but in general a fighter can receive six points for overall performance, two points for coordination and two points for determination.

Losing Points

• The championship judges may deduct points from a fighter for carrying out illegal moves such as unrestrained hits or punches, attacking a downed opponent and any strikes to the back, hip and side of the neck. Any aggressive behavior that is not within kung fu competition rules is considered a breach of the rules and grounds for a penalty or disqualification. Points can also be lost for momentarily losing balance, an involuntary pause or an incomplete movement.

IKF Training

• The kung fu world championships host bouts for fighters of levels from yellow belt and upward. Training begins with a one-month introduction phase in which a student learns preparatory movements such as basic kicks, punches and blocks. Students in this beginner phase may not enter IKF world competitions. After the initial training phase, the student progresses to a yellow, blue, green, red, brown and finally black belt. All of these levels take part in kung fu world games.