In the earliest days of martial arts competition, fighters stepped into bare-knuckle matches with nothing but their skill and reputation on the line. Victors earned the title of the "baddest" on the planet, their fighting prowess beyond question.
Legends like Mike Stone, Chuck Norris, Joe Lewis, and Benny "The Jet" Urquidez carved out legacies that remain revered to this day.
Modern sport martial arts—ranging from Olympic taekwondo to point-based karate tournaments—barely resemble the combative roots many practitioners associate with the true essence of martial arts. What was once a discipline rooted in self-defense, real-world applicability, and unyielding combat readiness has evolved into something far removed from its origins.
In recent years, a handful of pioneering organizations have sought to bridge this gap, sparking a resurgence of interest in martial arts that harken back to the "Blood and Guts" era.
With innovative formats and global reach, these organizations have attracted billions of viewers, reigniting the spirit of traditional martial arts competition.
What follows is a look at the leaders driving this movement back to martial arts' authentic roots.
Karate Combat
Bringing Back Full Contact to Martial Arts: Karate Combat’s Appeal to a New Generation
In a world where combat sports like the UFC dominate the spotlight, Karate Combat is making waves by revitalizing traditional martial arts with a thrilling full-contact format. Aimed at a new generation of sports fans who crave action-packed competitions, Karate Combat bridges the gap between the elegance of traditional karate and the intensity of modern fighting sports.
Founded in 2018 with the mission to promote karate as both a sport and martial art, Karate Combat has positioned itself as a global phenomenon. Unlike traditional sports karate, often criticized for its limited contact and point-scoring nature, Karate Combat embraces full-contact competition, delivering adrenaline-fueled bouts that appeal to fans of high-impact combat sports like MMA.
Hosted by former UFC heavyweight champion Bas Rutten, alongside a rotating cast of special guests, including George St Pierre Karate Combat combines the rich traditions of karate-do with cutting-edge technology and innovation.
The league invites fighters from various karate styles—including Kyokushin, Shotokan, Shito Ryu, and Kempo Karate—as well as athletes from Taekwondo, Kung Fu, and Tang Soo Do, fostering a dynamic showcase of martial arts diversity.
Karate Combat pushes the boundaries of martial arts competition with the integration of video game-style analytics, real-time biometric data, and CGI-enhanced environments created using the Unreal Engine. This blend of technology and tradition provides a visually stunning and immersive experience for viewers.
Contestants wear 4oz gloves, groin protectors, and long karate trousers adorned with their national emblems. Matches consist of three three-minute rounds, with championship fights potentially extending to five rounds. Judging follows the 10-point must system, emphasizing aggression and effective attacks, while knockouts eliminate the need for scorecards altogether.
Rules That Balance Tradition and Excitement
Karate Combat’s rules are designed to maintain the essence of traditional karate while embracing the intensity of full contact. Wresting, submissions, and elbows are prohibited, but strikes—including punches, kicks, and ground punches—are central to the competition.
The league also allows upkicks from grounded fighters, adding an element of unpredictability. If a grounded position lasts more than five seconds, the referee resets the fight to standing.
Appealing to a New Audience
For fans of the UFC and other MMA promotions, Karate Combat offers a fresh yet familiar alternative. It delivers the excitement of full-contact combat while highlighting the discipline, respect, and rich traditions of martial arts. By modernizing the presentation and introducing a global roster of fighters, Karate Combat is igniting a resurgence of interest in karate and martial arts at large.
Karate Combat isn’t just a sport; it’s a movement that reminds us why martial arts captivated audiences in the first place. For a generation drawn to the raw intensity of MMA but longing for the artistry and tradition of martial arts, Karate Combat is the perfect match.
It’s not just about fighting—it’s about bringing the spirit of karate back to the forefront of global combat sports.
Kombat Taekwondo
Kombat Taekwondo USA, aims to unify various taekwondo clans under one umbrella, creating professional avenues for fighters. In less than a year, Kombat Taekwondo has expanded to 110 countries, with over 1,400 certified referees and 1,000 clubs worldwide.
For years, taekwondo practitioners have had limited opportunities to pursue professional careers in their discipline. Kombat Taekwondo is changing that narrative by providing a professional league that offers athletes the chance to showcase their skills on a global stage.
By presenting Taekwondo in a modern, spectator-friendly format, the league is inspiring a new generation of fighters and fans alike.
Kombat Taekwondo bridges the gap between conventional Taekwondo tournaments, and places a sharp focus on professional competition. Matches are full contact and bouts take place in a cage—a setting more commonly associated with MMA.
This modern twist not only amplifies excitement for spectators but also elevates Taekwondo alongside major combat sports like the UFC and Karate Combat, appealing to a broader audience that craves high-action competition. The goal is to make Taekwondo more appealing to global audiences while creating a pathway for professional athletes in the sport.
One of the defining features of Kombat Taekwondo is its mission to unify practitioners from different Taekwondo organizations, including ITF (International Taekwondo Federation) and WT (World Taekwondo). The league aims to create a platform where Taekwondo practitioners from diverse styles can compete, while elevating the martial art into the realm of professional sports entertainment.
By creating a single competitive platform, the league fosters an inclusive environment that highlights the diversity of techniques and philosophies within the Taekwondo community.
Bare Knuckle Boxing
Bare-knuckle boxing, also known simply as bare-knuckle fighting, is a full-contact combat sport centered on unarmed punching without any hand padding. Originating in 17th-century England, it stands apart from street fighting by adhering to an established set of rules, offering a structured and competitive format.
The sport’s foundation was built on the London Prize Ring Rules, which governed bare-knuckle boxing throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. However, by the late 19th century, the rise of modern professional boxing saw the adoption of padded gloves, signaling the end of bare-knuckle boxing’s dominance.
In recent years, bare-knuckle boxing has experienced a remarkable resurgence, bringing the raw intensity of the sport to modern audiences. Promoters such as Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB) in Coventry, Ultimate Bare Knuckle Boxing (UBKB) and American organizations like Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) and BYB Extreme (BYB) have revitalized this historical combat discipline.
Today, bare-knuckle boxing combines its storied legacy with the thrill of contemporary competition, captivating a new generation of fans while paying homage to its roots.
Kyokushin Karate
What’s old is new, and what’s new is growing. Mas Oyama’s dream of full-contact fighting began in 1953 and was finally realized in 1969 when he staged the First All-Japan Full Contact Karate Open Championships.
Today an elite group of world class Karate organizations continue to keep Oyama's legacy alive by continuing the tradition of full contact Karate.
Traditional rules still apply across most organizations where a fighter wins a knockdown fight by scoring a single point, or "Ippon", which is awarded when an opponent is stunned and can't continue fighting within five seconds. A half point, or "Waza Ari", is awarded for a technique that momentarily stuns the opponent.
