Kickboxing under WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations) offers several disciplines and strict gear requirements. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or aiming for competition, the right knowledge about disciplines and gear is essential. Here is an up-to-date, thorough guide that explains the different WAKO disciplines (with a focus on light contact, full contact and K-1), which gear requirements apply, recommendations for specific gear for each discipline, and important competition requirements for athletes and clubs. We also look at the difference between training gear and competition gear – for example why training gloves should be 12–16 oz instead of the lighter competition gloves.
Read on to learn about the disciplines, understand the new rules for approved gear (including the UV label that is becoming mandatory), get tips on gloves, shin and instep protection, and make sure both you and your club meet the requirements for safe kickboxing by the rules.
WAKO disciplines: Light Contact, Full Contact and K-1
WAKO kickboxing consists of several disciplines – both ring sports and mat/tatami disciplines. Here we focus on three of the most popular competition disciplines: light contact, full contact and K-1. Before we go into the details of the gear, let's understand what characterises these forms of fighting.
Light Contact
Light contact kickboxing can be described as a middle ground between semi-contact (point fighting) and full contact. Bouts are fought on a mat (not in a boxing ring) and run continuously without stopping for hits, but punches and kicks must be delivered with controlled force. The aim is not a knockout, but to score points with technically clean hits at reduced power. Referees judge control and technique more strictly in light contact than in full contact, and athletes must show good command of their techniques without «going all out» in every exchange. This discipline is popular with beginners and younger athletes, as it lets you compete continuously as in full contact but with far less risk of injury.
Gear in light contact: Because bouts are fought continuously at moderate power, athletes must be well protected. Typical gear includes a headguard, 10 oz boxing gloves (or dedicated semi-contact gloves), a mouthguard, a groin guard (suspensory) and shin and instep guards. In light contact – fought on a mat in long trousers and a top – separate shin guards and foot guards are often used. The characteristic foot guards (often called «safety kicks») cover the whole foot and cushion the impact of kicks for both the athlete and the opponent. These are combined with shin guards worn under the trousers to protect the shinbone. WAKO-approved versions are available from the brand TOP TEN, which is the main supplier to Norwegian kickboxing. For example, TOP TEN offers red and blue Safety Kicks in durable, light material that gives optimal shock absorption without restricting mobility. Together with matching shin guards they make up a complete set approved for both training and international competition.
Headguard: An approved headguard that protects the head, cheekbones and back of the head is mandatory. Many choose, for example, the TOP TEN Avantgarde headguard or similar models, known for solid shock absorption in Bayflex material. The headguard must fit snugly and cover the temples, ears and forehead well.
Gloves: In light contact, 10 oz WAKO-approved gloves are used (typically the same type as in full contact). These gloves have special padding that reduces punching power. An example is the TOP TEN WAKO-approved boxing glove 10 oz – the official WAKO competition glove in leather with PPS foam, approved for all WAKO tournaments. It weighs 10 oz and gives optimal shock absorption thanks to the unique BAYFILL® foam, which has reduced the knockout rate internationally to under 1% since such gloves and headguards became mandatory. (Note: for training, use 12–16 oz gloves instead – more on this later.)
Shin and instep guards: Light contact requires separate guards for the shin and instep. The TOP TEN Ultra Lett instep guard («Safety Kicks») is used together with TOP TEN shin guards. Safety Kicks are fastened with straps under the foot and around the ankle, and cover the whole foot (toes, instep and heel) to protect both the kicker and the receiver. The shin guards pad the shinbone and are worn under the trousers. WAKO-approved shin and instep guards from TOP TEN meet the international safety requirements and are the first choice for serious athletes.
Other: A mouthguard (ideally a double type for the best protection of both upper and lower teeth) is mandatory. Everyone must also wear a groin guard (suspensory) under the trousers, both men and women. Women may also wear an approved chest guard under their top. All jewellery, watches or piercings must be removed; taping over a piercing is not allowed – it must be removed for the bout.
Clothing tips: Light contact athletes compete in long kickboxing trousers (without a grading belt) and a club top/T-shirt. The clothing should allow freedom of movement and have no hard parts. From 2027, clothing will also need a WAKO label at championships, but for now neutral trousers and a top are enough at national competitions.
Full Contact
Full contact is the classic professional form of kickboxing as it has been practised since the 1970s and 80s. It can be compared with boxing, but with high kicks to the same target areas permitted for punches (i.e. the opponent's head and upper body). In full contact, punches and kicks are hard and powerful, and knockouts are allowed. Bouts take place in a boxing ring – typically 3 rounds of 2 minutes for amateurs. This is a physically demanding discipline where fitness, changes of pace and strength play a central role. Athletes need both a boxer's punching power and the kicking skills of a karateka, since at least as much use of the legs as of the hands is expected. Full contact (and low kick, see under K-1) is subject to the Norwegian Knockout Regulations, which set extra requirements for safety and medical follow-up.
Gear in full contact: Since this is a ring sport with knockout potential, full safety gear applies, designed to greatly reduce the force of the techniques. Amateur athletes must wear an approved headguard, mouthguard, gloves, foot and shin guards, and a groin guard. The requirements overlap a lot with light contact, but there are some differences in the choice of gear because the bouts are tougher:
Headguard: Mandatory in amateur full contact. Use a WAKO-approved headguard (red or blue according to corner colour). TOP TEN headguards (e.g. the Avantgarde or the Fight model) are common, as they are designed to protect well around the jaw, temples and back of the head. The headguard must be approved by the referee before the bout starts and must be undamaged and clean.
Gloves: WAKO competition gloves of 10 oz are used in full contact (the same as in light contact). They must be moulded boxing gloves with shock-absorbing elastic padding that doesn't clump. As mentioned earlier, TOP TEN's 10 oz WAKO gloves are standard at both Norwegian and international championships. The gloves come in a red or blue design and now carry the new UV label that proves WAKO certification. Tip: for training, full contact athletes should use heavier sparring gloves (12–16 oz) instead, for extra padding – we will come back to this below.
Shin and instep guards: In full contact (above the belt) the foot must also be protected. Traditionally athletes here use the same type of shin guards and foot guards as in light contact, i.e. separate pieces. The advantage is full coverage of the foot: the foot guard should cover the whole foot, the instep and the heel and stay in place throughout the bout. TOP TEN's competition-approved foot guards (Safety Kicks) meet this requirement. These are combined with matching shin guards without hard materials (to be worn under the trousers). An alternative some athletes use in training is so-called combined shin/instep guards (one-piece shin guards with ankle support and instep padding, similar to Muay Thai shin guards). These can give even better stability, but note that they must cover the foot sufficiently to be allowed at WAKO competitions. To be on the safe side, the classic separate WAKO-approved guards are recommended in competition, while in training you can use sturdier one-piece shin/instep guards to withstand more hard kicks. CombatStore has both types – e.g. TOP TEN shin and instep guards “WAKO Style” for fighting and the thicker Venum Elite Shin and Instep Guard for sparring.
Clothing: In full contact, men compete bare-chested (with long trousers), and women wear a neutral close-fitting top under the trousers. The trousers have an elastic waist (not a drawstring) and no grading belts. Only club badges and possibly a federation badge are allowed on trousers/tops – advertising requires special permission. Remember that from August 2026, NKBF will require gloves and headguards to be red/blue (depending on corner) at national competitions, and also recommends red/blue shin and foot guards.
Medical requirements: Because full contact allows KOs, the athlete must have a medical certificate. Everyone fighting full contact must present a valid fight record book with a health certificate before the competition. A doctor also checks the athletes before the weigh-in/bout to make sure they are fit to fight.
K-1 (Full contact with low kicks and knees)
Image: Kickboxers in a K-1 bout with headguards, mouthguards, 10 oz gloves and shin and foot guards. K-1 rules also allow knee strikes, as illustrated here.
K-1 is the most complete and toughest discipline in WAKO kickboxing. The rules are similar to full contact with the addition of low kicks and knee strikes. The difference from regular full contact is that the thighs and shins are also legal targets, and the knee can be used as a scoring technique. In K-1 you can also briefly clinch: you are allowed to hold the opponent's head/neck with both hands to deliver a knee, but the clinch must be released within 5 seconds. Elbows are not allowed in WAKO K-1, and there are restrictions on traditional Muay Thai rituals (e.g. no Wai Kru, no armbands or headpieces). Bouts are fought in a boxing ring with the same rounds as full contact. K-1 demands great versatility – the athlete must master full boxing, high and low kicks, and knees to win. This discipline is very action-packed and popular on the professional scene, but within WAKO it is run in an amateur format with protective gear.
Gear in K-1: Because K-1 allows low kicks to the legs and knee strikes to the body/head, it places even higher demands on protecting the athletes. The gear list is basically the same as for full contact: a headguard, mouthguard, gloves, groin guard and shin/instep guards are mandatory for amateurs. A few adjustments and recommendations stand out:
Headguard and gloves: The same requirements as full contact. 10 oz WAKO-approved gloves (red/blue) with a UV label are used, and a safety-approved headguard (red/blue) must be worn. This protects against the hard boxing punches and at the same time against impact from clinch situations and knees. The referee always checks that the headguard and gloves are correctly labelled and in order before the bout.
Shin and instep guards: In K-1, where low kicks rain down, it is common to prefer combined shin/instep guards (one continuous unit per leg) rather than separate pieces. The reason is that with continuous kicks to the thighs and shins, plain “safety kicks” on the foot can slip more easily, and a one-piece shin guard with an instep section tends to stay in place better through hard clinches and kicks. For example, an athlete might use a pair of solid Venum Elite or Impact shin guards that cover the front of the shin and the instep well. The most important thing is that they cover the top of the foot properly (some Thai boxing guards can have an open toe – remember that WAKO requires protection of the instep/toes). Many K-1 athletes still use WAKO-approved TOP TEN shin and instep guards (red/blue) made precisely for this discipline, as they combine a light construction with good shock absorption. Whatever you choose, both shin and foot must be protected – even though K-1 allows more power, the gear must cushion the impact of low kicks to avoid serious leg injuries.
Knee guards: Although knee strikes are allowed, most people don't wear dedicated knee guards in K-1, as they can restrict mobility. Knee strikes are mainly delivered to the body/head, and WAKO has no requirement for padding on the knees. It is important to practise delivering controlled knees in amateur K-1 to avoid disqualification (you must not knee straight into the face without control). If you wish, a simple neoprene knee support can be used for your own support, but this is not mandatory gear.
Clothing: K-1 follows the same clothing rules as low kick: shorts with an elastic waist (not Thai shorts with traditional lettering, only neutral). No top for men, and a sports bra/body top for women as usual. According to the NKBF rules, the shorts must not carry Muay Thai names or symbols (to distinguish it as a separate sport). In practice, shorts similar to those in Muay Thai are used, just without religious symbols. From 2025/2026, a WAKO label will be required on shorts at major championships, but at local competitions ordinary martial arts shorts are fine (club shorts with a logo are often used). Remember the colour requirement again: in future the headguard/gloves (and ideally shin/instep guards) must be red/blue according to corner – worth noting when you buy gear.
Note: One point about K-1 is that it is a ring sport with knockouts, so all the requirements for licence, age and skill apply as for full contact. In Norway this means K-1 athletes must be at least 18 years old, have passed the full contact ‘gold badge’ (or a gold badge specifically for the K-1 discipline) and have an approved medical certificate in their fight record book.
Approved gear: WAKO rules, the UV label and the difference between training and competition
An important part of WAKO kickboxing is the safety requirements for gear. WAKO has its own certification system for fight gear, and from 2025 this is being tightened further with the introduction of a new international label (UV label). Let's look at what this means for you as an athlete:
WAKO certification and the UV label
Having WAKO-approved gear means more than just a logo on the product. It is a guarantee that the gear has been thoroughly tested and meets high standards for safety, quality and performance. From 1 January 2025, all WAKO-approved products must also carry an official UV Label. This new label contains a special tracking tag that can be read with UV scanning to confirm that the product is authentically certified.
For you as an athlete, this means that older gear with only «WAKO approved» text or the old WAKO Germany mark without UV will not be valid at WAKO competitions after the end of 2024. Specifically: gear with the old WAKO marking can be used until the end of 2024, but in 2025 all competition gear must have the new UV label. The label is usually integrated at the factory on newer gear (e.g. a small label sewn or glued onto gloves, shin guards, etc).
Can you buy UV labels separately? Basically no – WAKO wants to prevent cheating with certification, so it doesn't sell UV labels loose on the open market. The exception is a transition arrangement: CombatStore offers UV labels to customers who buy WAKO-approved gear with the old marking in 2024/25, so they can upgrade their gear. But if you order only a UV label without a matching gear purchase, the order will be deleted. This ensures that UV labels only end up on gear that actually meets the requirements.
What does the UV label look like? It is a small sticker/emblem with holographic/UV-reflective print, which comes in two sizes: a smaller one for gear (approx. 2.3×3.4 cm for gloves, shin guards, etc.) and a slightly larger one for clothing (3.5×4.5 cm for trousers, tops). The label has the WAKO logo and a unique serial number/EAN. When you buy new gear, check that this label is on it – especially for gloves and pads to be used in tournaments.
Does all gear need to be WAKO approved? For official competitions organised by WAKO or NKBF, the answer is in practice yes for the most important gear. WAKO requires approval of gloves, headguards, foot/shin guards and fight clothing at the Norwegian Championships (NM), World Cups, European/World Championships and so on. In Norway there is a short transition period: until mid-2026, NKBF will allow some use of previously approved gear without the new WAKO label, but from August 2026 all gear at national competitions must have a valid WAKO label. Already from January 2026, everyone competing internationally must have full gear with the WAKO UV label. It is strongly recommended to upgrade your gear well before these deadlines.
Checklist for competition gear
When you are preparing for a competition, you should run a quick check of your gear:
- Boxing gloves: Check that they have WAKO approval and a UV label. Competition gloves must be 10 oz (for seniors) and fit snugly with good wrist support. The padding must not be worn out – it must still cushion punches strongly.
- Protective gear: A headguard, mouthguard, shin guards and any foot guards are absolute requirements. Everything must be WAKO certified and now also have a UV label. For example, TOP TEN WAKO shin guards with a UV label are recognised for their comfort and high safety, and are a safe choice. Check that Velcro straps and seams are intact so they don't fall off in the middle of a bout.
- Competition clothing: The correct uniform for the discipline (trousers plus any top, or shorts) according to the rules. The clothing should give maximum freedom of movement without compromising safety (no zips, buttons etc. that can cause injury). As mentioned, from 2027 clothing must also have a WAKO label at the top championships, so it may be wise to buy approved clothing now if you are serious. In the meantime: use what is standard – e.g. kickboxing trousers and a club T-shirt for light contact, or neutral shorts for K-1.
- Extra accessories: Some things are not required by WAKO, but can be smart to have in high quality. These include hand wraps (inner wraps for wrist support), ankle supports (can give extra stability when kicking, especially for light contact/kick light athletes), and possibly knee supports. Since these don't require WAKO approval, you have more freedom, but choose robust products – they can make the difference between injury and no injury after a long competition day.
Training vs. competition gear: It is worth stressing that the gear required in competition can (and should) often be supplemented with heavier or extra-protective gear in everyday training. We now move on to some gear recommendations and tips, especially with training in mind.
Gear recommendations and training tips
As well as the competition gear itself, it is important to have good gear for daily training and sparring. Training gear generally aims to be even more protective, durable and comfortable, since you use it more often and for longer sessions. Here are some general recommendations that apply whatever the discipline:
Training gloves (12–16 oz): For sparring in training you should use thicker gloves than the competition gloves. Sparring gloves give optimal protection for both you and your training partner, with extra padding to reduce the risk of injury and ensure comfort during long sessions. Typically 12 oz is chosen for lighter athletes/women, 14 oz as an all-rounder, and 16 oz for heavier athletes or hard sparring. These gloves will spare your opponent's face and your own hand far better than thin competition gloves. A good choice could be, for example, Venum Challenger 14 oz or TOP TEN Sparring 16 oz gloves. The point is: always use bigger gloves in training than in a bout – then you avoid unnecessary cuts and concussions in the club.
Protective gear for sparring: It can be tempting to train without a headguard for better vision and less heat, but remember that frequent hard sparring without head protection increases the risk of head injuries. So wear a headguard in training sparring that simulates a bout. A mouthguard is of course a must in all training with contact. Feel free to use a cheaper version day to day and save a moulded one for fights, but use it!
Shin and foot guards for training: Here you can consider using even more padded versions than you would fight in. K-1/low kick athletes in particular can invest in thick shin guards (kickboxing/Muay Thai style) for sparring, so they can practise low kicks with minimal chance of bruises or fractures. At the same time, light contact athletes might train with slightly lighter foam guards for better mobility when kicks aren't thrown at full power. Either way: always wear shin/foot guards when you practise kicks on each other – kicking each other without shin guards is a sure route to injury.
Extra supports and protection: Consider using ankle socks with support (to prevent rolled ankles), elbow supports (if, for example, you do a lot of blocking) and perhaps a light body protector/chest guard for hard body sparring. Many clubs let athletes train with a little extra protection so they can run harder drills. This gear isn't mandatory in a bout, but can extend your career by reducing wear and tear.
Requirements for athletes and clubs (licence, age and skill level)
Finally, we include some important athlete and club requirements relevant to those who want to compete in WAKO kickboxing:
Club membership and licence: To take part in official competitions, you must be a member of a club affiliated with Norges Kickboxingforbund (NKBF/WAKO). Your club helps you obtain your fight record book/licence each year, which includes insurance and registration as an athlete. The licence usually includes a medical check for full contact athletes. The club must also provide a second/coach with an approved seconds course at competitions.
Age limits: WAKO allows children and young people to compete in point fighting, light contact and kick light from a relatively young age (often 10 and up in children's categories, with modified rules). Full contact and K-1, on the other hand, are strictly reserved for seniors: 18 is the minimum age for these KO disciplines. Some countries have junior versions of full contact (ages 16–18) with extra restrictions, but in Norway you must be of legal age to take part in knockout disciplines.
Skill requirements: NKBF has a system of badge bouts (bronze, silver, gold) to qualify athletes for full contact/ring. To fight their first full contact or K-1 bout, the athlete must have passed the gold badge in sparring. The gold badge is a controlled bout (full contact light, you might say) supervised by referees/doctors, where the athlete shows that he/she masters full contact technically and mentally. The athlete must have at least a yellow/orange belt and have taken the bronze and silver badges along the way. In short: you need a fair amount of experience from light contact/club matches before you are allowed into the ring. This increases safety considerably. Your club will help you through the badge system if you are aiming for the ring disciplines. For light contact and point fighting there are no equivalent badge requirements, but it is recommended to grade (belt system) and have a few club competitions under your belt before you go to a national competition.
Medical follow-up: All competitors in knockout disciplines must have a health certificate in their fight record book that is no more than 1 year old (renewed with an annual medical examination). In addition, you must pass a medical check at the weigh-in, and there is a doctor present at competitions who can stop bouts. If you suffer a knockout or serious injury, your licence will be suspended for a period (e.g. 30 days without fighting after a KO). This is for your own safety. Your club should make sure you take the necessary breaks after hard hits, even in training. In light contact, knockouts should not really happen – if one does, it suggests a rule breach or excessive contact, and it usually results in disqualification or RSC.
Club requirements: Clubs that host competitions must provide an approved ring/mat, first aid equipment and qualified medical staff (a doctor). For a competition to be sanctioned, it must be entered in the event calendar and have authorised referees from NKBF. As an athlete you can generally trust that such formalities are taken care of, but it never hurts to know that things are done by the book.
Finally – gear suppliers
NKBF encourages all clubs and athletes to buy WAKO-approved gear from official partners. In Norway, CombatStore/Top Ten is the main sponsor and supplier to the federation. That means at CombatStore you will find everything you need in WAKO-approved gear – from gloves and headguards to clothing. Other brands such as Adidas, Century, RDX and others also have WAKO-approved products, but these are not as easy to get hold of in Norway yet. Fortunately, the Top Ten products cover almost everything.
If you have heard of particular glove models from abroad (e.g. popular new releases from Budoland.com / Top Ten that aren't on CombatStore yet), it is good to know that these are probably on their way. For example, TOP TEN has launched new 4Select gloves (synthetic multi-foam gloves for training/competition) and an exclusive Prestige series of gloves and headguards – these are marked as «coming soon» at CombatStore. Primarily, though, you should focus on the gear that is actually available now via CombatStore, as this is tested and approved.
With the right understanding of the disciplines, the right gear in your bag and knowledge of the requirements, everything is in place for a safe and exciting journey in kickboxing. Good luck – whether you train for fun, are aiming for the podium at the Norwegian Championships, or dream of international WAKO success!
Sources
This guide is based on up-to-date information from Norges Kickboxingforbund and CombatStore (NKBF's official gear supplier). Requirements and rules are taken from NKBF's regulations and latest guidelines, as well as CombatStore's own recommendations and product specifications. If you need more detail, please refer to WAKO's official rules and NKBF's website.
