CombatGames Striking MMA is a hybrid combat format that emphasizes striking exchanges while limiting extended ground grappling and removing submission fighting. The format encourages dynamic stand-up action while still allowing controlled takedowns and short ground engagement.
Bout Format
Standard Bouts (Non-Title) – 3 rounds × 3 minutes
Main Events (Title Fights) – 5 rounds × 3 minutes
Rest Period – 1 minute rest between rounds
Scoring System 10-point must system
Judges score based on:
- Effective striking
- Aggression
- Control
- Fight initiative
Start of the Bout
Each fight begins with a traditional martial arts bow to emphasize respect and sportsmanship.
Command sequence:
“Yoi – Otega-ni Rei”
This ceremonial bow represents the Combat Games principle of Respect First before competition begins.
Legal Techniques
Standing
- Punches
- Elbows
- Knees
- Kicks (low, middle, high)
- Spinning strikes
Clinch
- Clinch striking permitted
- Knees permitted
- Sweeps permitted
- Certain upper-body throws permitted
- Limited takedowns allowed
Ground Engagement
Ground exchanges are intentionally limited to maintain striking flow.
If a fighter becomes grounded:
- Fighters may strike on the ground for a maximum of 5 seconds.
- If no clear advancement occurs, the referee will stand the fighters up.
Permitted ground actions:
- Punches to the body
- Punches to the head (subject to referee safety judgment)
- Ground-and-pound within the 5-second window
Prohibited Techniques
The following actions are strictly forbidden:
- Headbutts
- Throat strikes
- Dangerous suplex throws
- Kicks to the head of a grounded opponent
- Knees to the head of a grounded opponent
Additionally prohibited:
- All chokeholds
- All joint locks
- All submission attempts
- Heel hooks
- Armbars
- Kimuras
- Triangle chokes
- Elbows to the head on the ground are also prohibited.
Ways to Win
A bout may be won by:
- Knockout (KO)
- Technical Knockout (TKO)
- Judges’ Decision
- Disqualification
Referee Authority
The referee may:
- Stop the fight for safety
- Restart the fighters standing after ground inactivity
- Issue warnings
- Deduct points
- Disqualify a fighter for illegal actions
- Referee decisions during the bout are final.
Format Philosophy
CombatGames Striking MMA is designed to:
- Encourage dynamic striking exchanges
- Prevent prolonged ground stalling
- Maintain high fight pace and spectator clarity
- Preserve traditional martial arts respect culture
This discipline blends elements of MMA, kickboxing, and traditional martial arts etiquette within a controlled competitive structure.