K-1

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other uses, see K1 (disambiguation).
K-1 Global Holdings Limited
TypePrivate
IndustryMartial-arts entertainment planning and promotion
Founded1993
FoundersKazuyoshi Ishii
Headquarters
Hong Kong
Key people
Amanda Yang, Director Management & Administration

Alin Hălmăgean, Director Operations

Ned Kuruc, Director Operations
OwnerK-1 Global Holdings Limited
WebsiteK-1 World GP

K-1 is a martial arts organisation and martial arts brand established in 1993, well-known worldwide mainly for its heavyweight division fights.[1] In January 2012, K-1 Global Holdings Limited, a company registered in Hong Kong, acquired the rights to K-1, and is the current organizer of K-1 events worldwide.

The letter K in K-1 is officially designated as a representation of words karate, kickboxing and kung fu. Nevertheless, some reports suggest that it represents the initial K found in competing disciplines such as karate, kickboxing, kung fu, kempo, kakutougi (the generic Japanese term for "combat sports"), and [tae] kwon do.[2] Yet another theory claims that the K simply comes from kakutougi and the "1" component pertains to the single weight division (in earlier competition) and the champion's unique position.[3] Nevertheless, the promotion held several tournaments under K-2 and K-3 banners from 1993 to 1995.

History[]

Main article: History of K-1

K-1's predecessor Seidokaikan Karate was formed in 1980 by Kazuyoshi Ishii, a former Kyokushin karate practitioner who had formed his own organization to help promote the best stand-up martial artists.[4] Seidokaikan arranged several successful challenge events against other martial arts organizations, originally using rules based on the Kyokushin Knockdown karate rules, but gradually adapting and changing closer to kickboxing rules. In 1993, Mr. Ishii founded the K-1 organization exclusively as a kickboxing organization, closely cooperating with, but independent from Seidokaikan.[3]

Financial problems[]

Starting in 2010, multiple stories began to surface regarding the financial troubles of K-1 and their parent company FEG.[5] Simon Rutz, the owner of the Dutch-based kickboxing promotion It's Showtime, claimed in January 2011 that some fighters from It's Showtime had not been paid for fights in K-1.[6]

In early 2011, FEG publicly announced that they were facing financial problems and that the organization would take some months off to restructure. Many fighters and managers spoke out against FEG due to unpaid fight purses and objections to the direction that its owner was taking K-1. It appeared that financial problems were severe, and that FEG could potentially lose ownership of K-1.[7]

The entire K-1 brand, along with most of its trademarks, with the exception of, 'K-1 Koshien', 'K-1 MAX' and 'Dream', were sold to Japanese real estate firm, Barbizon Corporation Limited, on July 28, 2011.[8]

On February 1, 2012 EMCOM Entertainment Inc. purchased K-1 from Barbizon.[9]

K-1 Global[]

In March 2012, It's Showtime announced that EMCOM Entertainment established a new company K-1 Global Holdings Ltd. in Hong Kong. K-1 Global Holdings, Ltd., became the new official owner of the K-1 brand. K-1 Global's agreement with promotion required that certain fighters signed under It's Showtime appear in upcoming K-1 Global events.[10]

A number of events were already planned and scheduled for the 2012 calendar before new K-1 ownership took complete control of the company. It's Showtime was the promoter of the first event presented by K-1 Global Holdings Ltd., the K-1 World MAX Final 16. It took place on May 27, 2012 at the Palacio Vistalegre in Madrid, Spain.

After the event, controversy and rumors circulated over the fact that once again, fighters were not paid for their performances. Problems were compounded due to unpaid financial obligations of FEG, and the complete transfer of ownership of the K-1 name was not yet complete. As a result, the K-1 World Grand Prix scheduled for 2012 would be cancelled if these issues were not resolved.[11]

Ultimately, K-1 Global Holdings, Ltd. was blamed for the failure of an event they did not promote. They were also accused of not paying fighters when in fact, the promoter and FEG shared responsibilities in ensuring fighters were paid. The Chairman of the new K-1 resolved the matter by paying fighters what was owed and including a 50% bonus.[12]

It was announced in June 2012 that It's Showtime was purchased by Glory Sports International, eventually to be merged in their new promotion GLORY.[13]

On August 10, 2012 K-1's co-promotion agreement with Romanian-based kickboxing promotion SUPERKOMBAT was announced.[14] Eventually it was ended. Early 2013 SK president Eduard Irimia stated that its company will be independent in 2013 but will still continue to have cooperation with any interested promotion including K-1 by offering fighters.[15]

K-1 World GP[]

Following the bankruptcy of K-1 Global, the rights to the K-1 brand were acquired by EMCOM Holdings under a subsidiary company called "K-1 Global Holdings Limited", which was founded in Hong Kong in August 2011.[16]

On May 29, 2014, the launch of a K-1 World League was announced. K-1 World League acquired naming rights and exclusive license for the Japanese region from K-1 Global Holding Ltd.[17] "K-1 World League" was subsequently renamed "K-1 World GP" on September 24, 2014.[18]

After its formation, "K-1 World League" formally incorporated the KRUSH.[19] Launched prior to the death of FEG, in 2009, Krush was a collaboration between K-1 and AJKF. It was seen at the time as the second tier of K-1 competition,[20] and produced a number of future K-1 fighters such as Takeru Segawa, Tatsuya Tsubakihara and Leona Pettas, among others. K-1 would later add the KHAOS brand as well, which is seen as the third tier of competition, as a stepping stone between amateur and professional competition. K-1 maintains a number of gyms throughout Japan, from which potential kickboxers can transition from training to amateur competition to professional competition. A fighter can viably spend their entire career under the K-1 umbrella.[21]

On January 26, 2019 Krush was renamed "K-1 KRUSH FIGHT" to further announce the connection between the two brands.[22] However, on December 7, 2019, it was renamed back to Krush. The aim of renaming the competition back to Krush was to dispel the image of the brand as the second tier of K-1.[23]

On September 20, 2016, "K-1 World GP" executive producer Kensaku Maeda retired,[24] and was subsequently replaced by the Krush executive producer Mitsuru Miyata.[25]

From June 2017 onward, "K-1 World GP" started once again started holding events at the Saitama Super Arena. It was further revealed that fighters were signed exclusively to K-1, which wasn't the case previously.[26]

On December 17, 2018, it was announced that the former Krush and K-1 commentator and martial arts writer Takumi Nakamura would replace Mitsuru Miyata as the executive producer.[27]

Rules[]

K-1 rules are as follows:[28][29]

  • The fights are contested in a ring which is six or more square meters and surrounded by four ropes.
  • Only striking techniques such as punches, kicks and knees are allowed. Strikes with the back of the fist are allowed, but not with the elbow or the forearm. Multiple clinch knees are prohibited.
  • Sweeps, throws, headbutts and strikes with the elbow are prohibited. Furthermore, spitting, biting, groin strikes, strikes to the back of the head, striking after the round has ended or the referee has called for a break, striking while the opponent is knocked down and excessive holding are all considered fouls.
  • Matches, both regular and title matches, are contested in three three-minute rounds. In case of a draw, an extension round is fought.
  • Matches are scored based of four criteria:
    • (1) Number of knockdowns a fighter has scored, with three knockdowns inside of a single round resulting in a technical knockout
    • (2) Presence or absence of damage to the opponent
    • (3) The number clean strikes, with strikes which are thrown with fight ending intention scoring more highly than those thrown with the intent of racking up points
    • (4) Aggressiveness

List of K-1 events[]

Main article: List of K-1 events
See also: List of Hero's events

In the past every year there were dozens of other K-1 qualifying tournaments and preliminaries held around the world.

K-1 has held events in many countries around the world.

The following is a list of countries that K-1 has held events in chronological order:

  • Japan Japan (1993–2012, 2014-2020)
  • Netherlands Netherlands (1994, 2001–2003, 2006–2010)
  • France France (1995, 2002–2008, 2010)
  • Switzerland Switzerland (1995–2000, 2003, 2017)
  • United States United States (1998, 2000–2008, 2012)
  • Australia Australia (2000–2005, 2010)
  • England England (2000, 2002–2004, 2006–2007, 2013)
  • Italy Italy (2000–2008)
  • Germany Germany (2000–2008)
  • Belarus Belarus (2000, 2010)
  • Croatia Croatia (2000, 2002, 2007, 2009–2010, 2013)
  • South Africa South Africa (2000–2002, 2006)
  • New Zealand New Zealand (2000–2006)
  • Czech Republic Czech Republic (2000–2001, 2006–2009)
  • Denmark Denmark (2001)
  • Ukraine Ukraine (2001–2002, 2006, 2010)
  • Spain Spain (2002–2004, 2005–2006, 2012–2014)
  • Brazil Brazil (2002–2006, 2013)
  • Sweden Sweden (2003–2010)
  • Russia Russia (2003, 2006, 2010)
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina (2003–2004, 2009, 2016)
  • Scotland Scotland (2004)
  • Portugal Portugal (2004, 2006, 2013)
  • Poland Poland (2004, 2007–2010)
  • South Korea South Korea (2004–2010, 2013)
  • Slovenia Slovenia (2005–2006, 2008)
  • Hungary Hungary (2005–2010)
  • Lithuania Lithuania (2006–2007, 2010, 2013)
  • Latvia Latvia (2006–2008)
  • Turkey Turkey (2007, 2010)
  • Belgium Belgium (2007)
  • Estonia Estonia (2007, 2009)
  • Romania Romania (2007, 2009–2010)
  • Hong Kong Hong Kong (2007)
  • Austria Austria (2008)
  • Taiwan Taiwan (2008)
  • Moldova Moldova (2009–2010, 2013)
  • China China (2013-2015)
  • Greece Greece (2012)
  • Canada Canada (2013)
  • Republic of Ireland Ireland (2013)
  • Azerbaijan Azerbaijan (2014)
  • Thailand Thailand (2014)
  • Serbia Serbia (2016)

Tournament format[]

K-1 Qualifying System 2009

K-1 Grand Prix[]

Main article: K-1 World Grand Prix

Original K-1 Grand Prix was a single event tournament held in Japan where competitors participated on invitation. By 1998, K-1 introduced the K-1 World Grand Prix format composed of K-1 Regional Elimination Tournaments (theoretically amounting to six), which qualify fighters for the K-1 World Grand Prix Final, along with licensed K-1 Fighting Network events designed to hold national preliminaries for regional qualification. However, given the fact that K-1's popularity differs greatly among six K-1 regions, which may limit the number of actual elimination tournaments or change locations. For example, K-1 attempted to gain popularity in the United States by holding two GPs, however only a few Americans have ever qualified for the Finals. In 2006 one of the American GPs was relocated to Auckland. Additionally the K-1 Paris GP lost its qualifying right in favor of Amsterdam. Eventually Amsterdam lost it in favor of Łódź, and then Łódź in favor of Bucharest.

K-1 World Grand Prix Final Eliminator ("Final 16") is an event where 16 participants compete for the final eight spots in the Final ("Final 8"). Eight participants from the Final Eliminator meet at the K-1 World Grand Prix Final. Lesser elements in the tournament format have been significantly modified in years. The final was held at Tokyo Dome from 1997 to 2006. The 2012 final took place for the first time in history outside Japan, in Zagreb, Croatia.

K-1 World MAX and other[]

By 2002, K-1 started the K-1 World MAX ("Middleweight Artistic Xtreme") tournament for 70 kg (154 lb) Middleweight division, following a similar scheme to K-1 World Grand Prix (with theoretically four regional eliminators). In 2007, K-1 introduced two new title belts separate from K-1 World GP Champions, Super Heavyweight World Title for fighters over 100 kg/220 lbs and Heavyweight World Title for fighters under 100 kg/156–220 lbs.

Broadcast[]

K-1 events have been shown on the Tokyo Broadcasting System and Fuji TV.[30] Following the reformation of K-1 under "K-1 World GP", it bounced between several different broadcasters such as GAORA SPORTS, BS Sky PerfecTV! and TV TOKYO.[31] K-1 events are currently being broadcast by Abema TV.[32]

Internationally, K-1 has been seen on XTM in South Korea[citation needed], Combate and SporTV in Brazil[citation needed], HDNet Fights[33] in the United States, and on Eurosport in Europe.[citation needed]

K-1 Japan Group also operates a YouTube channel where fights, press conferences, and general media is uploaded.[34]

List of K-1 champions[]

Current K-1 champions[]

Main article: List of K-1 champions
Division Champion Since Title defences
Heavyweight (-100 kg) Netherlands Roel Mannaart 2018 1
Cruiserweight (-90 kg) Iran Sina Karimian 2021 0
Super Welterweight (-70 kg) Brazil Minoru Kimura 2020 0
Welterweight (-67.5 kg) Vacant
Super Lightweight (-65 kg) Japan Hideaki Yamazaki 2020 0
Lightweight (-62.5 kg) Japan Taio Asahisa 2021 0
Super Featherweight (-60 kg) Japan Takeru Segawa 2017 2
Featherweight (-57.5 kg) Japan Tatsuya Tsubakihara 2021 0
Super Bantamweight (-55 kg) Vacant
Women's Flyweight (-50 kg) Japan Kana Morimoto 2019 0

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "Black Belt". Books.google.co.uk. August 2002. Retrieved 2016-02-20.
  2. ^ Tashiro, H., & Tyrangiel, J. (2001): Turning the martial arts into mondo mayhem TIME (September 3, 2001). Retrieved on March 4, 2010.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b Maylam, J. (2001): K-1 hits the spot: Ultimate fighters pack a punch The Japan Times (October 21, 2001). Retrieved on March 4, 2010.
  4. ^ "K-1 |  FIGHT! Magazine – Archives". fightmagazine.com. Retrieved 2014-04-06.
  5. ^ "The Showtime May Arena event would possibly be delayed, due to K-1's financial problems" Archived 2011-01-24 at the Wayback Machine, January 21, 2011, Sports Navi – Yahoo! Japan (in Japanese)
  6. ^ "What is happening with K-1!? It's Showtime owner Rutz talks about the rumor (1/2)" Archived 2012-09-30 at the Wayback Machine, January 21, 2011, Sports Navi – Yahoo! Japan (in Japanese)
  7. ^ "K-1 could be purchased after a financial problem!? Like Pride?", January 23, 2011, Livedoor Sports (in Japanese)
  8. ^ "K-1 Sold to Japanese Real Estate Firm Barbizon", July 28, 2011, MMAFighting
  9. ^ K-1 announces agreement with SuperKombat, February 1, 2012, Liver Kick
  10. ^ It's Showtime Closes Deal with the New K-1 Organization, March 6, 2012, It's Showtime
  11. ^ Simon Rutz: "K-1 World Grand Prix Canceled, FEG 'Technically Bankrupt", October 17, 2011, Mmafighting.com
  12. ^ "Daniel Ghita gives us insight into K-1's future and a fragmented kickboxing world". Liverkick.com. Archived from the original on 2016-01-07. Retrieved 2015-10-29.
  13. ^ [1] Archived September 6, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  14. ^ K-1 announces agreement with SuperKombat, August 10, 2012, Liverkick.com
  15. ^ Liverkick's Exclusive Interview with Superkombat President Eduard Irimia, February 19, 2013, Liverkick.com
  16. ^ "当社子会社による、K-1 Global Holdings Limited の株式取得（子会社化）および新規事業（MOBILE, ONLINE IT エンタテインメント事業）参入に伴う債権譲渡契約書締結に関するお知らせ" (PDF). hd.emcom.jp. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  17. ^ "新生K-1「K-1ワールドリーグ」発足 11.3代々木競技場第二体育館で旗揚げ". sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  18. ^ "新生Ｋ１、「ワールドＧＰ」に大会名変更". nikkansports.com. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  19. ^ "新生K-1「K-1ワールドリーグ」発足 11.3代々木競技場第二体育館で旗揚げ". sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  20. ^ "【K-1】K-1 WORLD LEAGUEとして11月に旗揚げ戦". efight.jp. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  21. ^ "Takeru vs. Leona: Parallel Lives". thefight-site.com. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  22. ^ "2019年4月より「Krush」・「KHAOS」が「K-1 KRUSH FIGHT」・「K-1 KHAOS NIGHT」に名称変更". k-1.co.jp. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  23. ^ "2020年1月より「Krush」「KHAOS」に名称を戻し、創成期のロゴも復活！「Krush・KHAOSはK-1の下ではなく、K-1と並ぶ、K-1とは違う魅力を持ったイベント。それぞれの原点に立ち還る」（中村P）". k-1.co.jp. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  24. ^ "【K-1】前田憲作プロデューサーが退任". efight.jp. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  25. ^ "K1の宮田充が退任した理由と新プロデューサー中村拓巳で何が変わる｜格闘女子の毎日キック". kakutougi2017.com. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  26. ^ "武尊vs那須川天心「夢の対決」が6月東京ドームで実現へ！". news.yahoo.co.jp. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  27. ^ "K-1解説者・中村拓己氏が新K-1プロデューサー就任「今までの方針を受け継ぎつつ、新しいことにも挑戦したい」". boutreview.com. 17 December 2018. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  28. ^ "K-1WGP公式ルール". k-1.co.jp. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  29. ^ "【K-1】判定基準を変更「K-1はKOを狙って戦う競技。倒しに行く姿勢をより評価して判定していきたい」". gonkaku.jp. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  30. ^ "Bad Left Hook, Global Boxing News and Commentary". Headkicklegend.com. Retrieved 2014-04-06.
  31. ^ "K-1 WORLD GP 2015 IN JAPAN ～SURVIVAL WARS～". bs-sptv.com. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  32. ^ "K-1特別番組". abema.tv. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  33. ^ [2] Archived October 29, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  34. ^ https://www.youtube.com/user/k1WorldLeague

External links[]

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