HITTING SPORTS PROJECT
Creating a New Combat Sport for Everyone
The HITTING SPORTS PROJECT is an initiative to create a new combat sport called HITTING SPORTS and enhance the social value of martial arts and combat sports.
Let Us Evolve Martial Arts Competition Together
Let Us Spread the Spirit of Rei
Rei represents courtesy, respect, gratitude, and consideration for others.
What Is HITTING SPORTS?
HITTING SPORTS is a new combat sport proposed by Akira Masuda. Its purpose is to bring existing martial arts and combat sports competitions together on a shared platform and help combat sports develop from relatively minor disciplines into a more widely recognized international sport.
The HITTING SPORTS concept establishes five competition styles so that practitioners from different martial arts and combat sports backgrounds can participate under a shared philosophy and framework.
IBMA supports the HITTING SPORTS concept. The system is being researched and developed through IBMA, with the aim of first establishing a practical model in Japan and then connecting it to KWU SENSHI, an international network of Karate and kickboxing organizations and practitioners.
People interested in this project are welcome to join IBMA and participate in its research, exchange, and development activities.
Competition Styles
The initial stage of the project principally introduced the following three competition styles:
- Kyokushin-do Style
- IBMA Kickboxing Style
- Kyokushin Elite Style
The complete HITTING SPORTS framework provides the following five competition categories:
- Kyokushin-do Style
- IBMA Kickboxing Style
- Kyokushin Elite Style
- Kyokushin-do Freestyle
- Hitting Stick
Classes and divisions are established according to age, sex, weight, experience, and other relevant considerations.
IBMA Kickboxing Style uses a point-based scoring system. Its basic framework is similar to that of Kyokushin-do Style, although different protective equipment is used.
Purpose of the Project
The project seeks to create an open platform without unnecessary barriers between Karate, kickboxing, Kenpo, and other martial arts and combat sports.
Participants should be able not only to test and exchange techniques, but also to build mutual respect and solidarity as fellow competitors and practitioners of Budo.
Safety is one of the principal foundations of the project. Competition rules, protective equipment, scoring methods, age and weight divisions, and referee education will continue to be studied and improved so that people with different backgrounds and levels of experience can participate appropriately.
Long-Term Goal
The long-term goal of the HITTING SPORTS PROJECT is to establish an internationally recognized combat sport and work toward participation in the Olympic Movement.
HITTING SPORTS Competition Rules
Additional Information
- The project originally proposed under the name FIHA Establishment Concept has been reorganized as the HITTING SPORTS PROJECT.
- The project’s goal is to enhance the social value of martial arts and combat sports through the creation of a new combat sport.
Second HITTING SPORTS Exchange Meeting
