K-1

K-1 is a combat sport that combines stand up techniques from Muay Thai, Karate, Taekwondo, Savate, San shou, Kickboxing and traditional Boxing to determine the single best stand-up fighter in the world (the "1").

The K-1 organization's governing body is Fighting and Entertainment Group (FEG). They organize a variety of fightsport events in Japan and around the world. There are K-1 Regional Elimination Tournaments which qualify fighters for the K-1 World Grand Prix, along with licensed K-1 Fighting Network events designed to develop new talent internationally and there is also a 70.5kg (155lb) Super Middleweight division called K-1 MAX ("Middleweight Artistic Xtreme"). In 2007, K-1 introduced a two new Title belts separate from K-1 World GP Champions, Super Heavyweight World Title for fighters over 100kg/220lbs and Heavyweight World Title for fighters under 100kg/156-220lbs. FEG also promotes HERO's mixed martial arts events.".

The sport was first formed by Kazuyoshi Ishii, a former Kyokushin karate practicioner who had formed his own organization, Seido-kaikan karate, in 1980. Seido-kaikan 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 Seido-kaikan.

Type Private

Founded 1993

Founder Kazuyoshi Ishii

Headquarters Tokyo, Japan,

Key people Sadaharu Tanigawa, President  Nobuaki Kakuda, Executive Producer

Industry: Martial arts promotion

Parent Fighting and Entertainment Group

Website http://www.k-1.co.jp/index.html