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WAKO AERO-KICKBOXING

Art. 1 - Definition

Aero Kickboxing is a sort of training exercise including Aerobic and Kickboxing techniques. The performer uses techniques coming only from Kickboxing "repertoire" to specifically selected music. The variation in the program can be combined with a kind of Fitness program. The choice of the music is personal. These rules are meant for Aero Kickboxing competition only.

Aero Kickboxing must be combined with Aerobic techniques such as: steps, side to side, step touch, grapevine, leg curls, knew lifts, v steps, mambo, cha cha.

Art. 2 - Knowledge of Music and its Beat

  • Synchronization of movements to the music's bea, every out of rhythm movement will be considered an error or penalty.
  • Speed of musical beat (B.P.M. - beats per minute): it must be from a minimum of 135 to a maximum of 155 per minute.
  • The exercise must last from a minimum of 1 minute 30 seconds to a maximum of 2 minutes from the start of performance. To remain within the time constraints, it is advisable to use 6 or 8 periods or blocks of 32 beats during the creation of the exercise. Furthermore, the exercise must begin on the first beat of a period, known as the master beat or downbeat.
  • No swearing words in the music are allowed.
  • The exercise must last for a minimum of 1 minute 30 seconds to a maximum of 2 minutes from the start of the performance.
  • If the performance is shorter than 1 minute 30 seconds or longer than 2 minutes the competitor will be deducted (minus 1.0).

Art. 3 - Kickboxing Techniques

  • Punching and kicking techniques during the exercise must be performed correctly in a fluid, dynamic and explosive manner, as if facing a real opponent.
  • Any hesitation or loss of balance will be considered an error or penalty.
  • A minimum of five kicks or punches must be employed during a period (32 musical beats).
  • A minimum of 10 Aerobic techniques is allowed.
  • No kicking around in circles is allowed.

Art. 4 - Age Divisions

  • In Aero Kickboxing competition the following are allowed to participate:
    • Boys and girls - 7, 8 and 9 years old.
    • Younger cadets - 10, 11 and 12 years old.
    • Older cadets - 13, 14 and 15 years old.
    • Juniors - 16, 17 and 18 years old.
    • Seniors - 19 to 45 years old.
  • Age categories are the same for male and female competitors
  • Boys/girls and cadets categories can be merged
  • Younger competitors can participate in only the next older category.
  • Age divisions will be determined in the following manner: a competitor will be placed in an age division according to his year of birth, not his actual birthday, and he will be required to compete all year in this age category. Positive proof of age will be required at all events.

Art. 5 - Difficulty of Choreography

During the creation of the choreographed exercise one can choose either a symmetrical or asymmetrical plan. Obviously, the use of an asymmetrical plan will be given a higher degree of difficulty when awarding points for the final score, as will the use of such techniques as: roundhouse and reverse roundhouse kicks, hook kicks, axe kicks, butterfly kicks, jump and double kicks, spinning back-fist punches, etc.

Art. 6 - Type of Competition and Synchronization of Athletes

Competition will be either individual or in groups of 3 athletes, even of different sex. In the case of groups, during the exercise the athletes must carry out perfectly synchronized movements, both in their choreography and in the execution of Kickboxing techniques, while respecting the rules mentioned in points 1-2-3. The same rules must also be respected in individual exercise. Any uncertainty will be considered an error or penalty.

Art. 7 - Competition Area and Uniform

Aero-Kickboxing competition is performed on a tatami (mats) of 8x8 m.

Individual and team members must start their performance at a minimum of 7 meters distance from chief referee.

Competitors show upon tatami when requested to enter the area, they bow slightly and raise their hands to show they are ready. When music starts, time clock starts.

  • Competitors must show up us in long pants (Aerobic or fighting pants) and t-shirt or sport top (for female only).
  • Women cannot show up in bra only.
  • They must wear shoes and they cannot wear any jewellery or piercing.
  • Make-ups is allowed for women.
  • Competitors can touch the floor with any part of body only during presentation or ending their performance.
  • Competitors in Aero-Kickboxing cannot use any musical form content.
  • They cannot include any demonstration in their performances (breaking of wooden tables, pumps etc.).
  • No introduction is allowed.
  • Competitors do not announce themselves to the judges but go to the middle of the tatami bow slightly and raise their hand to start.
  • When the music starts the timekeeper will start the clock.
  • Competitor must start on a master beat.
  • No gloves or other Kickboxing equipment of any kind are allowed.
  • Competitors must wear hand wraps.
  • Women must wear sports tops not sports bras.

Art. 8 - Match Judges and Referees

The competition will be judged by 5 judges who will use visible score-boards. They will use from a minimum of 7 to a maximum of 10 (in World Championships only), decimals included. At the end of each performance, at the command of chief referee, they will show their marks to both competitors and the audience. They have to keep their numbers visible for the time necessary to the announcer to read them all.

In giving their marks, Judges have to consider:

  • Synchronization of movements to the music beat.
  • Quality of techniques, focus, speed, balance.
  • Choreography (difficulty of combinations etc.).
  • Symmetry and asymmetry actions.

Art. 9 - Scoring

After an Aero Kickboxing performance, judges will show marks for performance as follows:

  • Boys and girls, younger and older cadets: 5.0 to 6.0
  • Juniors: 6.0 to 8.0
  • Seniors: 8.0 to 10.0

Minus points:

  • - 0.5:
    • lose of synchronization with music;
    • team competition - lose of synchronization with other team members;
    • lose of balance on step;
    • insufficient number of Kickboxing techniques;
    • insufficient number of Aerobic techniques;
    • touching the floor with any part of the body either than their feet;
    • use of acoustic aid ( whistle ) or of any other kind.
  • - 1:
    • the competitor falls;
    • use of Martial Arts techniques;
    • repetition of performance.

If the competitor/team interrupts performance before the end, judge will give a mark of 5.0.

At the end of each performance, judges make up their decisions according to the established criteria.

At the command of chief referee, they will raise their scoring boards, visible from the competitors and the audience, and keep them in the air until announcer in office has counted all marks.

Highest and lowest marks will be scratched. The three remaining will make the final score.

In case of draw, winner will be the competitor who had received the higher minimum mark scratched of the two. In case of new draw, it will be looked at the higher mark scratched of the two. In case of new draw, the two competitors will be requested to repeat their performance.

Art. 10 - Decisions

Obviously the winner is the one who obtains the highest combined score:

  • MASTERBEAT-is the first beat of the first phrase of the 32 beat period.
  • PERIOD-is four phrases combined (each phrase is 8 beats).
  • BLOCK-is formed by 2 symmetrical periods or by 2 or more symmetrical periods.
  • SYMMETRY-actions carried out both to the right and to the left.
  • ASYMMETRIC-actions carried out to the right but changed to the left.