Kampsporter

Kampsporter is a category of fighting sports practiced as sport and fitness, often with competitive events and regulated rules. The term, used in Danish and Norwegian, covers a range of styles that involve combat techniques, physical conditioning and strategic thinking. Kampsporter emphasize control, safety and sport-specific rules to separate competitive activity from street fighting.

The field includes both striking and grappling disciplines, as well as mixed forms. Examples of striking arts are boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, karate and taekwondo. Grappling arts include judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, and sambo. Mixed martial arts (MMA) combines elements from several traditions. Many kampporter operate under national and international federations that regulate rules, rankings and events.

Competition and governance are organized through clubs, national federations and international bodies. Events range from local and regional tournaments to national championships and world or continental championships. Rules typically define permitted techniques, scoring, safety equipment, weight classes and age groups. Referees and judges oversee matches, and anti-doping programs are commonly in place. Protective gear such as gloves, mouthguards and padding is standard in many disciplines, with stricter equipment requirements in some sports than others.

Training and culture emphasize discipline, technique, physical conditioning and safe progression. Athletes train under certified coaches in gyms or clubs, often following structured curricula. Kampsporter can serve competitive aims, personal fitness, self-defense skills or cultural and ethical aspects of martial arts, reflecting diverse practices across regions.