lightcontact

Light contact, also known as semi-contact, is a form of competitive striking in which points are awarded for controlled techniques with limited impact. Contact is allowed but must be restrained; fighters are rewarded for speed, precision, and form rather than the force of a hit. Excessive or uncontrolled contact is penalized and can lead to warnings, point deductions, or disqualification.

The discipline is common in karate, taekwondo, and kickboxing circuits, especially at amateur and youth levels. It contrasts with full-contact formats where stronger force and knockouts are possible and with forms that emphasize only technique. In many organizations, light contact emphasizes skill execution and sportmanship over power.

Scoring and rules typically center on clean, controlled techniques that land on permitted targets, such as the head and torso, with points awarded for accuracy, speed, and balance. Judges or electronic scoring systems may be used. Fouls include hits to forbidden areas, excessive force, or losing control after contact. Rounds tend to be shorter, often 1 to 3 minutes, with multiple rounds and brief breaks.

Equipment and safety requirements usually include gloves, a mouthguard, and groin protection; headgear and shin guards may be required, particularly for younger competitors. Chest protectors or body armor may be used in some divisions. The emphasis is on minimizing injury risk while rewarding technical proficiency and control.

Governing bodies for light-contact competition include national karate or taekwondo federations and international organizations such as the World Karate Federation (WKF) for kumite and the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) for semi-contact kickboxing.