2004
IKF/TKO
NORTH AMERICAN
CLASSIC

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


  1. What if I can't make it to a regional due to other commitments on the day it is held or if I missed the regional and still want to register to attend the Championship Finals?
    • Since each regional is promoted by IKF Regional Director/Promoters, it is the job of the IKF to support them and their efforts 100% to assure they receive a return on their investment of advertising their Regional Tournament as well as the expenses involved of hosting the actual Tournament itself. It's odd that a fighter would miss a regional event due to not hearing about it since the regional Directors/Promoters do a very good job advertising their events through phone calls, e-mail and direct mail. Regardless, if for whatever reason you missed your regional or cannot attend due to injury, other commitments or it's just too far for you to travel, whatever the reason, here is what you will need to do to be accepted as a contender at the Finals Tournament;

      • Of the possible $35.00 you would have spent to register at your regional tournament, $15 of this fee would go to IKF & $20 to your Regional Director/Promoter. You would be required to pay to your regional Director/Promoter their $20.00 fee to assist in their promotional expenses. Once this is done, you can register as a WALKOVER FIGHTER by clicking HERE. The total fees this will cost you will be $20 to your regional director and $55 to register for the Finals. A total of $75.00 which is the same amount you would have paid to attend your regional tournament.

  2. Do I have to fight at a Regional Seeding Tournament if my state is listed as part of that regional?
    • YES. If you want to attain a higher seeding than a "Walkover Fighter" at the National Finals, the answer here is YES. However, if for some reason you cannot make your regional tournament or it's too far to drive or other possible reasons please see #1 above.

  3. What if the Regional in my area is too far away to attend?
    • Register as just explained above in #1 above.

  4. What ages can fight at this event?
    • Ages 8 to 17 are in the Junior Divisions and ages 18 and up are in the adult divisions.

  5. What rule styles are the fights in?
  6. What kind of gloves will the fighters wear?
    • Amateur Fight Gloves, 10 ounce for fighters below 147 lbs and 12 ounce for fighters above 147 lbs.

  7. Are all fighters required to wear headgear?
    • Yes

  8. Will the IKF supply the head gear and if so, or not, what headgear will or should be used?
    • Yes. Fighters are required to bring their own Headgear. Fighters Will Be Allowed To Use Other Headgear as long as it is Competition Headgear as used in USA BOXING with NO FULL JAW BAR.

  9. Are fighters required to wear shin pads?
    • Yes. ALL fighters in ALL rule styles are required to wear shin pads.

  10. If so, will IKF supply them or do the fighters supply them and what kind?
    • Fighters are allowed to wear any brand of shin pads if they desire.

  11. What other safety equipment is mandatory for each fighter?
    • HANDWRAPS: Regular cloth handwraps are acceptable or PRO WRAP on the hands. No tape over the knuckles.
    • MOUTHPIECE,: Upon registration at the National Finals, all registered fighters who make their fight weight will receive a FREE mouth guard from Wipps. However fighters are allowed to use their own brand of mouthpiece if they desire.
    • GROIN CUP: (Male) or pelvic protector (Female)

  12. Are fighters required to wear footpads?
    • Only in the Full Contact (Above the waist) rule styles. Fighters may use the brand they wish to, as long as the pad fully covers the toes, instep and back of heel. Footpads shall be secured to the foot by "White" athletic tape. ANY brand or style Footpads will be allowed as long as they meet the required standards of IKF Rules & Regulations.

  13. Are women required to wear chest/breast pads?
    • YES, At a minimum you are required to wear a "Sports Bra with Padding." If you desire, you can also wear the plastic shields.

  14. Where are the regional events held?
  15. What are the dress codes for all the fighters?
    • All Full Contact Rules Fighters will wear Long Full Length Full Contact Style Pants
    • ALL Other Fighting Styles will wear SHORTS.
    • Boys & Men: T-Shirts are allowed if desired but not suggested.
    • Women: Shirts are mandatory of course...

  16. If I'm a full contact fighter and I only bring shorts to the national finals, can I wear them in my fight?
    • NO. You will lose by forfeit if you come into the ring with shorts on.

  17. How do I find a Regional Seeding Tournament in my area?
  18. What if I don't have an opponent at the regional event I attend?
    • If you do not have a bout at the Regional Seeding Tournament you registered for, the regional promoter will contact you the week of the event to inform you that you do not need to travel and attend the event. Since you paid $35 to register, you will not receive a refund of fees but you will receive a $15 credit towards your Finals Registration AND be seeded higher than other fighters that did not attend or register for a Regional Seeding Tournament at all. To register CLICK HERE! Make sure you include a note as to why you are paying less.

  19. If I was a Champion at last years event, do I need to attend my Regional Seeding Tournament?
    • No. As long as you are defending your title in the EXACT Same Weightclass and Rule Style, you will automatically be the number 1 seed at the National Finals event. You may register by Clicking HERE.

  20. What if I was a Champion last year but I weigh more this year. Can I attend the Finals in a higher weightclass?
    • Well, you can, but if you are not defending your "EXACT" same weightclass and rule style title, you will need to first attend your Regional Tournament if there is one in your area because you will not be defending the title you won last year.

  21. As a Junior Fighter, I weigh more than last year when I won the Championship. Can I attend as a Champion but in a higher weightclass?
    • See answer above on #20.

  22. If there is no Regional Seeding Tournament for my state, what should I do?
    • You have 2 choices.
      1. To register as a direct "WALKOVER FIGHTER" for the Finals. To do so Click HERE!
      2. Or, To Register for the closest Regional Seeding Tournament to you to assure a higher seeding at the finals. To see which event is closest to you go to the Regionals Page by Clicking Here!

  23. How long are the bouts?
    • All adult bouts are 3, 2 minute rounds
    • JUNIOR Bout times;
      • Ages 8 to 15: 1:30 Minute Rounds - 1 Minute Rests.
      • Ages 16 & 17: 2:00 Minute Rounds - 1 Minute Rests.

  24. What if a bout ends in a draw?
    • One more round will be fought and this will continue until a winner is determined on at least 2 of the 3 judges cards.

  25. What if an unintentional foul happens and forces a fighter out of the fight due to injury. What will determine which fighter will go to the next round?
    • As long as "1" round is completed, the rounds fought will be judged and scored. The fighter ahead on the cards will advance to the next round "IF" they are able to. If they are not able to, the other fighter will continue.
    • If the foul occurs in the first round and 1 fighter cannot continue, the opposing fighter will instead, unless the referee determines the foul was "Intentional" or for some reason not truly "Unintentional".

  26. What if I fight and win, but am too banged up - injured to fight my next bout. Who will take my place?
    • In this case, the fighter you fought and defeated will have first option to continue. However, if they were stopped before the end of the scheduled rounds (TKO/KO) they will not be able to continue.
    • The next option will be to take the same placed fighter from the other side of the bracket to fill your position. However, if the injury occurs in the semi final bout and you win, but cannot continue, and your opponent you just fought was stopped by TKO or KO, the opposing losing fighter will not advance to the Nationals because they have already fought the other finalist and lost. This would give the win to the finalist on the other side of the bracket without a final bout being fought. He/she would win by injury forfeit.

  27. If I feel I received a bad decision, can I protest the bout?
    • In the past, we allowed protests. However, not one protest has ever been over-ruled when a "Fight-off" (Where the fighters fight 1 more round) was scheduled. All this did was take more time and cause some to doubt the judges for the remainder of the tournament. For this reason, there will no longer be any protests allowed at any of the Regional Tournaments or the Championship Finals Tournament.

  28. Why am I paying a regional Registration fee? Where does the money go?
    • To offset promotional expenses, $25 will go to the Regional Promoter/Director and $15 goes to the IKF for your regional registration.IKF.

  29. Can I register late for a regional event?
    • No. However, if for some reason, the regional director/promoter allowed you to, you will be charged a $25 late fee that will be paid to the IKF.

  30. What if I miss the Championship Finals Registration Deadline?
    • The DEADLINE date for the IKF Amateur Championship Finals Tournament REGISTRATION Is JULY 10th, 2004. It must be RECEIVED HERE by this date, NOT Postmarked before or by this date. Any fighter who's Registration form is RECEIVED (Not Postmarked) here at the IKF Headquarters AFTER JULY 10th, 2004 will be charged additional late fees at the Finals Weigh-ins.
      • ADDITIONAL LATE FEES
        • REGISTRATIONS Received After July 10th, 2004 will be charged a $25 Late Fee "IF" Your Registration is accepted at all. This Late Fee May Be Paid At the USA National Finals Weigh-ins PRIOR to your weigh-in.
        • REGISTRATIONS Received After July 16th, 2004 will be charged a $30 Late Fee "IF" Your Registration is accepted at all. This Late Fee May Be Paid At the USA National Finals Weigh-ins PRIOR to your weigh-in.
        • REGISTRATIONS Received After July 23rd, 2004 will be charged a $35 Late Fee "IF" Your Registration is accepted at all. This Late Fee May Be Paid At the USA National Finals Weigh-ins PRIOR to your weigh-in.
        • REGISTRATIONS Received After July 30th, 2004 will be charged a $50 Late Fee "IF" Your Registration is accepted at all. This Late Fee Must be paid along with your registration.
        • NO REGISTRATIONS ACCEPTED AFTER AUGUST 1st, 2004

  31. Do I pay for my own travel expenses?
    • Since this is a TOURNAMENT and not a General Event, all fighters are required to pay their own travel expenses. We suggest each fighter to seek SPONSORS to pay for their travel expenses and in return, list these sponsors on fight clothing, warm up robes, cornermens jackets trainer T-shirts, hats or other areas you feel you can offer your sponsor exposure. All suggested regional hotels as well as the Host Hotel for the Championship Finals will negotiate special rates with regional directors and the IKF to attain special discount rates for the incoming fighters and trainers.

  32. Do I have to weigh-in at the weight I put on my registration form?
    • Yes.
      • If a fighter weighs-in heavier than their registered fight weight division, whether at the Regional Level or the Championship Finals, they will be given "UNTIL THE SCHEDULED END OF WEIGH-INS" to make their Registered weight class.
      • NO FIGHTER MAY "GAIN" Weight to make their weight class. If a Fighter weighs-in UNDER their weight class, they will be automatically disqualified from competition without any refund of any registration fees.
      • If after THE SCHEDULED END OF WEIGH-INS the fighter is still unable to make their registered weight, they will be disqualified from competition whether at the Regional Level or the Championship Finals, without any refund of any registration fees.

  33. Do I have to fight in the rule style I put on my registration form?
    • Yes.

  34. If I register and pay for a regional Tournament and get injured or can't make it will I receive a refund?
    • Sorry, no you won't. However, see rule #18 above to assist you.

  35. If I register and pay for a regional Tournament and the regional Tournament is cancelled, will I get a refund?
    • No, but you will be able to enter the Championship Finals at a lower registration fee of only $25.00. To do so CLICK HERE!

  36. When will I know who I will be fighting at my Regional Tournament?
    • All FINAL MATCHMAKING and BOUT ORDER for each regional event will be done AFTER ALL WEIGH-INS have been completed since the Regional Director will not know who has made it to the event as well as made their weight until this time.

  37. How does the regional Director determine who will fight who at their regional Tournament?
    • Fight schedules and seeding shall be determined by fight record. Once the seeding has been done the fighters will be matched up as follows:
      • In Divisions with an EVEN Number of Fighters:
        • In Divisions of "2" Fighters: Seed #1 will fight seed #2 for the Regional Tournament Title.
        • In Divisions of "4" Fighters: Seed #1 will face seed #4 and seed #2 will face seed #3 in round 1. The winners of these 2 matches will fight for the Regional Tournament Title.
        • In Divisions of "6" fighters: Seed #1 & 2 will have a bye on the first round. In round 1, seed #3 will fight seed #4. Seed #6 will fight seed #5. In round 2, the winner of #3 & #4 will fight seed #2. The winner of #6 & #5 will fight seed #1. The winners of these last 2 bouts will fight for the Regional Tournament Title.

    • In Divisions with an ODD Number of Fighters:
      • In Divisions of 3 Fighters: The #1 seed will receive a bye. Seed #2 will fight seed #3 in the first round. The winner of this bout will fight seed #1 for the Regional Tournament Title.
      • In Divisions of 5 Fighters: The #1 seed will receive a bye in round 1. In round 1, seed #2 will fight seed #3 in the first fight. The winner of this fight will advance to the Regional Tournament Title. In the second fight on round 1, seed number 4 will fight seed number 5. In round 2 , Seed # 1 will fight the winner of seed #4 & 5. The winner of this fight will fight seed #1 for the Regional Tournament Title.

Questions About
Championship Finals
Tournament

  1. Where will the Championship Finals be held?
  2. Who can attend the Championship Finals?
    • Regardless of your placement at any of the regional events, any male or female fighter between the ages of 8 and 50, from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Greenland, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Bermuda can attend this years 2004 IKF Amateur Championship Tournament. As time gets closer to this event you can see who all is attending by Clicking HERE!

  3. Can I change weight classes or rule styles from my regional event at the Championship Finals?
    • Only JUNIOR Divisions are allowed any weight change and even their weight change must be pre-approved by the IKF Championship Matchmaking Board.

  4. What if no one else registers for the Championship Finals in my weight class in my rule style?
    • If this happens you will be asked to switch weight classes or rule styles to be assured a bout. This has never been a problem in the past. If you decide not to switch you will choose to drop from the event since there are no Walkover Champions and no refunds after any registration.

  5. How is seeding done for the Finals?
    • Keep in mind that anyone who fought at a regional Seeding Tournament will be seeded higher than all other fighters. Fighters who registered at a regional tournament but did not have a fight will be next followed by the fighters who registered for the finals by direct walkover registration. Of those who fought, winners of course will be seeded higher. Their final seeding will be determined by how tough their actual competition was at their regional. Things such as the fight records of their opponents, how many times they fought at their regional and finally, their actual fight record if necessary.

  6. How is matchmaking done for the Finals?
    • All FINAL MATCHMAKING and BOUT ORDER for the Championship FINALS will be Confirmed AFTER the Official Weigh-Ins on Friday night. There will be a tentative bout schedule posted during Friday's registration but this could change if fighters don't make their weight or are no shows at the Finals.

  7. Can I win a Championship Title without fighting a fight?
    • Yes. "ONLY" if you had a scheduled opponent 48 hours prior to the Friday weigh-in date and this fighter pulls out or no shows inside those 48 hours prior to the Championship Finals. However, if your opponent drops out before this time, you will be notified by the Championship Finals Matchmakers to see if you could switch to another weightclass or rule style so you can have a bout. If you decide not to, you will not win anything and there are no refunds.

  8. How will fighters be seeded at the Finals?
    • Seeding will be determined by Regional Tournament performance.

  9. Once the fighters are seeded, who will they fight?
    • In Divisions with an EVEN Number of Fighters:
      • In Divisions of "2" Fighters
        1. SATURDAY OR SUNDAY FINAL: Seed #1 will fight seed #2 on either Saturday afternoon or Sunday for the Championship Tournament Title.
      • In Divisions of "4" Fighters:
        1. ROUND 1: Seed #1 will face seed #4 and seed #2 will face seed #3.
        2. SATURDAY OR SUNDAY FINAL: The winners of these 2 matches will fight Saturday afternoon or Sunday for the Championship Tournament Title.
      • In Divisions of "6" Fighters:
        1. ROUND 1 Saturday: Seed #1 & 2 will have a bye. Seed #3 will fight seed #6. Seed #4 will fight seed #5.
        2. ROUND 2 Saturday: The winner of #3 & #6 will fight seed #2. The winner of #4 & #5 will fight seed #1.
        3. SUNDAY FINAL: Winners of last 2 bouts will fight for the Championship Tournament Title.
      • In Divisions of "8" Fighters:
        1. ROUND 1 SATURDAY AM: Seed #1 will face seed #8. Seed #2 will face seed #7. Seed #3 will face seed #6. Seed #4 will face seed #5.
        2. ROUND 2 SATURDAY PM: Winner of 1 & 8 will fight winner of 3 & 6. Winner of 4 & 5 will fight winner of 2 & 7.
        3. SUNDAY FINAL: The winners of the last 2 matches will fight for the Championship Tournament Title.
      • In Divisions of "10" Fighters:
        1. ROUND 1 SATURDAY AM: Seed #1 & 2 will have a bye. Seed #9 will fight seed #10. Seed #6 will fight seed #5. Seed #3 will fight Seed #4. Seed #7 will fight Seed #8.
        2. ROUND 2 SATURDAY PM: Winner of Seed 9 & 10 will fight Seed #1. Winner of Seed 7 & 8 will fight seed #2.
        3. ROUND 3 SUNDAY AM: Winner of Seed 9 vs 10 vs 1 will fight winner of Seed 6 & 5. Winner of 7 vs 8 vs 2 will fight winner of Seed 3 vs 4.
        4. SUNDAY FINAL: Winners of the last 2 bouts will fight for the Championship Tournament Title.
    • In Divisions with an ODD Number of Fighters:
      • In Divisions of "3" Fighters:
        1. ROUND 1 SATURDAY: The #1 seed will receive a bye. Seed #2 will fight seed #3.
        2. SATURDAY PM OR SUNDAY FINAL: The winner of 2 vs 3 will fight seed #1 for the Championship Tournament Title.
      • In Divisions of "5" Fighters:
        1. ROUND 1 SATURDAY AM: Seed #1 will receive a bye. Seed #4 will fight seed #5. Seed #2 will fight Seed #3. The winner of 2 vs 3 will advance to the USA NATIONAL Championship bout on Sunday.
        2. ROUND 2 SATURDAY PM: Winner of 4 vs 5 will fight Seed #1.
        3. SUNDAY FINAL: The winner of 4 vs 5 vs 1 will fight the winner of 2 & 3 for the Championship Tournament Title.
      • In Divisions of "7" Fighters:
        1. ROUND 1 SATURDAY AM: The #1 seed will receive a bye. Seed #7 will fight seed #6 in the first fight. Seed #2 will fight Seed #5. Seed #4 will fight Seed #3.
        2. ROUND 2 SATURDAY PM: Winner of 7 & 6 will fight Seed #1. Winner of 2 & 5 will fight winner of 4 & 3.
        3. SUNDAY FINAL: Winner of 7 vs 6 vs 1 will fight winner of 2 vs 5 vs winner of 4 vs 3 for the Championship Tournament Title.
      • In Divisions of "9" Fighters:
        1. ROUND 1 SATURDAY AM: The #1 through 7 Seeded fighters will receive a bye on opening "Bracket". Seed #9 will fight Seed #8.
        2. ROUND 2 SATURDAY AM: Seed #4 will fight Seed #5. Seed #2 will fight Seed #7. Seed #3 will fight Seed #6.
        3. ROUND 3 SATURDAY PM: Winner of Seed 8 & 9 will fight Seed #1. Winner of Seed 3 & 6 will fight winner of Seed 2 & 7.
        4. ROUND 4 SUNDAY AM: Winner of Seed 8 vs 9 vs 1 will fight winner of Seed # 4 & 5.
        5. SUNDAY PM FINAL: Winner of the last 2 bouts will fight for the Championship Tournament Title.

  10. How will I know where I am seeded for the Finals or who I will be fighting?
  11. What Airport do we fly into for the Championship Tournament Finals?
  12. What is the HOST Hotel?
  13. How do we get from the Airport to our hotel?
  14. When is registration and weigh-ins?
  15. How much are tickets for the National Finals?
    • For ticket prices click HERE!

  16. Will fighters get any free tickets for family or friends?
    • Sorry but we will not be able to give away any FREE family passes for this event.

  17. Does my trainer/cornerman have to pay any ticket or registration fee?
    • Yes. Since there are so many people who try to sneak into these events, this will be the first year that we will charge for cornerman/trainers passes. The other reason for this is to police each fighters corner. Only registered cornermen are allowed into each fighters corner. The cost of each cornerman/trainers registration and pass is $10.00 and you MUST HAVE A HEADSHOT PHOTO OF YOURSELF no larger than 2 inches X 2 inches. If we have to take your picture for your badge the fee will be $15.00. Cornermen and Trainers will register on Friday during the hours of 12 noon and 7 PM at the event Arena. To see more on this Click HERE.
      • AGES 18 & OVER ONLY!
      • ONLY cornerman/trainers who attend the MANDATORY rules meeting will receive their event passes. All cornerman/trainers will sign and print their name on their cornerman/trainers passes and show a picture I.D. to attain their pass.
      • Each registered cornerman/trainer and fighter will receive an event badge pass.
      • For door security reasons, Trainers not attending the MANDATORY rules meeting will be required to purchase their own event ticket.
      • Each pass will allow the cornerman/trainer free admission into the event area and the trainers section.
      • Since there are only 3 cornerman/trainer allowed at ringside during a bout a Maximum of 3 Cornermen/Trainers passes per fighter and no more than 5 passes will be sold per club/gym.
      • NOTE: Any cornerman/trainers caught lending their passes out to ANYONE will have their passes immediately destroyed and those using the pass and the trainer will be escorted from the session with no refund of pass or fees and will need to purchase a ticket for re-entree. For this reason, sorry but please do not sell, give away or lend your pass to any fighters family, relatives or friends. Thank You.

  18. Can I video Tape the fights?
    • This changes each year. CLICK HERE to see rules for this year.

  19. Do the fighters have to pay to come watch any of the sessions that they are not fighting in?
    • NO.

  20. Will there be an event program for the final?
    • Yes. Full color front and back with all the fighters names listed in them along with past Champions and other IKF News and info.

  21. Can we buy an ad in the Finals Program?
    • Yes. For Prices on Program ads and Sponsorship CLICK HERE!

  22. How can I be an Official at the event?
    • If you are available to volunteer your time as an event official we would be grateful for your help. for more info, please see the Officials Page by clicking HERE.

  23. Where can I read about past IKF Championship tournament events?


2004 Championship Finals Page
2004 Main Tournament Page - 2004 Finalist Page - 2004 Finals Page - 2004 Finals Officials - Tournament Rules
Northwest - Central West - Southwest - North Mountain - Central Mountain - South Mountain - North Central #1 - FCR - North Central #2 -MTR & IR - US Central - South Central 1 - South Central 2 - Northeast -Central East - FCR - Southeast
FC: Full Contact Rules - IR: International / Leg Kick Rules - MT: MuayThai Rules - Junior Rules - Ages 8-17
Main USA Nationals Page - IKF Home Page


UNITED STATES


CANADA


MEXICO


BERMUDA


GREENLAND


PUERTO RICO


VIRGIN ISLANDS

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