Glory Rules

Kickboxing Glory Cover illustration

Glory Rules Kickboxing represents the modern evolution of stand-up striking, designed for excitement, clarity, and international competition. It blends techniques from Muay Thai, Dutch Kickboxing, and traditional karate while removing clinch-heavy tactics to maintain a fast-paced rhythm. This rule set emphasizes clean striking, aggressive pacing, and constant engagement—perfectly suited for highlight-reel finishes. Popularized by the GLORY Kickboxing organization, it has become the premier format for global professional kickboxing events. Fighters under Glory Rules must combine skill, stamina, and strategy to thrive in this demanding sport.

Glory Rules Essentials

About Glory Rules

Understand the essence of Glory Rules Kickboxing—a modern, streamlined striking format emphasizing continuous action, minimal clinch, and high-volume exchanges. Learn how this rule set was crafted for entertainment and fairness.

Glory Rules History

Explore the origins of Glory Rules, born from a need to unify kickboxing standards and reduce controversy in judging. This section traces its development from K-1 roots to global dominance under the GLORY brand.

Philosophy & Approach

Glory Rules promote forward pressure, clean technique, and decisive engagement. Discover how this approach shapes training priorities and rewards aggression, ring control, and effectiveness.

Techniques & Style

Dive into the core techniques favored in Glory Rules: fast combinations, low kicks, flying knees, and limited clinch work. This section highlights how fighters must blend power and precision for success.

Traditions & Etiquette

While less formal than traditional styles, Glory Rules Kickboxing maintains professional standards of respect, conduct, and sportsmanship. Learn the unwritten rules inside elite gyms and competitions.

Uniform & Symbols

Fighters compete in modern shorts, gloves, and often display national colors or sponsor patches. This section details the visual and symbolic identity associated with Glory events.

Weapons

Glory Rules is strictly unarmed—no traditional weapons are included. The focus remains entirely on hands, feet, knees, and tactical movement under a regulated framework.

Ranking System

There is no belt system; rankings are based on performance, fight records, and organizational standings. Learn how fighters climb the ranks in a merit-based, pro-level environment.

Glory Rules Glossary

Access a clear glossary of key terms—such as “knockdown criteria”, “10-point must system”, and “limited clinch”—to navigate the language of Glory-style competition.

Notable Figures

Get to know the legends of Glory Kickboxing like Rico Verhoeven, Artem Vakhitov, and Nieky Holzken. This section celebrates the fighters who helped define the style.

Branches & Organizations

Although GLORY is the central promoter, many global gyms and circuits train fighters for Glory Rules. Explore affiliated camps and how the format is spreading worldwide.

Competitive Format

Learn how Glory fights are structured—3 to 5 rounds, strict rules on clinch and scoring, and real-time judging. Understand what makes these events fast, fair, and fan-friendly.