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Current season, competition or edition: 2024 in Karate Combat | |
Sport | Karate Submission grappling |
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Founder |
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CEO |
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President |
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Headquarters | Dubai |
TV partner(s) | beIN SPORTS |
Official website | www |
Karate Combat (KC) is a brand which promotes the first professional full-contact karate league, hosting worldwide events since April 2018. The private company is headquartered in Dubai and was founded by Robert Bryan. The brand also encompasses sports equipment, a worldwide Dojo network and mobile apps for viewers. Karate Combat was founded in order to promote karate as a sport and martial art to the new generation of sports fans. Former UFC heavyweight champion Bas Rutten hosts Karate Combat venues alongside special guests.[1]
Contestants compete in a seasonal championship in which the winner is awarded a golden belt.[2] They consist of karateka from various styles of karate like Kyokushin, Shotokan, Shito Ryu, and Wado Ryu, Kempo Karate. Contestants from other martial arts disciplines like Taekwondo, Kung Fu, and Tang Soo Do have also participated.[3] The contestants are expected to abide by karate-do etiquette and specific tournament rules.[4]
The organization puts emphasis on innovation and technology with the use of video game-style analytics of fighter's biometrics, nutrition and DNA-based data in real-time. Fights regularly feature CGI environments created with the Unreal Engine as reported by NBC Sports.[5] Marketing and promotion include appearances of Danny Trejo, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, former UFC two-division champion Georges St-Pierre, former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida and UFC top-contender Stephen Thompson.[6][7]
In 2020 rights to Karate Combat have been acquired by beIN SPORTS. The media group broadcasts the Karate Combat seasons in 37 countries.[1]
In May 2022, Karate Combat collaborated with Hedera, a brand of cryptocurrency, to create the blockchain $KARATE. Users receive a small complimentary amount to use for placing bets on fighters on match outcomes to win larger amounts. Users can cash out on compatible platforms.