Rules, Format, & FAQ
Our rules help ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all athletes and participants.
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Full Manual
The Authoritative Document
(Revised August 2026)
Technical Bouts Guide
Special sanctioned light-contact bouts.
Class D Guide
Development Class (Class-D) rules are specially designed for new fighters.
Team Cup Resources
(Under Development)
Strikes Quick Guide
A quick overview of what’s allowed in each division.
Code of Conduct
Respect for All. Nothing Less!
Conduct Violation Reporting
We will investigate all allegations of cheating and will initiate a disciplinary action.
General Information
Don’t forget to try our AI Knowledge Base for fast answers!
What are the entry requirements?
Athletes ages eight (8) years and older in good standing with the US Open and the supervising sanctioning entity (not under medical or disciplinary suspension, etc.) may compete in the US Open.
United States citizenship is not required.
Memberships or affiliations with external federations or associations are not required.
How do I register for an event?
The Official registration site is managed by the Kihapp tournament management platform. The Register button at the top this site will redirect you there.
What do I count as experience during registration?
Most things! Know OUR definition and be honest. We hire an investigator to vet each registrant and they are true wizards.
Per our Official Rules:
“Bout/Exhibition: means any demonstration of technique or training in unarmed combat, which is attended by members of the public, including any such demonstration involving the sale of tickets or collection of admission fees. Please be advised that some exhibitions described as being “light contact”, “modified contact”, or “point” style may still qualify as a “bout”.
Reach out to Support if you are unsure if certain experience counts as a bout.
Hit the registration button for either the US Open or Class-D tournaments to register as a coach. DON’T REGISTER TWICE – A registration for one will automatically grant you access to the other.
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Yes, we allow you to change your weigh division or experience class. We call them “transfers”. Depending on the timing of your request there may be a fee (below). Contact us via Support.
- Requests received within 48 hours of registration: FREE
- Requests received one month prior to the initial weigh-in: $15
- Requests received within one month of the tournament: $25
- Requests received within seven (7) days of the initial weigh-in: $45
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Requests received on the day of the initial weigh-in: $75
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The Class-D transfer fee shall be a flat fee of $10 per request
In general, US Open entry fees are non-refundable. However, you may receive a refund of your registration fee and optional add-ons (excluding the Registration Protection Fee) under the following circumstances:
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You are the sole registrant in your weight class and cannot be matched or transferred.
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You are competing in the Novice, Intermediate, or Open Classes (ABC) and you opted in for Registration Protection at the time of registration and requested a refund at least one month before the initial weigh-in.
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(Rare situation) The US Open Organizing Committee decides, at its discretion, that a refund is in the best interest of the event.
- Class-D, Elite Fees are non-refundable except if you are unmatched. Coach Registration i Fees are non-refundable.
There can be multiple weigh-ins depending on how long the tournament lasts! Here is the breakdown of how it works at the US Open:
For Tournaments 2 days and less: You only have one weigh-in. This usually happens the day before the tournament starts or the morning of the first day.
Tournaments over 2 days: You will have two weigh-ins. The first one is the day before the competition begins, and the second one happens on the morning of the very last day of the contest.
Do you have a breakdown of the allowed strikes per division?
Mmm Hmm. Check it out:
US Open Strikes Quick Reference
What’s the difference between Class D and Class C?
Basically, the differences between Class-C and Class-D (Development) involve experience limits, target areas, and equipment. Class D is perfect for people who have trained for a few months and would like to ease into the competition setting. Class D allows athletes to focus on technique and strategy without concern for getting hurt. Each athlete will receive post-match feedback on their performance.
Q: What size gloves will I be wearing?
A: Glove size is determined by weight:
- 146 lbs. or less: 10 oz. gloves.
- 147 lbs. or more: 12 oz. gloves.
All competitors must use US Open® Officially Licensed gloves. (Available for purchase on site)
Q: What are the requirements for head protectors?
A: Head protectors are mandatory and must be open-faced—they cannot have features that protect the nose, cheeks, mouth, or chin.
Q: What medical documentation do I need to provide? A: All athletes must pass a physical exam certified by a Licensed Medical Doctor. Additionally, competitors aged 16 and older must provide lab results showing they are negative for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.
Q: Are there specific pregnancy screening requirements?
A: Yes. All female athletes aged 15 and older must undergo an hCG urine pregnancy test, which the US Open provides free of charge.
Carefully (slowly) read the instructions on medical forms. The sanctioning entity will not bend the rules.
We may offer on-site bloodwork interpretations for an extra fee, but it depends on our doctor’s availability.
What safety measures are in place?
We prioritize safety with strict pre-fight medical checks, ringside medical professionals, and competition safety gear. Muay Thai comes with risks but our goal is to ensure a safe environment for all participants.
Can I compete in a more advanced class than my current experience level or multiple divisions?
Yes, under the “Underdog Provision,” exceptional Novice or Intermediate athletes may choose to compete in a more advanced amateur class, provided they declare they accept the increased risks. However, no athlete is permitted to compete in a lesser class than their experience dictates. You CAN compete in multiple divisions, but you will have to pay a separate fee. Be careful though, a medical suspension will DQ you for all remaining bouts.
A: For most adult classes (A, B, and C), bouts consist of three 2-minute rounds with 1-minute rest periods. Class D, Bantam and Pee-wee divisions use 1:30-minute rounds.
See the Official Rules for info about Judging & Scoring.
How do judges score the bouts?
The US Open utilizes a 10-9-8 scoring system. Judges award points based on clean strikes (punches, kicks, knees, or elbows) that land on an unprotected part of the body. A score of 10-9 represents slight dominance, 10-8 represents undisputable dominance, and 10-7 represents tremendous dominance.
Where can I find event updates?
Event updates and announcements are posted on our website’s news section. You can also follow our social media channels for the latest information and updates.
How can I get involved as a sponsor?
If you’re interested in supporting our tournaments, please reach out to us using the Support link.
I suspect possible cheating or sandbagging, How do I report it.
he US Open reviews each registrant’s application for discrepancies and false claims. We will investigate all allegations of cheating and will initiate a disciplinary action. If found responsible, athletes can face serious penalties including disqualification, suspension, or permanent ban. If you suspect cheating, report it to us HERE.
Can a foreign team participate in the US Open?
Absolutely, just pay close attention to the experience classes and register accordingly. Contact us through Support if you need assistance. Toggle Content
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