Rules of the Hokutoki Tournament
* Tournament rules may be subject to change. Please be sure to consult headquarters for any rule changes before a tournament. These are excerpts from the full rule book
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Fighting Style:
The Hokutoki is a "well-rounded" mixed martial art tournament which allows punches, kicks, and throws, as well as choking and joint lock techniques. A KIME after a throw is also recognized as an effective, and thus scorable, technique.

Daidojuku cultivates techniques which are applicable in real self-defense situations as well as competitive against NHB fighting.

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Rounds:
Each Round is Three minutes.

The match will not be stopped every time a technique connects in order to use the full time of each round to decide the outcome of the match (For exceptions see Article 24)

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Scoring system:
The winners of the competition are decided by a point system. From the division winners the competitor with the most points (total points earned in the individual matches divided by the number of matches) as determined by the point system.
Winning by IPPON = 5 points.
Winning by predominance of WAZA-ARI = 4 points.
Winning by predominance of YUKOU = 3 points.
Winning by predominance of KOKA = 2 points.
Winning by default does not receive any points and is not counted in the total number of matches. In the open category competition, 3rd and 4th places, as well as 5th through 8th places are decided as stated above.

- Physical Index:
"TAIRYOKU SHISHU" (PHYSICAL INDEX) is used in order to equalize the unfairness of the weight system used in many fighting sports.
Even today the weight system is used in striking sport competitions. Unfortunately a competitor who weighs the same as his opponent, but is shorter, has a potential disadvantage.
For instance, in such sports as wrestling, and judo, the competitor's weight has much effect on the result of the match. But in striking sports such as boxing, muay thai, and karate, reach in relation to height has a strong effect on the outcome of the fight.
As the Hokutoki has two aspects, grappling and striking, the PHYSICAL INDEX addresses this unfairness.
For Example, a competitor who is 170 cm tall and weighs 80 kg is equal to an opponent who is 180 cm tall and weighs 70kg.
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Protective Gear and Wear:

Head:
-K.I.F.(Kudo International Federation) approved headgear must be worn, the headgear is equiped with a face plate for full protection of a fighters face.

Hand Support:
 -Fist supporters - Approved by the K.I.F. (Kudo International Federation) committee may be used.
-If hand wraps are used, they must be Kudo approved hand wraps..

Groin:
-A groin cup must be worn.

Legs, knees, feet:
-Fighters will wear gi pants and may wear nothing underneath.
-Fighters will fight with bare feet.

Wear:
-Competitors must wear a traditional Karate Gi. The Gi can have the school name over the left breast, but must be unmarked otherwise.

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Rules:
-Ground techniques (choking and joint lock techniques, as well as no-contact punches to the head from the mount position) are allowed twice, for a maximum of 30 seconds each.

-Throws, pulls, tackles, head butts, elbow and knee strikes, kicking, and punching are permitted.

-During the 3 minute rounds: original round, overtime, and double overtime, or rematch rounds. (See Article 4 note 4.)

-No Ground and Pound. Punching to the head from the mount must be simulated. Depending on position, cleanliness and technique points may be awarded for the simulated punches.

-In the case of a choking or joint locking technique, the chief referee will not award an IPPON, even though the technique appears to be effective, until the competitor signals "MAITTA" (Give up) by tapping the mat, themselves, or their opponent with the hand or foot at least twice. Or, IPPON will be awarded if the competitor's opponent loses consciousness. (See Article 25 D.)

-If the difference in Physical Index (height in cm plus weight in kg) is 20 or more, both competitors may kick to the groin.
-If the difference is 30 or more, attacks to the groin with a fist or open hand are allowed.
-Regardless, a groin protector must be worn. (See Article 36 note 1.)

-Submission and ground fighting are also allowed.

*These are only excerpts from the official rule book