08/10/2026
NEW FOR SOUTH AFRICAN MUAYTHAI: TATAMI
On Saturday 24 October, EFL Contenders 01 brings in something most of you haven't seen yet.
Tatami by day. Full contact by night.
So what is the tatami event?
This year IFMA, the Olympic-recognised world body for Muaythai, made a new discipline official. It's called Muaythai Technical, or semi contact.
Here's how it works:
🥊 It's fought on mats, not in a ring. There are no ropes, so footwork and knowing where you are on the mat matter.
🥊 It's light, controlled contact. Full power strikes aren't allowed, and hitting too hard is a foul.
🥊 Clean technique wins. Judges score timing, accuracy and control, not who hits harder.
🥊 Nobody is supposed to get hurt. If you drop or injure your opponent, YOU get disqualified.
🥊 Every fighter does the Wai Kru before round 1. It's still real Muaythai, culture and all.
🥊 For the young ones, it's even safer. Under 12s throw no strikes to the head. Under 14s throw no elbows or knees to the head.
Who is it for?
👉 Kids and juniors who are ready to compete but not ready for full contact
👉 New fighters who want their first real bout
👉 Masters, 35 and up, who still want to compete without the full contact beating
👉 Experienced fighters who want to test their technique
Think of it like this: it's Muaythai where skill beats power.
Then at night, the ring opens up for the full contact fight night.
SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER
Warrior Sports, Centurion
Tatami: 10:00
Fight night: doors 16:00, first fight 17:00
Weigh-in and medicals for both: Friday 23 October, 17:00
Entry: R350 per fighter, paid at the weigh-in
Head guards, gloves, shins, elbows and body protectors are supplied.
Entries close: Monday 19 October
Register here 👇
https://events.warriorsports.co.za
Fighters, parents and coaches each have their own sign-up button on the page.
Coaches, tag the parents in your gym. This one is perfect for the kids.
EFL Contenders 01. Sanctioned by SAMF. IFMA affiliated.
