Power slap has been gaining popularity recently. While it is not a conventional sport, it provides entertainment value, though not necessarily for the participants involved.
View this post on Instagram
It is is a new form of combat sport where two unarmed participants face off, trading open-handed slaps across multiple rounds. Matches consist of either 3 rounds for regular events or 5 rounds for title fights.
Who Strikes First?
The order of who gets to slap first is determined by a coin toss or other seeding method prior to the match. The participant who wins the coin toss gets to choose whether they want to slap or defend first.
The Clock
Each round is structured as follows:
– 60 seconds for the striker to wind up and deliver their slap
– 60 seconds for the defender to recover
This 60-second cycle repeats for the duration of the round.
Divisions and Weight Classes
Power Slap features both men’s and women’s divisions. The weight classes mirror those used in MMA, including welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight, heavyweight, and super heavyweight for men. The women’s division currently only has a featherweight class, but more may be added in the future.
Scoring and Victory Conditions
Power Slap uses a 10-point must scoring system, similar to boxing and MMA. The round winner receives 10 points, while the opponent receives 9 or fewer points. Scoring is based on the effectiveness of the striker’s slap and the defender’s reaction/recovery time.
A match can be won by:
– Knockout (KO)
– Technical Knockout (TKO)
– Points decision
Fouls and Illegal Strikes
Illegal strikes in Power Slap include:
– Clubbing (not an open-handed slap)
– Stepping (lifting the heels off the ground during the strike)
– Illegal windup (more than 3 wind-ups)
– Flinching (defender moving to avoid the strike)
Consequences for fouls can include warnings, point deductions, loss of strike, re-strikes, and disqualification.
Equipment and Appearance
Participants must wear a mouthguard and inner ear protectors. No jewelry, headgear, or hats are allowed. Hair must be tied back. Chalk is provided to mark where strikes land.
Power Slap Stage and Table
The Power Slap stage must be at least 15×15 feet with 1.25-inch thick padding. The Power Slap table must be at least 12 inches in diameter or width, with an adjustable height.
Catchers
At least two “catchers” must be present on the stage to help limit the impact of a participant’s head hitting the stage and prevent them from falling off.
Overall, Power Slap aims to bring the excitement and spectacle of slap fighting to a wider audience, with a structured rule set and safety protocols in place. The sport continues to evolve, with the potential for more weight classes, events, and gameplay refinements in the future.xt
