YOKKAO
Sparring
Event Breakdown

Welcome to LOS ANGELES — Technical Sparring

YOKKAO OPEN is coming to the Los Angeles area on January 23, giving Muay Thai practitioners of all experience levels the opportunity to test their skills and take the next step in their development.

This is your opportunity to learn, improve and progress in a professional, controlled environment.

Every registered participant will be carefully matched and take part in controlled Technical Sparring focused on technique, composure, timing and control. Experienced officials will observe each session and provide valuable feedback to help participants understand their strengths and identify where they can improve.

Whether you are taking part for the first time or training to develop your skills, YOKKAO Technical Sparring gives you the experience, confidence and feedback you need to move forward.

Core Focus

Technique
Composure
Timing
Control
No winners · No losers · Everyone gains experience

The objective is development: gain confidence and apply what you have learned in training without the pressure of a competitive bout.

01

Controlled Sparring

Professional, controlled Muay Thai sparring takes place on designated competition mats, with a licensed referee overseeing each bout. The open mat space allows for movement and continuous action, with a focus on technique, timing, pace and control. There is no declared winner; the goal is to learn and gain valuable experience.

02

Matched Properly

Athletes are matched based on age group, weight class, experience and Control Rank to create balanced and appropriate sparring sessions.

03

Open to All Athletes

Open to individual athletes and athletes from every gym and affiliation. You simply need to be accompanied by your coach or a teammate.

04

Official Feedback

Every athlete receives a signed feedback card from the officials, with scores across six areas of performance to understand where they stand and what to improve.

Age Groups

U8 5–7 yrsU10 8–9 yrsU12 10–11 yrsU14 12–13 yrsU16 14–15 yrsU18 16–17 yrsAdult 18+ yrs

Sparring weight classes are assigned based on age group and weight, so every athlete is matched safely and competitively.

Coach Passes per Gym

2
coaches · up to 3 athletes
3
coaches · 4–6 athletes
4
coaches · 7–10 athletes
5
coaches · 11–15 athletes

Free coach passes for registered gyms — athletes never pay a coach pass. Extra coach passes ($25) are bought by the gym. Individuals not representing a gym can participate coached by an adult who purchases a $25 corner pass.

YOKKAO provides all protective gear for every session:

  • Boxing gloves
  • Head guard
  • Shin guards
  • Body protector
Bring your own Muay Thai shorts, hand wraps and mouthguard. Hand wraps are mandatory when using the boxing gloves we provide.

Your own gear is allowed only if it is official YOKKAO, in good condition and approved by staff at check-in.

After your session, officials hand you a signed card scoring six areas from 1 to 5. It is not a verdict—it is a training plan to take back to your gym.

Intent & pressure4/5
Technique & skill4/5
Defence3/5
Clinch control4/5
Ring craft & movement4/5
Conditioning5/5

Written notes identify your strengths and what to work on next.

Registration

Secure Your Place

Athlete Registration

New here? Click below to create your account, complete your fighter profile and register. During checkout, you can also add pieces from the limited YOKKAO Technical Sparring collection—including Muay Thai shorts and workout tees—and purchase additional spectator tickets.
Technical Sparring
Early Bird
Current fee: $55.00
Early Bird — $55.00
Regular — $69.00
Late — $79.00
Technical Sparring FAQ
Is Technical Sparring a real fight? Are there winners and losers?
No. Technical Sparring is a structured, controlled Muay Thai experience focused on skill, technique, composure under pressure, and continuous development. There are no winners, no losers, no official records, and knockouts are strictly prohibited. The referee has full authority to pause or stop any bout if intensity exceeds the division's standards. Full rules are on the Technical Sparring rules page.
Does Technical Sparring take place in a ring or on mats?
Technical Sparring takes place on official competition mats rather than in an elevated ring. The mats give an open, level competition area with full referee supervision, which is the safest setting for controlled sessions across all age groups.
How many bouts do I get with my registration?
Every registered athlete is scheduled for two technical sparring bouts (subject to a suitable matchup). This gives you maximum experience, an opportunity to apply coach feedback immediately, and professional session time without fight-record pressure.
What happens if no suitable opponent is found for one of my bouts?
Our matchmakers pair every athlete with the closest available opponent by age, weight and Control Rank. If the pool on the day doesn't allow a bout, our staff will work with you and your coach on the best available option — and you will still receive your Written Feedback Card.
Who can participate, and what are the age divisions?

Technical Sparring is open to practitioners of all levels, from beginners to experienced athletes:

  • Juniors: U8 (5–7), U10 (8–9), U12 (10–11), U14 (12–13), U16 (14–15), U18 (16–17)
  • Adults: 18–39 years
  • Masters: 40+ years (with dedicated pairings for 50+)

Full age-group and equipment details are on the Technical Sparring rules page.

Do I need fight experience or an amateur/pro record to join?
No. Technical Sparring is open to everyone — no amateur or professional status is required, and no fight record is needed. Your Control Rank at registration is what places you with athletes of a similar level.
Is head contact allowed?
It depends on the age group. For U8–U12 no head contact is allowed. From U14 upwards — including Adults and Masters — controlled contact to the head is permitted, always within the intensity standards enforced by the referee. See the full equipment and contact rules on the Technical Sparring rules page.
When are weigh-ins for Technical Sparring?
Technical Sparring weigh-ins take place the morning of the event (same day), typically between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM, followed by the rules meeting at 10:15 AM and bouts beginning at 11:00 AM.
What happens if I miss weight on the day?
Technical Sparring has no forfeit: the matchmakers adjust your pairing within the safety parameters of the division, so you still spar against an athlete of comparable size.
What equipment is provided by YOKKAO, and what do I need to bring?
  • Gear provided by YOKKAO: YOKKAO will provide all protective gear (boxing gloves, head guard, shin guards, and body protector where required). Shorts are NOT provided for Technical Sparring — athletes must wear their own Muay Thai shorts.
  • Can I use my own gear? You may only use your own gear if it is official YOKKAO equipment, in good condition, and inspected and approved by event staff at check-in. Non-YOKKAO brands are strictly not permitted.
  • Mandatory personal items: all participants must bring their own mouthguard and groin guard.

The full equipment list by age group is on the Technical Sparring rules page.

What is the Control Rank (CR) and does it affect my fight record?
Control Rank (CR 1 to 5) measures your technical execution, respect, and ability to control power during a session. It does not affect or appear on any official amateur or professional fight record. It exists solely to track your progress and ensure balanced matchmaking. Read how CR levels, assessments and progression work on the Control Rank System page.
What is the Written Feedback Card?
Following your bouts, certified YOKKAO officials evaluate your composure, defense, combinations, and awareness inside the competition area, providing a written feedback card so you and your coach know exactly what to work on next.
Will Technical Sparring affect my amateur record or ranking points?
No. The two systems are completely separate — Technical Sparring never alters your official amateur fight record, experience class, or amateur ranking points. Amateur points work differently (KO/TKO +120, Decision +100, Draw +40, Loss +10, plus bonuses and opponent multipliers) — see the full breakdown on the points system page and the live standings on the rankings page.
Do my bouts appear in the YOKKAO Technical rankings?
You enter the Technical Sparring rankings once you register for a Technical Sparring event, which sets your Control Rank and weight category. Because there are no winners or losers, no points are awarded — the rankings show your participation and progression across sessions. See the current standings on the rankings page.
My gym isn't on the site yet — can I still register?
Yes. During registration (or on your profile page), select "My gym is not listed" and type your gym's name — your registration and spot are secured. Your coach or gym owner adds the gym on the gyms page by clicking "Add your gym". Once the gym is approved, our staff will link your profile to your gym — no need to re-register, and you keep your Early Bird price and qualify under the gym's free coach pass allocation (1–3 athletes = 2 free passes; 4–6 = 3; 7–10 = 4; 11–15 = 5; extra coach passes are bought by the gym at $25).
Fight card

Technical Sparring Card

No bouts scheduled yet. Matches will appear here once fighters are paired.