ZST (pronounced Zest) is a Japan-based promoting and sanctioning organization of mixed martial arts(MMA), and it also holds amateur MMA events. ZST adopts unique rules in the MMA industry. Much like RINGS, strikes to head on the ground are prohibited. Furthermore, fighters are not allowed to close the guard, gloves are optional - if a fighter chooses not to wear gloves, he is only allowed to use open hand techniques much like early RINGS and Pancrase matches. Much like Muay Thai, music is played throughout the duration of the bout. There are no judges or decisions, except in Grand Prix events. ZST also holds tag-team MMA matches from time to time.
History
Before establishment
On September 22, 2002, Caesar Takeshi ,the president of Shoot boxing Association(SBA), and Koki Hioki, representative of ZST, had a conversation after the shoot boxing event, and they announced that SBA supports ZST. For this reason, ZST promoted some metches under shoot boxing rule in the early age[1].
First event
The first ZST event "The Battle Field ZST Opening Event" was arranged on November 23 2002 in Tokyo, and it has since experienced a dramatic increase in popularity possibly in large part due to their highly different rule format. In this event, not only usual MMA matches but MMA tag match also was hold among Takumi Yano, Masakazu Imanari and Remigijus Morkevicius, Mindaugas Stankos[2].
ZST GP
On November 23 2003, "ZST GP Opening" was hold in Tokyo.
On May 17 2008, ZST announced a major partnership with DEEP. The partnership will allow the two organizations to co-promote shows, share fighters and eventually unify the organizations.[3]
Rules
ZST Rule
Bouts consist of three rounds with a rest period of one and a half minutes. The first and second rounds are five minutes in duration and the third round is three minutes in duration, but the third round is a extra round. Punches, elbow strikes, knees and kicks are allowed to the head and body when both fighters are standing. On the ground punches, elbow strikes, knees and kicks are only allowed to the body. Bouts are not judged. In the event that the bout goes the full time, the bout is ruled a draw.
Grappling rule (GT-F Rule)
Bouts consist of two rounds with a rest period of one and two minutes. The first and second rounds are five minutes in duration. The positioning is not regarded for scoring as important factor and any motions including clinching and holding which impedes bouts are prohibited. GT-F came from "Grappling Tournament - Featherweight".
Events
ZST holds various types of events depending on their theme.
ZST
The main events held regularly under ZST rule for the top contenders.
ZST GP
The tournament events under KOK rule. The events are divided to twice.
Battle Hazard
The events focusing the matches which are not under ZST rule.
The opening matches of ZST and Battle Hazard for the fresh professional contenders.
SWAT!
The events focusing the fresh professional contenders who currently participate Genesis matches. It holds "Genesis tournament" every year, and it is an actual freshmen tournament.
Pre Stage
The events of grappling for the amateur contenders.
Japan
