Each competitor must present him/herself to the referee suitably attired and physically prepared to compete.  Jewelry is not permitted.  Finger and toenails must be trimmed and clean.  Competitors must present and conduct themselves with the highest levels of courtesy and respect.  Any competitor who engages in action unbecoming of a martial artist will be immediately dismissed from the tournament. 

The Traditional Divisions capture the essence of classical martial arts styles, showcasing the traditional techniques, weapons, and movements in their unmodified form.  All techniques performed must have a tactical purpose and be representative of the art of the competitor.  Emphasis is placed on execution of technique, application of technique, balance, speed, power, solid stances, and focus.  No gymnastics or excessive displays of flexibility are permitted.  In the weapons divisions the weapon cannot leave the hand of the competitor.  While modification of traditional forms and weapons is allowed, those who stray from the traditional origins of their base style may be subject to downgrading and/or disqualification. This applies to all traditional black belt and kyu belt forms and weapon forms divisions.

The Open Divisions allow the competitor to perform any moves whether they originate from the martial arts or not.  This category allows for the integration of techniques and movements from all martial arts styles, gymnastics, acrobatics, dance, and athletic disciplines. 

Note: It is the discretion of the competitor in this division to use or not use music.  It is the responsibility of the competitor to supply their own music and music equipment.

Under Black Belt           A competitor must demonstrate a minimum of (5) self-defense techniques against one or more
            opponents in under 2 minutes.  Defenses against a drone weapon is encouraged.

Black Belt         A competitor must demonstrate a minimum of (7) self-defense techniques against one or more opponents in under 2 minutes.  Defenses against a drone weapon is encouraged.

Head gear, foot gear, hand gear, mouthpieces and groin cups (for male competitors only) are mandatory for all competitors in all sparring divisions.   Cloth gear is not allowed.  A competitor’s gear must fit properly and be in suitable condition.

The top and sides of the head, torso below the collar bone and above the belt, and sides of the abdomen (not the lower back) are legal point areas.  NO CONTACT IS PERMITTED to the face, throat, neck, and below the belt which includes the groin and legs.  Any infraction of these rules will result in one warning.  The second warning will result in a point given to the other competitor.  The third warning will result in disqualification.  If a judge determines that a strike was blatant to a non-target area he/she has the right to immediately disqualify that individual.  The incidental drawing of blood in any under black belt division will result in disqualification.

All controlled, legal hand techniques executed with intent that strike a point area will be awarded (1) point and all controlled, legal kicks executed with intent that strike a point area will be awarded (2) points.  Matches will run for 2:00 min on a continuous clock.  The first competitor to 5 points or the competitor with the most points after 2:00 min will be deemed the winner.  The spinning back fist strike is deemed unsafe and not permitted.  The first infraction of this rule will result in a warning.  The second will result in disqualification.  If a competitor runs out of the ring (not driven out) he/she will be given a warning.  Upon the second warning they will be penalized one point.  One (1) penalty point will be given for each additional infraction.  A competitor may score a point only if they are in the ring.  A competitor can be scored on if they are out of the ring and the referee has not yet called for a break.

17 & Under Beg/Inter/Adv:         Touch contact is permitted to all target areas.  No face contact is permitted. The
 hand or foot must strike the body or headgear to be awarded a point.  If a
 competitor has a face shield on the entire head is a legal target area.

18 & Up Beg/Inter/Adv.              Touch contact is permitted to all target areas.  No face contact is permitted.
  The hand or foot must strike the body or headgear to be awarded a point.  If a
 competitor has a face shield on the entire head is a legal target area.

Black Belts (all ages):               Light contact is permitted to the headgear.  Touch contact is permitted to the face.  Moderate body contact is permitted. The hand or foot must strike the body,    headgear or face to be awarded a point.

If it is determined that a competitor is executing excessive force they will be given a warning.  A second infraction will result in disqualification.  Any incidental face contact in under black belt divisions will result in a warning being given with no points awarded.  The third infraction will result in disqualification.

Ø      Nonstop match between 2 competitors with a 2 minute time limit.

Ø      Competitor landing most techniques in the time period wins.

Ø      Under Black belt must deliver a minimum of 6 kicks per match.

Ø      Black belts must deliver a minimum of 8 kicks per match.

Ø      Contact must be made to score a point, but all punches and kicks must be snapped.

Ø      Excessive contact is strictly prohibited.  This is not full contact fighting.  One warning will be given for excessive contact.  A second will result in immediate disqualification, with no recourse.

Ø      The referee has absolute control in the ring and all referee decisions are binding and final.

Ø      Head gear, foot gear, mouth piece, boxing gloves, and groin cup (for males) are mandatory.

Ø      Head, face, front and sides of torso.  The back is not a legal scoring area.

Ø      No wild punches, spinning back fists, or sweeps allowed.

Ø      No running out of the ring.

Ø      No stalling or delaying the contest.

Ø      No excessive or malicious contact.

Ø      No arguing with the referee.

Ø      Any unsportsmanlike conduct will result in immediate disqualification.

Ø      At competition – 18 x 18 or 20 x 20 ring with a 10 x 10 barrier.

Ø      At night show – 20 x 20 ring with a 10 x 10 barrier.  Only the coach is allowed in the 10 x 10 area.

Ø      14 or 16 oz. boxing gloves.

Ø      10 or 12 oz. boxing gloves