POINT (SEMI CONTACT) SPARRING, WEAPONS FORMS and EMPTY HAND FORMS

NASKA RULES UPDATE FOR 2010

ISKA CONTINUOUS LIGHT CONTACT FIGHTING

ISKA SELF DEFENSE AND TEAM EVENTS

ISKA WORLD BREAKING CHAMPIONSHIPS

USBA / ISKA OPEN BREAKING DIVISIONS

ISJA / ISKA FREESTYLE FIGHTING

ISKA SUBMISSION GRAPPLING

SELECTION OF ISKA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FINALISTS

POINT (SEMI CONTACT) SPARRING, WEAPONS FORMS and EMPTY HAND FORMS

COMPETITOR: Each competitor must present him/herself to the referee suitably attired with proper uniform and equipment and physically prepared to compete. If he/she is not prepared to compete as deemed by the center referee, the competitor may be penalized for delay of time.

DELAY OF TIME PENALTY: Sparring: An automatic warning will be issued to the competitor. A penalty point will be issued for each minute the competitor is not properly ready to compete. Upon 3 penalty points the offending competitor will be disqualified. Form: .01 points will be deducted from the offending competitor’s final score. Each minute the competitor is not ready to compete, .01 points will be deducted for his/her final score. If a competitor is still not ready to compete after 3 minutes, he/she will be disqualified.

RANK RULE: A competitor must compete at the highest belt level they have earned in the martial arts. A competitor can never compete in a division of which he/she had not earned that rank. Once a competitor competes as a black belt legally, he/she must always compete as a back belt. A competitor can never compete in a lower belt division than the level of belt he/she has earned in the Martial Arts.

PROOF OF AGE RULE: All competitors must have a proof of age document. If there is a legitimate reason to question a competitor’s age, he/she must present a proof of age (birth certificate, driver’s license, or other acceptable documents) to prove his/her age.

LEGAL AGE RULE: All competitors have the option of competing in the same division all year long for rating purposes, by establishing a legal competition age for the year. The age a competitor is on June 30th of the current competition year is their legal competition age for that year. They can compete all year at that age so he/she can earn rating points in one age division all year. A competitor can always compete in his/her chronological age.

UNIFORM: All competitors must wear a complete (top and bottom) traditional or professional sport karate (Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, etc.) uniform in a good state of repair. The appropriate color belt or sash must be worn in competition. Sparring: All sparring uniforms must have sleeves that reach at least to the middle of the forearm. No T-shirts, sweats, tank tops or shoes are allowed in the sparring divisions. Form & Weapons: T-shirts, tank tops and sweatshirts are allowed in form if they are part of the competitor’s official school uniform. Uniforms in the form and weapons divisions are allowed more liberties because form is not one-on-one competition where the uniform could cause a decisive disadvantage or advantage to a competitor. Removal of the uniform top is allowed if the removal is considered relevant to the artistic expression or safety of the competitor. Shoes may be worn in form competition if they do not damage or mark the competition floor.

COMPETITOR RESPONSIBILITIES: It is the responsibility of the competitor to know the rules and be ready for competition when called to do so. He/she must be suitably attired, weighed-in and at the appropriate ring when competition begins. Three calls will be made for competition at ringside. If the competitor is not at his/her ring ready to compete when competition begins, he/she will not be able to compete (see delay of time rule). If a competitor leaves the ring after the competition begins and is not present when his/her name is called to compete, his/her name will be called three times at ringside. If he/she is still not present to compete, he/she will be disqualified (see delay of time rule).

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED SAFETY EQUIPMENT: Approved headgear; hand and footpads, mouthpieces, groin cups (for male competitors only) and chest guards (for all competitors 17 year old and younger) are mandatory for all competitors in sparring divisions. The competitor’s equipment will be checked and if it is deemed unsafe, he/she will be asked to change the equipment before he/she can compete. Hand Pads: A soft padded surface must cover the fingers, wrist and any striking surface of the hand. Foot Pads: A soft padded surface must cover the instep, sides, toes, ankle and back of the heel of the foot. The bottom of the foot does not have to be padded. (NASKA has approved the use of “Ringstar sparring shoes in all sparring divisions, with the same stipulations placed on other approved sparring gear.) Head Gear: The front, sides and back of the head must be covered by a soft padded surface. In addition to the head hear, a face shield is required for all competitors 17 yrs. & under. Chest Guard: All 17 and younger competitors must wear an approved chest protector in sparring. The chest guard must sufficiently cover the abdomen and upper chest such that the sternum is completely protected. Rib guards that cover only the abdomen area are not approved chest guards. Insufficiently padded gloves, foot, chest and head hear will not be allowed. Equipment must be in a good state of repair and must be free of heavy taping, tears or any other repairs that may cause injury. The tournament’s official rules arbitrator ultimately determines the approval or denial of the equipment. A properly fitted mouthpiece is required. Shin pads and rib/chest guards are highly recommended for additional safety to all sparring competitors.

REFEREES: The referee is the most experienced official in the ring and is thoroughly versed on the rules and order of competition. He/she promotes the safety of the competitors, enforces the rules and ensures fair play. To this end, he/she starts and stops the match, awards points, makes penalty decisions, administrates the voting of the other judges, communicates clearly with the scorekeeper and timekeeper, and announces the winner of each match. Added Powers of the Referee: 1) Match starts and ends only with his/her command (not the command of the timekeeper); 2) Has final decision on any disputes on score; 3) Has the power to issue warnings and award penalty points without a majority decision: 4) Can overrule a majority call only to issue a warning or a penalty point: 5) Automatically has power to disqualify a competitor who receives (3) penalty points; 6) Has power to issue time-outs. A competitor can ask for a time-out, but it is the determination of the referee to issue one. The disqualification of a competitor, where disqualification is not automatic, is determined only by a majority vote of the judges.

OFFICIALS: Each ring should have a REFEREE, two to four JUDGES, a TIMEKEEPER/SCOREKEEPER. The judges call points and rule infractions as they see them. They also vote on disqualifications. The referee also calls points and rules infractions but is also in compete control of the ring and ring personnel. Referees make all final decisions on penalty points and warnings (except for disqualifications) but can consult judges before making their decisions. The majority vote of the judges and referee determines a scoring point and/or a competitor’s disqualification.

CALLS AN OFFICIAL MAY MAKE: When the referee believes there has been a significant exchange of techniques, or when signaled to do so by a corner a judge/s, he/she shall call out the word, “STOP!” in a loud voice. The referee shall then returns the competitors to their starting marks and addresses the judges by saying “JUDGES CALL!” All judges and the center referee cast their votes simultaneously and assertively in the following manner.

1. Judge Sees a Point - He/she should hold up both colors or hold up one arm if colors are not being used. At the same time, he/she yells out the word “CALL!” in a loud, clear voice to let the referee know he/she has a call.

2. Point Calling - When signaled by the referee (referee says “Judges Call” in a loud clear voice) a judge raises the appropriate color (red or white usually) if colors are being used or points to the competitor who scores the point. If a competitor scores a two point kick, the officials should hold up or point with two fingers (index and middle fingers). If only one point is being called, the judge should point with only one finger (Index finger).

3. No Point Scored - An official crosses his/her wrist at waist level or holds both colors down to indicate that he/she believes that a point was not scored.

4. Did Not See If A Point Was Scored - The officials holds his/her hand over his/her eyes indicating that he/she could not see whether a point was scored or not. Indicates the official was not in position to see if a point scored. (When using this signal, it has the same effect as saying “no point”, but it indicates to the referee, competitors and fans the reason why you are not calling the point).

5. Clash - Officials make a motion as though they are hitting both fists together, indicating that both competitors scored at the same time.

6. Penalty - The judge waves the color of the offending competitor in a circular motion. If no colors are used the judge waves the hand and arm in a circular motion while pointing at the offending competitor.

7. Disqualification - A disqualification vote is taken separately from any other vote. When a disqualification vote is asked for, the referee will say, “JUDGES CALL”. The judges will then hold the color or point to the competitor who is to be disqualified. If the judge does not feel the competitor should be disqualified, he/she crosses his/her wrist or holds both colors down at waist level.

LATE CALLS: All officials should make their calls at the same time. If, in the opinion of the referee, the corner judges are making a late call intentionally, the referee can disqualify the call and/or judge (noise not allowing the judges to hear the referee and the honest mistake of raising the wrong color or pointing at the wrong competitor should be taken into consideration not to disqualify the call or judge).

NUMBER OF OFFICIALS: Two certified judges and one certified referee is allowed in all Black Belt weapon, form and sparring divisions. If the approved certified judges and referees are not available, four judges and one referee are required in all black belt form and weapon divisions. At least two judges and one referee are required in all sparring divisions and under black belt form and weapon divisions.

REMOVAL OF OFFICIALS: If a competitor feels that an official should be removed from a form or weapon division for good reason, he/she must file a protest before the division begins. If a competitor feels that an official should be removed form a sparring division, he/she may file a protest at any time. It is totally up to the center referee and the rules arbitrator to determine if an official should be removed.

PROTEST: A competitor has the right to protest an infraction of the rules or if a possible mistake was made (not a judgment call). If a competitor wishes to protest, he/she should first let the referee know he/she believes there has been an infraction of the rules or a mistake has been made. The referee will summon the arbitrator to the ring (if the referee cannot properly settle the protest to the players satisfaction) to render a decision. All protests must be made in an orderly, proper and sportsmanlike manner. All protests must be made immediately. Protests are not allowed once competition has resumed (after the fact protest). A competitor may be penalized or even disqualified if he/she is protesting improperly or without proper cause.

LATE ENTRIES: Once a division has started (the first competitor has started his/her form/weapon routine or the first divisional fight has started) no competitor/s can be added to that division. BE ON TIME!

THE RING: The size of the fighting and form adult black belt rings shall be approximately 20’ x 20’. Starting lines should be marked approximately six feet apart in the middle of the ring. Additionally, each ring should be posted with a ring number visible to competitors, officials, and medical personnel from across the floor. All youth and under black belt adult rings shall be a minimum of 16’ x 16’ approximately.

WEIGHING-IN: It is mandatory for all adult fighting competitors - who are in weighed divisions - to weigh in before competition. Only one official weigh-in is required. All competitors must fight in his/her weight division. A competitor cannot fight up or down in another weight division for which he/she has not made the proper weight. It is the responsibility of the tournament personnel to weigh and properly record the competitor’s weight. If a competitor is caught falsifying their weight, they may be disqualified.

ORDER OF COMPETITION: Form: Once the final call for the form and weapon divisions has been made at ring side and the divisional seeds have been taken out (if seeding is required) the competition cards will be collected and shuffled thoroughly. The competitor cards will then be drawn randomly for the order of competition. The first three competitors will perform before any scores are awarded. After the third competitor is finished, the first competitor will be called to come back for scoring followed by the second and third competitors. All competitors in the division will be judged in comparison to these first three competitors Sparring: Once the final call for the sparring division has been made at ring side and the seeds have been taken out (if seeding is required) the division is ready to be set up. The competition cards should be collected and counted (if competition cards are not used, count the competitors) to see if byes are needed. If byes are needed, they will be picked randomly (See bye chart to see how many byes are needed). Matches should always be selected by random, but certain allowances may be given to competitors from the same school or team that is matched up in the first round of competition. They may be separated randomly from each other in the first round if possible. (Competitors cannot pick whom they want or do not want to fight.)

In the youth division, the competitors should be lined up by height (Smallest to the tallest) and split into tall and short divisions if required or offered. Determining tall and short divisions is for safety reasons, not just to split the division equally. A true break in size should be found to determine the taller competitors from the shorter competitors. Once the tall and short divisions are determined by height, determine who fights whom by random draw. Consideration should be given to competitors who are from the same school or team that have been drawn to fight each other in the first round.

SEEDING: Seeds will be offered in forms, weapons and fighting divisions based on NASKA Ratings and ISKA World Tour ratings.

SPARRING RULES

LENGTH OF MATCH: Two minute running time unless five points are scored before time has expired. If a match is tied at the end of two minutes, sudden victory (first person to score a point) overtime period will determine the match.

POINT VALUES AND WINNER DETERMINATION: All legal hand techniques that score will be awarded one (1) point. All legal kicking techniques that score will be awarded two (2) points. All penalty points awarded will be awarded one (1) point. The competitor who earns a seven (7) point advantage before the end of the two minutes or whoever is ahead at the end of the two minutes is declared the winner. All semi final black belt matches (final four) will use a seven (7)-point spread to determining the winner or whoever is ahead at the end of two minutes. All grand championship matches are two-minute running time 10 point spread or who is ahead at the end of two minutes.

MARJORITY VOTE: Points are awarded by a majority vote of all judges. The majority of judges do not have to agree on the same technique being scored, only that a point was scored. A majority of the judges calling the point must call a two (2)-point kick before two points can be awarded. Otherwise only one point is awarded.

WHAT IS A POINT: A point is a controlled legal sport karate technique scored by a competitor in-bounds and up-right (not considered down) without time being called that strikes a competitor with the allowable amount of focused touch contact to a legal target area.

LEGAL TARGET AREAS: Entire head and face, ribs, chest, abdomen, collarbone and kidneys. ILLEGAL TARGET AREAS: Spine, back of neck, throat, sides of the neck, groin, legs, knees and back. NON-TARGET AREAS: Hips, shoulders, buttocks, arms, and feet. LEGAL TECHNIQUES: Legal techniques are all controlled sport karate techniques, except those listed as illegal. ILLEGAL TECNIQUES: Head butts, hair pulls, bites, scratches, elbows, knees, eye attacks of any kind, take downs on a hard surface floor, ground fighting on a hard surface, any stomps or kicks to the head of a downed competitor, slapping, grabbing for more than one second, uncontrolled blind techniques, any uncontrolled throws, takedowns or sweeps and any other uncontrolled dangerous techniques that are deemed unsafe in sport karate.

GRABBING: A competitor may grab the uniform top of his/her opponent in an attempt to score with a sport karate technique for only one second (immediately), after which time he/she must release the uniform. Likewise, the uniform pants may be grabbed for one second to an upright opponent in an attempt to score.

SWEEPS, TAKEDOWNS, GRABS AND GROUND FIGHTING: Sweeps not to take down an opponent, but only to obstruct the balance so as to follow up with a sport karate technique can only be executed to the back of the front leg at mid-calf or below. A sweep must be deemed a proper sweep and not a kick, to be legal. Controlled Takedowns and sweeps that are meant to take down an opponent are allowed only a declared apporved padded surface. A point is awarded only when the legal sweep or takedown is followed up effectively legally and immediately with an appropriate sport karate technique. Only a hand technique or a carefully controlled kick or stomp to the body is allowed on a downed competitor. One Foot must be on the ground throughout the stomp or kick. Never, under any circumstances, may a competitor stomp or kick to the head of a downed competitor.

LIGHT TOUCH CONTACT: Means there is no penetration or visible movement of the competitor as a result of the contact. Light touch is required to all legal target areas in all black belt sparring divisions. The face shield of a head gear is a legal target area.

MODERATE TOUCH CONTACT: Means slight penetration or slight target movement. Moderate touch contact may be made to all legal target areas except the headgear, face shield and face.

WARNINGS AND PENALTIES: One and only one warning is allowed for breaking the rules before a penalty point is awarded. After the first warning is given, a penalty point is awarded for each and every rules violation. If a competitor receives four warnings (three penalty points) in any one match, he/she will be disqualified. If the severity of the first rules violation is deemed by the referee to be too severe, a penalty point can be issued immediately.

Other Penalty Rules: A competitor cannot be penalized and still receive a point on the same call. A competitor can receive a point for a proper technique and another point from a penalty

call against his/her competitor (two points awarded). If, in the opinion of the referee and/or the medical personnel, a competitor cannot continue because of an injury caused by an illegal penalized attack executed by his/her competitor, the offending competitor shall be automatically disqualified.

Other Cause for Penalization: Attacking illegal and non-target areas, using illegal techniques, running out of the ring to avoid fighting, falling to the floor to avoid fighting, continuing after being ordered to stop, excessive stalling, blind, negligent or reckless attacks, uncontrolled techniques, showing unsportsmanlike behavior by the competitor, his/her coaches, friends, etc., excessive contact, and delay of time are examples of possible penalization.

DISQUALIFICATION: Requires a majority vote by all officials, unless it is an automatic disqualification. Non-Competing Penalty: If, in the majority opinion of the officials, it is considered that the competitors are not making an obvious attempt to fight in the true spirit of competition, both competitors will be warned and if it continues, will be disqualified. Wrong Division: If any competitor competes in a division he/she does not qualify to compete in due to age, weight, rank, gender, style, etc., he/she will be disqualified.

COACHING: The luxury of having a coach is something that most competitors do not have access to. Therefore, it sometimes can become an unfair advantage over a competitor who does not have a coach. The rules are made and enforced so no one competitor has an advantage or disadvantage over another competitor. Therefore, coaching is allowed but only under the following guidelines:

1. Never, at any time, can a coach enter the ring without the referee’s permission, 2. No abusive, violent, unsportsmanlike or overzealous coaching; 3. Coaches cannot ask for a time out (only the competitor may ask for a time out), 4. Coaches can never, at any time, interfere with the proper running of the ring or the decisions of the judges. A Coach is defined as anyone who is trying to help one competitor in anyway. A coach could be but is not limited to a friend, parent, team mate or official coach. The center referee can issue a warning to a competitor for each time his/her coach is interfering with a match or disrupting fair play between contestants. A referee can ask for a disqualification of a contest, but requires a majority vote of all judges.

OUT-OF-BOUNDS: A competitor is out-of-bounds as soon as he/she does not have at least one foot touching inside or on the boundary line. An out of bounds competitor cannot score a point while out of bounds. In bounds competitor can score on an out of bounds competitor if the center referee has not called stop.

FORM RULES

TIME LIMIT: Each form or weapons routine must be three (3) minutes or less. The time starts once the competitor enters the competition ring. Four (4) minutes is allowed for each form or weapons routine in the Night Time Finals. Each team form and/or demo routine must be four (4) minutes or less. Any competitor, team form or team demo that goes over the allowed time limit is automatically disqualified.

SCORING RANGES OF FORM AND WEAPONS: The scoring range will be 9.50 to 10.00 points. This is not to say that the level of proficiency of a 9.75 white belt form score is the same as a 9.75 black belt form score. We are grading white belts against white belts and black belt against black belts, etc. One scoring range simplifies form and weapon scoring. In the nighttime finals the range for scoring grand champions form and weapons rounds is 9.90 to 10.00. The Scoring range should be narrowed in divisions that have small amount of competitors. (Suggestion: Count the competitors in the division and multiply that by .02 and then subtract that number form 10.00 (10 competitors equal .20-10.00 = 9.80). Therefore the range for 10 competitors would be 9.80 to 10.00, with 9.90 as your average score.

Maximum Deviation Rule – To Be Used In All Belt Divisions

All divisions with three officials will use the Maximum Deviation Rule.  Since high and low scores are not dropped when three officials are used, the Maximum Deviation Rule has a similar effect of limiting the impact of a judge’s score which is significantly higher or lower than the other judges.  This prevents a single score from being so high or so low that it controls the placing order.

When a form or other performance is ready to be scored, the Chief Official will say "Ready," then "Check," at which point the three judges show their scores to each other only (not to the competitors or spectators).  If a judge has picked a score that is more than .02 higher or lower than the next highest or lowest score, that judge must adjust his score to be at the .02 limit.  Other than this mandatory adjustment, a judge may not change his score.  If no score is more than .02 higher or lower than the next highest or lowest score, then there is no adjustment.

After assuring that any necessary adjustments have been made, the Chief Official then says "Score," and the scores are shown to the audience, the competitors, and the scorekeeper as usual.

Mandatory Average Rule – To Be Used in All Divisions

The Mandatory Average Rule helps insure that all three judges begin their scoring in each division using the same general range of scores.  This not only keeps judge in the same general range of the scoring spectrum, but also helps prevent scores from “creeping” upward or downward during the division as a judge tries to get into the same range as the other judges.

If there are more than ten competitors, the first three competitors are always run first before any are scored (if there are ten or fewer total competitors, all are run before any are scored).  After the first three are run, the Chief Official will tell the other judges what the “average” score of the three will be; i.e., what score the Chief Official will be giving to his “middle” competitor of the three (he does not reveal who that middle competitor is).  Each of the other judges will then make that the score that they give to their “middle” competitor of the three, whoever that may be.  All the judges are free to give the other two competitors, i.e., their “non-middle” competitors, as far above or below this average score as they wish, subject only to the Maximum Deviation Rule.

TIES: If there is a tie for 1st Thru 4th place, the majority of the judge’s scores determine the winner. If with the scores that were given, there is still not a majority of judges for one competitor, they must be ask on the center referee command to points to the competitor who they fill should win. All judges must make a decision for only one competitor. Ties for 5th through 8th place are never broken. They will remain tied and all will receive points and awards.

TRADITIONAL, CREATIVE, MUSICAL AND EXTREME DIVISIONS: Competitors in these divisions must exhibit a form or weapon routine that reflects the essence and values of the division name in which they are competing. Otherwise, the competitor risks disqualification for down grading. Traditional forms and weapons must capture the essence of classic martial arts movements, showcasing the traditional techniques and stances. Creative form and weapons allows contemporary martial arts techniques that have evolved over the last 30 years. No extreme gymnastic-type movements are allowed in the creative form and weapons divisions. Musical forms and weapons require choreography of moves to the music. Extreme forms and weapons allow movements whether they originated form traditional or contemporary martial arts systems or otherwise. However at least half of the form must originate form martial arts techniques and the competitor must execute at least one technique that involves an inverted move or greater than 360 degree spin.

 

FORMS AND WEAPONS DIVISIONAL CRITERIA

 

Forms and weapons competition are divided into four categories: (1) Traditional; (2) Creative; (3) Extreme; and (4) Musical. In addition, the Grand Championship is divided into  competition between Traditional and Creative/Extreme, and the Youth Grand Championship competition is separated by age and gender (i.e., 13 & Under, and 14-17). This format will result in 16 Youth Grand Champions, and 4 Overall Youth Grand Champions combining boys and girls in the 13 & Younger and 14-17 age groups for forms and weapons. The adult grand championship competition will remain the same, except that 2 additional grand championship competitions were added for the 30 & older age group in forms and weapons.

 

Traditional Forms and Weapons – These forms must capture the essence of classic martial arts movements, showcasing the traditional techniques, stances, footwork, and weapons. Emphasis is placed on execution of technique, application of technique, balance, speed, power, solid stances, and focus. Forms may be unmodified or modified from what a system or school considers to be the original version of the form; however, performance of the following movements will result in a downgrade of the form, or upon unanimous vote of the judges, a “no score” as a form inappropriate for the division: more than two kicks with the same leg without putting the foot down in between; front or back flips; cartwheels; front or side leg splits; releases of the weapon other than simple hand switches; or any other gymnastic movements or extreme exhibitions of flexibility or agility with the body or weapon that are deemed in the opinion of the judges to be inappropriate for the division pursuant to the general guidelines set forth here.

 

Commentary: There has been a great deal of debate among reputable martial artists regarding whether a form or series of moves are outside of the bounds of the Traditional Division. Because NASKA is a tournament circuit open to all styles and schools (across the nation and around the world) and from which judges are utilized, each competitor must make his or her own decision regarding whether to include movements which might be to be objectionable for the Traditional Division.

 

Creative Forms and Weapons – The Creative Division allows forms to include contemporary martial arts techniques that have evolved over the last 30 years. These may be added to a traditional form, or the form may be devised in its entirety by the competitor. The Creative Division was formerly known as the Open and before that the American Division. A form in the Creative Division must ONLY include techniques which originate from martial arts and like the Traditional Division, emphasis will be placed on execution of the techniques, application of the techniques, balance, speed, power, solid stances, and focus Spinning kicks, jump spinning kicks, flying kicks, multiple kicks, splits, weapon twirls, weapon releases, and other creative martial arts techniques are permitted. Movements that involve more than a 360 degree spin, require the body to be inverted more than parallel to the floor, or are similar to movements found in gymnastics and/or non martial arts disciplines, or forms that meet the above definition of strictly traditional forms, will result in a downgrade by the judges or, upon a unanimous vote of the judges, a “no score” as a form inappropriate for the division.

 

Commentary: The Creative Division is intended for those competitors who do not wish to compete with a strictly traditional form, and/or do not wish to compete against other participants who execute extreme gymnastic-type movements. Over the past several years, it was often observed that judging these “creative” forms in the same division with forms including extreme martial arts “tricks” was essentially comparing apples and oranges, and to be more fair to the participants these divisions should be separated. NASKA has therefore created a separate “Extreme Division”, as detailed below, separate and distinct from the Creative Division, thus allowing the Creative Division to include only those forms with movements that originate more inherently from the classic martial arts systems.

Regarding the Creative Weapons Divisions, it is important to note that any particular weapons movement shall NOT be a factor in determining whether the weapons form constitutes a Creative or Extreme Form. The determining factor shall be the particular body movements as defined below in the Extreme Divisions. Consequently, a Creative Weapons competitor is permitted to perform any weapons move (i.e., twirls, releases, spins, etc.), but is not permitted to perform “Extreme” body movements (i.e., flips, 540 and above spins or any inverted body moves, etc.).

 

Extreme Forms and Weapons – The Extreme Divisions allow the competitor to perform any movements whether they originate from traditional or contemporary martial arts systems or otherwise. However, (1) at least half of the form must originate from martial arts techniques, and (2) the competitor must execute at least one technique that involves an inverted move or greater than 360 degree spin. Emphasis is placed on the quality of execution of techniques and movements, martial arts skills, balance, speed, power, degree of difficulty, and showmanship. In addition, only those movements that portray a definite offensive or defensive martial arts purpose, or are included to illustrate extreme flexibility or agility, are allowed. Inclusion of other movements, or the performance of a form or weapons form meeting the criteria above for a Traditional or Creative form, will result in a down grade by the judges, or upon a unanimous vote of the judges, a “no score” as a form inappropriate for the division.

 

Commentary: As martial arts evolves from the Traditional to Creative to Extreme, this category allows for the integration of techniques and movements from all martial art styles, gymnastics, acrobatics, dance, and athletic disciplines. If a competitor wishes to participate in a division with moves not permitted in the Traditional and Creative Divisions but meeting the guidelines described here, the competitor should compete in the Extreme Division.

 

Musical Forms and Weapons: The Musical Divisions requires a form or weapons form meeting the above criteria for a Traditional, Creative, and Extreme form, choreographed in a general sense to the beats or rhythm of music chosen and provided by the competitor. Primary emphasis shall be placed on innovative choreography of moves to the music, however, the basic criteria listed above for all forms must also be observed. Simply performing a Traditional, Creative, or Extreme form with background music, or a form not meeting the basic criteria for all forms above, will result in a downgrade by the judges, or upon unanimous vote of the judges, a “no score” as a form inappropriate for the division.

 

Each competitor must provide a music player of reasonable and non-intrusive size at ringside to play his or her music, and an attendant at the player who must be present at all times during the performance. As each form begins, a music volume check must be made, during which time the player attendant will look to the center judge for a nod of approval or a signal to lower the volume. Once this volume is set, it may not be increased during the performance of the form.

Commentary: The Youth Creative Weapons Division permits music as an option. Because such divisions are not Musical Divisions by the above definition, choreography to the beats or rhythm of the music is not required. Likewise, because the Grand Championships are not considered Musical Divisions, choreography to the beats or rhythm of the music is not required. Please note that even though your form does not have to be choreography to the beats and rhythm of the music in the above circumstances, if a competitor decides to use music, the music will be judged as part of their form or weapon form performance.

Commentary: If a competitor receives a “no score” decision by the judges because they feel the competitor’s form is not appropriate for the division, the competitor is not allowed to redo his/her form or weapon form in that division. It is the responsibility of the competitor to read and understand the rules of the division he/she is competing in before competition starts.

WEAPONS FORMS

DIVISIONS: Safety Rule: A competitor who unintentionally drops his/her weapon will be automatically disqualified. If a competitor recklessly or carelessly misuses his/her weapon, he/she may be penalized or disqualified. If a competitor’s weapon breaks or comes apart during his/her routine, he/she will be disqualified.

STARTING A FORM OVER: If a competitor starts his/her form over because of a memory lapse or any other reason due to his/her own negligence, he/she may perform the form again. The officials will score as though there was not a mistake, but the center referee will instruct the scorekeeper to subtract .50 points from the competitor’s final score. The three-minute time limit will start over. A competitor can only start over one time for scoring. If a competitor has to start over not due to his/her negligence, he/she will not be penalized on the start over.

UNDER BLACK BELT US OPEN SERIES ADDENDUM TO RULES

Traditional Forms and Weapons:
Time limit three (3) minutes. Competitors must announce their name, style or system and the name of their Form.

Advanced Forms: (please see TIME IN DIVISION below)
The form does not have to be a “classical form” but shouldn’t deviate too far in form and content from the classical forms associated with the competitors announced style or system. Competitors=2 0exhibiting forms that are too “free”, have gymnastics or other non martial arts techniques in them, or are comprised of elements from more than one style, should probably enter the “open” division. Otherwise the competitor risks downgrading or disqualification from the traditional division.

Intermediate Forms: (please see TIME IN DIVISION below)
All the restrictions and conventions from the advanced division apply plus: No jump-spinning hook kicks, flying side or hook kicks; extreme exhibitions of agility (e.g. back flips) or flexibility (e.g. front splits). A competitor may execute one kick per direction with a maximu m of two (2) directions before setting their foot down. Multiple kicks are otherwise allowed only in one direction.

Beginning forms: (please see TIME IN DIVISION below)
All the restric tions from the advanced and intermediate divisions apply plus: No spinning hook kicks, jump spinning crescent kicks, dropping or flying kicks. Competitors may execute a maximum of two (2) kicks in a single direction only before putting their foot down If a majority of the judges feel that a competitor has violated any of the above criteria a full point will be deducted from the competitors total score for each infraction. If three points or more are deducted the competitor will be considered disqualified and may not place in the division, however few competitors there may be.

TIME IN DIVISION:

ADULT: In all adult underbelt divisions, no competitor may compete fo r more than 1 year in the beginner division, 2 years in the intermediate division, or 3 years in the advanced division. In the advanced division, any competitor that wins for 2 years in a row, must move up to the black belt division.

CHILDREN: In all children underbelt divisions, no competitor may compete for more than 2 years in the beginner division, more than 3 years in the intermediate division, or 4 years in the advanced division. Any competitor that wins the advanced division for 3 years in a row must move up to the black belt division.

 

The NASKA Board of Directors has decided and initiated several new progressive changes and additions for the 2010 World Tour.   Attached are the complete lists of all divisions, grand championships, adult prize money, and rule changes.  Please see separate Excel File for full list of Divisions, Grand Championship, and Prize Money Etc.

Here is a summary of the NASKA 2010 changes and additions:

1. I.           20 new black belt divisions added plus some changes to old divisions:   (see divisions sheet for all divisions)
   1. Eight (8) New Youth Black Belt Musical Weapons added (Competitors can only use Music in Musical Weapons and Musical Form, not Extreme and Creative Weapons and Form)
   2. Separation of Bladed and Non-Bladed Weapons in both the Men and Women 18-29  Traditional and Creative Weapon Divisions
   3. Change Soft Style Division name to “Chinese” Division
   4. Separated all the 18 and Older Men and Women Musical Divisions into two age groups (18-29 Musical & 30 & older Musical)
   5. Separated Traditional and Creative in all  30-39, 40-49, 50 and over Weapons and Form Divisions (Exception in the New 50 & older Women Weapons and Form Division)
   6. Added 50 and Older Women Weapons, Form and Fighting Divisions (Traditional and Creative will not be separated these two new form and weapon divisions)
   7. Women Black Belt Weapons and Form Divisions will be change to match the Men Weapons and Form Divisions (Korean, Japanese/Okinawan, Creative, Musical, Extreme)
2. II.           Grand Championships Form and Weapons:  (see grand championships sheet for details)
   1. Separating Both the Youth Weapons and Form Over-All Grand Championships into 17 & Younger Traditional and 17 & Younger Creative/Musical/Extreme (C/M/X) Grand Championships
   2. Separating Men from Women in the 18-29 Weapons Grand Championships
   3. Separating 18-29 Adult Weapons and Form Grand Championships into both Traditional and Creative/Musical/Extreme (C/M/X) Grand Championships
   4. Separating Men from Women in the 30 and Older Weapons and Form Grand Championships
   5. Added 7 new (12 total) Adult Weapons and Forms Grand Championships (5 total last year)
3. III.           Adult Prize Money Changes (see prize money sheet for details)
   1. $100 1^st Place Prize money in each Adult Black Belt Division will be eliminated
   2. More Grand Championship Prize Money
   3. New 1^st and 2^nd Runner-Up Grand Championship Prize Money in some Grand Championship
4. IV.           New Rule Changes:
   1. 30 & Older adult Black Belts have the option to Fight down one age division (example: 30-39 competitor can compete in the 18-29 division, 40-49 competitor can compete in the 30-39 age divisions, 50 & older competitor can compete in the 40-49 age divisions). If an adult 30 and older competitor chooses to compete down an age division in fighting, they assume all responsibility to be at his/her divisions when it ready to start.  Divisions will may not be held because of a competitor chooses to compete in two different age divisions.  A competitor can only compete in one adult fighting age division.
   2. Seven (7) point spread rule will determine the winner in all divisional fighting matches, Ten (10) point spread rule will still be used in all grand championship matches
   3. The winner of the Chinese Form and/or weapons adult divisions will compete in the grand championship in which their form dictates based on the “NASKA Form and Weapons Criteria Rule”
   4. All competitors must compete in any Grand Championship and/or Over-All Grand Championship with the style  of form or weapons (not exact form or weapon) they won with in their division (example:  a winner of a creative form cannot compete with an extreme form in the grand championships) If a competitor wins more than one division, they have the option to select the style of form or weapon of the divisions they won
   5. Rule number 4 applies to both Youth and Adult Competitors
   6. The only exception to rule number 4:  All competitors have the option to use music with their forms in all Grand Championship Run-offs; however, the judges shall not downgrade a competitor who chooses not to use music or give extra credit to one who does use music.  If a competitor chooses to used music in the grand championships run-offs, they do not have to satisfy the “Divisional Music Rule” as they would in the required musical divisions unless they are representing the musical division in the grand championships.
   7. New “Divisional Music Rule”:  Music Choreography should be judged as follows:
      
      

1) The movements of the form must be accented by and performed in conjunction with specific beats, notes, or words in the music.  Simply performing your form to the same rhythm or cadence of a song is not satisfactory.
2) If sound effects are added to the music, the form should not solely be choreographed to the added sound effects.
3) Music and sound effects should appropriately match each other, and set the overall mood for each performance.
Overall, all music, and sound effects used, must be to compliment the form, and both the form and music should be judged together and viewed as an overall performance, not simply as a form performed with music playing.

 

NASKA will use the Final 2009 world ratings to seeded black belt competitors for the first three World Tournaments of the 2010 season.  NASKA will use the new 2010 ratings (compiled from the first three world tournaments of 2010) for seeding of black belt starting at the Quebec City Open.  NASKA will tabulate new 2010 ratings after each world tournament.

ISKA CONTINUOUS LIGHT CONTACT FIGHTING

Definition

Competition should be executed as its name implies, Light Contact Fighting in a Continuous Manner. Under no circumstances should light contact continuous fighting simulate full contact kickboxing.

Utilizing well-controlled techniques, ring craftsmanship and combination skills, competitors should attempt to “outscore” rather than “overpower” their opponent.  Competitors will fight continuously until the referee’s command to STOP. All techniques must be well controlled. Techniques should not “strike through” or “push through” the target. Striking with excessive contact, or uncontrolled striking of any kind will lead to disqualification.

Emphasis must be placed on both punching and kicking techniques. Punching or “boxing” only, for an extended period of time without throwing kicks will downgrade the judge’s evaluation of your performance.

Each match is carried out with running time. The center referee and two judges will evaluate the relative effectiveness of each fighter based on the number, quality and variety of scoring strikes, defense and conditioning.  Rules violations (whether penalized by the referee or not) will downgrade the judges evaluation of the offending fighter.  The three officials will determine the winner of each match by majority decision.

Uniforms and Equipment

• Safety equipment is for adult divisions (18 yrs. And above): head protection, mouth-guard, approved gloves for contact sports, groin protection, shin guards and foot protection.  Youth divisions (17 yrs. And below) will have the same equipment requirement PLUS an approved face shield and chest protector.

• Uniforms are: Traditional uniform top, V-neck top or Team T-shirt and long pants for male fighters, long pants, traditional uniform top, sport top, V neck top or Team T-shirts for female fighters. For both, belts indicating their grade are allowed. NOTE: For competitors who choose to wear T-shirts, they will need to be clearly and obviously part of a TEAM UNIFORM.
• Each fighter must wear a clean uniform in good repair.  The waist may be either a drawstring or elastic waistband.

Time and Rounds

• Preliminary matches shall be one, two (2) minute round.  Finals matches shall be two, two (2) minute rounds.

Weight Divisions and Weigh-in Procedures

• See ‘Divisions’ listing on website and in event program.

Hand Shaking

Before and after a bout, the fighters will shake hands as a sign of pure sportsmanship and friendly rivalry, according to the fighting regulations. Hand shaking takes place before starting the first round and after the decision.

Legal Target Areas

The following parts of the body may be attacked using the authorized fighting techniques:

· Head – front and side

·        Torso – front and side

·        Feet – only for sweeping

Legal Techniques – Scoring

Both hand and foot strikes should be used.  In evaluating each fighter’s performance the judges will give more credit to the athlete that is effective with a balanced attack of kicks and punches thrown in combination. Punching or “boxing” only for an extended period of time without throwing kicks may be cause for penalization or may downgrade the judge’s evaluation of a fighter’s performance. The authorized striking area of the hand or foot may only make “Clean/ Controlled” Light contact. The fighter must be looking at the point of contact when executing the technique.  All techniques must be well executed. Weak techniques or techniques that simply touch or brush or push an opponent will not be scored. Excessive contact, mauling, pushing or rough-housing will be grounds for penalization, downgrading in the judges evaluation and/or disqualification.

If a fighter jumps in the air to attack, he must land inside the ring to score, and he must keep his balance (it is not allowed to touch the floor with any part of the body except the feet).

HAND TECHNIQUES:

The following hand techniques may be applied:

• Ridge hand
• All kind of fighting punches
• Backfist (Not Spinning Back Fist )

FOOT, LEG TECHNIQUES:

• Frontkick
• Sidekick
• Roundhouse kick
• Heel kick (sole of the foot only)
• Crescent kick
• Axe kick (sole of the foot only)
• Jumpkicks

THROWING TECHNIQUES:

• Footsweeps (boots to boots – ankle/foot level only)

Illegal Target Areas, Prohibited Techniques and Prohibited Behavior

Any technique not listed as legal above, or striking any target not listed as legal above, including, but not limited to the following

It is prohibited to:

• Attack the throat, lower abdomen, kidneys, back, legs, joints, groin and to the back of the head or neck.
• Attack with the knee, elbow, knife-hand, head-butts, thumb and shoulder or a spinning hand strike.
• Turn one’s the back to the opponent, run away, fall down, intentional clinching, blind techniques, wrestling and ducking below opponent’s waist.
• Attack an opponent who is falling to the floor or is already on the floor, that is, as soon as one hand or knees touches the floor.
• Leave the ring without any permission.
• Continue after the command “stop” or “break” or the end of the round has been sounded.
• Oil the face or body.
• Striking below the belt, hooking, tripping, and hitting with knees or elbows.
• Butting with the head, shoulders, forearms and elbows, strangling the opponent, crushing his face with arm or elbow and pushing back the opponent.
• Hitting with open gloves, with the inside of the gloves or with a wrist.
• Hitting the opponent’s back, particularly on the nape of his neck, head and kidneys.
• Lying down, wrestling or not fighting at all.
• Attacking an opponent who is on the floor on getting up.
• Clinching without any reason.
• Hitting while hooking the opponent, or pulling the opponent into the blow.
• Hooking or holding opponent’s arm or putting an arm underneath the arm of the opponent.
• Suddenly lowering one’s head below opponent’s belt in a way that would be dangerous for the latter.
• Using artificial means for a passive defense and falling down intentionally, in order to avoid a blow.
• “Spoiling”. Intentionally preventing your opponent from engaging you by moving around the ring or clinching your opponent in order to cut down on round time.
• Using insulting and aggressive language during a round.
• Refusing to withdraw after the order “BREAK”.
• Trying to land a blow on the opponent immediately after a “BREAK” order and before withdrawing.
• Assailing or insulting the referee at any time.
• Exiting the ring during the fighting competition
  • 1^st violation or exit – Verbal caution
  • 2^nd violation or exit – Official warning
  • 3^rd violation or exit - Disqualification

Violations of the rules and regulations will lead to cautions, warnings, and/or disqualification.  Referees may warn penalize a competitor at their discretion depending upon the severity or repetitive nature of the rules violation.

The Center Referee is the arbiter of the rules.  If he perceives that a violation has occured he has the discretion to issue one of the following:

A Caution

A "Caution" may be issued without stopping the action of the fight.

An Official Warning

An "Official Warning" is issued by stopping action of the fight.  The "Official Warning" indicates that if the referee has to stop the match again for the same or a similar infraction the offending athlete will be disqualified.

A Disqualification

A "Disqualification" awards the match to the offending fighter's opponent.

The referee has the discretion to use Cautions, Warnings and Disqualification according to the severity of the offense.  A fighter does not have to be Cautioned in order to receive an Official Warning.  Nor does he have to receive an Official Warning prior to being Disqualified.

The following may lead to immediate disqualification:

• Excessive contact resulting in an injury
• Repeatedly striking with excessive contact
• Uncontrolled or malicious attacks
• Excessive or continuous hitting after "stop" command
• Extreme unsportsmanlike conduct of a fighter such as insulting the referee or the opponent

 

Injuries

The match should be interrupted if an injury occurs.  In the event of injury, time may only be interrupted until the doctor decides on the seriousness of the injury, that is, whether or not the fight can continue or whether it must be stopped. Treatment of the injury can only be done in between rounds or after the match. If the injury needs to be treated, the match must be stopped. In any case, cuts cannot be taped. If the match is stopped due to injury, the officials must decide:

• Who caused the injury?
• Whether or not it was intentional.
• Whether or not it was self-inflicted.

 

If the injury was not intentional and the injured fighter cannot continue fighting immediately, the uninjured fighter is declared the winner.

If the injury is due to a violation of the rules, the responsible fighter may be disqualified.

If the injury is due to his own fault, the uninjured fighter is declared the winner.

Referees Powers and Responsibilities:

The referee has the power to:

• Stop a fight at any moment if he finds it to be too one-sided.
• Stop a fight at any moment if one of the fighters has received an unauthorized blow or is wounded, or if he considers a fighter unable to continue.
• Stop a fight at any moment if he finds the fighters behaving in an “unsportsman-like” manner. In such a case, he must disqualify one fighter.
• Warn a fighter or stop the bout and give a minus point or warning to a fighter for an offence.
• Disqualify a coach or a second who has broken the regulations or the fighter himself if his coach or the second fails to obey to his orders.
• Disqualify, with or without a warning, a fighter who has committed an offence.
• Interpret the rules as long as they are applicable or compatible with the fight that is taking place, or, at a special moment, decide on a move which does not appear in the rules.
• If a fighter breaks the rules but does not necessarily deserve a disqualification, the referee must stop the fight and give a warning to the fighter of a foul. Before the warning, the referee must order the fighter to stop fighting. The warning must be given clearly, so that the fighter understands the reason and cause of the penalty. The referee must hand signal to each judge that a particular warning has been given and clearly show which fighter has been punished. After having given the warning, the referee orders the fighters to fight again. If a fighter has given three official warnings within the same bout, he is disqualified.
• A referee may give a caution to a fighter. A caution means a warning given by a referee to a fighter for breaking the rule. In order to do this he doesn’t need to stop the fight, and may reprimand the fighter during the fight.

 

The referee has a responsibility to:

• Check the safety equipment and clothes of the fighters
• Make sure that the rules of fair play are strictly observed.
• Supervise the whole bout.
• Consider the merits of the two fighters and chose the winner according to the regulations.
• At the end of a bout, call for the decision by show of hands.
• The referee must not announce the winner by raising a fighter’s arm or in any other way before the official in charge announces the decision.

 

Judges

• Each official must independently consider the merits of the two fighters and chose the winner according to the regulations.
• During the match, he will not talk to fighter, other judges, or anybody else, with the exception of the referee. He may, if necessary at the end of a round, notify the referee about any incident that he has missed, for example telling him about the misbehaviour of a second, etc.

Judges Scoring System

Every round is separately evaluated by each of the judges according to a positive criteria that will gain a fighter points and negative criteria that will deduct points:

Positive Judges Criteria (That Will Earn a Fighter Credit towards Victory)

• clean and controlled scoring strikes
• · the demonstration of effective combination striking
• · the effectiveness of the fighters defense
• · the variety of strikes used (hands and feet)
• · excellent  physical condition

 

Negative Judges Criteria (That Will Reduce a Fighters Credit towards Victory)

• Rules Violations whether cautioned or warned by the referee or not
• Cautions and/or Warning by the referee for rules violations
• “bulling”, or any effort to overpower an opponent rather than demonstrate superior skill
• lack of combination striking
• lack of variety in strikes (hands and feet)
• poor physical condition

ISKA SELF DEFENSE AND TEAM EVENTS RULES

ISKA Self Defense World Championships

Professional Martial Arts uniforms, as defined in the UTK Rule Book, are required for all competitors and assistants, no exceptions! Description: Pre-arranged self-defense scenario against up to four attackers.  Scoring Criteria: Scoring will be based on:

• Realism: Are the attacks authentic and threatening?
• Effectiveness: Would the defenses really work under the circumstances presented?
• Difficulty: How challenging are the attacks and how sophisticated are the counters?
  Please note that higher scores will be awarded to Self Defense competitors whose multiple attack scenarios are performed in a continuous presentation.
• Variety of technique: How many different strategies or principles* are implemented and are skills demonstrated from a number of different martial arts systems** (* blocking, avoiding, trapping, off-balancing, jamming, etc., ** karate, judo, kung fu, ju-jitsu etc.)

 

Additional Rules:

• Competitor is limited to four (4) attackers only
• Professional Martial Arts uniforms required for all competitors and attackers
• Two (2) minute time limit
• Mats will be provided and performance must remain on the Mats
• NO music, breaking, real weapons, dangerous objects or substances allowed
• In the Adult Black Belt Division, top competitors will compete in the finals on Saturday night for the ISKA World Title at which time the USE OF MUSIC IS ENCOURAGED

 

Scoring Criteria: Scoring will be based on:

• Realism: Are the attacks authentic and threatening?
• Effectiveness: Would the defenses really work under the circumstances presented?
• Difficulty: How challenging are the attacks and how sophisticated are the counters?
  Please note that higher scores will be awarded to Self Defense competitors who use multiple attack scenarios that are performed in a continuous presentation.
• Variety of technique: How many different strategies or principles* are implemented and are skills demonstrated drawn from a number of different martial arts systems**
  * blocking, avoiding, trapping, off-balancing, jamming, etc.
  ** karate, judo, kung fu, ju-jitsu etc.

 

ISKA Team Synchronized Forms World Championships

Professional Martial Arts uniforms, as defined in the UTK Rule Book, are required for all competitors and assistants, no exceptions!
Description: Synchronized team forms competition. Scoring Criteria: Scoring based on difficulty, skill, and synchronization (to each other and music)
Divisions: One open division
Additional Rules:

• Two (2) to Five (5) competitors per team
• Form must be 75% synchronized
• Three (3) minute time limit
• Music and weapons are allowed
• NO props or breaking
• Final teams will compete Saturday night for the ISKA World Title

 

ISKA Team Demonstration World Championships

Professional Martial Arts uniforms are required for all competitors and assistants, no exceptions!
Description: Team demonstration of martial arts skills
Scoring Criteria: Scoring based on overall team performance rather than individual performances. Primary criteria being showmanship, presentation and quality of execution.
Divisions: One open division
Additional Rules:

• Minimum two (2) competitors per team with additional cost for team members over seven (7)
• Three (3) minute time limit
• Music, props, breaking and weapons are allowed
• Setup and immediate clean up must be provided by competition Team
• NO glass, fire, dangerous props or dangerous weapons allowed
• Demonstration must stay within the competition area
• Final two (2) teams will compete Saturday night for the ISKA World Title

 

ISKA Team Point Fighting World Championships

Professional Martial Arts uniforms, as are required for all competitors, no exceptions!
Description: NASKA Team point fighting rules and scoring criteria.
Divisions: (Black Belts Only) 18-29 yrs. Men / 3 member teams, 30 yrs. & over men / 2 member teams, 18 & over women / 2 member teams, 15-17 yrs. Boys / two member teams

Additional Rules:

• In the three (3) member teams: One under 165 lbs (75 kg), one 166 lbs (75.5 kg) to 190 lbs (86.4 kg), and one over 190 lbs. (86.4 kg); plus one (1) alternate and one (1) coach

 

ISKA Team Continuous Fighting World Championships

Professional Martial Arts uniforms, as are required for all competitors, no exceptions!
Description: ISKA Continuous Fighting and scoring criteria.
Divisions: (Black Belts Only) 18-29 yrs. Men / 3 member teams

Additional Rules:

• In the three (3) member teams: One under 165 lbs (75 kg), one 166 lbs (75.5 kg) to 190 lbs (86.4 kg), and one over 190 lbs. (86.4 kg); plus one (1) alternate and one (1) coach

 

ISKA WORLD BREAKING CHAMPIONSHIPS

DIVISIONS

ISKA WORLD BREAKING CHAMPIONSHIPS DIVISIONS
1. Power Concrete
2. Three Directional Power Wood Strikes
3. Creative
4. Multi-Stack Speed Breaking
5. ULTIMATE BREAKING CHAMPIONSHIP

Division: Power Concrete
Light weight: 199 lbs. & under
Heavy weight: 200 lbs. & over
Description: Competitors will break concrete patio slabs with one downward hand or arm strike.
Scoring Criteria: Scoring will be based on the number of slabs broken on the first and only strike.

Additional Rules:
There is a 10 minute time limit from the time the first team member steps on the stage. The competitors will receive three warnings indicating elapsed time. The first warning will be given at 4 minutes. The second warning will be given at 8 minutes. The third warning will be given at 9 minutes. There will be an automatic disqualification if the break has not been executed in the allotted time.
Setup and immediate clean up must be provided by competitor and assistants
Any hand or arm technique may be used. Strikes must be delivered in a downward motion. Standardized materials consist of 2 x 8 x 16 (5.08 cm x 20.32 cm x 40.64 cm) concrete slabs. Slabs must be stacked lying horizontally in a vertical column supported equally on each end.
Ties will be broken by determining which competitor broke the largest percentage of slabs that were set up (i.e. a competitor who breaks 12 of 13 would win over a competitor who broke 12 of 15).
1/4 (.635 cm) spacers will be provided.

Division: Three Directional Power Wood Strikes
Light weight: 199 lbs. & under
Heavy weight: 200 lbs. & over
Description: Competitors will break 3 stacks of boards using hand or arm strikes. One strike will be directed to the competitors left (using holders to support the boards). One strike will be
directed to the competitors right (using holders to support the boards). And a third strike will be directed downward (using a concrete stand to support the boards). THE THREE STRIKES MAY EXECUTED IN YOUR CHOICE OF EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDERS: LEFT-RIGHT-DOWN, or RIGHT-LEFT-DOWN. All three breaks must be completed in 3 seconds or less. The clock starts with your initial strike.
Scoring Criteria: Scoring will be based on the number of boards broken in the allotted time.
Additional Rules:

• There is a 8 minute time limit from the time the first team member steps on the stage. The competitors will receive three warnings indicating elapsed time. The first warning will be given at 3 minutes. The second warning will be given at 5 minutes. The third warning will be given at 7 minutes. There will be an automatic disqualification if the break has not been executed in the allotted time. Boards may be pre-stacked however, they must be purchased from the event and they will be inspected by the ISKA representative. Use of boards other than those sold by the event or tampering with the boards are grounds for immediate disqualification.
• The actual break will last no longer than 3 seconds from the initial strike to the final strike.
• Setup and immediate clean up must be provided by competitor and assistants.
• Any hand or arm technique may be used. The first two strikes must be delivered in a horizontal or diagonal motion using holders with unspaced boards. The third strike must be delivered in a downward motion. On the third break stacked and spaced boards must be lying horizontally in a vertical column supported equally on each end. Standardized materials consist of 1” x 10” x 12” boards.
• Ties will be broken by determining which competitor broke the largest percentage of boards that were set up (i.e. a competitor who breaks 12 of 13 would win over a competitor who broke 12 of 15).
• 1/4” (.635 cm) spacers will be provided.

Division: Creative (separate divisions for men and women)
Description: Competitors will perform a creative display of breaking skills executed in multiple directions, using multiple weapons and multiple materials.
Scoring Criteria: The Creative Breaking Division will be judged on the following 5 criteria points
Creativity: Were the breaks unique in design and presented in a creative or innovative fashion? Judges will be looking for each competitor to bring their own unique signature breaks to their CREATIVE routine. They will evaluate and score creativity based on creative originality.
Variety: Did the breaking demonstration feature a variety of techniques, directions, materials, and methods?
Degree of Difficulty: Within the demonstration, how difficult was each break or breaking sequence (without consideration for quantity)?
Realism: Was the demonstration performed with a rhythm and flow that is dynamic and exciting?
Quantity: This evaluates the volume of materials broken with each strike, or during the demonstration as a whole.
Note: The combined qualities of Creativity, Fluidity, Variety, Degree of Difficulty and Realism are weighed more heavily then Quantity in evaluating a Creative Breaking performance.
Note: Missed breaks should lead to scoring deductions, but only in an inverse relation to the difficulty of the break that was attempted. Missed breaks that are then broken immediately with a fluid follow-up breaking strike should not cause as large a deduction.
Additional Rules:

• Setup and immediate clean up must be provided by competitor and assistants.
• There will be a total of 12 minutes for set up, break, and clean up.
• Time begins from the moment the 1st team member steps on stage.
• There is a grace period of 60 seconds between breakers. After the 60 seconds grace period has passed time will begin whether the next breaker has begun setting up or not.
• The actual breaking demonstration will last no longer than 3 minutes and will feature no more than 4 breaking stations. Each breaking station will consist of no more than 2 breaks (exception: Stations that demonstrate the quick breaking of boards in multiple directions, using live holders or pre-constructed holding apparatus (meaning it already has the boards on it and merely needs to be put in place) may consist of no more than 4 breaks. The breaker is allowed time between breaks which reflect the degree of difficulty.
• A missed or incomplete break followed by another attempt at the same break shall count as only one break.
• Two or more breaking strikes executed simultaneously shall count as only one break.
• A station consists of 2 breaks. Those 2 breaks can be 2 different materials
• Deductions will accrue at .1 of a point for every station over the allotted amount.
• Deductions will accrue at .1 of a point per 15 seconds over the 3 minute or 12 minute time limits.
• Total point deduction will come off of total score from the 7 Judges.
• Breaking material that leaves the stage in a dangerous fashion may be grounds for penalization or disqualification. The decision to DQ a competitor will be made by the onsite ISKA representative. Factors such as velocity and distance the material travels off the stage will be considered as well as whether or not anyone is struck by materials leaving stage.
• Competitors must provide all breaking materials or purchase breaking materials from the promoter consisting of 1 x 10 x 12 (2.54 cm x 30.48 cm x 30.48 cm) pine boards or 2 x 8 x 16 (5.08 cm x 20.32 cm x 40.64 cm) concrete slabs

Any materials provided by the competitor must be safe. NO glass or fire permitted. NO materials are allowed that may potentially injure surrounding individuals.

Division: Multi-Stack Speed Breaking
Description: Competitors will break 5 stacks of boards using a downward hand or arm strike in 5 seconds or less. The clock starts with your initial strike.
Scoring Criteria: Scoring will be based on the number of boards broken in the allotted time.

Additional Rules:

• There is a 8 minute time limit from the time the first team member steps on the stage. The competitors will receive three warnings indicating elapsed time. The first warning will be given at 3 minutes. The second warning will be given at 5 minutes. The third warning will be given at 7 minutes. There will be an automatic disqualification if the break has not been executed in the allotted time. Boards may be pre-stacked however, they must be purchased from the event and they will be inspected by the ISKA representative. Use of boards other than those sold by the event or tampering with the boards are grounds for immediate disqualification.
• The actual break will last no longer than 5 seconds from the initial strike to the final strike.
• Setup and immediate clean up must be provided by competitor and assistants.
• Any hand or arm techniques may be used. Strikes must be delivered in a downward motion. Standardized materials consist of 1” x 10” x 12” boards. Boards must be stacked lying horizontally in a vertical column supported equally on each end.
• If there is a tie for first place it will be broken by determining who broke their boards with the fewest strikes.
• If there is still a tie it will be broken by determining which competitor broke the largest percentage of boards that were set up (i.e. a competitor who breaks 12 of 13 would win over a competitor who broke 12 of 15).
• 1/4” (.635 cm) spacers will be provided.

Division: Ultimate
Description: This is an “overall” breaking championship division.
Scoring: The winner will be determined by a cumulative score that reflects how each competitor placed in each of the four individual breaking events (power concrete, creative,
power wood and combat wood) “Ultimate” is considered an “absolute” division meaning that there is no regard for weight division placement in power wood or power concrete.

• 1st Place earns 25 points
• 2nd Place earns 12 points
• 3rd Place earns 7 points
• 4th Place earns 3 points

The competitor that compiles the most points over the four individual events will be crowned
“Ultimate Breaking Champion”

Additional Rules:

• Qualifying for the Ultimate Breaking Championship requires that a competitor participate in each of the four breaking events.
• Unbroken ties in individual breaking events will result in each tied competitor receiving identical ultimate breaking points as stated above.

Addendum:

• In the spirit of competition versus demonstration, it is a given expectation that all materials will meet certain standards measured by their appearance and the expectation they have not been altered in anyway.
• Materials sometimes vary, but if any material is to a great degree easier to break than would be expected by experienced ISKA representatives, judges, or competitors it constitutes deception and is outside the limits of fairness set by all other competitors using standard materials.
• If a material has been altered, damaged, or made in such a way as to facilitate the easy breaking of said material it is also in violation of the expectations of a fair and equal playing field among the competitors.
• Concrete should be as hard as one would reasonably expect a piece of concrete of that thickness to be and should be purchased as is. The scoring of boards, breaking and reassembling materials, or any methods of weakening materials is not allowed.
• Violation of any of these points is grounds for disqualification.

United States and World Breaking Associations- Competition Rules

©2010, USBA/WBA all rights reserved
General
Judging and Scoring Method:
1. Scoring point range will be lowest 7.11– highest 10.
2. 3-Judge system – Tally all points.
3. 5 to 7-Judge system – Tally all scores or adjust lowest score to 2nd lowest and highest score to 2nd
highest score or eliminate lowest and highest scores. This will be at division director’s discretion, but will
be consistent for all competitors.
4. Any/each violation will cause a deduction of points according to the Rules set forth by each respective
Discipline and Competition.
5. Competitors will be judged on: difficulty, creativity, focus, expression, balance, poise and grace, and
completion of breaks.
6. Ties: In the event of a tie, the winner will be decided as outlined in each division.
7. Arbitration and Protest: Competitors who feel they received an unfair score may file an Official Protest
by presenting their argument to the USBA/WBA Representative on site ($20.00 Protest Fee may be
imposed at any time). The protestor will present the case to the USBA/WBA Representative through the
ring coordinator. Any decision rendered by the USBA/WBA Representative will be final. If the
USBA/WBA Representative finds in favor of the protestor, then the decision will be rectified and the
Protest Fee will be returned. Protests must be made before the end of their particular division.
Ring Sizes: Basic size 20’ x 20’, depending on the kind of breaking, at judges’ and promoter’s discretion.
Warnings and Disqualification:
Disruptive behavior, use of profanity, or other unsportsmanlike conduct will result in a warning being issued.
If the behavior is deemed by the Judges to be malicious, it will result in deduction of a point (as appropriate
for the event) or disqualification.
Materials:
1. Purchase of Materials: All breaking materials must be purchased from the Supply Committee on-site,
with the exception of the Creative Multi-Direction Wood Breaking, Creative Open Breaking and Extreme
Breaking divisions (which must be inspected by Judges). All breaking materials must to be approved by
Ring Judges and Selected Committee.
2. Inspection of Materials: Judges and/or USBA/WBA reserve the right to inspect any materials that are to
be used for breaking.
3. Removal of Materials: All breaking materials must be removed from the competition area by competitors
and put into the dumpsters provided by Committee after completion of each performance.
Uniforms:
1. Competitor Uniform: In order to compete, the competitor MUST be wearing a uniform at the time
he/she is called to the ring. This uniform must consist of, at a minimum: Studio or team t-shirt and
Martial Arts type pants. No shorts, tank tops, jeans, ripped clothing, etc. may be worn. If you have a
question please see an official USBA/WBA representative before the start of your division. The uniform
top may be removed as part of a Creative breaking routine.
Divisions:
1. Weight Divisions: Where specified, weight divisions will be as follows: Men- Light Weight – 199.9 and
under, Heavy Weight - 200 and over; Women- Light Weight- 160.9 and under, Heavy Weight - 161 and
over. Weigh-in will take place at the registration area as registration is done or at the rings. The
competitor’s weight will be written on his/her competition ticket.
2. Divisions with Fewer than 5 Competitors may be combined with the next closest division at the
discretion of the Judges.
3. Rank Breakdown:
Beginner: 1-12 months of training; white, yellow, orange; 10th, 9th, 8th belt level.
Intermediate: 12-24 months; lt. blue, green, purple; 7th, 6th, 5th belt level.
Advanced: 24-48 months; brown, red, navy, stripe belts; 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st belt level.
Black Belt: All Black Belts regardless of training period or rank.
4. Entries: Competitors may enter as many divisions as they wish (it is the competitor’s responsibility to
enter all competitions when called).
5. Divisions with Cash Prizes: Cash prizes will be awarded at the promoter’s discretion. At most events
you must be a USBA/WBA member to be eligible for cash awards.
Time Limits:
1. IMPORTANT: In order to keep the breaking divisions running smoothly, competitors will be required to
adhere to the time limits outlined. This is very important, and deductions will be enforced. It would be to
the competitor’s benefit to practice set-ups, breaks, and clean-ups before the day of the event.
2. Competitor Readiness: A competitor must be ready to compete, as determined by the judges, as soon
as that competitor’s name is called in the ring.
Safety: The safety of the competitor and the audience comes first, NO EXCEPTIONS! The safety of the
competitor is very important and we request that the instructor of the competitor approve all breaks. If the break
is deemed to be unsafe by the Judges or the USBA/WBA Representative on site, we reserve the right to restrict
the break. No material may leave the ring as a result of breaking unless planned for beforehand, to ensure that
no other competitor, spectator, or Judge will be struck or put in danger by material as a result of a break. If this
occurs, the Judges have the right to disqualify the competitor if they feel that the safety of others was
compromised. Also, the break cannot cause damage to the facility or surrounding fixtures.
Creative Multi-Direction Wood Breaking
1. Materials: Wood boards only. Competitor may purchase boards on-site or provide their own.
2. Props: Props may be used.
3. Techniques: All techniques are allowed. Competitor may use any strike to break.
4. Stations: The competitor may set up a maximum of 3 stations. Each station may have a total of three
sub-stations, for a total of 9 breaks. The competitor must break the sub-station materials included in a
station in a flowing manner without hesitation or re-“KI”ing. A station/sub-station may be free standing,
set on stands, or held by assistants. Competitor will be responsible for all materials required to set up
their stations. Competitors will also be required to ensure the safety of fellow competitors and spectators
as outlined in “General: Safety” above.
5. Time Limits: Competitor will have a maximum of 3 minutes to set-up, break, and clean up the area. A
deduction of 0.1 point will be taken off the competitor’s final score for every 15 seconds over the allotted
time. Deductions will begin after the 3-minute mark.
6. Judging: Competitor will be judged on difficulty, creativity, focus, and completion of breaks.
7. Ties: In the event of a tie, the winner will be decided by the exclusion of low and/or high scores, a 1-
station break-off, or a show of hands—at the Judges’ discretion.
Creative Open Breaking - Any Materials, No Fire or Glass Breaks
1. Materials: Any materials can be used except fire and glass breaks. Examples of materials are cement
blocks, wood boards, concrete, wood poles, bricks, metal, etc. Creativity of materials used, props, and
techniques will increase a competitor’s score. Music is allowed, but competitor will be responsible for
music.
2. Props: Props may be used. Glass may be used as a prop, such as a bed of glass, as long as it is
contained and not broken on-site.
3. Techniques: All techniques are allowed. Competitor may use any strike to break.
4. Stations: The competitor may set up a maximum of 10 stations. A station may be free standing, set on
stands, or held by assistants. Competitor will be responsible for all materials required to set up their
stations. Competitors will also be required to ensure the safety of fellow competitors and spectators as
outlined in “General: Safety” above.
5. Time Limits: Competitor will have a maximum of 6 minutes to set-up, break, and clean up the area. A
deduction of 0.1 point will be taken off the competitor’s final score for every 15 seconds over the allotted
time. Deductions will begin after the 6-minute mark.
6. Judging: Competitor will be judged on difficulty, creativity, focus, and completion of breaks.
7. Ties: In the event of a tie, the winner will be decided by the exclusion of low and/or high scores, a 1-
station break-off, or a show of hands—at the Judges’ discretion.
Power Concrete Breaking
Hand
1. Materials and Spacers: Blocks must be purchased on site from Supply Committee. Carpenter pencil
spacers will be provided.
2. Techniques: Hand technique only (Palm, punch, chop, etc.). Technique must be a downward strike.
3. Weight divisions: See “General: Divisions” above.
4. Stations: One station will be used. Blocks will be set on a block base. Competitors may set up as many
blocks as they wish. Competitors will be required to ensure the safety of fellow competitors and
spectators as outlined in “General: Safety” above.
5. One Strike Only! Competitor has one attempt to break the blocks.
6. Time Limits: Competitor will have a maximum of 6 minutes to set up, break, and clean up the area.
Time starts when the competitor signals he/she is ready. A deduction of ½ block will be taken off the
competitor’s total break for every 15 seconds over the allotted time. Deductions will begin after the 6-
minute mark.
7. Judging: Judges will count the number of blocks broken to determine the winner. The competitor who
breaks the most (or, in the event of a tie, has the highest percentage broken) is the winner.
8. Ties: In the event of a tie, the winner will be decided by the highest percentage broken. Example:
Competitor “A” breaks 10 out of 10; competitor “B” breaks 10 out of 12. Competitor “A” broke at 100%;
competitor “B” broke at 83%. Competitor “A” is the winner. If more than one competitor has the same
percentage broken after their initial break, there will be a break off to determine the winner. If there is a
tie created by more than one competitor breaking 100% of their stack (example: 2 competitors break 10
out of 10), the competitor that broke the amount first is the winner.
Elbow
1. Materials and Spacers: Blocks must be purchased on site from Supply Committee. Carpenter pencil
spacers will be provided.
2. Techniques: Elbow technique only (drop elbow, overhand elbow, etc.). Technique must be a
downward strike.
3. Weight divisions: See “General: Divisions” above.
4. Stations: One station will be used. Blocks will be set on a block base. Competitors may set up as many
blocks as they wish. Competitors will be required to ensure the safety of fellow competitors and
spectators as outlined in “General: Safety” above.
5. One Strike Only! Competitor has one attempt to break the blocks.
6. Time Limits: Competitor will have a maximum of 6 minutes to set up, break, and clean up the area.
Time starts when the competitor signals he/she is ready. A deduction of ½ block will be taken off the
competitor’s total break for every 15 seconds over the allotted time. Deductions will begin after the 6-
minute mark.
7. Judging: Judges will count the number of blocks broken to determine the winner. The competitor who
breaks the most (or, in the event of a tie, has the highest percentage broken) is the winner.
8. Ties: In the event of a tie, the winner will be decided by the highest percentage broken. Example:
Competitor “A” breaks 10 out of 10; competitor “B” breaks 10 out of 12. Competitor “A” broke at 100%;
competitor “B” broke at 83%. Competitor “A” is the winner. If more than one competitor has the same
percentage broken after their initial break, there will be a break off to determine the winner. If there is a
tie created by more than one competitor breaking 100% of their stack (example: 2 competitors break 10
out of 10), the competitor that broke the amount first is the winner.
Feet
1. Materials and Spacers: Blocks must be purchased on site from Supply Committee. Carpenter pencil
spacers will be provided.
2. Techniques: Foot technique only (Stomp, Axe kick, etc.). Technique must be a downward strike.
3. Weight divisions: See “General: Divisions” above.
4. Stations: One station will be used. Blocks will be set on a block base. Competitors may set up as many
blocks as they wish. Competitors will be required to ensure the safety of fellow competitors and
spectators as outlined in “General: Safety” above.
5. One Strike Only! Competitor has one attempt to break the blocks.
6. Time Limits: Competitor will have a maximum of 6 minutes to set up, break, and clean up the area.
Time starts when the competitor signals he/she is ready. A deduction of ½ block will be taken off the
competitor’s total break for every 15 seconds over the allotted time. Deductions will begin after the 6-
minute mark.
7. Judging: Judges will count the number of blocks broken to determine the winner. The competitor who
breaks the most (or, in the event of a tie, has the highest percentage broken) is the winner.
8. Ties: In the event of a tie, the winner will be decided by the highest percentage broken. Example:
Competitor “A” breaks 10 out of 10; competitor “B” breaks 10 out of 12. Competitor “A” broke at 100%;
competitor “B” broke at 83%. Competitor “A” is the winner. If more than one competitor has the same
percentage broken after their initial break, there will be a break off to determine the winner. If there is a
tie created by more than one competitor breaking 100% of their stack (example: 2 competitors break 10
out of 10), the competitor that broke the amount first is the winner.
Speed Board Breaking – Competitor and 2 assistants, 3-person team
1. Materials: Boards must be purchased on site from Supply Committee. No spacers are allowed.
2. 3-Person Team: Each competitor will be allowed 2 assistants for a total of 3 people. The competitor
may utilize the assistants to hold or replenish stands, but only the competitor will be allowed to break.
3. Techniques: All techniques are allowed. Competitor may use any hand or foot strike to break.
4. Stations: 5-station maximum, each station may have more than one board. A station can be a holder or
stands set up on the ground. If stands are set on ground, they can be no longer then one standard
stand deep (standard stands are 8 X 8 X 16”. The depth can be no more than 16” from the side
where the competitor will be standing to the back of the station). The competitor may utilize each
station as many times as needed, as long as he/she stays within the time limits. The assistants can be
used to replenish stations. Competitors will be required to ensure the safety of fellow competitors and
spectators as outlined in “General: Safety” above.
5. All boards must be broken on their station. If a board falls off of a station or out of a holders hands
the board must be set back up on the station or back in the holders hands before being broken. If the
board is broken in any other position it will not count toward the final count.
6. Pre-Break Count and Inspection: The competitor must provide the number of boards that he/she is
attempting to break, within the breaking time limit, to the judges before they start their break. All material
must be in the competitor’s ring available for inspection before the start of the break. The number of
boards attempted compared to the number broken will be used to determine the winner in the event of a
tie (see “Ties” below).
7. Time Limits: Competitor will have a maximum of 3 minutes to set up, break, and clean up the area. A
deduction of 1 board will be taken off the competitor’s total break for every 15 seconds over the allotted
time. Deductions will begin after the 3-minute mark.
8. Breaking Time Limit: The competitor will have 10 seconds to break as many boards as possible. Time
starts when the competitor begins his first break. The 10-second breaking time is part of the overall 3-
minute time limit.
9. Judging: Judges will count boards broken to determine the winner.
10. Ties: In the event of a tie, the winner will be decided by the highest percentage broken. Example:
Competitor “A” breaks 15 out of 15; competitor “B” breaks 15 out of 17. Competitor “A” broke at 100%;
competitor “B” broke at 88%. Competitor “A” is the winner. If more than one competitor has the same
percentage broken after their initial break, there will be a break off to determine the winner. If there is a
tie created by more than one competitor breaking 100% of their boards (example: 2 competitors break
20 out of 20), the competitor that broke the amount first is the winner.
Creative Speed Board Breaking – Competitor and 2 assistants, 3-person team
1. Materials: Boards must be purchased on site from Supply Committee. No spacers are allowed.
2. 3-Person Team: Each competitor will be allowed 2 assistants for a total of 3 people. The competitor
may utilize the assistants to hold or replenish stands, but only the competitor will be allowed to break.
3. Techniques: All techniques are allowed. Competitor may use any hand or foot strike to break.
4. Stations: 5-station maximum, each station may have more than one board. A station can be a holder or
other apparatus. Any apparatus or set-up may be used in the Creative Speed Board Breaking
Division, as long as the 5-station maximum is adhered to. The competitor may utilize each station
as many times as needed, as long as he/she stays within the time limits. The assistants can be used to
replenish stations. Competitors will be required to ensure the safety of fellow competitors and spectators
as outlined in “General: Safety” above.
5. All boards must be broken on their station. If a board falls off of a station or out of a holders hands
the board must be set back up on the station or back in the holders hands before being broken. If the
board is broken in any other position it will not count toward the final count.
6. Pre-Break Count and Inspection: The competitor must provide the number of boards that he/she is
attempting to break, within the breaking time limit, to the judges before they start their break. All material
must be in the competitor’s ring available for inspection before the start of the break. The number of
boards attempted compared to the number broken will be used to determine the winner in the event of a
tie (see “Ties” below).
7. Time Limits: Competitor will have a maximum of 3 minutes to set up, break, and clean up the area. A
deduction of 1 board will be taken off the competitor’s total break for every 15 seconds over the allotted
time. Deductions will begin after the 3-minute mark.
8. Breaking Time Limit: The competitor will have 10 seconds to break as many boards as possible. Time
starts when the competitor begins his first break. The 10-second breaking time is part of the overall 3-
minute time limit.
9. Judging: Judges will count boards broken to determine the winner.
10. Ties: In the event of a tie, the winner will be decided by the highest percentage broken. Example:
Competitor “A” breaks 15 out of 15; competitor “B” breaks 15 out of 17. Competitor “A” broke at 100%;
competitor “B” broke at 88%. Competitor “A” is the winner. If more than one competitor has the same
percentage broken after their initial break, there will be a break off to determine the winner. If there is a
tie created by more than one competitor breaking 100% of their boards (example: 2 competitors break
20 out of 20), the competitor that broke the amount first is the winner.
High Jump Board Breaking
1. Highest Jump: The competitor with the highest jump kick that breaks a single board is the winner.
Competitors will be required to ensure the safety of fellow competitors and spectators as outlined in
“General: Safety” above.
2. Materials: Boards must be purchased on site from Supply Committee. No spacers are allowed.
3. Techniques: Any type of jump kick may be used. The competitor will be allowed to run a short distance
and then jump into the kick.
4. Attempts: The competitor will have 3 attempts to produce the highest jump while breaking the board. The
best of the 3 attempts will be used. The board must be broken or the jump will not count.
5. Time Limits: Competitor will have a maximum of 1 minute for each attempt. Time starts when the
competitor signals he/she is ready. A deduction of 1 inch will be taken off the competitor’s best attempt
for every 15 seconds over the allotted time. Deductions will begin after the 3-minute total mark.
6. Judging: Judges will measure height to determine winner. Height will be determined from the top of the
competitor’s head to the lowest part of the board.
7. Disqualification: If a competitor fails to break any boards in all three attempts the competitor will be
disqualified and no place will be awarded.
8. Ties: In the event of a tie, the winner will be the competitor who produced the highest jump in their
second best attempt. If there is still a tie, the winner will be determined by the total height produced by
all 3 attempts.
Power Board Breaking
Hand
1. Materials and Spacers: Boards must be purchased on site from Supply Committee. Carpenter pencil
spacers will be provided.
2. Techniques: Hand technique only (palm, knife-hand or chop, hammer fist, etc.). Technique must be a
downward strike.
3. Weight divisions: See “General: Divisions” above.
4. Stations: One station will be used. Boards will be set on a block base. Competitors may set up as many
boards as they wish. Competitors will be required to ensure the safety of fellow competitors and
spectators as outlined in “General: Safety” above.
5. One Strike Only! Competitor has one attempt to break the boards.
6. Time Limits: Competitor will have a maximum of 5 minutes to set up, break, and clean up the area.
Time starts when the competitor signals he/she is ready. A deduction of 1 board will be taken off the
competitor’s total break for every 15 seconds over the allotted time. Deductions will begin after the 5-
minute mark.
7. Judging: Judges will count the number of boards broken to determine the winner. The competitor who
breaks the most (or, in the event of a tie, has the highest percentage broken) is the winner.
8. Ties: In the event of a tie, the winner will be decided by the highest percentage broken. Example:
Competitor “A” breaks 10 out of 10; competitor “B” breaks 10 out of 12. Competitor “A” broke at 100%;
competitor “B” broke at 83%. Competitor “A” is the winner. If more than one competitor has the same
percentage broken after their initial break, there will be a break off to determine the winner. If there is a
tie created by more than one competitor breaking 100% of their stack (example: 2 competitors break 10
out of 10), the competitor that broke the amount first is the winner.
Elbow
1. Materials and Spacers: Boards must be purchased on site from Supply Committee. Carpenter pencil
spacers will be provided.
2. Techniques: Elbow strike only (drop elbow, overhand elbow, etc.). Technique must be a downward
strike.
3. Weight divisions: See “General: Divisions” above.
4. Stations: One station will be used. Boards will be set on a block base. Competitors may set up as many
boards as they wish. Competitors will be required to ensure the safety of fellow competitors and
spectators as outlined in “General: Safety” above.
5. One Strike Only! Competitor has one attempt to break the boards.
6. Time Limits: Competitor will have a maximum of 5 minutes to set up, break, and clean up the area.
Time starts when the competitor signals he/she is ready. A deduction of 1 board will be taken off the
competitor’s total break for every 15 seconds over the allotted time. Deductions will begin after the 5-
minute mark.
7. Judging: Judges will count the number of boards broken to determine the winner. The competitor who
breaks the most (or, in the event of a tie, has the highest percentage broken) is the winner.
8. Ties: In the event of a tie, the winner will be decided by the highest percentage broken. Example:
Competitor “A” breaks 10 out of 10; competitor “B” breaks 10 out of 12. Competitor “A” broke at 100%;
competitor “B” broke at 83%. Competitor “A” is the winner. If more than one competitor has the same
percentage broken after their initial break, there will be a break off to determine the winner. If there is a
tie created by more than one competitor breaking 100% of their stack (example: 2 competitors break 10
out of 10), the competitor that broke the amount first is the winner.
Kids Wood Foot
1. Materials and Spacers: Boards must be purchased on site from Supply Committee. Carpenter pencil
spacers will be provided.
2. Techniques: Foot strike only (stomp, axe kick, etc.). Technique must be a downward strike.
3. Weight divisions: See “General: Divisions” above.
4. Stations: One station will be used. Boards will be set on a block base. Competitors may set up as many
boards as they wish. Competitors will be required to ensure the safety of fellow competitors and
spectators as outlined in “General: Safety” above.
5. One Strike Only! Competitor has one attempt to break the boards.
6. Time Limits: Competitor will have a maximum of 5 minutes to set up, break, and clean up the area.
Time starts when the competitor signals he/she is ready. A deduction of 1 board will be taken off the
competitor’s total break for every 15 seconds over the allotted time. Deductions will begin after the 5-
minute mark.
7. Judging: Judges will count the number of boards broken to determine the winner. The competitor who
breaks the most (or, in the event of a tie, has the highest percentage broken) is the winner.
8. Ties: In the event of a tie, the winner will be decided by the highest percentage broken. Example:
Competitor “A” breaks 10 out of 10; competitor “B” breaks 10 out of 12. Competitor “A” broke at 100%;
competitor “B” broke at 83%. Competitor “A” is the winner. If more than one competitor has the same
percentage broken after their initial break, there will be a break off to determine the winner. If there is a
tie created by more than one competitor breaking 100% of their stack (example: 2 competitors break 10
out of 10), the competitor that broke the amount first is the winner.
Adult Wood Foot - Any Foot Technique Except Stomp
1. Materials and Spacers: Boards must be purchased on site from Supply Committee. NO SPACERS!
2. Techniques: Any kick technique, except stomp. Competitor may skip or jump. NO RUNNING!
3. Weight divisions: See “General: Divisions” above.
4. Stations: One station will be used. Boards will be held by machine to be broken in a horizontal
direction. Competitors may set up as many boards as they wish. Competitors will be required to ensure
the safety of fellow competitors and spectators as outlined in “General: Safety” above.
5. Attempts: Competitor will have 2 attempts to break the most boards. The better of the 2 attempts will
be used. All competitors will execute their first attempt before the start of the second round of attempts.
6. One Strike Only Per Attempt! Competitor may execute one strike per attempt to break the boards.
7. Time Limits: Competitor will have a maximum of 5 minutes to set up, break, and clean up the area (this
will not include the actual time to secure the boards to the machine). Time starts when the competitor
signals he/she is ready. A deduction of 1 board will be taken off the competitor’s total break for every 15
seconds over the allotted time. Deductions will begin after the 5-minute mark.
8. Judging: Judges will count the number of boards broken to determine the winner. The competitor who
breaks the most (or, in the event of a tie, has the highest percentage broken) is the winner.
9. Ties: In the event of a tie, the winner will be decided by the highest percentage broken. Example:
Competitor “A” breaks 10 out of 10; competitor “B” breaks 10 out of 12. Competitor “A” broke at 100%;
competitor “B” broke at 83%. Competitor “A” is the winner. In the event there is still a tie, the competitor
who broke the most boards total in both attempts is the winner.

 

SPORT JUJITSU RULES AND REGULATIONS

Sport Jujitsu rules have been designed for the spectator as well as the competitor and intended to be fair for all, regardless of style (boxers, kick boxers, karate, judo, jujitsu, kung fu, tae kwon do, wrestlers, etc.)

Each player must present him/herself suitably attired in a clean, traditional martial arts gi with sleeves no more than one fist distance up the arm from the wrist (a jujitsu or judo top is recommended). If a player's uniform becomes bloodied or torn in a manner that may affect the outcome of the match, he/she will be asked to replace it immediately or forfeit the match. (Players will have 3 minutes to replace the gi.)

Each match will consist of two 1-minute (continuous action) rounds with a 30 second break between rounds. Black Belt and Advanced Adult Divisions will go two 2-minute rounds. Score will be kept with the use of tally counters by three corner judges.

When fighters are in a grappling (standing) position, they have 5 seconds to execute a throw or takedown before they are separated by the referee. Once fighters go to the mat, they have 15 seconds (Black Belt divisions have 30 seconds mat time) to execute a submission before they are separated and returned to their feet to resume fighting.

In case of a draw at the end of two rounds, an additional round will be fought. If it is still a draw, most accumulated points will determine the winner. Points will be awarded for crisp, clean techniques to the body and controlled techniques to the head. Three infractions of any nature will be cause for disqualification. Fighters will be warned only once for excessive contact (with malicious intent). Second offense will be cause for immediate disqualification.

Points are awarded as follows:

1 Point for a strike to the body... (Hand or foot)

2 Points for a controlled kick to the head

2 Points for a half throw (one foot leaves the mat)

3 Points for a full throw (both feet leave the mat)

4 Points for submission by referee intervention

Tap-out submission is an automatic win in all divisions above 12 years of age

Under age 12, a tap out will be awarded 4 points and players will be allowed to continue

Joint locks only in all divisions under age 12 (No chokes will be permitted under the age of 12)

2 Points will be awarded for the top mount position held for 5-seconds in all divisions under 7 years of age. No submissions under the age of 7; the object is to teach position, rather than submissions here.

ILLEGAL TACTICS

Fouls must be determined by a minimum of 3 judges

Controlled (light) contact only to the head will be permitted in all advanced divisions above 16 years old. No head contact in any division below 16-17 years old, Advanced.

Absolutely No:

Head butts, hair pulling, scratching, elbow strikes, knee strikes, biting, attacking nerve points with fingers, any sweep higher than mid-calf level, kicking a downed player, any blind technique, neck cranks, no respiratory chokes, or small joint locks (fingers)

ILLEGAL STRIKING AREAS

Eyes, nose, neck, throat, spine, kidneys, groin, and all joints are all illegal striking areas.

COACHES

One (1) coach from each school is allowed in the competition area. All others must be on the outside of the barrier.

SPARRING GEAR

All competitors must wear ISJA approved sparring gear.

HANDS: Sport Jujitsu gloves covering all the striking areas of the hand

HEAD: Head gear is mandatory for all youth team members and optional for adult team members.

FEET: Safety kicks that cover all striking areas of the foot (with the exception of the sole)

MOUTH GUARDS: Mouth guards are mandatory for all competitors.

GROIN PROTECTION: Groin protectors are mandatory for all male competitors.

TEAM COMPETITION

Each adult team should consist of 7 competitors representing the weight categories as listed below. An adult team may participate with as few as 4 members. However, the categories that are missing will be counted as a loss. It takes 4 wins to advance. Free Style Fighting Rules apply.

FIVE MALE: Super Heavy Weight: 210.0 lbs. & Over

Heavy Weight: 185.0 lbs. – 209.9 lbs.

Light Heavy Weight: 168.0 lbs. – 184.9 lbs.

Middle Weight: 150.0 lbs. – 167.9 lbs.

Light Weight: 149.9 lbs. & Under

ONE FEMALE: Open Weight ONE EXECUTIVE: Open Weight

Competitors must wear ISJA approved sparring gear.

HANDS: Sport Jujitsu gloves covering all the striking areas of the hand

HEAD: Head gear is mandatory for all youth team members and optional for adult team members.

FEET: Safety kicks that cover all striking areas of the foot (with the exception of the sole)

MOUTH GUARDS: Mouth guards are mandatory for all competitors.

GROIN PROTECTION: Groin protectors are mandatory for all male competitors.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT: www.sportjujitsu.org

NO-GI GRAPPLING RULES

GENERAL RULES:

At a minimum a groin protector, mouthpiece, and shorts with a drawstring must be worn, no pockets on the shorts
Wrestling/Martial Arts shoes are allowed.
Excessive grabbing of clothing is not allowed. You cannot use clothing for submissions.
Excessive taping of hands, wrists and feet are not allowed 

During the Match:
If there is stalling on the ground, the referee has the right to restart the match standing (Warn fighters first)
If the competitors go off the mat, the match can be stopped by the referee and the competitors will be moved to the middle of the ring/mat in the same position if that position can be determined by the referee.
The referee has the right to stop time and check the condition of the fighters (cuts, injuries, etc.)
If no take down occurs, fighters may be re-started from the Guard Position.  The referee will flip a coin to determine who takes the top & bottom position.   

TIME LENGTH:

1.             All Kids, Teens Novice, Beginner, and Intermediate divisions are 3 Minutes in Length
2.             All Kids & Teens Advanced, Adult Novice/Beginner Divisions will be 4 Minutes
3.             Adult Intermediate Divisions will be 5 Minutes
4.             Adult Advanced/Expert Divisions 6 Minutes  

WAYS TO WIN:

By submission whether by tapping or verbally - Consciously Submitting - It is VERY important that all competitors understand how to "Tap-Out" when caught in a submission technique.  Tapping out can be done both verbally or through a physical tap.  A competitor can tap with their hands, feet or even a nod of their head.  This "Tapping" is a conscious admittance of loss or surrender to an opponent.
Referee Stoppage (TKO, cuts, feels fighter is not capable of defending himself), Doctor Stoppage
Corner throws in the towel
Judges decision
Disqualification
Forfeit
No Contest

If the fight does not end by submission the referee will choose the winner based on the NAGA Decision Making Criteria included in this flyer.  Our official rulebook is available on our the web page www.nagafighter.com
If a match is considered a “Draw” by the referee, then there will be a 2-minute overtime.  Judges are encouraged to choose a winner in every match should it not end by submission.
If fighters are deadlocked, the referee may re-start the match from a standing position
No Gi Divisions (Gi/Uniforms are not required, at a minimum shorts with a draw string, cup and mouthpiece must be worn).  Any intentional use of an illegal technique or act of poor sportsmanship will result in the immediate ejection of that competitor/spectators.

LEGAL SUBMISSION MOVES:

All Submission Techniques are legal (including heel hooks, knee locks, guillotine chokes, wrist locks, etc.) except those listed below under "Illegal Techniques".
NAGA NO-GI POINT SCORING SYSTEM
Throughout history the goal of wrestling in every form is control of the opponent. For thousands of years, this control has been understood in three distinct ways - Pinning, throwing, and Submission. The greatest exhibition of control of all sports is forcing your opponent to consciously submit. It is this standard by which NAGA contests are instantly won.   In the event that no submission occurs, the match must be decided by “Advantage” which is defined below. The player in a Grappling contest should attempt to get the Takedown, secure Dominant Control, and take the Submission. 

-TAKEDOWN-  Full Advantage (2 Points) is awarded for all Takedowns.
In determining the Takedown, the referee will look to who initiated the takedown, and how it ended up. Thus if one player shoots, his opponent sprawls, and the sprawling opponent then pulls Guard, a Takedown is awarded, as the initial movement was a Takedown attempt. If however a player aggressively pulls Guard from standing, no Takedown is awarded. 
Note: The NAGA Scoring System is designed to award each player according to the standards defined above – Takedown, to Control, to Submission. Playing for points is not rewarded. Thus, if a player gets a Takedown, lets his opponent up, and then again goes for the Takedown, no consecutive points need be awarded. 

-DOMINANT CONTROL- Full Advantage (2 Points) is awarded - Controlling your opponent is a crucial step to obtaining a Submission, thus Full Advantage (2 Points) is awarded for aggressively obtaining Dominant Control. Dominant Control is any secure form of control that lends itself to submission. The control has to be long enough to set up a submission attempt, which can be as short as a second or two. These forms of control include: -Back Mount*;  -Cross Side; -Head and Arm; -Knee on Stomach; -Mount; -North/South; *Hooks are not required for Back Mount control. 
Among the most common ways to get Dominant Position are: -Ending a Takedown with a Dominant Position. In this situation, two points are awarded for a Takedown, and another two points are awarded for obtaining Dominant Position, for a total of Four Points. 

-GUARD PASS or SWEEP- Full Advantage (2 Points) is awarded 
-Sweep From Guard to a Dominant Position. Further, if you take the Back from Guard, this is the functional equivalent to a Sweep. -Full Reverse, defined as going from the bottom of a Dominant Position to the top of a Dominant Position, leaving the situation totally reversed. For Example: You are bottom North-South, you roll the top player, and end up with top North-South. 
Note: The NAGA Scoring System is designed to award each player according to the standards defined above – Takedown, to Control, to Submission. Playing for points is not rewarded. Thus, if a player simply transitions between Dominant Positions, he does not achieve additional points. For example, if you have Side Control, and you go to Mount, and then Knee on Stomach, no additional points are awarded.  Further, in The NAGA Scoring System no points are awarded for Escapes. This, if you are Bottom Mount, and you bridge to In Guard, no points are awarded as you went from a disadvantageous position to a neutral position.  

-SUBMISSION-  Full Advantage (2 Points) is awarded for a Full and Strong Submission Attempt. A Submission is recognized as Full and Strong when is one or more of the following occurs:
-The opponent takes time to escape;  -Upon escaping, the opponent does not instantly move to an attack of his own, but instead assumes a defensive posture;  -The defender is 'In Danger' - the finish has the potential for completion (if a kneebar, the hips have to be placed correctly, if a choke, the neck must have been reached, etc.);
-The finish in question is not a low percentage submission (wrist lock, body scissor, etc). 
Minor Advantage (1 Point) is awarded for a Submission Attempt that is significant but does not meet the above criteria.

-TIE-   In the event that players are equal in terms of Advantage, judges will determine a tie by considering first, who skillfully controlled the Pace, Place, and Position on the mat, in order to ultimately set up an eventual submission. Pace is which Grappler determined the tempo of the match. Place is which Grappler dictated where on the mat the match took place. Position is which Grappler successfully initiated the tie ups and other action.  

If they are still equal, Judges will give the decision to the player with less warnings or cautions.  Last, in the absence of any warnings or cautions, the edge shall be given to the fighter who better exemplifies the sport as an exciting, colorful, viable contest.  If the players are still equal, then an overtime period can be called for.

NAGA ILLEGAL TECHNIQUES
SPECIAL RULES FOR KIDS & TEENS:
NO HEEL HOOKS allowed in the KIDS & TEEN divisions.
NO NECK CRANKS ALLOWED  
NO STRIKES OF ANY KIND:
No strikes of any kind allowed to any part of the body or head at all
No elbows or forearm strikes are allowed
No butting with the head
No knees to the head
No ridge hands or back fist strikes
No kicks to an opponent   

OTHER FOULS not allowed:

Attacks to the front of the windpipe (i.e. Finger in throat), eyes (elbows, palms, fingers, etc.) or groin.
No pushing palm or elbow directly into nose.
Striking of any kind including: headbutts, punches, elbows, knees, kicks etc.
Dropping or slamming of an opponent; no slamming from the Guard Position
Eye Gouging
Attacks to the windpipe either by strikes or clutching the trachea
Fish Hooking
Biting
Spiking an opponent on his/her head
Pulling Hair
Pinching, twisting of skin
Sticking a finger into a cut of an opponent

Small Joint Manipulation
Putting a finger into any orifice
Interference by a corner with any official or fighter

Attacking an opponent in any of these circumstances:

1.      Before the fight has started
2.      After the fight has ended
3.      During a rest period between rounds
4.      When an opponent is being looked at by the medic or any other official

Spitting and or swearing
Throwing an opponent off the mat
Unsportsmanlike conduct

SCISSOR TAKEDOWN - When initiating a scissor takedown, at least one hand must be on the ground when applying the takedown.  No slamming.
SPECIAL RULES FOR KIDS & TEENS: No Heel hooks, toeholds, or neck cranks are allowed.  No Straight Ankle locks where the leg crosses the body.
HYGEINE RULE: All competitors must wear a clean competition uniform (gi, shorts, shirt, etc.).  If a referee feels this criteria has not been met they will not allow the competitor to compete.  Please wear clean clothing.

 

 

The Selection of ISKA World Championships finalists for the Saturday Night of Champions event

Finalists for the televised portion of the US OPEN ISKA World Championships will be chosen per ISKA seeding policy, which takes into account, among other things, whether the competitor is a defending ISKA champion, the competitor’s ranking during the year by NASKA domestically and the ISKA internationally, and the competitor’s performance and success during the US Open eliminations.