Tournament Rules

Applies to All Events and Divisions

1. Purpose & Conduct

This tournament exists to promote:

• Discipline and respect
• Technical excellence
• Personal responsibility
• Martial character

All competitors, coaches, officials, and spectators are expected to uphold the values of Taekwondo and traditional martial arts at all times.

2. Eligibility

• Competitors must be registered prior to competing
• Age and rank are determined as of the tournament date
• Competitors may only compete in divisions appropriate to their rank and age
• Proof of rank may be required
• Tournament staff reserves the right to move competitors for safety or fairness

3. Registration & Check-In

• All competitors must check in before their division begins
• Late arrivals may be disqualified at the ring coordinator’s discretion
• Fees are non-refundable once competition begins

4. Attire & Appearance

• Clean martial arts uniform required
• Belt must reflect current rank
• No jewelry, watches, or accessories
• Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed
• Hair must be secured safely
• Protective equipment required for sparring divisions
• Judges and Referees must wear clean black slacks with white shirt and red tie with clip or school uniform.

5. Coaches & Corners

• One coach permitted per competitor unless otherwise stated
• Coaches must remain in designated areas
• Coaching is only permitted during breaks or when allowed by the referee
• Coaches must act respectfully toward officials and staff

Violations may result in penalties to the competitor or removal of the coach.

6. Sportsmanship & Etiquette

All participants must:

• Bow when entering and exiting the ring
• Show respect to opponents, judges, and officials
• Accept decisions without argument
• Refrain from profanity or aggressive behavior

Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in warnings, penalties, or disqualification.

7. Safety & Medical

• Competitors compete at their own risk
• Medical personnel may be available on-site
• Referees may stop a match or performance for safety
• Any competitor deemed unfit to continue will be withdrawn
• Head injuries or excessive force may result in mandatory stoppage

8. Judging & Officials

• All judges and referees are certified or approved by the tournament
• Each school represented must provide an impartial 3rd Degree Black Belt or above or its equivalent in order to compete
• Judge and referee decisions are final
• Protests must be submitted by a coach or school owner, not the competitor
• Protests must be made immediately following the division

9. Protests & Appeals

• Protests must be respectful and follow tournament procedures
• Video review is not permitted unless explicitly stated or available
• Judgment calls (scores, decisions) are not protestable
• Rule interpretation issues may be reviewed by the head official

10. Division Flow & Order

• Divisions will run according to the posted schedule
• Ring coordinators control division order
• Competitors must be present and ready
• Failure to appear when called may result in disqualification

11. Awards & Placements

• Awards given according to division size
• Ties may be broken using event-specific tiebreakers
• All awards decisions are final

12. Liability & Waivers

• All competitors or guardians must sign a liability waiver
• The tournament, host school, and staff are not responsible for injury or loss
• Personal belongings are the responsibility of the participant

13. Disciplinary Actions

The tournament reserves the right to:

• Issue warnings or penalties
• Disqualify competitors or remove coaches/spectators
• Bar individuals from future events for severe misconduct

14. Rule Modifications

• Tournament staff may modify rules for:
  • Safety
  • Time constraints
  • Division size
• Any modifications will be announced prior to the division

15. Final Authority

The tournament director and head officials:

• Have final authority on all matters
• May interpret rules as necessary
• May make decisions not explicitly covered by this rulebook

WT-Inspired | Judge Discretion Scoring

1. Purpose & Philosophy

This tournament emphasizes:

• Martial assertiveness
• Technical effectiveness
• Control of self, opponent, and ring

Sparring is intended to reflect traditional martial art principles while maintaining modern safety standards and clear judging expectations.

2. Divisions

Divisions may be separated by:

• Age
• Rank (Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Black Belt)
• Gender (optional at director’s discretion)
• Weight (recommended for advanced & black belt)

3. Match Format

• Rounds:
  • Beginner/Youth: 2 rounds × 1 minute
  • Intermediate: 2 rounds × 1minute
  • Advanced/Black Belt: 2 rounds × 1 minute
• Rest: 30–60 seconds between rounds
• Ring: 8m × 8m preferred (minimum 6m × 6m)
  • Recommended – Century Mats (40 inch by 40 inch)
  • Ring Size – 7 mats length by 7 mats width
  • The outer ring is red, inner sparring zone is blue

4. Required Safety Equipment

All competitors must wear:

• Headgear
• Mouthguard
• Chest protector
• Forearm guards
• Shin/instep guards
• Groin protection (mandatory for males, recommended for females)
• Optional: knee/elbow pads (recommended for youth)

5. Legal Target Areas

Permitted Targets:

• Torso (front and sides above the belt, excluding spine)
• Head (controlled contact only, division dependent)

Illegal Targets:

• Spine
• Face (hand techniques)
• Groin
• Knees or joints
• Below the belt

6. Legal Techniques

Allowed:

• Kicks to torso or head (controlled)
• Straight punching techniques to torso
• Controlled combinations
• Footwork, angles, and counters

Not Allowed:

• Punches to the head
• Elbows or knees
• Sweeping, throwing, or takedowns
• Grabbing, holding, pushing, or tackling
• Excessive force or reckless contact
• Turning the back to avoid engagement
• Clinching
• 3 Consecutive Disengagements (Black Belt and above only)

7. Judging & Scoring System (No Electronics)

Judges:

• 3 judges (3rd Degree Black Belt or Higher or other equivalent) + 1 center referee (Black Belt)
  • Lower ranked Black Belts may be used as judges if necessary.
• Judges independently score each round
• Scores are based on overall performance, not point totals

8. Scoring Criteria (Core Of The System)

Each round is scored using the following three categories:

A. Assertiveness

Initiative, confidence, and intent to engage

Judges look for:

• Willingness to initiate attacks
• Forward pressure without recklessness
• Active engagement (not passive or evasive)
• Confidence and decisiveness

Low score examples:

• Excessive retreating
• Stalling or avoiding engagement
• Only reacting, never initiating

B. Effective Blocking & Striking

Quality over quantity

Judges look for:

• Clean, controlled techniques
• Clear defensive actions (blocks, checks, evasions)
• Strikes that demonstrate balance, accuracy, and intent
• Visible effect on opponent (displacement, forced reaction)

Does NOT require full power.

Well-placed, technically sound strikes score higher than wild or excessive force.

C. Ring & Opponent Control

Command of space and tempo

Judges look for:

• Cutting angles and controlling distance
• Forcing opponent toward edge or corners
• Dictating pace and rhythm
• Maintaining balance and posture
• Ring awareness

9. Round Scoring Method

Each judge scores the round using a win/loss system:

Highest scorecard totals win the round/contest

10. Match Decision

• Winner is determined by majority judge decision
• Possible outcomes:
  • Win by decision
  • Win by referee stoppage
  • Disqualification
  • Forfeit

11. Penalties & Warnings

Prohibited Behavior:

• Excessive contact
• Unsportsmanlike conduct
• Coaching from outside the ring during the round
• Deliberate stalling or avoiding engagement
• Repeated illegal techniques
• Family/Friend excessive or aggressive behavior

Penalty System:

• Verbal Warning
• Official Warning (Kyong-go equivalent)

– May affect judges’ perception of control and assertiveness

• Point Deduction (Gam-jeom equivalent)
• Disqualification for severe or repeated infractions

12. Referee Authority

The center referee may:

• Stop the match for safety
• Issue warnings or deductions
• End a match due to injury or excessive mismatch
• Disqualify for dangerous or disrespectful behavior

13. Coach & Corner Rules

• One coach per competitor
• Coaching only during breaks
• No entering the ring unless signaled by referee
• Violations may result in penalties to competitor

14. Tiebreakers

If a match is tied:

1. Sudden death (1/2 the time of a normal round).
2. Referee decision

15. Safety & Sportsmanship

All competitors must:

• Bow before and after the match
• Show respect to officials and opponents
• Maintain self-control at all times

Failure to uphold Martial Arts etiquette may result in penalties or disqualification.

16. Final Authority

The tournament director reserves the right to:

• Modify divisions or rules for safety
• Resolve disputes
• Make final interpretations of rules

Traditional Focus | Judge Discretion Scoring

1. Purpose & Philosophy

Creative Weapons forms competition exists to demonstrate:

• Discipline and control
• Sound martial technique
• Understanding of weapon application

Emphasis is placed on precision, safety, and martial intent, not speed or theatrics alone.

2. Eligible Weapons

Approved weapons include:

• Bo staff (short or long)
• Escrima sticks (single or double)
• Nunchaku
• Sword (katana, gumdo, bakken, or equivalent training sword)
• Kama
• Sai
• Tonfa
• Other traditional martial arts weapons with prior approval

Prohibited Weapons:

• Live blades
• Sharp or metal-edged weapons
• Flexible weapons beyond nunchaku (chains, whips, rope darts)
• Firearms or projectile weapons

3. Weapon Safety Standards

• Weapons must be training weapons (wood, padded, aluminum alloy trainer, or plastic)
• No cracked, splintered, or unsafe weapons
• Judges may inspect weapons at any time
• Unsafe weapons will result in immediate disqualification

4. Divisions

Divisions may be separated by:

• Age
• Rank
• Weapon type (optional)
• Single weapon vs. double weapon divisions (optional)

5. Performance Guidelines

• Competitors perform one creative weapons form
• Time limit:
  • Minimum: 30 seconds
  • Maximum: 2 minutes

(Director may adjust for youth divisions)

• No music unless division explicitly allows it
• No coaching during the performance

6. Ring Setup

• Clear performance area with safe spacing
• Competitor must remain within boundaries
• Stepping out of bounds repeatedly may affect scoring

7. Judging Panel

• 3 judges (3rd Degree Black Belt or Higher or equivalent)
• Lower ranked Black Belts may be used as judges if necessary.
• Scores are based on overall performance, not difficulty alone
• Judge discretion is final

8. Grading Criteria (Core Of The System)

Each performance is evaluated using the following three primary categories:

A. Weapon Control

Safety, precision, and command of the weapon

Judges look for:

• Secure grip and transitions
• Smooth chambering and recovery
• Control during spins, strikes, and blocks
• Weapon alignment and targeting awareness
• Safe handling throughout the form

Deductions may occur for:

• Loss of control or dropped weapon
• Wild or unsafe swings
• Poor stopping control
• Endangering judges or audience

B. Technique

Quality and correctness of movement

Judges look for:

• Proper stances and footwork
• Body mechanics and balance
• Clean strikes, blocks, and thrusts
• Coordination between body and weapon
• Martial intent and focus

Technique should reflect functional application, not just appearance.

C. Variety

Breadth of skills demonstrated

Judges look for:

• Range of strikes, blocks, thrusts, and transitions
• Use of different angles and directions
• Level changes (high, mid, low)
• Combination work rather than repetition
• Effective use of both sides of the body (when applicable)

Variety should appear purposeful, not random or excessive.

9. Scoring Method

• Judges use a 5-point scale per performance
• Example breakdown:
• Weapon Control: up to 5
• Technique: up to 5
• Variety: up to 5

Deductions:

• Dropped weapon: automatic deduction
• Boundary violations: discretionary deduction
• Unsafe behavior: severe deduction or disqualification

10. Tiebreakers

If scores are tied:

1. Competitors will repeat their performance to determine the outcome.
2. Judge decision

11. Disqualification Conditions

• Use of prohibited or unsafe weapons
• Intentional throwing of weapon
• Reckless or dangerous behavior
• Disrespect toward judges or officials
• Coaching or interruptions during performance

12. Attire

• Clean martial arts uniform required
• Weapons belts or sashes permitted
• No loose jewelry or accessories
• Footwear not permitted unless medically required

13. Sportsmanship & Etiquette

• Bow before and after performance
• Maintain composure at all times
• Acknowledge judges respectfully

14. Final Authority

The tournament director and head judge reserve the right to:

• Interpret rules
• Combine or split divisions
• Stop a performance for safety reasons
• Make final determinations on scoring disputes

Traditional Emphasis | Judge Discretion Scoring

1. Purpose & Philosophy

Forms (Poomsae) competition exists to demonstrate:

• Correct technique
• Precision and consistency
• Controlled power with martial intent

Judging emphasizes fundamentals, discipline, and functional movement, not speed or theatrics.

2. Approved Forms

Competitors may perform:

• WT (Taegeuk, Palgwe, Yudanja) poomsae
• Traditional or school-based forms approved by the tournament director

Creative or musical forms are not permitted unless explicitly stated.

3. Divisions

Divisions may be separated by:

• Age
• Rank
• Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Black Belt

4. Performance Guidelines

• One form per competitor
• Time limit:
  • Minimum: 30 seconds
  • Maximum: 2 minutes
• No music
• No coaching during performance
• Competitor must remain within the performance area

5. Judging Panel

• 3 judges (3rd Degree Black Belt or Higher or equivalent)
• Lower Ranked Black Belts may be used as necessary
• Judges score independently
• Scores reflect overall quality, not difficulty alone

6. Grading Criteria (Core Of The System)

Each performance is evaluated using the following three primary categories:

A. Technique

Quality of individual movements

Judges look for:

• Proper stances and transitions
• Correct hand and foot positioning
• Balance, posture, and body alignment
• Coordination of upper and lower body
• Clean chambering and recovery

Technique reflects how well movements are executed.

B. Accuracy

Faithfulness to the form and precision of execution

Judges look for:

• Correct sequence and direction
• Proper angles and targeting (Note: kicking straight up will result in lower score than accurately targeting the strike to a simulated opponent of equal size)
• Consistent spacing and line work
• Stable finishing positions
• Returning to the correct ending position

Accuracy reflects how correctly the form is performed.

C. Power

Controlled strength and intent

Judges look for:

• Proper use of hip rotation and body mass
• Tension and relaxation at correct moments
• Clear start and finish to techniques
• Audible breath control (kihap (yell) where appropriate)
• Power generated from structure, not muscular strain

Power must be controlled and appropriate, not excessive or forced.

7. Scoring Method

• Judges use a 5-point scale
• Example breakdown:
• Technique: up to 5
• Accuracy: up to 5
• Power: up to 5

Deductions may occur for:

• Loss of balance
• Missed or incorrect techniques
• Wrong direction or sequence
• Hesitation or memory errors
• Stepping out of bounds

8. Tiebreakers

If scores are tied:

1. Contestants will repeat the form.
2. Judge decision

9. Disqualification Conditions

• Performing an unapproved form
• Stopping for an extended period due to memory lapse
• Coaching during performance
• Unsportsmanlike behavior
• Unsafe conduct

10. Attire

• Clean martial arts uniform required
• Belt appropriate to rank
• No jewelry or accessories
• No footwear unless medically required

11. Sportsmanship & Etiquette

• Bow before and after performance
• Maintain focus and composure
• Acknowledge judges respectfully

12. Final Authority

The tournament director and head judge reserve the right to:

• Interpret rules
• Combine or split divisions
• Resolve scoring disputes
• Stop a performance for safety or rule violations

Traditional Focus | Judge Discretion Scoring

1. Purpose & Philosophy

Breaking competition exists to demonstrate:

• Proper technique applied with commitment
• Mental focus and control
• Progressive challenge appropriate to the competitor

Judging emphasizes martial intent, execution, and progression, not reckless power.

2. Approved Breaking Materials

• Pine boards (size and thickness set by division)
• Spacers permitted
• Appropriate Bricks (Black Belts 16+ ONLY)
• All breaking materials must be bought through the tournament

3. Divisions

Divisions may be separated by:

• Age
• Rank
• Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Black Belt

4. Performance Guidelines

• Competitors may perform one breaking set
• Time limit:
  • Maximum: 2 minutes
• No music unless division explicitly allows
• No coaching once the performance begins
• Board holders must be approved and remain still

5. Safety Requirements

• Proper warm-up is the competitor’s responsibility
• Eye protection optional, recommended for youth
• Unsafe setups may be denied by judges
• Judges may stop a performance for safety

6. Judging Panel

• 3 judges recommended
• Scores based on overall performance
• Judge discretion is final

7. Grading Criteria (Core Of The System)

Each performance is evaluated using the following three primary categories:

A. Variety

Range of techniques and presentation

Judges look for:

• Use of multiple striking tools (hand, foot, elbow, etc. where appropriate)
• Different heights, angles, or targets
• Combination breaks rather than repetition
• Use of movement or transitions between breaks

Variety should be intentional and structured, not random.

B. Difficulty

Level of challenge relative to the competitor

Judges look for:

• Number of boards or resistance level
• Complexity of techniques (spins, jumps, combinations)
• Accuracy demands (small targets, precise alignment)
• Balance and control required for the setup

Difficulty should be appropriate to age and rank and not reckless.

C. Fluidity

Continuity and control of movement

Judges look for:

• Smooth transitions between techniques
• Proper setup and recovery
• Minimal hesitation or resetting
• Confidence and composure throughout the attempt

Fluidity reflects flow and decisiveness, not rushing.

8. Breaking Attempts

• Maximum attempts per technique:
  • 2 attempts per break
• Failed breaks may still receive partial credit based on criteria
• Excessive failed attempts may reduce scores

9. Scoring Method

• Judges use a 10-point scale
• Example breakdown:
• Variety: up to 10
• Difficulty: up to 10
• Fluidity: up to 10

(or a single composite score at director’s discretion)

Deductions may occur for:

• Unsafe setup or execution
• Poor board holding
• Excessive hesitation
• Multiple failed attempts
• Unsportsmanlike conduct

10. Tiebreakers

If scores are tied:

1. Higher Difficulty
2. Higher Fluidity
3. Judge decision

11. Disqualification Conditions

• Unsafe or reckless behavior
• Use of unapproved materials
• Excessive coaching during performance
• Intentional misrepresentation of board count or difficulty
• Disrespect toward officials or judges

12. Attire

• Clean martial arts uniform required
• Belt appropriate to rank
• No jewelry or accessories
• No footwear unless medically required

13. Sportsmanship & Etiquette

• Bow before and after performance
• Respect toward board holders and judges
• Maintain composure regardless of outcome

14. Final Authority

The tournament director and head judge reserve the right to:

• Approve or deny setups
• Modify divisions for safety
• Interpret scoring criteria
• Make final determinations in disputes