Tournament Series

Self Defense & Showmanship– Special demonstration divisions: Self defense (2 people only) uses a partner to demonstrate the effective self defense moves from Red Dragon. The techniques are demonstrated in the air towards the judges then on each partner-This can be made into a fun performance and is a great division for first time competitors.

The Showmanship division is like our self defense division but may also includes team katas; fight sketches and other special demos with 2 or more participants often performed with music. Ask your instructor which division would be right for you to participate in and check the tournament flyer for further rules regarding these two divisions.

Kata– A kata is a routine of self-defense moves put together in a pre arranged pattern. Competitors are judged by Black Belt officials and scored based on their balance, focus, power, intensity and degree of difficulty. Beginners traditionally perform the “Tioga’s” and then progress to the American forms. Often called “Creative Kata” because the type of form that is allowed is not restricted. The most popular forms performed in Kata division For beginners are the “Tioga’s” and for intermediate levels the  “Red Dragon” series forms (1-3) along with the dynamic American forms  which feature spin, jump and flip techniques, plus fast punch and kick combinations tend to be the most popular.

Weapons– Scored similar to kata except they add the overall control of the weapon into the scoring. Another ‘creative’ division, where a participant can  demonstrate their skills in a routine that features martial arts weapons like the knunchaku, Bo staff, Kamas and the Samurai Sword.

Sparring– a special game of tag where martial arts skills are used to win points. Matches are won when a participant gets seven (7) points or the highest score at the end of two minutes. There are two corner judges and a center judge or referee to call each match and there needs to be a majority decision for a point to be called. Score one point for a punch to the body or protected helmet area. Score two points for a kick to the body or protected helmet area. There is no direct face contact allowed for any of the color belt divisions, and chest / rib protectors are mandatory for competitors’ age 17 and younger. Good sportsmanship and a high level of respect are a must for this division.

Musical– your favorite weapon form or kata set to music, a very dynamic and fun division. Ask your instructor for help on music selection.

Traditional Forms– these are the Katas passed down through the generations from Japan, Okinawa and Korea. They emphasize power, precise technique, low stances and intensity. Wearing a ‘traditional’ gi or uniform is recommended but not required. See your instructor for more details on this division.