For Weapons Forms, Empty Hand Forms, Point Sparring, Breaking, Self Defense, Demonstration Team, Synchronized Forms and Team Fighting.


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: .10 points will be deducted from the offending competitor’s 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 proof of age. 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. The legal age rule is developed for rating purposes only.

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 sweats shirts 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 ring side. If the competitor is not at his/her ring ready to compete when competition begins, he/she will not be able to compete. 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 disqualifies.

RESPONSIBILITIES: It is the competitor’s responsibility to know the rules and to be ready for competition. He/she she must be suitably attired, weighed-in, and at the appropriate ring when competition begins. Three calls will be made at ring side for the current division. If a competitor is not present to compete when the first sparring match or the first weapon or form routine begins in the division, the late or not present competitor will not be allowed to compete.

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED SAFETY EQUIPMENT: ISKA approved head gear, hand and foot pads, mouthpieces and groin cups (for male competitors only) 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. Head Gear: The front, sides and back of the head must be covered by a soft padded surface. Insufficiently-padded gloves, foot 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 approval or denial of the equipment is ultimately determined by the tournaments head rules arbitrator. A properly-fitted mouthpiece is required. Shin pads and rib/chest guards are highly recommended for additional safety to all sparring competitors. ** New for 2000: 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, which cover only the abdomen area, are not sufficient.

REFEREE’S: 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.

JUDGES: The judges call points as they see them.. They may be consulted by the center referee to help in determining penalties or warnings, although the referee alone has the power to issue them. They will asked to vote on disqualification rulings. It is the majority vote of the judges and referee that determines a scoring point.

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 judge, 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

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.

1. Point Calling - When singled by the referee, 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 points is being called, the judge should point with only one finger (Index finger).
2. 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.
3. 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 single, it has the same result as saying no point, but gives the referee, competitors and fans the reason why you are not calling the point).
4. Clash - Officials make a motion as though they are hitting both fists together, indicating that both competitors scored at the same time.
5. 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.
6. 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 hold both colors down at waist level.

LATE CALLS: All officials should make their calls at the same time. If, in the opinion of referee, the corner judges is making a late call intentionally, the referee can disqualify the call (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).

NUMBER OF OFFICIALS: At least three officials are required in all divisions. Five judges are required in the final form and weapon grand champion round for black belts.

REMOVAL OF OFFICIALS: If a competitor feels that an official should be removed from a forms or weapons division for good reason, he/she must file a protest* before the division begins. If a competitor feels that an official should be removed from 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.
* Please see "protest policy" printed below.

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 they should first let the referee know they believe there has been an infraction of the rules or a mistake has been made. The referee will summon the arbitrator to the ring to render a decision if the referee cannot settle the protest to the competitor’s satisfaction. All protest must be made in a orderly, proper and sportsmanlike manner. All protest must be made immediately. Protest are not allowed once competition has resumed. A competitor may be penalized if he/she is protesting improperly or with proper cause.

LATE ENTRIES: Once a division has started (the first competitor has started his/her form/weapon routine or the first fight 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 approximately 16’ x 16’ minimum.

WEIGHING-IN: It is mandatory for all adult fighting competitors - who are in weighted 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 that he/she has not made the proper weight. It is the responsibility of the tournament personal to weigh and properly record the competitors weight.

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 (see Seeding below) the competition cards will be collected and mix-up 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. This is to give the judges a sampling of the quality of the 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 four black belt seeds have been taken out, 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 who are match up in the first round of competition. They may be separated randomly from each other in the first round if possible. Competitors cannot pick who they want are 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 only, not to split the division equally. A true break in size should be found to determine the taller competitors from the shorter competitors. Once they are lined up by size, make sure someone from the same school is not standing beside each other. If tall and short divisions are not offered or required, line the youth competitors up by height to allow the same size competitors at least in the first round to fight each other.

SEEDING: Form: The four top rated competitors who are present in the division will go last in the division in the reverse order of his/her rating. If four rated competitors are not present, only seed the rated competitors who are present. Four seeds are only require if four seed are present. Sparring: Pick the top four rated competitors in the division to be your four seeds. The four seeds will be taken out and not bracketed until the ring get down to the final four. The four seeds will then be bracketed with the final four in the following order. Place the number one seed in the first bracket, place the number two seed in the eight bracket, place the number three seed in the sixth bracket and place the number four seed in the fourth bracket. If there are less than four seeds in a sparring division and by using byes the seeded competitors can move into the final eight brackets, additional seeds to make four are not needed. If additional seeds are needed, priority is given to rated competitors in other division who have changed divisions because of a age and weight change and then to the previous end of year rated competitors. If neither of these are present, a random draw is used to select the needed seeds.

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 five (5) points by the end of the two minutes or whoever is ahead at the end of the two minutes is declared the winner. All grand championship matches are two minute running time and total points.

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 rewarded. 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 (unless on a declared padded floor) without time being called that strikes a competitor with the allowable amount of focused touch contact.

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/he 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 padded surface. A point is only given when the legal sweep or takedown is effectively and legally followed up with an appropriate sport karate technique immediately. Only a hand technique or a carefully controlled kick or stomp to the body will be 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 allowed to all legal target areas except to the face of all youth and under black belt adult competitors. Light touch does not have to be made to the head gear in all Youth competitors and adult under black belt competitors but must be approximately two inches away without being blocked.

MODERATE TOUCH CONTACT: Means slight penetration or slight target movement. Moderate touch contact may be made to all legal target areas except the head gear 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 warning (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 to severe, a penalty point can be issue 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 form from 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 competitors competes in a division he/she does not qualify to compete in due to age, weight, rank, gender, style, etc., they will be disqualified.

COACHING: Coaching is a luxury that most competitors do not have access to. Therefore, it sometimes can become an unfair advantage over a competitor who does not have coaching. The rules are made and enforced so no one competitor has an advantage or disadvantage over another competitor. Therefore, coaching is allowed but will follow 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.

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. An 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 inters the competition ring. Four (4) minutes is allowed for each form or weapons routine in the Night Time Finals. SCORING RANGES OF FORM AND WEAPONS : Black Belts: 9.50 to 10.00 points; Advance Belts: 8.50 to 9.50 Points; Intermediate Belts: 7.50 to 8.50; Beginner Belts: 7.00 to 7.50.

TIES: To break ties the high and low scores will be added back in to break ties for 2nd through 8th places only. If after adding the high and low, there is till a tie for 2nd through 4th place, the competitors who are tied must perform again to break the tie. Ties for 5th through 8th place are never run off. If there is a tie for first place, the competitors must perform again to break the tie. If there is a second tie, the majority judges scores will determine the winner. If this does not break the tie, the competitors will compete again.

DROPPING YOUR WEAPON: For safety, a competitor who unintentionally drops his/her weapon, will be automatically disqualified. If a competitor recklessly or carelessly misused his/her weapon, he/she may be penalized of 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 score keeper 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. If a competitor has to start over not due to his/her negligence, he/she will not be penalized on the start over.

ISKA FORMS AND WEAPONS CRITERIA



For the 2005 ISKA season, the Board of Directors has separated the forms and weapons competition into four categories: (1) Traditional; (2) Creative; (3) Extreme; and (4) Musical. In addition, the Board has decided to separate the Grand Championship competition between Traditional and Creative/Extreme, and further separate the Youth Grand Championship competition 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 ISKA 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 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 form 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 fairer to the participants these divisions should be separated. ISKA 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 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 downgrade 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.

The above rules are a summary of the ISKA Rule book. It is important to know that ISKA encourages but does not requires ISKA National and World tournament to use ISKA rules in the under black belt divisions. In many cases the ISKA rules are used with minor regional changes. Always check with the tournament promoter for the rules to be used in the under black belt divisions.

 

ISKA WORLD BREAKING CHAMPIONSHIPS

DIVISIONS

Power Concrete
Creative                                                                                                                                                                  Power Wood   
Combat Wood
ULTIMATE BREAKING CHAMPIONSHIP

 

Division: Power Concrete
Light weight: under 200 lbs.
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).

The competitors will receive three warnings. There will be an automatic disqualification for exceeding the 10-minute time limit.
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
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. There will be a maximum of seven breaks allowed.
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?
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 three minutes and will feature no more than six breaking stations. Each breaking station will consist of no more that 3 breaks. Five breaks if the material is wood broken using holders.
• 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.
• Deductions will accrue at .1 of a point per 15 seconds over the 2 minute, 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 of
  off the stage will be considered as well as whether or not anyone is struck by materials leaving stage.
• Competitor must provide all breaking materials or purchase breaking materials from the promoter consisting of 1 x 12 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 objects will be allowed to fly in to audience. NO materials allowed that may potentially injure surrounding individuals.

Division: Combat Wood Breaking

Description: Competitors will demonstrate breaking skills in a performance designed to simulate a fight against multiple opponents. Competitors shall break single or multiple un-spaced boards with varying weapons in multiple directions (no downward strikes) for a period of not more than 8 seconds.

Scoring Criteria: Scoring will be based on the number of boards broken before time expires.

Additional Rules:

• Once the breaker steps on stage they have 5 minutes to complete their set up and break.
• Competitor must execute at least one break with each hand (hand, forearm or elbow) and each foot. And those four breaks must be executed in four different directions (at right angles).
• Each competitor may utilize a single technique no more than three (3) times in row. At that point the breaker is required to change the striking direction and nature of the weapon (hand / foot) used for at least one strike.

• Boards will be held in place by adult board holders.
• All breaks will be executed at belt level or above.
• Ties will be broken in favor of the competitor that broke the highest percentage of boards that they brought on stage.
• Penalties (a reduction in the number of boards broken) may be assessed to competitors who use strikes or combinations of strikes executed in a way that obviously does not fulfill the spirit and intent of the combat-board competition, which is, "to demonstrate breaking skills in a performance designed to simulate a fight against multiple opponents."

Division: Power Wood Breaking
Light weight: under 200 lbs.
Heavy weight: 200 lbs. & over


Description: The ISKA will provide a metal-framed, custom engineered unit designed to hold boards to be broken with forward, sideways or roundhouse kicking strikes (not downward strikes).
Scoring Criteria: Scoring will be based on the number of boards broken from a single strike.

Additional Rules:

• Strikes will be executed with the foot and delivered horizontally. The strikes allowed are: front kick, round kick, side kick, hook kick, or back kick. Any foot-work or delivery method (i.e. skip-in, spinning, flying, etc.) may be used but you are limited to a single step before delivering your strike.
• Each competitor will be allowed up to two breaking attempts.
• The competitors must decide immediately following their 1st attempt if they will make a 2nd attempt. Once they step off of the breaking platform they may only return to the stage in order to break a tie for first place.
• If there is a tie for first place it will be broken by determining who broke the winning number of boards on the earliest effort (1st or 2nd try).
• If there is still a tie it will be broken by determining who broke the largest percentage of the boards that they set up on the winning break (example: breaking 8 boards out of 9 set up would defeat breaking 8 boards out of 11 set up).
• If there is still a tie, first place will go to the tied competitor who broke the largest number of boards on both tries combined (If one of the competitors did not take both opportunities to break he will be allowed to return to the platform to complete his break attempts).

Division: ULTIMATE Breaking

Description: This is an "overall" breaking championship division. Scoring Criteria: 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 registers and competes in each of the four individual breaking events (power concrete, power wood, creative and combat wood)
• Competitors who register and compete in each of the four individual breaking events will automatically be registered in the Ultimate (all around) competition.
• Unbroken ties in individual breaking events will result in each tied competitor receiving identical ultimate breaking points as stated above.

Self Defense World Championships

 

Professional Martial Arts uniforms, as defined in the ISKA 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.)

Divisions: Black Belt Adults (18 years & over), Black Belt Youth (17 years & under), Under Black Belt Adults (18 years & over), Under Black Belt Youth (17 years & under)
Awards: ISKA 2002 World Championship trophies Additional Rules:

• Competitor is limited to four (4) attackers only
• Professional Martial Arts uniforms required for all competitors and attackers as outlined in the ISKA Rule Book
• 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 the highest scoring two (2) 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.

Team Synchronized Forms World Championships

 

Professional Martial Arts uniforms, as defined in the ISKA 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
Awards: ISKA 2002 World Championship and sponsor John Paul Mitchell trophies, plus $700 to winner and $300 to runner-up
Additional Rules:

• Two (2) to Five (5) competitors per team
• Team must consist of at least one (1) Adult (18 years & over) Black Belt
• Form must be 75% synchronized
• Three (3) minute time limit
• Music and weapons are allowed
• NO props or breaking
• Final two (2) teams will compete Saturday night for the ISKA World Title

Team Demonstration World Championships

 

Professional Martial Arts uniforms, as defined in the ISKA Rule Book, 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
Awards: ISKA 2002 World Championship trophies, plus $500 to winner and $200 to runner-up
Additional Rules:

• Minimum two (2) competitors per team with additional cost for team members over seven (7)
• Team must consist of at least one (1) Black Belt
• 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

Team Point Fighting World Championships

 

Professional Martial Arts uniforms, as defined in the ISKA Rule Book, are required for all competitors and assistants, no exceptions!
Description: Team point fighting, with rules per the ISKA Rule Book point fighting rules
Scoring Criteria: As per ISKA Rule Book
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
Awards: ISKA 2002 World Championship trophies, plus $500 to winner and $200 to runner-up for the 18-29 yrs. Men /3 member team competition
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
• Ninety-second matches, total points
• All rules per ISKA Rule Book