All rules are subject to change during the Judges' Meeting March 2nd at 9:00 A.M. (CST).  Please make sure to send a representative to ensure you & your students are aware of any rule changes.  The Complete Rules & Regulations (see PDF) supersede any other information posted on this website. 

Click this link to register for Judges' Meeting

Divisions:
Men & Women (Boys & Girls) will compete in the same forms divisions, the only separations will be based on age and rank.

1. Traditional Open-Hand Forms Division: each competitor may use any traditional open hand form that has been taught by his or her instructor. Creative, freestyle, or XMA style forms are not allowed in the Traditional Open-Hand Forms Division.
2. Weapons Form Division: each competitor may use any traditional or nontraditional/creative form to compete with.  Weapons do not need to be traditional martial arts weapons, but if the judges feel a weapon is unsafe or inappropriate, the competitor will either need to fix or change his/her weapon, or the competitor will not be able to compete in this division. Weapons competitors may also use music with their performance.  If the competitor chooses to use music, he/she is responsible for providing the music and stereo.

 

Judging:
There will be three (3) or five (5) judges for each division. Scoring will be based on the overall performance and presentation of the form.  After each competitor performs his/her form the judges will show their scores.  Once all the competitors in the division have performed their forms, the top three scores of the division will be awarded 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place. 
 
Ties:
In the event of a tie for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place, those competitors who tied will be asked to perform their forms again.  Competitors may use the same form, or choose a different form. In the event of a second tie, judges will be asked to point to the competitor he or she believes deserves to win.  The competitor with the most votes will be declared winner.   In the event of a tie for fourth place, both competitors will receive points for fourth place toward the Grand Championship.
 

Competition:
 Each competitor in all of the forms divisions should inform the judges of his/her name, the martial arts school being represented, his/her instructor's name, and the name of the form to be performed (hard/soft style). 

• For youth (12 & Under) competitors: If a mistake is made during the form, youth competitors may start over one time with no penalty to their score.
• All other divisions: If a mistake is made, continue to finish the form to the best of your ability.