Brief Novice Sanshou  Fighting , Sword Fencing,  Wing Chun Chi Sau (Rong Chun Qi Shou) and Restricted-Step Push Hands:

Techniques: any techniques from any styles such as strikes, kicks, interceptions, and throws

Valid Targets: below the neck

Scoring

Three Points are Awarded if:

• The opponent is knocked down by backward or forward sweep while competitor remains standing (hands are allowed to touch the ground on the backward sweep but not the forward sweep)
• The opponent is knocked down by use of a hooked leg kick while competitor remains standing
• The opponent is forced to fall by the competitor's techniques, including the competitors deliberately falling while dodging defensively.

Two Points are Awarded if:

• The opponent falls while the competitor remains standing
• The competitor hits the opponent in the trunk once with the legs
• The opponent receives an official warning penalty.

One Point is Awarded if:

• The competitor hits the opponent once on a valid part with a hand technique
• The competitor hits the opponent once on a valid part with a leg technique
• The opponent receives a caution once
• Both competitors remain passive for eight seconds, the opponent is ordered to attack by the referee, and the opponent remains passive for another eight seconds.

No Point is Awarded if:

• Both competitors hit each other on valid part at the same time successively
• Both competitors fall down or off the platform at the same time successively
• The competitor throws the opponent to the ground or off the platform after holding for two seconds or more
• One opponent uses a falling technique to attack and does not succeed
• One opponent uses a flying offensive technique with a deliberately falling technique, the latter will not score a point
• The competitor kicks the lower leg when the opponent defends by raising knee
• Unclear techniques are used and no obvious hits to valid parts are scored
• The opponent is hit by fists during a double-holding
• No one scores when one competitor back or forward sweeps the other competitor's valid part while under the other's body (The opponent was forced or fell to the ground under the competitor while trying to kick or sweep the competitor)

Fouls and Penalties
Technical Fouls

• Deliberate delay of match after the referee has signaled the start or one competitor starts after five-second delay
• Time-out requested when in a disadvantageous position
• Shouting and advice-giving from coach or doctor from outside the platform during a fight
• Ungentlemanly behavior to the referee/judge or flouting of officiated decisions
• Shouting loudly and impolitely during a fight to frighten or disturb one's opponent
• Purposely loosening protective gear or spitting out mouthpiece during a fight.

Personal Fouls:

Attacking the opponent before the judge gives the start signal, or after he/she gives the stop signal

Using prohibited techniques, including:

• Strikes to the head or back of the head, neck, throat, or crotch
• Elbow or knee strikes
• Striking opponent's head continuously to deliberately injure opponent
• Use of excessive force to cause opponents to fall head over heels off the platform
• Attacking a fallen opponent (except when an opponent falls deliberately as combat technique).

Penalties:

• A caution will be given for a technical or personal foul, but a warning will be given for an obvious personal foul
• A competitor penalized up to six points will be disqualified and the opponent will be declared the winner
• A competitor who intentionally hurts his opponent or commits a serious foul will be disqualified from the fight and if deemed appropriate, from the entire competition
• A competitor found guilty of trickery will be disqualified from the entire competition.

Suspension of Match

The referee will suspend a match in any of the following cases:

• A competitor has fallen down or off the ring
• A competitor is penalized for a second foul
• A competitor is injured
• The competitors are locked for more than two seconds
• Both competitors refrain from attacking, or one remains passive for more that eight seconds
• The discretion of the referee
• The referee or other judges spot danger in a match or in objective factors such as lighting or other malfunctions of facilities.

Weight Classes:

• Under 52 kg=Under 115 lbs.
• 52 kg - 56 kg=115 lbs. - 123 lbs.
• 56 kg - 60 kg=124 lbs. - 132 lbs.
• 60 kg - 65 kg=133 lbs. - 143 lbs.
• 65 kg - 70 kg=144 lbs. - 154 lbs.
• 70 kg - 75 kg=155 lbs. - 165 lbs.
• 75 kg - 80 kg=165 lbs. - 176 lbs.
• 80 kg - 85 kg=177 lbs. - 187 lbs.
• 85 kg - 90 kg=188 lbs. - 198 lbs.
• Over 90 kg=Over 199 lbs.

Based on the number of competitors per weight category, an official’s conference may be called to combine some of the weight categories.
Equipment/Personnel

Supplied by the Promoter:

Doctor, Referee and judges, Corner stool, bucket, and water, Boxing gloves, Head Gear, Shirts to fight in (Competitors are urged to bring their own 14 oz. gloves and head gear, however these will be subject to inspection)

Supplied by the fighter:

Cornerman/Second, Hand wraps and tape, Towel, Mouthpiece, cup, Vaseline (optional), Approved blood clotting and inhalant medicine (optional), Dipped Foam Foot Pads and Shin Gear, Trunks to fight in (no pants, as in international competitions)

 

WING CHUN CHI SAU

Tournament Goals:

To promote and strengthen the art and spirit of Southern Short-Hand Kung-Fu.

To encourage sharing of knowledge and experience.

Objectives:

To test participants on the following qualities particular to Southern Short-Hand:

• Sensitivity/Reaction Skills
• Balance
• Structure and Technique (Stance and Movements)
• Timing and Speed
• Control of Power and Distance
• Clean Attacking, Blocking and Trapping Technique

Contest Format:

Each match will consist of two 2-minute rounds, with a 30-second rest period in between rounds.

The competition area will be a square space measuring 8' x 8', enclosed and divided into two halves by tape.

The opponents will bow to each other and to the referee and judges. They will then ``face off" at the center of the competition area and establish forearm contact in a double sticking hands position.

Following the directions of the referee, the contestants will begin ``rolling rotating their forearms at least three times before initiating an exchange of techniques.

Should the contestants disengage, they are to return to the center of the competition area and begin again with ``rolling hands" under the instruction of the referee.

If a contestant is driven out of the competition area, both competitors are to return to the center of the ``ring" and begin as stated above.

During the 30-second break period, the contestants are to return to their respective corners and adopt a kneeling or seated position until called by the referee.

How the Matches Will Be Officiated:

The officiating committee will consist of the following members:

• Chief Judge
• Corner Judges (4)
• Center Referees
• Timekeeper/Scorekeeper

The Chief Judge will be the arbiter in all disputes, and will announce the winner of each match. The Chief Judge's decision will be final on any judgment not covered by the rules.

The Corner Judge will score each match and determine the winner. Each Corner Judge will indicate an independent vote for the winner when the Chief Judge requests a call. A majority of votes determines a winner in each match. In the event of a draw, the Corner Judges will refer to Chief Judge for a decision. In the finals, a 20-second ``sudden death" round may be initiated if a draw occurs between all judges.

The Center Referee will be responsible for starting and stopping the action, for ensuring that all rules are followed, and that the safety of all participants is maintained. Only the Center Referee (or Chief Judge at his or her discretion) can stop the clock during action. The clock will be stopped should there be an infringement of the rules, an injury, an argument, or a withdrawal.

The Timekeeper/Scorekeeper will start and stop the clock in accordance with the signals of the Center Referee, and will ring a bell to announce the end of each segment of a match. As scorekeeper, he/she will record the results of each match and will inform the Chief Judge of the name of the winner.

Weight Classes:

• Lightweightunder 145 lbs.
• Middleweight146 175 lbs.
• Heavyweight176 lbs. and above

Equipment:

Participants will be required to wear a T-shirt, martial arts pants, and athletic or kung fu shoes. No long sleeved shirts or pants will be permitted.

Contestants will not be permitted to wear any objects (including jewelry) that may cause injury to themselves or to their opponents. Fingernails must be clipped as short as possible, and will be inspected by the officials. A mouth-guard and groin cup are required. Head gear is optional. Hand and foot gear will not be required.

Protests:

Any protest must be immediately presented to the Chief Judge before the start of the following match. Protests presented after this time will not be considered.

Match Rules:

Judges will be looking for a continuous exchange of discernible techniques, with an emphasis on adherence or ``sticking". This is to be distinguished from wrestling, shoving, and boxing. Striking techniques employing the fist, open hand, and foot are to be directed at the opponent's chest protector only. Competitors should display good ``bridging" skills, i.e., adhering to the opponent's forearms while delivering attacks and counterattacks to precise body targets at close range.

Kicking is allowed only if: (1) to the chest protected areas and (2) at least one hand is in contact with the opponent's arm.

Not Permitted:

• Committing any action with apparent intent to cause harm
• Blows delivered with the knee or head
• Punching, elbow, or chopping at the opponent's head or neck
• Wild, swinging punches which show a lack of "bridging"
• Kicking to the opponent's groin area or to any part of his or her legs
• "Double-grabbing", i.e., holding the opponent with both hands without executing an attack
• Pulling or grabbing the opponent's hair or clothing;
• Attacking the opponent after the referee has stopped the action
• Talking back disrespectfully to any official
• Using foul language or gestures toward anyone present during the competition
• Intentionally using a technique meant to cause injury to your opponent
• Issuing verbal instructions from ringside and issuing verbal instructions during the break period. (This refers to instructors and fellow students)

A contestant may receive a maximum of ONE warning for breaking any of the above rules. Two infringements of the rules will lead to immediate disqualification. Any intentional or excessive contact will result in immediate disqualification.

Sword Fencing:

Safety Equipment

Required:

• Eye goggles
• Head gear
• Groin cup

Optional:

Any gloves which will allow for the manipulation of the weapon, Any other protective gear, i.e., shin, chest, etc.

Procedures:

• Each match will consist of the best of three 2-minute rounds, with a 1-minute rest between rounds.
• After the match has been announced by the Chief Judge, competitors must go to a place specifically designated by the Chief Judge attired in full armor and weapons and stand facing each other at a designated distance.
• At the Chief Judge's signal, competitors must first salute each other, engage their weapons in the manner prescribed by the judge and then wait for the signal to start.
• When the referee signals to start, they can begin the actual sparring holding their weapons in whatever manner they choose. Competitors may manipulate their weapons in either or both of their hands.
• As the match proceeds, when a score is made, the referee will ``break" the fighters, then they will prepare to begin again.
• At the end of the match, the competitors face each other and salute each other and the Chief Judge before departing the ring.

Methods of Attack for Scoring:

You should think that you are in a real combat situation. Minor cuts and hits where the weapon only lightly taps the body are ignored and only the vital thrusts, cuts and hits are counted.

Cut:

A cut to a vital or non-vital point is one in which the last six inches of the blade is clearly drawn across the target area. Head, body (vital cut), arm and leg (non-vital). In short, this is a move which, with a sharp weapon, would have disabled the opponent in a non-vital area and killed him in a vital area.

Thrust:

A vital or non-vital thrust is one in which the point of the blade makes solid contact with the opponent's head, body (vital), or limbs (non-vital). In a good vital thrust the blade will flex slightly indicating that with a sharp weapon the point would have attained penetration.

Hit:

A vital or non-vital hit is one in which the pommel is used to strike the limbs (non-vital), head or body (vital) in such a manner that, were it a real weapon, there would be a disabling effect on the opponent.

A successful attack means a clean and balanced strike, preferably with a good classical martial arts weapons technique. Once you cut, thrust or hit a vital target with a weapon successfully, you may not be awarded points for any other continued attacks until the round resumes. You have already killed your opponent.

Target Areas:

Vital Target: Head and torso areas 1 point

Non-Vital Target:Arms, hands, legs and feet 5 points

No strikes are allowed to the throat or groin areas.

Rules for Scoring Attack Points:

• Only the athlete who strikes first during a mutual exchange will be given a point.
• .5 will be awarded to your opponent if you accidentally lose or drop your weapon without the opponent's influence.
• 1 point will be awarded to your opponent if you lose or drop your weapon due to the opponent's skillful technique or disarm.
• Combatants may guide, trap and block an opponent's sword arm with their open hand, forearm, shoulder, sword handle or pommel so long as he or she does not close the hands to grasp the arm or weapon. Kicking or kneeing is forbidden.
• 1 point will be awarded to your opponent if you grab, slap or contact the blade of your opponent's sword with hand, forearm or should in an attempt to block the blade arm.
• 2 points will be awarded to you for disarming and striking a vital target in one continuous motion.
• If competitors simultaneously strike each other, they will both receive the proper point credit for their strike.
• If both competitors simultaneously lose their weapons, no points will be awarded or lost and the match will begin again.

Fouls:

After the first violation, a warning will be issued. After the second violation, a point will be deducted form the overall score of the violator. After the third violation, the violator will be disqualified from the match and the win awarded to his/her opponent. All fouls within a match are cumulative and apply through all rounds, whether regular or overtime. Fouls include:

• Abusive or disrespectful attitudes during the match whether communicated by words, gestures or body language to the opponent, judges or spectators.
• Deliberately removing one's protection gear.
• Lifting off or grabbing an opponent's protection gear.
• Deliberately stepping out of the ring or falling down to avoid the competitor.
• Throwing the weapon as an attack.
• Continuing the attack after the referee calls for a break.
• Throwing punches or kicks.
• Clinching or holding the opponent's body, arms or legs.

 

Restricted-Step Push Hands

Procedures:

• Competitors salute the referee and each other.
• One match consists to two 60-second rounds with a 15-second break in between rounds. The referee controls the beginning and the end of rounds. Time is suspended while the referee call for a point and verification and announces his/her decision. Timing may be stopped for referees' consultation or emergency situations.
• Starting: Opponents face each other and each places his/her foot on the Center Mark. When prepared to begin, they make contact with the back of the right or left wrist. The referee gives the command to begin, at which the competitors are required to perform a minimum of two revolutions before initiating any techniques.
• Progression: The referee directs the match with verbal signals: Begin, Stop. The referee may instruct the competitors to restart under various circumstances in addition to awarding a point: moving too far from the center, to ensure the safety of a competitor, or for other causes.
• Points: Upon seeing an infraction, the referee commands ``stop" to stop action and timing. He/she state the violation and violator and the point recipient (e.g., ``holding - Red, point - White", ``off balance - White, point - Red", ``striking - Red, point - White") and polls the judges to confirm.
• The judges may confirm the point by holding up the flag color or not confirm the point by the holding the flag stick horizontally (either disagreeing or unable to confirm because of not seeing the action). If two of the three judges confirm the point, the referee awards it and instructs the recorder to record the point. A judge may also hold the opposite color flag up, if he or she saw something different. In that case, the judge will call out his or her reason. The referee will not call for points other than what he or she saw. The judges score will be asked for only once.
• The referee restarts the action and timing immediately. Note: The referee does not wait until a competitor falls to stop action, but stops action and timing at the first sign of a competitor being off-balance.
• The competitor who has the most points at the end of the match wins the match.
• Throughout the match, the recorder informs the referee of the scores of both competitors. The winner is decided at the end of the bout. After the declaration, both competitors salute each other and the referee.

Target Areas:

Attacks may be made within restricted areas of the body: from below the base of the neck to above the coccyx or bladder area. Pushing the neck, head, bladder area, hip joint, or leg is illegal.

Stepping:

• Competitors may take a step or steps forward or backward, with either the front or the back foot, but may not reverse the stance, i.e., the front foot must stay forward.
• Competitors must keep to the orientation of the center line; they may not step to the side to defend or to gain an advantage in pushing.

Points:

Points are awarded to the competitor whose opponent has made an error or committed a personal violation or a serious personal violation. Points may be awarded for technical violations:

Errors

• Loss of balance
• Endangering oneself

Personal Violations

• Using techniques excessive in strength
• Grabbing the opponent's clothes
• Double grabbing (gripping the opponent with both hands)
• Holding on (gripping the opponent with one or both hands or reaching around the opponent's side or back) to prevent loss of balance.
• Attacking an illegal target area
• Reversing the stance to gain advantage

Serious Personal Violations

• Striking, hitting, punching
• Using the head to attack
• Using the legs, knees, or feet to attack
• Twisting the joints (grabbing or qinna (chin na)
• Using pressure points
• Pulling hair or beard
• Attacking the groin area
• Using any technique determined to cause injury to the opponent
• Unsportsmanlike conduct

Technical Violations

• Not following instructions of the referee
• Not completing the mandatory revolutions
• Receiving coaching during the round

Points are awarded to the opponent of the competitor who committed the violation. However, the opponent will receive 2 points if one commits a serious personal violation as listed above.

Cautions

The referee may issue a verbal ``caution" at his/her discretion.

Disqualification

• Competitors may be disqualified for one Serious Violation and must be disqualified for two Serious Violations
• A competitor may be disqualified by the referee in consultation with the judges.

Weight Classes

There will be 5 weight divisions for men and 3 weight divisions for women as follows:

Men

• Lightweight: Below 140 lbs.
• Light Middleweight: 140 - 159 lbs.
• Middleweight: 160 - 179 lbs.
• Heavyweight: 180 - 199 lbs.
• Super Heavyweight: 200 lbs. and over

Women

• Lightweight: Below 125 lbs.
• Middleweight: 125 - 144 lbs.
• Heavyweight: 145 lbs. and over

Gold, Silver and Bronze medals will be awarded to the top 3 competitors in each weight division.