Competitors will use one of the supplied actionflex katanas and are not permitted to supply their own.
Uniform Requirements
Competitors in the Traditional Kata event are to be dressed in full traditional gi. See acceptable uniforms here
Time Limit
Each Weapon Sparring match will last a maximum of two (2) minutes.
Scoring
Competitors will be scored by three judges. One lead and two side judges.
Points are scored by striking or stabbing to a legal zone using the weapon’s techniques or causing an opponent to drop its weapon. Stabbing to the face is prohibited and will result in a contact warning and even a disqualification depending on the severity or frequency. Lead judge will have the ultimate authority and its decision will be final.
[Event Fouls] The safety of our competitors is the number one priority in every event, and this event is no exception. Judges are responsible to call the warnings to avoid potential injuries to our competitors. Warnings are called when competitors do something illegal. There are three different kinds of warnings: Non-contact, Contact and Excessive Warning. Penalties will follow the same procedures as in traditional Ippon Kumite or Point Sparring events.
[Point Awards] The competitor must strike or stab with the weapon to earn points. This must be under control to be considered by the judges.
2 points will be awarded for a legal strike or stab to the head.
1 point will be awarded for a legal strike or stab to the body other than the head, the legs and the arms.
1 point will also be scored if the opponent drops the weapon and the weapon hits the ground or stops/blocks the weapon with their hand.
If a weapon is broken, it shall be replaced immediately. No point will be awarded for broken weapons.
[Tiebreaker] Ties will be determined by sudden death. The first competitor to score will be the winner. There will be no time limit.
Winner Declaration
If one competitor reaches ten (10) points before the end of the two (2) minutes match, he/she will be declared winner of the match. If neither competitor has reached ten (10) points before the time has run out, the competitor who scores the greater number of points will be the winner, unless he/she gets disqualified.