Competitors in the Kicknastics event will present a combination of at least five (5) kicking techniques. Competitors can be creative in their transitions between kicks (i.e. roles, backdrops, etc.).
Age and rank requirements
None
Uniform requirements
Competitors in the Kicknastics event are to be dressed in full traditional gi. See acceptable uniforms here.
Time requirements
Competitors in the Kicknastics event will have 90 seconds, from the time the judge grants permission to start, to complete their performance.
A complete performance includes the following tasks:
Presentation
The competitor bows to the judges before entering the ring, and upon reaching the center of the ring, will bow again. The competitor then verbally presents their name, style, and number of kicks being performed. Once presented, the competitor requests and awaits the judge’s permission to begin performance.
Gratitude
Once permission is given, the competitor extends a thank you to the judges for the honor of being able to perform.
Performance
The competitor performs the combination of kicks, remaining within the ring boundaries.
Close
The competitor indicates completion of the kata by facing the judges in an at-ease position and addressing them as “judges.” Competitor is not to leave the ring until dismissed by the judges. When given permission to leave, the competitor bows before the judges then leaves the ring without turning their back to the judges.
Scoring
Competitors will be scored by three judges in five different areas. Each area represents one of the six pillars of the making of a champion. Each judge will grade the competitor’s performance with a number between 0 and 5 in each area, where 0 represents poor or no demonstration and 5 represents excellent demonstration. The sixth pillar, excellence, is reserved as an overall score and is used to determine a winner in the event of a tie. Excellence uses a 0-9 point scale. Points will be given based on the following criteria.
| SPEED | POWER | FOCUS | INTENSITY | ACCURACY | EXCELLENCE | |
| 0 | no fluidity between kicks | no kias; weak, sloppy techniques | forgetting or restarting sequence; total loss of balance | performance of simple, basic kicks (no jumps, no spins) | total loss of balance | credence scale grading from 0 – 9 of competitor’s overall presentation and performance |
| 1 | fluid sequence of kicks performed with no continuity | performance of all kicks; low to no kias; loss of balance; loss of control of body | perform some or all of routine without stopping; unintentional hopping (off balance) | good mixture of challenging techniques | perform kicking sequence with low or ineffective kicking techniques; use of inaccurate part of foot | |
| 2 | no contrast between fast and slow kicking techniques; loss of momentum during performance | performance of all kicks; low to no kias | unintentional hopping (off balance) | good mixture of challenging techniques and intentional momentum changes | demonstration of effective kicking techniques in general target areas | |
| 3 | smooth, fluid, and continuous execution of kicking sequence | loud kias; demonstration of specific weapon to specific target | full sequence performance without obvious loss of balance | performance includes a range of jumping, spinning, and acrobatic techniques | demonstrating effective kicking techniques with precise targets | |
| 4 | dynamic and explosive execution of a fluid kicking sequence | loud kias; dynamic execution for each kick | full sequence performance with no show of loss of balance; attention to performance detail such as chambers | dynamic assembly of kicking techniques including jumping, spinning, and acrobatics, performed in a believable, practical sequence | demonstrating effective kicking techniques with precise targets, proper chambering and transitioning | |
| 5 | clear, confident, dynamic, and explosive demonstration of contrast and control during kicking sequence | loud kias; dynamic and explosive execution of each kick with clear articulation | remarkable demonstration of full sequence of kicks showing controlled momentum changes with zero loss of balance | explosive, dynamic assembly of kicking techniques including jumping, spinning, and acrobatics, performed in a believable, practical sequence | excellent demonstration of effective kicking techniques with precise targeting confidence, proper chambering, and transitioning |