Tail grab is a competitive event designed to illustrate that there will be pressure to break the rules. Competitors are required to defend themselves while adhering to the rules. There are 3 rules to the tail grab competition:

  1. Do not step outside the ring
  2. Do not fall down
  3. Do not lose your tail

Uniform Requirements

Competitors in the Traditional Kata event are to be dressed in full traditional gi. See acceptable uniforms here

Time Limit

Tail grab is a high paced event usually culminating in a victory before 2 minutes. This event does not have a specified round length, however, judges are expected to use discretion and call time when a match exceeds 2 minutes.

Scoring

Scoring one point in tail grab automatically determines the winner. The one point is achieved by successfully capturing the opponent’s tail.

A foul is applied to a competitor that:

  • Steps out of the ring
  • Falls down or is taken down during a match

Winner Determination

A winner is determined if a competitor:

  • Captures the opponent’s tail
  • Avoids accumulating fouls before their opponent accumulates 3 fouls
  • Has less fouls than their opponent after the match time is exceeded