FORMS
Judging in all Weapons & Forms Divisions shall begin when the athlete enters the ring (i.e. if athlete drops their weapon when entering the ring, which would be a 1 point deduction. However the competitor may still continue their routine)
Event definitions: Classical Japanese and Okinawan Forms
The contestants will be expected to perform Kata in accordance with the karate-do based on the Goju, Shito, Shoto, and Wado systems.
Criteria for decision:
Kata Performance
- The Kata must be performed with competence & demonstrate a clear understanding of the principles it contains
- Kata must be of Okinawan or Japanese origin
- Correct breathing, demonstration of power, speed, timing, balance & focus
- Balance, consistency & correctness of stances
- Correct weight distribution
- Smooth transition between stances & Balanc
- Correct Tension
- Feet edges firmly on the floor
Technique demonstrates
- Accuracy
- Correct tension, focus
- Proper understanding of the Bunkai
Kata should uniformly demonstrate unwavering concentration, understanding of the techniques and present a realistic, rather than theatrical demonstration of movements.
Mandatory Deductions from the point total: Acrobatic or Theatrical movements 1 point
Time limit: 3 minutes (time begins when competitor enters the ring) *Time violation is a 1 point deduction
Event definitions: Korean Forms
The contestants will be expected to perform forms/patterns in accordance with Korean Systems to included but not limited to Taekwondo, Hapkido or Tang Soo Do systems.
Time limit: 3 minutes (time begins when competitor enters the ring) *Time violation is a 1 point deduction
Event definitions: Kajukenbo/Kenpo/Polynesian Forms
The contestants will be expected to perform forms in accordance with systems of Kajukenbo, Kenpo or Polynesian origin.
Time limit: 3 minutes (time begins when competitor enters the ring) *Time violation is a 1 point deduction
Event definitions: Contemporary Open to all Styles Forms
Contemporary Forms are defined as an event involving an individual performing a pre-arranged series of empty-handed movements without music. This division is open to all styles. They may not include gymnastics, acrobatics, or other freestyle type movements. Techniques may not involve any more than a 360-degree turn.
Time limit: 3 minutes (time begins when competitor enters the ring) *Time violation is a 1 point deduction
Event definitions: Creative Forms
Creative Forms are defined as an event involving an individual performing a pre-arranged series of empty-handed. Competitors may use any type of gymnastic, acrobatic, splits or other freestyle type movement. The Judges base equally on the choreographing of the form’s creativity and the display of martial arts applications.
Time limit: 3 minutes (time begins when competitor enters the ring) *Time violation is a 1 point deduction
Event definitions: Musical Choreographed Forms
Musical Choreographed Forms are defined as an event involving an individual performing a pre-arranged series of empty-handed movements that must involve the use of music. Competitors may use any type of gymnastic, acrobatic, splits or other freestyle type movement. Judges base equally on the choreographing of the form to the music, creativity and the display of martial arts applications.
One point deduction from the total score, for forms not choreographed to the music.
Time limit: 3 minutes (time begins when competitor enters the ring) *Time violation is a 1 point deduction
Chinese Martial Arts Forms
Each judge will be using the following guidelines in determining a competitor’s score:
- Correctness of Form *(must follow Division Guidelines)
- Strength of Stance/Stability
- Speed - Ultimately, the form must be of actual fighting speed (except Tai Chi)
- Power - (Not Muscle Tightness)
- Spirit - Martial Spirit with sense of opponent
- Overall Impression
Event definitions: Tai Chi/Internal Forms
All judging of forms competitions is very subjective on the part of the judges, each judge is reminded that he must set any personal preferences regarding the martial arts aside and maintain an open mind and a fair and subjected spirit when scoring. The judging parameters will be based on several key principles such as rooting, body flow, body movement, relaxation, etc. Competitors should not simply “perform” their particular routine, but rather display their abilities in these key principles. Many competitors show most all of the correct postures and form but fail to display to the judges their ability to do their form "internally" rather that as a slower motion "external" form.
Time Limits for Taijiquan/Internal Forms:
*Time violation is a 1 point deduction (time begins when competitor enters the ring)
- 24 Form Taijiquan (min 4 minute – max 5 minutes)
- Yang, Chen, Wu, Hao, Sun Styles Taijiquan (min 3 minute – max 3 1/2 minutes)
- Other Styles Taijiquan (min 3 minute – max 3 1/2 minutes)
- Baguazhang (min 1 minute – max 2 minutes)
- Xingyiquan (min 1 minute – max 2 minutes)
Event definitions: Contemporary Wushu Forms
Contemporary wushu, is an exhibition sport derived from traditional Chinese martial arts. Created in the People's Republic of China after 1949. Wushu forms are similar to gymnastics and involve martial art patterns and maneuvers for which competitors are judged and given points according to specific rules. The forms comprise basic movements (stances, kicks, punches, balances, jumps, sweeps and throws) based on aggregate categories traditional Chinese martial art style and can be changed for competitions to highlight one's strengths.
All judging of forms competitions is very subjective on the part of the judges, each judge is reminded that he must set any personal preferences regarding the martial arts aside and maintain an open mind and a fair and subjected spirit when scoring.
Time Limits for Contemporary Wushu Forms and Weapons:
*Time violation is a 1 point deduction (time begins when competitor enters the ring)
- Contemporary Wushu (1 minute 20 seconds – 2 minutes)
Description: Traditional Kung Fu Forms
The intent of a Traditional Division is to help perpetuate and preserve the original essence and strength of the art.
Even though many individuals may study the same style, there may be minor differences in the way they perform a form/set due to different lineage or philosophy, but the majority will agree that each system has a core principle it follows. (Example; Hung Gar - Strong low stances, powerful connection to Earth, Wing Chun – Trapping hands, inside fighting).
All competition in a Traditional Division will maintain and reinforce the core principles and signature move(s) that are recognized as the trademark of the system. Competitors with any movement in a form that breaks the core principle of the style it is intended to represent will be subject to reduction in their score and possible disqualification.
- No aerial movements beyond flying kicks. No flying kicks beyond 360 degrees.
- Only two steps are permitted before any flying kick.
- No movements that are strictly gymnastic.
Time Limits for Traditional Kung Fu Forms and Weapons:
*Time violation is a 1 point deduction (time begins when competitor enters the ring)
- Traditional Kung Fu (1 minute – 2 minutes)
Weapons
The Chief Referee will examine each weapon prior to the competition to ensure safety, authenticity, construction and materials. Any weapon which is deemed unsafe or unfair may be excluded. Competitors will be given 2 minutes to present a different weapon if their weapon is excluded.
Event definitions: Classical Japanese/Okinawan Weapons
The Divisions & Rules for Kobudo are the same as the Kata with the following additions:
The proper use and control of the weapon is the primary goal of Kobudo competition.
Classical Japanese/Okinawan Acceptable Weapons
Bo – must be made entirely from hardwood, without tapered ends. No Bo will be allowed that is made of extremely light materials to include but not limited to graphite. The wood must be fully exposed, may not be painted and may not be covered in material such as metallic Mylar film. The Bo may be stained. Bo must be within 1 fist of the top of a competitor’s head
Tonfa – must be made of hardwood and have a length when grasped by the handle, to reach the competitor’s elbow. 2 Tonfa are to be used
Eku – must be made of hardwood and have a length within 1 fist of the top of a competitor’s head when measured from the floor. The EKU must have a flat & rounded side & no sharp point
Nunchaku – One pair consists of 2 hard wood handles connected by a cord, suggested 12” length
Sai – Must be made of Steel or other heavy metal. When grasped the tip should reach the tip of the competitor’s elbow.
Kama – 2 Kamas are to be used. Handle should be made of hardwood and the blade should be unsharpened steel. No lanyards or cords are permitted.
Event definitions: Traditional Open to all Styles Weapons
Weapon divisions are defined as an event involving an individual performing a pre-arranged series of movements that include the use of a clearly identified weapon. Judging is based on the proper use and control of the Weapon. You may not release or toss the weapon at any time. No Overly Creative Manipulation of the weapon. Weapon must be Traditional in construction. No music or gymnastics moves are allowed. The definition from Traditional forms as it applies to kicks also applies to traditional weapons
Event definitions: Creative Weapons
Creative Weapons divisions are defined as an event involving an individual performing a pre-arranged series of movements that include the use of a clearly identified weapon. All movements & gymnastics are allowed. Judging based equally on creativity, proper usage of the Weapon and the display of martial arts applications.
Event definitions: Musical Choreographed Weapons
Musical Choreographed Weapons divisions are defined as an event involving an individual performing a pre-arranged series of movements that include the use of a clearly identified weapon. All movements & gymnastics are allowed. Judging based equally on choreographing of the form to the music, creativity, proper usage of the Weapon and the display of martial arts applications.
One point deduction from the total score, for forms not choreographed to the music.
Chinese Martial Arts Weapons
Weapon Specifications
For the four standard Chinese weapons (Most common used in Wushu) – staff (gun), broadsword (dao), spear (qiang) and straight sword (jian) – weapons specifications must adhere to the standard established by the IWuF for contemporary wushu. Traditional Kung Fu weapons adhere to the same characteristic description, with the additional stipulation that they must be combat weight.
Spear (Qiang)
- The spear shall have a metal tip and shall be fitted with a horsehair tassel.
- The whole length shall be no shorter than the height of the performer’s fingertips when he stands erect with his arm raised straight overhead.
Staff and Southern Staff (Gun and Nangun)
- Staffs may only have one end tapered - staffs with both ends tapered (such as "bo" staffs) are not permitted.
- The whole length of the staff/southern staff shall not be shorter than the performer's height.
Sword (Jian)
- The weapon shall be a single-hand, double-edged straight sword.
- The point of the sword shall not be shorter than the bottom of the performer's ear when the sword is held by the guard.
- For contemporary external and contemporary internal events only: a tassel shall be attached to the pommel of the weapon.
Broadsword and Southern Broadsword (Dao and Nandao)
- Both weapons shall be a singled-edged blade with slight convex curvature on the cutting edge.
- The point of the broadsword/southern broadsword shall not be lower than the top of the performer's shoulder when the broadsword is held, guard in hand. For contemporary external and contemporary internal events only: a flag shall be attached to the pommel of the broadsword.
- Standard weapons of other specifications may be allowed, at the discretion of the Chief Judge, if deemed appropriate to the style being performed.
Specifications for Other Weapons
All other Weapons must be Chinese in origin. Weapons not allowed include, but are not limited to nunchuku, katana, manriki-gusari, kama, sai, etc. Chinese variations of these classic kobudo weapons are permissible, ie. erjiegun, miaodao, liandao, bian, however these must adhere to the principles of traditional Chinese execution.
Traditional Kung Fu Weapons must be combat weight, not light weight, flexible wushu style weapons.
Event definitions: Tai Chi/Internal Weapons
The same guidelines as the open hand events will apply here as well. In addition, the judges will be looking for the following:
- Same guidelines as open hand events
- Body movement coordination with the weapon
- Correct application of the weapon
- Familiarity of the weapon
Time Limits for Taijiquan/Internal Forms and Weapons:
*Time violation is a 1 point deduction (time begins when competitor enters the ring)
- Taijiquan Straight Sword (min 2 1/2 minute – max 5 minutes)
- Taijiquan Broadsword (min 2 minute – max 3 minutes)
- Other Internal Weapons (max 3 minutes)
Event definitions : Traditional Kung Fu/Wushu Weapons
The same guidelines as the open hand events will apply here as well. In addition, the judges will be looking for the following:
- Body movement coordination with the weapon
- Correct application of the weapon
- Familiarity of the weapon
- Speed and power of the weapon
Time Limits for Contemporary Wushu Forms and Weapons:
*Time violation is a 1 point deduction (time begins when competitor enters the ring)
Contemporary Wushu (1 minute 20 seconds – 2 minutes)
Time Limits for Traditional Kung Fu Forms and Weapons:
*Time violation is a 1 point deduction (time begins when competitor enters the ring)
Standard Judging Guidelines: Traditional Kung Fu Weapon Forms
The same guidelines as the open hand events will apply here as well. In addition, the judges will be looking for the following:
- Same guidelines as open hand events
- Body movement coordination with the weapon
- Correct application of the weapon
- Familiarity of the weapon
- Speed and power of the weapon
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