Bobby Lawrence Karate Tournament Rules...3. Rules for Forms Events Individual forms are floor...

Bobby Lawrence Karate

Tournament Rules

Welcome to the Bobby Lawrence Karate Spring 2017 Tournament! This introduction to Bobby Lawrence Karate, including the Tournament Rules and Procedures, has been prepared for competitors and spectators alike. Please familiarize yourself with its contents and feel free to ask questions of your head of school or of the Tournament Customer Service Representative.

Bobby Lawrence Karate Commitment to Sport Karate

Bobby Lawrence Karate (BLK) is a unique eclectic system of karate developed by Master Bobby Lawrence. Master Lawrence trained extensively with Grand Master Richard Callahan and Senior Grand Master Ed Parker, Sr. Master Lawrence began teaching karate in Utah in 1978. He received his “Master” recognition in 1994.

Having produced several national and even a few world champions, BLK is committed to promoting sport karate and the extremely high value sport karate places on sportsmanship, proper etiquette, camaraderie among competitors, and great respect for all judges, black belts, and especially senior black belts. To demonstrate the importance of respect in our organization, BLK asks everyone involved – including parents, friends, teammates, etc. – to show appropriate respect at all times.

Because the duration of each event is always unpredictable, we are unable to establish an exact starting time for any particular division. Please plan ahead by leaving yourself plenty of extra time to arrive at the tournament, warm up, and focus your mind before your division is called to the pit. If a competitor misses the

BLK_Tournament_Rules_Rev_03_04_2017 1

pit call, but arrives at the ring before competition has started, he may still enter but is required to compete first. If competition has started, he may not compete in that event, but he can still compete in the remainder of the events in that division with no late penalty. If you arrive early enough, you will be able to watch others compete which is informative, entertaining, and motivational.

In BLK sport karate, following both the formal rules and the spirit of those rules is critical to achieving our objectives in promoting our sport. BLK tournaments generally follow the rules of the National Black Belt League. However, BLK has modified those rules slightly as reflected in the Tournament Rules and Procedures set forth in this booklet. Although we have worked tirelessly to develop a comprehensive rule book, we understand that questions occasionally arise which the printed rules do not address. In this event and upon a proper request for arbitration, the Tournament Arbitrator will make an ad hoc decision to resolve the issue. After the tournament, Master Lawrence may review the Arbitrator’s decision and appropriate changes to the printed rules may be made.

1. General Rules

1.1 Age & Rank

Competitors compete at the age they are the day of the tournament and at their current rank. Competitors may compete in only one age group. If a student deliberately tries to compete in an event for which he is ineligible, he will not be permitted to compete in that event, and 10 points will be deducted from his school’s score.

1.2 Uniforms, Sparring Gear, and Weapons

Only neat and clean Bobby Lawrence Karate approved uniforms are permitted at the tournament. Uniforms should have the BLK patch and logo. Competitors should have a black t-shirt underneath their uniform. Shoes are only permitted during demo events. Sleeves may be rolled up if neatly done, but not past the elbows. Pant leggings may not be rolled up. They should be hemmed and not higher than three inches from the top of the ankles.

Black belt training students may wear middleweight white tops and black pants. Black belt leadership students may wear middleweight or heavy weight black uniforms. All others must wear white tops and white pants. Red, blue or other colored uniforms are not


permitted at BLK tournaments, except in the Demo Team Competition. Demo team members may wear non-traditional uniforms during the Demo Team Competition only. All competitors, including demo team members, should wear their own belt during competition (although this is not mandatory for demo team members, it is highly encouraged).

For insurance purposes, all sparring gear and power karate gloves must have originally been BLK logoed and approved. For safety reasons, the gear must be in a good state of repair (no tape or splits) and fit properly. (Note: If a logo is wearing out on equipment that once had a logo and is otherwise in a good state of repair, the competitor may use that gear.) If the gear does not meet these qualifications, the competitor will not be permitted to spar with that gear. In sparring events, mouth pieces, groin and chest protectors are recommended.

If a competitor does not have appropriate uniform and/or gear, tournament officials may help them find approved attire, but this responsibility ultimately rests with the competitor and they have only one minute to do so.

1.3 Coaching and Spectators

For safety and fairness reasons, parents and spectators are not allowed on the competition floor at any time. The penalty for an infraction will be a 10 point deduction from the player’s school’s total score. Note that there is no warning. An exception may be made in the case of injury in which case the judges will signal the parents to come to the floor.

1.4 Respect

Anyone who is disrespectful to the officials, staff, Arbitrator or Customer Service Representative will have 10 points deducted from their school’s score. This rule applies to competitors, spectators, parents, heads of school, etc.

2. Arbitration

BLK also values learning through direct involvement. Accordingly, competitors are required to serve as tournament judges. All black belts age 14 and over must judge at least one event (or fulfill another designated assignment) in order to compete. Younger


competitors generally have other assignments through which they learn both the confidence and the judging skills which will enable them to become respected tournament judges in the future.

Though judges and black belts deserve respect, they are only human and as such may make mistakes. Making a mistake does not equate to cheating. However, incompetence does not foster a fair competition. In the event a judge’s competency or fairness is questioned, a request by a BLK head of school to the Arbitrator to “watch such and such judge to make sure they’re fair and competent” is permissible. If the Arbitrator determines the judge is doing fine, he will relay that to the Customer Service Representative who will, in turn, relay that decision to the questioning head of school. If the Arbitrator determines that a judge should be replaced for further training, he may do so immediately.

Arbitration may also be requested to rectify improper enforcement of rules (not a judgement call) by an official. The purpose of arbitration is to ensure fairness and good sportsmanship.

2.1 Procedure to Request Arbitration

Only the following people may call for arbitration:

• the aggrieved competitor;

• a head of school, so long as his or her other responsibilities are being fulfilled without interruption;

• the floor master or events coordinator; or

• Master Lawrence or Mrs. Charlene Lawrence.

An aggrieved competitor must call for arbitration by notifying the center judge in the ring or the competitor’s head of school immediately after the ruling being challenged is announced. It is expected that all competitors, parents, and others involved in the arbitration will abide by the Arbitrator’s decision and will show the Arbitrator the utmost respect regardless of the outcome. A competitor who fails to call for arbitration immediately is deemed to have accepted the ruling and will not be able to call for arbitration later. If a ruling on the floor is challenged but upheld, the aggrieved competitor loses one point in sparring and 0.1 point in forms.


3. Rules for Forms Events

Individual forms are floor exercises practiced by classical karate students to improve balance, coordination, memory and motor skill development, focus, posture, ki’ai, and theatrical presentation skills. Judges score competitors on their technical precision, focus, balance, power, and overall presentation.

Traditional forms must be performed according to BLK’s standards. However, modifications to accommodate a competitor’s physical limitations are acceptable; i.e. substituting a chicken kick for a butterfly kick, deleting sweeps if the knees can’t handle them, etc. However, adding show-time moves like flips is considered performing the form incorrectly and will be scored accordingly.

In weapons events, judges will consider the added element of weapon control and manipulation.

Judging forms is not an exact science. As in all sports, though maybe more here, there is always a degree of ‘how the judges see it.’ Competitors should focus on doing their best, learning from their experience and exercising good sportsmanship. For parents, the most important thing is to cheer for all competitors.

3.1 General Rules for All Forms Events

3.1.0 Scoring

Each competitor in the individual forms events will receive a final score for his or her performance, calculated by adding the scores of each judge. Divisions are scored on the following scale:

• Little Ninjas: 5.0-5.9

• W,Y,O: 6.0-6.9

• P,B,G: 7.0-7.9

• B, Ban Bu: 8.0-8.9

• All Black: 9.0-9.9


Competitors may be penalized for certain rule violations, such as stepping out of bounds or dropping a weapon (see the deductions section for more details)

In the Little Ninjas and Kid Champs divisions, all competitors will be awarded a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place medal on the basis of their final score.

3.1.1 Medals in Little Ninjas and Kid Champs Divisions

In the Little Ninjas and Kid Champs divisions, all competitors will be awarded a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place medal on the basis of the combined scores of all judges, calculated by adding only the digits to the right of the decimal point. This helps to teach our younger students about competition while maintaining as positive of an experience as possible, setting them up for success in the future. Medals will be awarded as follows:

• 1st Place: 21 points or higher

• 2nd Place: 17-20 points

• 3rd Place: Below 17 points

If no competitors score 21 points or higher, award the 2nd and 3rd place winners 1st and 2nd place medals and do not award any 3rd place medals.

EXAMPLE: A 7-year-old green belt Kid Champ scores 7.6, 7.7, and 7.8. The combined score of all judges (adding only the digits to the right of the decimal point) is 21. This competitor will be awarded a 1st place medal.

EXAMPLE #2: A 5-year-old yellow belt Kid Champ scores 6.5, 6.75, and 6.6. The combined score of all judges is 18.5. This competitor would be awarded a 2nd place medal.

3.1.2 Ties

If there are three judges then do not break ties. If there are five judges, one high and one low score are deleted. In the event of a tie the low score is added back in. If there’s still a tie then the high score is added back in. If there’s still a tie, for first place, then a run off event is held with officials pointing to the player they thought did best that time. A tie for first or second does not affect the remainder of medals awarded. For example, if there is a two way tie for second place a third place medal is still awarded. This rule applies in both individual forms and demo divisions.


3.1.3 Acceptable forms

Weapons are only permitted in weapons events. Traditional forms must be done without props. A violation of either of these rules results in a 0.5 point deduction from the competitor’s score.

Except for the demo divisions, students can only perform the listed forms and no others. A student that performs a form not on the list will be disqualified from placing first, second, or third. Creative forms may be done in the demo events.

Approved forms are as follows:

BLK Traditional Empty-Hand Forms:

• Peaceful Warrior Forms

• Temple Sound

• Strong Sky

• Humble Sky

• Fortress Breaker

• Short Forms 1-3

• Long Forms 1-6

• Third Exam

• Rising Mist

BLK Traditional Weapons Forms:

• 1st-3rd Single Chuck Forms

• Kama Shodan

• Club Sets 1-4

• Moon Shadow

• Full Moon Shadow

• Sai Taikyoku Forms

• Power Bo Staff 1-4

• Katana Kata 1-4

• Sai Heian Forms 1, 3, 5

• Long 7

BLK Contemporary Empty Hand Forms:

• Black Ice


BLK Contemporary Weapons Forms:

• Relic

• Double Dragon

• Lock Out

• Kryptonite

• D-12

• Dragon Fire

• Sato

BLK Kid Champ Curriculum Forms:

* White Tiger

* Silver Fox

* Black Dragon

* Star Block

* (Kid Champs may do one of these forms OR another curriculum form in the forms division.)

3.1.4 Application of Deductions / Penalties

When there are three judges, deductions are subtracted from the center judge’s score BEFORE the individual judges’ scores are added together. The center judge’s original score and adjusted score must both be recorded on the player’s card. The center judge and the scorekeeper will calculate the competitors’ final scores before medals are awarded. Deductions will be announced to all competitors only if it affects the final rankings.

EXAMPLE NO. 1: In an individual forms event, the scores of the side judges are 7.5 and 7.6. The center judge’s score is 7.7. One judge saw the competitor step on the line during the form. After taking a 0.1 deduction, the center judge’s adjusted score is 7.6. The final score is 22.7 (7.5 + 7.6 + 7.6 = 22.7).


EXAMPLE NO. 2: In the STORM event, the scores of the side judges are 9.8 and 9.9. The center judge gives a score of 9.8. However, one member of the team removed part of his uniform before being dismissed by the center judge. After subtracting a 0.5 point deduction for a uniform violation, the center judge’s adjusted score is 9.3. The team’s final score is 29 (9.8 + 9.9 + 9.3 = 29).

3.1.5 Penalties for forms

All deductions are subtracted from the center judge’s score BEFORE the individual judges’ scores are added together. The center judge’s original score and adjusted score must both be recorded on the player’s card.

Out-of-Bounds: Individual forms must be performed within the ring. The line is out. A 0.1 point deduction will be made each time a competitor steps out-of-bounds as seen by at least one judge.

Starting Over: A 0.1 point deduction will be made for each time a competitor starts a form over.

Using a Prop or Weapon When Not Permitted: A 0.5 point deduction will be made if a competitor uses a prop or weapon in an event where props and weapons are not permitted.

Dropping a Weapon: A 0.5 point deduction will be made for each time a competitor drops a weapon in individual events only (i.e. this deduction does not apply in demo teams)

Uniform Violation: A 0.5 point deduction will be made for any uniform violation, including any violation of Section 1.2, improperly wearing a uniform at the start of the form, or removing any part of the uniform prior to being dismissed by the center judge. Additionally, removing the uniform pants or top before the end of the division (including performance of the form and awards) will result in a 5 point deduction from the offender’s school’s total school points score.

Going Overtime: A 0.2 point deduction will be made for going overtime in the Demo Team competition.

Unsuccessful Arbitration: A 0.1 point deduction will be made for challenging a ruling which is later upheld by the Arbitrator.


3.2 Demo Team Competition

The Demo Team Competition is a subdivision of the overall forms category and will be judged according to the same rules. Additionally, some special rules apply to demo teams. When judging demo teams, judges look for crisp, clean, accurate, and focused basic individual movements, synchronized team movements, music coordination and selection, overall presentation, and creativity within the realm of BLK principles, values and priorities.

3.2.1 Divisions and Eligibility

The SWAT division is for competitors ages 12 and under. The STORM division is for competitors ages 13 and over. STORM members may not compete in the SWAT division, but SWAT team members may compete in STORM demos with their Head of School’s permission.

All competitors on SWAT and STORM must be individually registered for the tournament or their team will be disqualified from placing.

3.2.1 Scoring

Each demo team will receive a final score for its performance, calculated by adding the scores of each judge. Divisions are scored on the following scale:

o SWAT: 8.0-8.9

o STORM: 9.0-9.9

3.2.3 Time Limits and other Penalties

When teams provide their own music, it cannot be louder than 105 decibels as measured 3 feet from the speaker.

SWAT teams have a one-and-a-half minute (1:30) time limit.3A, 2A, and 1A STORM teams have a two-minute (2) time limit. 4A SWAT teams have a two-minute (2) time


limit. 4A STORM teams have a three-minute (3) time limit. The time starts thirty seconds after the final call or when the team captain raises his hand, whichever comes first. Time ends when the team captain raises his hand. After being dismissed by the center judge, the team has 30 seconds to clean up all weapons or other debris and exit the competition floor. The penalty for going overtime is a 0.2 point deduction.

3.2.4 Sequencing of Entries

In the demo divisions sequencing is determined as follows:

1. Smaller category schools compete first (i.e. 2A schools go up before 3A which go up before 4A)

2. Within each category, the schools go in ascending order based on the number of pre-registered competitors, with the one exception (see next item)

3. The 4A school that won the previous tournament goes up last in the current tournament.

3.2.5 School Points

Team points are awarded only to 3A and 4A schools as follows. Each BLK School will receive one point for each demo team member who has also individually pre-registered for the tournament. Teams which place first, second, or third will receive additional team points for every team member who has individually pre-registered for the tournament: 1.5 points for first, 1 for second, and 0.5 for third.


Rules for Sparring Events

4.1 General Rules

We spar for eight reasons: to rein in the ego, to quicken our reflexes, to develop good habits, to

learn strategies and counter strategies, to learn principles of motion and logic, for fitness,

friendly competition, and fun.

The first competitor to score, i.e. touch a legal target with a legal, properly formed

weapon, backed by momentum or a properly braced stance, earns a point. The first competitor to

receive five (5) awarded points wins the match. A competitor must win a match by at least one

point. In the event that both competitors score their last point at the same time (i.e. the last call is

for “point each way” and the result is that both competitors have five points at the end of the

match), the match goes into “sudden victory” and ends as soon as either competitor takes the

lead. The match cannot end in a tie.

A judge can reverse his call, however if he reverses his calls too often, especially due to

pressure from spectators, he may be replaced at the arbitrator’s discretion.

To promote safe and fair competition, during individual competition, groups will be split

by sex for individual point sparring starting at age 13.


Coaching is prohibited in sparring. For purposes of this rule, coaching is defined as any

direct communication with the competitor relating to the competition and intended to help the

competitor with strategy or tactics. Loud cheering for competitors, even when it includes

strategic ideas (e.g., “KICK HIM IN THE HEAD”), is allowed and even encouraged. Each

center judge is responsible for enforcing this rule, first by recognizing improper coaching and

verbally warning the offender and second, by deducting 10 points from the cfoach’s school’s

score if coaching continues.

4.2 Legal Techniques and Targets

Legal scoring techniques include: back fists, ridge hands, straight, vertical, and uppercut

punches and front, side, back, round, hook, and hatchet kicks. Legal controlled kicks to the head,

if confirmed by a majority of the judges, earn two (2) points. All other legal attacks, confirmed

by a majority of judges, receive one (1) point.

Scoring targets include the head gear (excluding the top of the head gear except for

hatchet kicks and ridge hands), the chest, abdomen (above the hips), the kidneys, but not the

spine. Again a hatchet kick may score on top of the head but so-called ‘bops,’ hammer fists, etc.

cannot score on top of the head.

Adult (age 18 and higher) black belts may score with a body jab. Ranks other than adult

black belt should not receive a point for this move (although they are not penalized either).

Adult black belts and above may score with a controlled reverse-punch to the head. For safety’s

sake, ranks other than adult black belt cannot score with this move; in fact, a penalty point will

be awarded to one’s opponent for executing a reverse-punch to the opponent’s head.


Scoring on a downed opponent is possible; however for safety’s sake special rules apply.

You may score on a downed opponent within three seconds (as counted out loud by the center

official) of his going down, however you may not kick at his head. You may kick at his body but

not touch it. You may punch at his head but not touch it. You may punch at his body and make

controlled contact to an otherwise legal target. A downed competitor can kick up at a standing

competitor and score one point if he contacts a legal target with control. An illegal attack on a

downed opponent results in a point awarded to the other competitor.

In some circumstances it is possible for both an affirmative point and a penalty point to

be awarded. For example, if you score on your opponent with a reverse punch (L2) as he kicks

you in the leg, you could receive a point for your scoring move and another point as a penalty for

his errant move.

4.3 Illegal Targets and Attacks

Illegal targets include attacking the eyes, throat or neck, spine, hips, and legs. The face is

an illegal target except in the adult black belt division. Similarly, the groin is an illegal target

except in the adult black belt divisions in the spring tournament. Competitors may not execute a

reverse-punch to the opponent’s head except in the adult black belt division. Illegal attacks

include excessive contact to any otherwise legal target, attempts to reverse a joint, leg kicks, any

sweeps, elbow strikes, blind attacks, and uncontrolled attacks of any kind. Any illegal attacks or

strikes to an illegal target receive an immediate point penalty awarded over to the offender’s

opponent. No warning.


Excessive contact is anything intended to cause injury, any attack thrown with disregard

for the safety or well-being of an opponent, any blow that snaps the head, dazes, knocks

unconscious, or decks an opponent. The penalty for excessive contact can be immediate

disqualification, if egregious, or, if mild, a point awarded to one’s opponent, once. A second

excessive-contact call in a match results in disqualification. Contact which draws blood is

automatically deemed to be excessive and will be penalized by awarding two points to one’s

opponent.

If a competitor bleeds or is otherwise injured, an EMT must be consulted to determine

whether the competitor may continue. For safety reasons, the head EMT has the last word on the

subject.

4.4 Scoring

The first competitor to score, i.e. touch a legal target with a legal, properly formed

weapon, backed by momentum or a properly braced stance, as seen by a majority of the judges,

earns one point (two points for a legal kick to the head). The first competitor to receive five (5)

awarded points wins the match. A competitor must win a match by at least one point. In the event

that both competitors score their fifth (5th) point at the same time, the match continues until one

competitor is ahead by at least one point.


4.4.1 Penalties in Sparring

Generally a majority of judges is required to confirm a ruling of disqualification, point

over, out of bounds, or foul. In extreme cases, the center judge may rule a disqualification, at his

sole discretion.

Failure to bow or yell, “Yes, Sir”: Failure to bow or do the Kwon Shu Salute or failure to yell

“Yes, Sir” (or Ma’am) when directed to bow to the center official or to the competitor’s opponent

at the start of a match is a penalty, as is failure to yell, “Yes, Sir” (or Ma’am) or do a loud ki’ai

when the center official calls for “sparring stances.”. For either of these violations, the offending

party’s opponent receives one (1) point, twice. On the third violation in a given match a

disqualification will be ordered.

5-Second Rule: In all divisions except adult black belt, failure to initiate an attack within five

seconds of the center judge’s command to begin sparring will result in an award of one point to

each competitor. The center judge should begin counting immediately after saying “go,” and stop

the count once an attack is initiated. If the competitors stop engaging, the center judge should re-

start the count from the beginning until one of them attacks again or they reach the five second

mark. In the adult black belt division, the center judge should give the competitors time to

jockey for their pre-launch positions and should not begin counting unless the competitors are

stalling.

Failure to Stop: Failure to stop launching a new attack when the center judge calls ‘break’ or

‘stop’ results in a one (1) point penalty awarded to one’s opponent.


Out-of-Bounds: The line is out. If a competitor touches the line or steps outside the ring, as

seen by a majority of judges, he is out-of-bounds. The penalty for going out-of-bounds is a point

awarded to one’s opponent. Fighting out-of-bounds is not a penalty.

A competitor in-bounds can score on a competitor out-of-bounds as long as the center

official has not called ‘break.’ A competitor out-of-bounds cannot score on a competitor in-

bounds. Since fighting out-of-bounds is not a penalty, an in-bounds competitor cannot score two

points on an out-of-bounds situation—i.e., one for scoring and a second for his opponent going

out-of-bounds—unless it was a kick to the head.

Excessive contact and drawing blood: A one (1) point penalty will be awarded to one’s

opponent for contact which is excessive but not egregious. A two (2) point penalty will be

awarded to one’s opponent for contact which draws blood. A second excessive contact call

results in disqualification of the offending competitor. Contact which is egregious can also

result in disqualification.

Illegal Attack or Target: Any illegal attacks or strikes to an illegal target receive an immediate

point penalty awarded over to the offender’s opponent. No warning.

Unsuccessful Arbitration: A one (1) point deduction will be made for challenging a ruling

which is later upheld by the Arbitrator.

4.5 Special Rules for Adult Black Belts (Age 18 and Higher)

The face is a legal target so long as extreme control is exercised.


Reverse-punch to the opponent’s head is a legal technique so long as extreme control is

exercised.

The groin is a legal target in the spring tournament, but not in the fall tournament.

A jab to the body scores one point.

The five-second rule is relaxed. No penalty unless competitors are stalling.

4.6 Adult Sparring Grand Championships

For both men and women, a grand championship match is held with a cash prize. The winners of the

18-34 year-old and 35+ black belt divisions are eligible to compete. In order to become a grand

champion, a competitor must defeat the previous tournament's grand champion in the grand-champion

match-up. This holds true even if the previous tournament's champion did not win the run-off event.

4.6.1 Cash Prizes

The cash prize for men is $500 and for women it is $250. This is based on the average number of competitors in each category in previous tournaments.

4.6.2 Eligibility

To be eligible to compete in a grand championship match, a competitor must have helped judge

throughout the tournament on both Friday evening and Saturday. This includes showing up on time and

properly dressed on both days.


Additionally, the competitor’s school must be actively participating in the tournament by meeting ONE of

the criteria below:

1. At least 20 competitors AND at least half the school’s student body registered OR

2. At least 40 competitors registered

In the event that the winner of a division is not eligible to advance to the grand championship match, the

second place winner in that division takes their place. If the second place winner is not eligible, then the

third place winner takes their place. If none of the first, second, or third places winners from a division are

eligible, then no competitors from that division move on to the grand championship.

Additionally, while the previous year’s winner does NOT have to win (or even compete in) their

individual division to be eligible to defend their title, they must meet criteria #1 and #2 above or they

forfeit their title.

4.7 Team Sparring

Team sparring is one of the most exciting events. In team sparring, each team consists of

three competitors. One competitor from each team spars an opponent from the opposite team,

starting with the lightest-weight competitor on each team and progressing to the heaviest.

4.7.1 Team Sparring Scoring

Each match is a timed 75 second match with the team with the highest score at the end of

the three matches winning that round. The time clock runs continuously during the match with

the following exceptions:

- Time is stopped when a player calls for timeout


- During the last 10 seconds of the match, time is stopped every time one of the

judges calls break

- Time may be stopped for injury, arbitration, or another dispute. This is at the head

judge’s discretion.

4.7.2 Team Sparring Eligibility

The head-of-school or head instructor from each school is responsible for pre-qualifying each team-

sparring competitor and forming teams. All team members must train at the same school. It is highly

recommended that teams have an alternate in case one of their team members is unable to compete. A

competitor may NOT be on more than one team, even if the teams are in different divisions. To be

eligible to team-spar a students must:

- Be at least 13 years old

- Be a dependable helper (instructor or assistant instructor) who consistently fulfills their

assignments within their school

- Be a dependable helper at the tournament. To participate in team sparring, a competitor must

arrive on-time and assist throughout the tournament.

- Be individually registered for and participate in the tournament

4.7.3 Team Sparring School Points Team sparring school points are awarded the same as in other events - (i.e. three points for a first place, two points for a second place, one point for a third place)


4.7.4 Timeouts Teams are allowed one 10 second timeout per match.

5. Flag Sparring

- Each player has one flag on each side of their hip. Their goal is to grab the other player's flags.

- Players can grab with either hand. While good hand positioning, posture, and kiais are

strongly encouraged in order to build good habits, there are no rules regarding these.

- After a flag is pulled, it is returned to its original position. The first player to five (5)point or

the player ahead at the end of one minute wins.

- Similar to point sparring, players are penalized with the loss of a flag for stepping out of

bounds

6. Padded Weapons Sparring

Purpose: To quicken reflexes and awareness, build a bridge to ancient warriors, and have

FUN!

6.1 Padded Chuck Sparring

Two points for a head strike, one point for everywhere else. Two points for a two-handed

block. All other sparring rules apply.

6.2 Padded Sword Sparring

Begin in a warrior stance with both hands on the sword. One point for a limb or body cut

or slice; two points for a head cut; and three points for a full motion down cut to the head with


ki’ai. Note that both hands must be on the sword to score. First player to five wins. All other

sparring rules apply.

7. Power Karate

In the Power Karate event, competitors will demonstrate their skills in prescribed

combinations and will be scored using the same scoring systems as in the forms events. Judges

in this event are looking for the most powerful strikes. In order to achieve maximum power,

competitors should utilize correct principles of motion (body rotation), point of departure (punch

leaving from a high guard), and weapon formation (proper fist and making contact with correct

striking surface). Competitors may receive a lower score if they miss a block or cover on

interactive combinations. However, there is no specific deduction or penalty; competitors are

judged on their overall performance.

Competitors without approved power karate gloves will not be allowed to punch targets

with a closed fist, but will be required to execute a heel palm strike instead.

Competitors do NOT need to introduce themselves in power karate as is done in forms.

When a competitor’s name is called they should simply run up to the target holder and assume a

guarding stance.

Competitors will perform each combo three times. For the Spring 2017 Tournament the

combos for all juniors and teens / adults are:

123 p8


slip a 1, 232 sk

Kid Champs will do the following combos:

123 p8

232 sk

Little Ninjas will do the following combo:

12 front kick

For the Spring 2017 Tournament all combos will be performed on the forearm shields and kicks

should strike the shield and return rather than spin through. All combos will be performed from a

left guarding stance at regular speed. When two combos are performed the first combo will be

performed all three times, then the second combo will be performed all three times.

8. Obstacle Course

The Obstacle Course event is for Little Ninjas and is designed to test their ability, agility

and focus. After all “Little Ninjas” are ninjas in training, whether shown physically or in spirit!

The obstacle course is intended to be a fun event that will reinforce principles taught in class

such as focus, self-control, and respect.


9. Youth black belt grand champion

- At tournaments where a youth "grand champion" is awarded among the youth black belts will

be awarded based the total first, second, and third place wins in all divisions entered (including

team sparring and demo team). Points are calculated as follows:

o 3 points for each first place

o 2 points for each second place

o 1 point for each third place

- In the event that there is a tie then all winners are considered co-champions

- When tabulating points for team events, the team scores are matched against registration records.

(For example, if a school wins first place in their SWAT division, competitors from that school

who indicated they were a member of the SWAT team will all earn three points towards their

grand-champion total. Similarly, if a team places second in the team sparring event, all members

listed on that team's registration will earn two points.) It is the competitor's responsibility to make

sure their registration records are correct.

10. Logistics of Judging / Officiating

10.1 Rings

Divisions may be split into two rings when there are more than 8 competitors. This may

happen in the Pit or in the Ring. If a division is split in the Ring, the Pit Manager should be

notified so he or she can make the appropriate change to the posted list.

If a competitor misses the pit call, but arrives at the ring before competition has started,

he may still enter but is required to compete first. If competition has started, he may not compete


in that event, but he can still compete in the remainder of the events in that division with no late

penalty.

Weapons and sparring gear will be inspected in the pit. Do not inspect weapons and

sparring gear in the ring unless you notice a safety hazard which requires attention.

10.2 Judges’ Positioning

In all forms events, the center judge shall be seated outside the ring near the

scorekeeper’s table. Side judges shall be seated outside the ring at the corners opposite the

center judge.

In all sparring events, the center judge shall stand facing the scorekeeper. One side judge

shall sit outside the ring at a corner adjacent to the center judge. The other side judge shall sit

outside the ring at the corner opposite the first side judge. For both forms and sparring, the

center judge should sit / stand with their back to the audience so that the audience’s view point is

the same as the center judge’s.

To ensure accuracy in score keeping, during forms the score-keeper’s table should be

placed next to the head judge during forms, and across the ring from the head judge during

sparring.

10.3 Scoring Forms Events

Each competitor in the forms events will receive a total score for his or her performance,

calculated by adding the scores of each judge. Divisions are scored on the following scale:

Individual Forms Demo Teams


• Little Ninja: 5.0-5.9 ● SWAT: 8.0-8.9

• W,Y,O: 6.0-6.9 ● STORM: 9.0-9.9

• P,B,G: 7.0-7.9

• B, Ban Bu: 8.0-8.9

• All Black: 9.0-9.9

If a division consists of competitors from more than one category, all competitors will be

scored in the range of the highest competitor. For example, if there is a division for green and

brown belts, all competitors should be scored in the 8.0 - 8.9 range.


Deductions are subtracted from the center judge’s score BEFORE the individual judges’

scores are added together. The center judge’s original score and adjusted score must both be

recorded on the player’s card. The center judge and the scorekeeper will calculate the

competitors’ final scores before medals are awarded. Deductions will be announced to all

competitors only if it affects the final rankings.

10.4 Sparring Exhibition Match

If there is only one competitor in a division, the center judge should attempt to arrange an

exhibition match played to three (3) points, but such cannot be guaranteed.

10.5 Number of Judges Except for demo teams, all events will have three judges.

11. Travel Points

Schools over 100 miles from the tournament venue are awarded travel points based on

the number of competitors from the school registered. For every 100 miles a school is from the

venue, they earn 1/3 of a point for every competitor registered. The points are earned on a

matching basis (i.e. a school must can only get its travel points when a corresponding number of

points is earned during the regular competitor).

EXAMPLE #1: A school is 253 miles from the venue and has 30 competitors registered.

For each competitor, then earn 1/3 of a point, so they are eligible to earn 2 * 1/3 * 30 = 20 travel


points. During the regular course of the competition they earn 50 points based on placement in

their divisions so their total points is 50 + 20 = 70.

EXAMPLE #2: A school is 600 miles from the venue and has 12 competitors registered.

They are eligible to earn 6 * 1/3 * 12 = 24 travel points. However, during the regular course of

the competition, they only earn 10 points based on placement. They are awarded 10 travel points

so their total school score is 10 + 10 = 20.


Bobby Lawrence Karate Tournament Rules...3. Rules for Forms Events Individual forms are floor...

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