For stand-up arts such as Taekwondo and Karate, essentially, these are like your one steps.  For Hapkido, Ju-Jitsu, Aikido arts, this is similar to your belt level material done from a prearranged attack or grab.  The essence of this competition is to demonstrate a practical choreographed defense against any attack or grab from either one, two, or three attackers.

The rules are very simple:

The competitor has up to two minutes or up to three scenarios/attack-defenses.  You may not exceed three scenarios or two minutes – whichever comes first.

Judges are looking for practicality/effectiveness, control/disabling attacker, quickness, and distance.

Injuring your partner may lead to disqualification based on a majority of the judge’s decision.  If you can’t do the technique safely, don’t do it.  There will be some standard throw mats but that’s not much on a hard gymnasium floor.  Plan your routine accordingly.

A competitor may do three single attacks with one attacker or three attackers at once.  A competitor may even use two attackers with the first one attacking, the second one attacking, and then the first one attacking again.  In the end, they all did three scenarios.  Any combination of three attacks/grabs is acceptable so long as the judges are aware of all attackers.

Demonstration weapons are allowed.

Scoring is done just like forms using a 6.0-10.0 for all competitors.  Many competitions use the 6-8, 7-9, & 8-10 scoring method.  However, this really limits the scoring more than enhances it.  Everyone in the ring should be at the same level or at least close.  Call out your first three competitors and use them to set the tone for scoring.  For example, three competitors come out with the first one makes a solid showing but nothing spectacular, the second one doesn’t do as well, and the third one has great timing/power/balance.  Give the first competitor an 8.0.  Give the second competitor a 7.0 and the third competitor a 9.0.  Now your standard has been set.  Someone doesn’t do as good as the second competitor, give them below a 7.0 (like 6.5).  Someone does better than the third competitor, give them above a 9.0 (like 9.5).  Based on tenth point-scoring, now we’ll have 40 possible scores instead of 20 making it nearly impossible for a tie.

Award points down to the tenth scale only.  In case of a tie, the center judge will notify the tied competitors and then call them out one at the time until they’ve all gone again.  Typically, the judges will all point to the best, second best, and so on as necessary to fulfill the 1st – 3rd place,

Competitors, how to compete in this event:  When your name is called, answer & bow-in just as you would in other division and as your instructor has taught you.  Walk into the ring to the center judge with your attacker(s) a few steps behind you.  Introduce yourself to the judges as your instructor has taught you and you’ve done for other rings.  At that time, tell the judges if you are doing three single attacks/grabs, one attacker and then two attackers, or three attackers at once.  Either way, you can not exceed two minutes or three attacks/grabs.

Bow to the judges and position yourself in the ring and bow to your attacker(s).  If doing three single attacks/grabs, the attacker moves into an offensive position and the competitor demonstrates the defensive techniques slowly so everyone can see what to expect.  Then do the attack/grab again at whatever speed/closeness you feel comfortable.  Effectiveness, control/disabling, quickness, and closeness are what the judges are looking for.  Remember, if you injure your attacker, you may be disqualified.

Judges, if your student is in your ring, be professional and make fair calls.  If this is too much, ask for another ring or pay the spectator fee and watch from the spectator area.

See an arbitrator if any problems that can not be resolved in the ring. Arbitrators will be announced before the competition begins.

What we expect: A safe and fun competition for the entire family that will make people feel compelled to attend every year. Please refrain from foul language and tobacco products while at our family event.  For many people, this may be their first competition.  A bad judge or bad experience may very well stop them from ever competing again in this tournament or anyones.  So please be professional and make sure everyone has a safe and fun experience.