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US Challenge Information 
Padded  Weapons Division Rules 
2024 US Challenge Padded Weapons Rules

2024 US Challenge Padded Weapons Rules

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Divisions

Year Born

2015-2018

2010-2014 

1975-2009 

1964-1974  

1965 and earlier 

Event

Children

Teen

Adult

Senior

Elder

Weapon Length

24 inches

36 inches

36 inches

36 inches

36 inches

Children, Teen, Senior, and Elder Divisions are limited to 8 athletes. 

 

These Divisions will split into  2 groups and use a round robin system to produce the winner of the group.

The second level is the fight for the championship

3 points and ties worth 1 point.
Overall ties are broken by the number of points scored in a round.

The Adult Division is limited to 16 athletes.

 

This Division is split into 4 groups and uses a round robin system to produce the winner of the group.  
The second level is by elimination.
The third level is the fight for the championship.
The winner is determined by the total score with rounds won worth 3 points and ties worth 1 point.
Overall ties are broken by the number of points scored in a round.
 

Divisions
Rules

Rules

Procedures

A match consists of three rounds of two minutes each, with a 30 second break between rounds.   If a competitor scores more than 10 points in a round, that ends the round.

Children's Division rounds are one minute.
 

1. Each successful strike by a weapon on a legal target will receive one point.

A successful strike is a clean individual or combined technique using a valid part of the weapon.

Techniques are slice, chop, split, and thrust.

 

The referee will verbally indicate each successful strike and award a point. 

 

The time stops.

 

The referee will raise a colored flag identifying which competitor is awarded the point.

 

The competitors reengage on the referee’s cue.

 

When two competitors strike each other simultaneously, the competitor who initiates the strike first is awarded a point.

 

Competitors are encouraged to parry and then strike to show the engagement more clearly.

 

Referee issues a warning upon a strike to an illegal target.  A point is deducted for subsequent strikes to a prohibited area.

 

2. The competitor should show high spirit, correct posture, and continuation of awareness throughout the execution of the strikes. Competitors must be mentally and physically ready to attack again following a successful strike.

 

3. Sudden death is used when there is a tie.

 

4. Mercy rules can be used by the referee.  This is applied when one competitor clearly dominates the other and continuing is a safety risk.

 

5. Each group/division’s tournament may include round robin and single elimination stages. Group/division formats may be adjusted based on the number of participants registered.

A. Legal Targets

 

            Head - front or side, not back

            Neck - not back

            Thrust to throat is not allowed

            Torso - front and side not back

            Arms and hands

            Legs - not knees

B. Illegal techniques and Penalties

     
Penalty Table

Type 

Description 

Penalty

Penalty for additional Infraction

Illegal Technique

Striking using the end of the handle 

Disqualification

Illegal Technique

Grabbing opponent

Disqualification

Illegal Technique

Punching

Disqualification

Illegal Technique

Kicking

Disqualification

Illegal Technique

Take Down

Disqualification

Illegal Technique

Wrestling

Disqualification

Illegal Technique

Losing control of a weapon and dropping it on the floor

Opponent Gains Point

Illegal Technique

Strike to Illegal Target (back, knees, throat)

Warning

Point deducted on second warning

Illegal Technique

Hand Block

Loss of Point

Illegal Action

Going out of bounds

Warning

Point deducted on second warning

Poor Sportsmanship

Showboating

Warning

Disqualification on second warning

Poor Sportsmanship

Trying to influence Judges

Warning

Disqualification on second warning

Poor Sportsmanship

Foul language

Disqualification 

Poor Sportsmanship

Taunting

Warning

Disqualification on second warning

Attire
Weapons

C. Warrior’s Etiquette

Poor sportsmanship gets a warning, the second warning will disqualify the fighter.

Poor sportsmanship includes showboating, taunting, and trying to influence the judges.

Foul language results in immediate disqualification.

Attire

 

Competitors will wear T-shirts (long, short) and sweatpants or equivalent soft pants without zippers or pockets. Or a traditional Gi.

No jewelry, pins, rings, earrings, watches, bracelets, or any accessories shall be allowed in the fight. Eyeglasses are allowed within the helmet.

Soft soled shoes will be worn.  Barefoot is not allowed.

Weapons

 

This competition uses Tiger Claw Combat These weapons are made of a lightweight PVC core, for soft flexibility, and are covered with sturdy black vinyl. Grip tape on the handle is allowed.

 

Link to Tiger Claw Combat Swords

 

Weapons length listed in table above.

 

Protective Gear

Protective Gear

Required

headgear.jpg

Head Gear:   A good ICWSF and WSF sanctioned helmet with complete head coverage and face protection with a grill. No darkened face protector shields are allowed.  The grill spacing on the helmet needs to be small enough that the weapon can’t fit through it.

 Gloves:  Any padded and comfortable gloves for each competitor is required.

Optional

Throat Protection:  Wearing a throat protector is optional.

 Chest protection:  A chest protector to protect the upper torso is optional.

Groin protection, leg protection and mouth guards are optional.

Forest
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