US Challenge Information
Soft Weapons Division Rules
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Divisions
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Each Children, Pre-Teen and Teen Division is limited to 16 athletes with separated male and female divisions.
16 athletes are separated into four groups.
First level of fight is using round robin system and each group will produce one winner.
Second level of fight is using elimination system, this will produce final top four athletes.
Third level of fight is the fight for championship
*Total 5 winning fights to reach championship
Each Warrior Division is limited to 32 athletes with male and female combined into a coed division.
32 athletes are separated into eight groups.
First level of fight is using round robin system and each group will produce one winner.
Second level of fight is using elimination system, this will produce top eight athletes
Third level of fight is using eliminating system, this will produce final top four athletes
Fourth level of fight is the fight for championship
*Total 6 winning fights to reach championship
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Year Born
Type
Gender Division
Weapon Length
2015-2017
Children
Male and Female
24 inches
2014-2012
Pre-Teen
Male and Female
36 inches
2011-2009
Teen
Male and Female
36 inches
2008-1974
Young Warrior
Coed
36 inches
1973-1964
Senior Warrior
Coed
36 inches
1963-1954
Elder Warrior
Coed
36 inches
1953 and earlier
Noble Warrior
Coed
36 inches
Rules
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Procedures
A match consists of three rounds of two minutes each, with one minute break between rounds. If a competitor scores more than 10 points in a round, that ends the round.
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
Torso - front and side not back
Arms and hands
Legs - not knees
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B. Illegal techniques and Penalties
Penalty Table
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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)
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
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
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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
Required
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.
