All Chinese martial arts practitioners may participate in the championships as long as they adhere to the rules and regulations and demonstrate sportsmanship towards fellow competitors and respect for judges and other tournament officials.

*See the Join The Circuit page

Any cotton or silk Chinese styled uniform with frog buttons, Shaolin, Wudang and Southern Style (Sleeveless) are acceptable.

School T-shirts and tournament T-shirts are acceptable.

Chinese Kenpo uniforms: Chinese Kenpo stylists may wear whatever uniform is used in their particular school or system.

Martial arts type shoes are required.

 

All competitors must be present for the opening ceremonies.

Competitors should become acquainted with the competition floor layout. They should know the rings where their divisions will be taking place.

Competitors must be present at ringside when their divisions are about to begin.*

*Note: If you have a conflict due to an event scheduled in another ring, you must notify the Chief Judge. We will do everything possible to see that you have a chance to compete in all of your scheduled events.

The first to register is the last to go. Athletes will be listed in accordance with their date of registration; the earlier your registration is submitted, the lower you will be placed on the list.

Unless you are the first athlete to perform, you will receive an "on deck" call announcing your name and signaling that you should prepare to compete as soon as the athlete ahead of you clears the floor. When it is your turn to compete, you will be called by name.

If you are not present when your name is called, two additional calls will be made over the PA system. The second of these will be a final call. If you do not respond, you will forfeit the event. The forfeiture is final and cannot be reversed.

Once called up, athletes should stand at the call of "ready," enter on the right side of the performance area that faces the Chief Judge, walk smartly to the starting point for their form, come to attention, and salute the Chief Judge.

No spoken presentation of your name, form or style is permitted.

When called to perform, athletes will walk to the place on the competition ring where they will begin their form and greet the Chief Judge with a recognized salute. Upon being acknowledged by the Chief Judge, athletes will return to attention and begin their form within 5 seconds.

Upon completing their form, competitors must once again come to attention and salute the Chief Judge. Competitors will wait to receive the scores, then perform one final bow toward the Chief Judge and walk off the floor.

The salute with the broadsword requires the competitor to hold the weapon in the left hand and cradled in the crook of the elbow. Salute by covering the hilt with the right palm. Double broadswords, other similar single-edge weapons and the three-sectional staff will also use this salute.

The salute with the straight sword requires that the sword be tucked under the left forearm. Salute by covering the hilt with the right palm. Double swords and two-handed sword will also use this salute.

While the above Salutations are preferred, athletes may perform whichever Salute is appropriate in your school or Club.

Where 4 divisions

• Novice: < 1 year of training
• Beginner: 1 to < 2 years of training
• Intermediate: 2 to 4 years of training
• Advanced: > 4 years of training

Where 3 divisions

• Beginner: < 2 years of training
• Intermediate: 2 to 4 years of training
• Advanced: > 4 years of training

Where 2 divisions

• Beginner: < 3 years of training
• Advanced: 3 or more years of training

Novice | Beginner | Intermediate
Scores range from 7.0 - 9.00

Advanced
Scores range from 8.0 - 10.00

All times are given in minutes. A penalty of 0.2 points will be deducted for each infraction of 5 seconds or partial increment thereof.

• Traditional, Advanced divisions only
  Min 0:45 Seconds, Max 2:00 Minutes
• Wushu Forms
  Min 1:00 Minute (Does not apply for Kids/Juniors divisions)
• Taiji and Liuhe Bafa Hand Forms
  Min 3:00 Minutes, Max 3:30 Minutes
• Taiji & Liuhe Bafa Weapons
  Min 3:00 Minutes, Max 3:30 Minutes
• Taiji 24
  Perform to completion
• Xing Yi and Bagua Hand Forms
  Min. 1:00 Minute, Max. 2:30 Minutes
• Xing Yi - Bagua - Weapon Forms
  Min.1:00 Minute, Max. 2:30 Minutes

An audible warning will be given 30 seconds prior to the time limit for Taiji and Liuhe Bafa.

In all Taiji and Liuhe Bafa categories, it may be necessary for two athletes to perform simultaneously.

Northern Long Fist: Athletes can begin their form in any quadrant of the competition ring. The form must end in the same quadrant as the starting point. Forms that end by facing opposite of the starting point will result in a 1/2 point deduction from the final score. Forms that do not end in the same quadrant as the starting point will result in a .2 point deduction from the final score.

Competitors whose form does not end in the same quadrant must inform Chief Judge before performing.

Note: The basic 32 Wushu Forms are permitted in the Traditional Kids and Juniors Novice and Beginner Categories only.

Interruptions caused by uncontrollable circumstances will not be penalized.

Re-performing due to forgetfulness will result in a 1-point deduction from the final score in all advanced divisions. All other divisions will be assessed a 1/2-point deduction.

Broken weapons will result in a full point deduction from final score; this applies to all skill levels.

All sabers and swords used in the traditional divisions must be of Loong Quan type steel or heavier steel; the weapon must be able to sustain its own weight when placed on its tip. All kids divisions are exempt from this rule.

Acceptable	Unacceptable

Long Weapons such as the Quandao are also subject to these requirements.

Wushu divisions require the current standard weapons used in international competition.

Non-compliance with these weapon standards will result in a 1-point deduction from the final score unless otherwise specified.

NOTE: The Kids divisions (8 years & under) are not subject to the traditional weapons requirement stated above.

Weapon Length

Weapons require a certain length in order to be used efficiently. The requirements, with few exceptions, are generally the same for Traditional and Modern Wushu. The length of the weapon is determined according to the competitor's height.

The pictures that follow are self explanatory.

Saber & Swords:

The minimum length for the saber and the straight sword requires that the tip of the weapon reach the competitors top of ear when held at the sides.

Left Correct - Right incorrect

Staffs and Spears:

Staffs can vary in length from a minimum of the height of the competitor's eyebrow to well over the competitor's head. Staffs shorter than the competitor's eyebrow fall into the Open Weapons category. In divisions where there are no Open Weapons any length staff or stick may be used.

Spears vary in length between Traditional Northern and Southern Systems and Contemporary Wushu.

For Northern Systems the spear should reach the tip of the competitor's fingers when the arm is stretched overhead.

For Southern Systems the spear can be slightly shorter but the speartip must be above the competitors head.

For Contemporary Wushu the Spearhead should be above the competitor's fingertips when the arm is stretched overhead.

Medals will be awarded from 1st through 3rd place in each division immediately following its completion.

In tournaments that offer Grand Champion awards for advanced athletes who have entered the required divisions, the winners will be determined by the highest total combined scores.

Note: No ties are allowed at any level since placements reflect the overall standing of a competitor. Tie breaking procedures will go into effect to determine the winner.

During Fixed and Restricted Push Hands, competitors must operate within the principles of Taiji.

Weight Classes for Fixed and Restricted Step Push Hands:

• Men <160 lbs
• Men 160-180 lbs
• Men 181-200 lbs
• Men >200 lbs
• Women <130 lbs
• Women 130-150- lbs
• Women >150 lbs

Fixed Step: Both feet must remain in contact with the floor at all times. Heel or toe may be raised briefly, but the foot may not leave floor or change position.

• The feet remain in the same starting position
• The front toe may be raised in yielding back
• The rear heel may be raised in shifting forward
• Any sideward movement or double placement of the foot is not permitted
• Advancing or retreating of any kind is not permitted

Restricted Step:

• For restricted-step push hands, the foot forward at the start of the round must remain forward for the duration of the round
• Either front or back foot may move, but not both at the same time;
• There must be a beat between steps (no charging)
• Movement is oriented along center line and players may not step more than 45° to either side to defend or gain advantage in pushing.

The following descriptions for Competition Format, Match Area, Objective of Match, Progression of Match, Etc. apply to bot Fixed and Restricted Step Push Hands.

Competition format:

Progression of match:

Play is begun in a neutral position with backs of right wrists touching. Left hands are placed on (not under) right elbow of opponent. (Reversed in second period.)

• Players move their arms together in a horizontal circle until referee feels a neutral state has been established.
• They may not seek advantage at this point.
• Once the Center Judge says, “Begin” players must continue to play for a second or two before issuing energy.
• Players unable or unwilling to begin play neutrally may be issued a warning

Continuous Contact

• Players are expected to stick and adhere and may not break contact to gain advantage.
• All issuing must be preceded by contact
• Breaking contact to gain advantage may result in a warning

Scoring:

12. Xtreme Push Hands:

Requirements

• Kung Fu pants, martial arts shoes, and a short sleeve t-shirt are required
• Jewelry, rings, or necklaces are not permitted
• Fingernails must be kept short to avoid injury to other contestants

The Match Format

1. The match will consist of two 1-Minute rounds with a 30-second rest period between rounds
2. The contestants will engage in a continuous exchange of techniques
3. Sudden death applies if contestants are tied after first two rounds
4. The competition area will consist of an 8' x 8' ring divided by a line
5. The match will be stopped for uniform and equipment failure or to seek medical advice

Match Objective

• Sticking and adhering during a continuous exchange of techniques
• Bridging and trapping skills
• Stable stance with good bridging skills
• Clean blocking and attacking techniques

Match Progression

1. Competitors will meet at center on the ring and engage in rolling hands
2. The Chief Judge leads contestants in 3 sequences of rolling
3. The match begins after the third roll
4. Judges will look for and score good Chi Sao techniques directed at legal targets

Mandatory Equipment

• Protective head gear
• Mouth piece
• Chest protector
• Groin protector

Legal contact area

• The entire torso area which is covered with the chest protector
• Light contact to the area protected by the head gear

Warnings

1. Contact to the face area
2. Kicking
3. Shoving the other competitor
4. Attempts to lock the joints
5. Continuing to strike after time is called or Chief Judge calls "stop"
6. Willingly stepping out of bounds
7. Coaching from the sidelines during the match

Disqualification

• Accumulation of any three warnings will result in disqualification
• Excessive use of force towards the head and face area
• Unsportsmanlike conduct

Weight Classes

Requirements

• Kung Fu pants (Kuzi)
• Shuai Jiao jacket (Yi)
• Shuai Jiao Belt (Dai)
• Jewelry, rings, or necklaces are not permitted
• Fingernails must be kept short to avoid injury to other contestants

The Match Format

1. The match will consist of two 2-Minute rounds with a 30-second rest period between rounds
2. The contestants will engage in a continuous exchange of Shuai Jiao techniques
3. A 1-minute round will be added if contestants are tied after first two rounds
4. If still tied after the first round, the match will be awarded to the most active competitor
5. The competition area will consist of 20' x 20' matted ring
6. The match will be stopped for uniform and equipment failure or to seek medical advice

Match Objective

• Standing Grappling
• Throwing Techniques
• Sweeping Techniques
• Shoot Techniques
• And Other Takedowns

Match Progression

• Competitors will meet at center on the ring and engage each other at the Chief Judge's signal to start
• The Chief Judge controls the match through verbal signals
• Side judges will look for and score good Shuai Jiao techniques

Scoring Points

1. Throwing the opponent, causing them to land on their back, and lands on top of the opponent.
2. Causing the opponent to touch the mat with the hand, elbow or knee while remaining standing.
3. Forcing opponent out of the ring

1. The opponent is thrown and lands on the side or back
2. Causing the opponent to touch both hands or both knees simultaneously on the mat.
3. Remain standing while sweeping the opponent so they fall on the mat.

1. Remain standing while the opponent is thrown 360 degrees and lands on their back.

• Both competitors step out of the ring
• Both competitors simultaneously fall

Warnings

1. Striking the opponent with any part of the body
2. Attacking and attempting to dislocate the joint
3. Biting or spitting
4. Pulling the opponent's pants
5. Smothering opponent's face with hand or forearm
6. Pulling opponent down once thrown
7. Failure to engage opponent
8. Failure to obey Chief Judge's commands

Disqualification

• Accumulation of any three warnings will result in disqualification
• Excessive use of force towards the head and face area
• Unsportsmanlike conduct by competitor or coach

Light Sport Sanda:

Light Sport Sanda allows only light contact to the side of the head. No contact to the face-mask area. Any heavy contact to the head or face-mask area will result in immediate disqualification.

Light Sport Sanda is limited to amateur fighters with no professional experience in Sanda (San Shou), Boxing, Kickboxing, MMA, Shoot Fighting, etc.

Match and round duration

• Each bout will consist of three (3) one minutes rounds with a one (1) 30 seconds rest period between rounds.
• If a fighter wins the first two rounds, the match is over
• If the match is tied after the first three rounds there will be an additional 30 second round to decide the bout

Weight Categories

Mens Categories

• 145 LBS & Under
• 146 LBS to 165 LBS
• 166 LBS to 185 LBS
• 186 LBS to 205 LBS
• 206 LBS & Over

Womens Categories

• 125 LBS & Under
• 126 LBS to 145 LBS
• 146 LBS & Over  

Teens Categories: Boys

• 135 LBS & Under
• 136 LBS to 155 LBS
• 156 LBS to 175 LBS
• 176 LBS & Over

Note: For Safety Reasons fighters weighing over 196 LBS will not be able to participate unless there are enough fighters to create a heavier weight category

Teens Categories: Girls

• 125 LBS & Under
• !26 LBS & Over

Note: For Safety Reasons fighters weighing over 146 LBS will not be able to participate unless there are enough fighters to create a heavier weight category

Weigh-in

The official weigh-in for amateur Light Sport Sanda fights will be posted on the tournament schedule for each stop on the circuit

• All fighters will weigh in on the same scale

Making Weight

Any fighter who fails to make weight will be automatically moved to the category in which he or she makes weight

Match Area

Matches can take place on an open mat 24' X 24'

• Protective head gear (provided)
• Mouth guard
• Shin and instep protectors (cloth slip-on)
• Groin cup (female fighters must wear breast protection)
• 12 oz. boxing gloves (provided)
• Fight shorts
• Approved chest protector

Scoring Techniques

• Light kicks and strikes to side of headgear
• Closed hand strikes to body
• Kicking techniques to body and thigh
• Throws/Sweeps/Takedowns

Note: Any kicks or strikes that cause a jarring of the head or strike the face area will result in immediate disqualification.

Note: Clinching in an attempt to execute a throw or takedown is limited to 5 seconds

Illegal Techniques

• Heavy Kicks and strikes to the head
• Elbows
• Kicks to knee joint
• Knee strikes
• Groin strikes
• Foot stomps
• Joint locks
• Striking the head or spine
• Head butting 
• Striking a downed opponent
• Attempting to throw opponent out of the ring

Cautions (1 Point Deduction)

• Holding the ropes or running out of the mat area
• Spitting out mouth piece
• Purposely loosening equipment
• Continuing to clinch after referee has called for break
• Initiating attack before the referrer’s command 
• Continuing to fight after the referee has called “stop”

Warnings (2 Point Deduction)

• The employment of any illegal technique will result in a warning
• Hitting a downed opponent

Awarding of Points

Two points are awarded if

• The opponent falls while the other fighter remains standing
• Kick to the head
• The opponent receives an official warning penalty
• Standing 8 Count

One point is awarded if

• Hand strike to head and body
• Kick to body and thigh
• The opponent falls and the other fighter falls afterwards
• The opponent receives a caution

No points are awarded if

• Both fighters hit each other simultaneously
• The fighter throws the opponent after holding for more than 5 seconds
• Striking during a clinch
• A fighter uses an unsuccessful falling technique to attack
• Unclear techniques are employed by either fighter

Disqualification

• Heavy contact to the head or face area
• Intentionally hitting a downed opponent
• Pile driving
• Throwing opponent out of the ring
• Cornerman physically interferers with the match
• Unsportsmanlike conduct

16 Sanda - 2012 Rules:

Match and round duration

Class A Fights

• Class A fights shall be scheduled for three (3) rounds
• Each round will consist of three (3) minutes with a one (1) minute rest period between rounds

Fighters with a record of five (5) or more fights that have not fought professionally qualify for A Class

Class B Fights

• Class B fights shall be scheduled for three (3) rounds
• Each round will consist of two (2) minutes with a one (1) minute rest period between rounds

Fighters with a record of up to four (4) fights with no more than 2 wins that have not fought professionally qualify for B Class

Class C Fights

• Class C fights shall be scheduled for three (3) rounds
• Each round will consist of one (1) minute with a one (1) minute rest period between rounds

Fighters with no fights or one (1) loss qualify for C Class

Note: Participation in Amateur fights is strictly restricted. Professional fighters from any striking or kicking discipline and fighters that are registered as professionals with any governing body are not permitted to participate.

Weight Categories

Men’s Categories

Bantamweight - 135 LBS ( 61.2 KG)
Featherweight - 136-145 LBS (61.6-65.7 KG)  
Lightweight - 146-155 LBS (66.2-70.3 KG)
Welterweight - 156-170 LBS (70.7-77.1 KG)
Middleweight - 171-185 LBS (75.2-83.9 KG)
Light-Heavyweight - 186-205 LBS (84.3-205 KG)
Heavyweight - 206-225 LBS (93.4-102 KG)  
Super-Heavyweight - 226 LBS (102.5 KG)

Women’s Categories

Lightweight - <125 LBS (56.6 KG)
Middleweight - 126-140 LBS (57.1-63.5 KG)
Heavyweight -  141-155 LBS (63.9-70.3 KG)
Super Heavyweight - 156 LBS > (70.7 KG >)                                                    
                                                       
Teen's Boys Categories (15-17 Years Old)

Bantamweight -115-125 LBS (52.1-56.6 KG)
Featherweight - 126-135 LBS (57.1-61.2 KG
Lightweight - 136-145 LBS (61.6-65.7 KG)
Welterweight - 146-155 LBS (66.2-70.3 KG)
Middleweight - 156-170 LBS (70.7-77.1 KG)
Heavyweight - 171- 185 LBS (77.5-83.9 KG)

Note: For safety reasons Teens weighing over 185 LBS (83.9 KG) may not compete in the Teen Boys division

Teen's Girls Categories (15-17 Years Old)

Lightweight -115-125 LBS (52.1-56.6 KG)
Middleweight - 126-135 LBS (57.1-61.2 KG)
Heavyweight - 136- 150 LBS (61.6-68 KG)

Note: For safety reasons Teens weighing over 150 LBS (68 KG) may not compete in the Teen Girls division

Weigh-in

The official weigh-in for amateur fights will occur between 4 and 24 hours before the scheduled fight depending on whether the fights are part of a scheduled fight-card or tournament format.

• The official weigh-in time will be announced well in advance of the scheduled fight
• All fighters will weigh-in on the same scale

Making Weight

An fighter who fails to make weigh will be automatically moved to the category in which he makes weight

Required Equipment

Amateur fights

Matches will take place in a boxing ring minimum size is 20’x20’ but may also take place in an open mat depending on circumstances

• Protective head gear (provided)
• Mouth guard
• Shin and instep protectors (Cloth slip on)
• Groin cup (female fighters must wear breast protection)
• 12 OZ boxing gloves (Will be supplied by the promoter)
• Fight shorts (Logos must be approved by promoter)
• Approved Chest Protector for Teens Divisions (15 to 17 year olds) 

Scoring Techniques

• Closed hand strikes to head and body
• Kicking techniques to head, body and thigh
• Knees to body
• Throws/Sweeps/Takedowns

Note: Clinching in an attempt to execute a throw or takedown is limited to 5 seconds

Illegal Techniques

• Elbows
• Kicks to knee joint
• Knee to the head
• Groin strikes
• Foot stomps
• Joint locks
• Striking the back of the head or spine
• Head butting 
• Striking a downed opponent
• Attempt to throw opponent out of the ring

Cautions (1 Point Deduction)

• Holding the ropes
• Spitting out mouth piece
• Purposely loosening equipment
• Continuing to clinch after referee has called for break
• Initiating attack before the referrer’s command 
• Continuing to fight after the referee has called “stop”

Warnings (2 Point Deduction)

• The employment of any illegal technique will result in a warning
• Hitting a downed opponent

Awarding of Points

Two points are awarded if

• The opponent falls while the other fighter remains standing
• Kick to the head
• The opponent receives an official warning penalty
• Standing 8 Count

One point is awarded if

• Hand strike to head and body
• Kick to body and thigh
• Knee to body
• The opponent falls and the other fighter falls afterwards
• The opponent receives a caution

No points are awarded if

• Both fighters hit each other simultaneously
• The fighter throws the opponent after holding for more than 5 seconds
• Striking during a clinch (Except for knee strikes)
• A fighter uses an unsuccessful falling technique to attack
• Unclear techniques are employed by either fighter

Disqualification

• Intentionally hitting a downed opponent on the head
• Pile driving
• Throwing opponent out of the ring
• Cornerman physically interferers with the match
• Excessive unsportsmanlike conduct

Standing 8 Count (2 Point are Awarded)

• Referee determines that a fighter is at risk of injury
• Failing to get up within three seconds of a fall (8 Count begins immediately after 3 seconds have elapsed)

A match is awarded if:

• There is a Knock-Out
• There is a TKO – Fighter is unable to continue
• The opponent takes 2 standing 8-counts in a round or 3 standing 8-counts in a match (Amateur Fights)
• An athlete is overmatched by the opponent in power and skill; in that event, the center referee can declare absolute victory (Amateur Fights)
• There is a disqualification 

Note: A fighter that fails to stand up before the count of ten (10) will lose by Knockout

Sustaining a KO or TKO

A fighter who has sustained a KO or TKO in a fight must wait a minimum of thirty (30) days before engaging in another fight and must obtain a physician’s release which states that the fighter is not suffering from any concussion or TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and is able to engage in a full-contact match.

Light Sport Sanda:

Light Sport Sanda allows only light contact to the side of the head. No contact to the face-mask area. Any heavy contact to the head of face-mask area will result in immediate disqualification.

Mandatory protective equipment must be supplied by the athlete and must include: Head protector, mouth guard, groin cup, chest protector (For Women), foam gloves with no exposed fingers, and foam foot protectors that cover entire foot. Shin guards are optional.

Competition format:

Progression of match:

• Athletes enter the ring at the command of the Chief Judge
• Before initiating competitive sparring athletes salute the chief judge and then each other
• The Chief Judge will commence the match by giving the signal to begin
• The Chief Judge directs the match with verbal signals ("begin," "stop," etc.)

Legal contact targets:

• Light contact to front and sides of torso
• Light contact to side of head gear
• Light contact to upper thigh

Legal non-contact targets:

• Front of face
• Groin

Note: Any contact to this area may result in immediate disqualification

Allowable techniques:

• Sharp, clean punches and kicks
• Momentarily grabbing the opponent's wrist to execute a technique
• Leg sweep to the front leg

Illegal techniques:

• Elbows
• Knees
• Spinning backfist
• Joint locking
• Striking any area of the opponent's back or groin
• Sweeping the rear leg or the supporting leg when the opponent is kicking
• Any blind technique

The following infractions will result in a warning:

• Willingly running out of the ring
• Use of illegal techniques
• Striking an illegal target
• Not following the Chief Judge's directions

The following will result in immediate disqualification:

• Excessive use of force
• Bleeding that results from an illegal strike
• Accumulation of 3 warnings
• Unsportsmanlike conduct by Athlete, Coach or Parent

 

ARBITRATION