Chinese Martial Arts (CMA) have a rich history that spans thousands of years. During this time the CMA landscape has evolved into hundreds of different styles. While you can find certain common principles and techniques among the different systems, there are still great differences between the Northern and Southern schools and the Internal and External Chinese martial arts styles. In order to present a fair competition for all athletes, we have established rules and criteria that govern ICMAC tournaments.
WUSHU will be run under ICMAC Rules. This includes ring size, categories, skill levels and age groups. The only exception is compliance with the type of weapon used in international events. This is not an IWUF competition, and we ask all participants to abide by the categories listed on the ICMAC Division Sheet.
Unsportsmanlike conduct by any competitor, parent, or coach, or the use of abusive language, will result in disqualification of the competitor with NO REFUND.
Traditional Chinese Martial Arts and Contemporary Wushu: Any cotton or silk Chinese-styled uniform with frog buttons. Song Shan Shaolin, Wudang and Southern Style (sleeveless) uniforms are acceptable. T-shirts may be worn for Reaction Skills (Sparring, Push Hands, and Chi Sao). Martial arts type shoes are required in forms and weapons divisions. Our goal is to provide a friendly but disciplined competition environment, so we urge all participants to follow the uniform guidelines.
All competitors must be present for the opening ceremony. Therefore, we recommend that if you plan to register onsite, you must do so on Friday or early Saturday so that you will not be delayed. There will be NO onsite registration for Sparring, Push Hands, Chi Sao, and other Reaction Skills. Sanda competitors may register up to the time of the weigh-in and medical screening: 6 pm on Friday, June 30th.
Adult Competitors may register in a lower age group if they wish to compete in categories not available in more senior age brackets. (Please contact our office for approval.) However, once you chose to compete in a lower age bracket, all of your divisions must be in that bracket. Competitors must register for all their divisions at the same skill level and age group.
The first to register is the last to go.
Competitors will be listed in accordance with their date of registration; the earlier your registration is submitted, the lower you will be placed on the performance list.
When called to perform, Competitors will walk to the place on the competition floor where they will begin their form and greet the Chief Judge with a recognized salute or bow. Upon being acknowledged by the Chief Judge, Competitors 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 Open Palm and Fist Salute is widely recognized in Chinese martial arts and is the required salute for ICMAC Tournaments.
All the requirements cited for the empty hand forms salute apply to the salute with weapons. In addition, each weapon has its own requirements. The salute with the staff and the spear requires the competitor to hold the weapon with the right fist covered by the left palm. The Pu Dao, Quan Dao and other long weapons also use this same salute.
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.
We do not base the skill level criteria on belt or sash colors since every school has different standards and color schemes. To be fair, our skill level criteria are based exclusively on the length of training or accumulated training. Competitors must register for all their divisions at the same skill level and age group.
To provide a competitive environment, we reserve the right to combine divisions with fewer than five competitors with the next closest skill level and age group. At our discretion, we may combine divisions with the next level or combine Boys and Girls, Men and Women.
Where 4 Categories:
Novices cannot compete with forms that contain tornado kicks, aerial techniques and splits. Long weapons for Novices include staff and spear. Short weapons for Novices include sword, saber, fan, double sticks, or double daggers.
Where 3 Categories:
Where 2 Categories:
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 Northern Divisions – Minimum 0:30 seconds, Maximum 2:00 minutes
Traditional Southern Divisions – Minimum 0:30 seconds, Maximum 2:00 minutes
Wushu Forms – Minimum 0:30 seconds, Maximum 2:00 minutes
Partner Forms – Maximum 2:00 minutes
Liuhe Bafa Hand Forms – Minimum 4:00 minutes, Maximum 5:00 minutes (warning given at 4:30-minute mark)
Liuhe Bafa Sword Form – Minimum 3:00 minutes, Maximum 4 minutes (warning given at 3:30-minute mark)
Taiji Hand & Weapons Forms – Minimum 3:00 minutes, Maximum 4:00 minutes (warning given at 3:30-minute mark)
Taiji 24, Taiji 42, & Taiji 32 Sword performed to completion (no time limit). These forms MAY NOT be performed in other Taiji divisions and DO NOT qualify for Grand Champion.
Xing Yi and Bagua Hand & Weapons Forms – Minimum 1 minute, Maximum 2:00 minutes
In Taiji and Liuhe Bafa categories, it may be necessary for two or more competitors to perform simultaneously.
In Traditional and Wushu Categories, Novices and Beginners are not subject to Minimum Time Requirements. Maximum Time applies to Teens and Adults. NO Time Limits for Kids and Juniors.
Northern Long Fist: Competitors 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 .5 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. Interruptions caused by uncontrollable circumstances will not be penalized.
*Competitors whose form does not end in the same quadrant must inform the Chief Judge before performing. No penalty will be assessed in such circumstances.
The basic 32 Wushu forms are part of many traditional curriculums. The 32 Saber, 32 Staff, 32 Sword, and 32 Spear may be performed in all Novice divisions, and in Beginner divisions where there is no Novice category. This applies to all age groups.
Re-performing due to forgetfulness will result in a .5 point deduction from the final score. The only exception is for Novice and Kids & Juniors Beginners category.
Broken weapons will result in a .5-point deduction from the final score; this applies to all skill levels. A dropped weapon will result in a .5–point deduction for Novice and Beginners and a 1–point deduction in all other categories. Dropping a weapon twice will result in disqualification; this applies to all skill levels. Striking or cutting oneself with a weapon is a .5–point deduction (multiple striking or cutting will result in multiple deductions).
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. This applies to all divisions including Kids and Juniors. No Wushu type weapons may be used in the Traditional Divisions.
Deductions are made only by the Chief Judge and are deducted from the Final Score. Side Judges must keep track of the infractions when scoring but the Penalty Deductions are implemented ONLY by the Chief Judge.
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| Acceptable | Unacceptable |
Long Weapons such as the Quandao and Pudao are also subject to these requirements.
Wushu Weapons Divisions require the current standard weapons used in international competition (IWUF).
Non-compliance with these weapon standards will result in a .5 point deduction from the final score unless otherwise specified.
Weapons require a certain length in order to be used efficiently. The requirements, with few exceptions, are generally the same for Traditional and for Contemporary Wushu. The length of the weapon is determined by the competitor’s height.
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.
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 Other Weapons category. In divisions where there are no Other 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 spear tip must be above the competitors head. For Wushu the Spearhead should be above the competitor’s fingertips when the arm is stretched overhead.
For Little Dragons, and all other Novice and Beginner Divisions: Weapons are classified in Short and Long Categories only.
Long Weapons Category includes all weapons that extend above the Competitor’s shoulders (Spear, Staff, etc).
Short Weapons Category includes Saber, Sword, Double Daggers, Short Stick, Double Sticks, Fan, and Nunchaku.
Weapons that are not allowed in the above categories are the following: Quandao, Double Sabers, Double Hooks, Double Swords, Chain Whip, 3-Sectional Staff, Rope Dart and other exotic weapons not listed above. If a competitor is skillful enough to compete with any of these weapons, then they cannot be considered a Novice or a Beginner.
Categories for Little Dragons (ages 4-5): The Forms will include Northern and Southern styles and cannot incorporate more than one acrobatic skill.
Categories for Kids, Juniors, and Teens: The Forms will include Northern and Southern styles. Forms that incorporate more than one Acrobatic Skill must be entered in the Other Hand Forms category in the Intermediate and Advanced Divisions.
Categories for Adults: The Novice, Beginner and Intermediate Forms will include Northern and Southern styles. Forms that incorporate more than one Acrobatic Skill must be entered in the Other Hand Forms category in the Intermediate and Advanced Divisions.
Partner Forms: There will be separate categories for Hand and Weapons forms. (mixed teams with boys and girls, men and women is allowed). Only one set of partners is permitted and must be in same age group.
Categories for Advanced Adults ages 18-35: divisions will be broken down as follows:
Traditional Northern includes Long Fist styles such as Eagle Claw, Mizong, Cha Quan, Hua Quan, and Northern Shaolin Styles.
Northern Other includes styles such as Praying Mantis, Fanzi, Baji, Pigua, Tongbei, Snake Style, and other non-acrobatic styles.
Northern Open includes any form that has more than one acrobatic technique (such as Butterfly Kicks, Cartwheels, Aerial Cartwheels, Kip-ups, Front and Back Handsprings, and Splits).
Acrobatic styles such as Drunken and Monkey, and Weapons Forms that include more than one acrobatic technique, DO NOT qualify for Grand Champion. These forms must be entered in Open Divisions.
Southern Long Hand includes Choy Li Fut, Hung Gar, Hop Gar, Jow Gar, and similar styles.
Southern Short Hand includes Southern Dragon Fist, Pak Mei, Wing Chun, Five Ancestors Fist and similar styles.
Medals will be awarded from 1st through 3rd place in each division.
No ties are allowed at any level since placements reflect a competitor’s overall standing. Tie-breaking procedures will go into effect to determine the winner.
Competitors must pre-register to compete in Push Hands. No onsite registration will be accepted for Push Hands, Sparring, Chi Sao or other Reaction Skills.
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.
Restricted Step:
Free Style:
The following descriptions for Competition Format, Match Area, Objective of Match, Progression of Match, etc., apply to both Fixed and Restricted Step Push Hands.
Competition format:
Match area:
Objective of match:
The objective of the match is to uproot and off-balance the opposing player while maintaining own root and balance using Taijiquan (Tai Chi) principles.
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.)
Continuous Contact
Valid techniques:
Pushing, pulling with one hand, trapping techniques, non-impact techniques that cause opponent to lose balance, and single-hand grabbing techniques that cause opponent to lose balance.
Target Areas:
Contact is permitted between the hips and collarbone.
Note: The head, neck, spine, and legs may not be attacked and will result in a warning or disqualification depending on the severity of the infraction.
Scoring:
Warnings:
The following will result in immediate disqualification:
Competitors must pre-register to compete in Chi Sao. No onsite registration will be accepted for Chi Sao, Sparring, Push Hands, or other Reaction Skills.
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
The match will consist of two 1-minute rounds with a 30-second rest period between rounds
The contestants will engage in a continuous exchange of techniques
Sudden death applies if contestants are tied after first two rounds
The competition area will consist of an 8′ x 8′ ring divided by a line
The match will be stopped for uniform and equipment failure or to seek medical advice
Match Objective
The objective of the match is for competitors to display good Chi Sao techniques, such as:
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
Competitors will meet at center on the ring and engage in rolling hands.
The Chief Judge leads competitors in 3 sequences of rolling; the match begins after the third roll.
Judges will look for and score good Chi Sao techniques directed at legal targets.
Mandatory Equipment
Protective head gear; Mouthpiece; 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
Contact to the face area
Kicking
Shoving the other competitor
Attempts to lock the joints
Continuing to strike after time is called or Chief Judge calls “stop”
Willingly stepping out of bounds
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
Chi Sao competitors will be separated by weight and skill level on site.
Advanced Amateur Fighters
Fighters with a record of five (5) or more fights from any fighting discipline who have not fought professionally qualify for Advanced.
Beginner Amateur Fighters
Fighters with a record of up to four (4) fights from any fighting discipline who have not fought professionally qualify for Beginners.
Note: Participation in amateur fights is strictly enforced. Professional fighters from any striking or kicking discipline, and fighters who are registered as professionals with any governing body, are not permitted to participate.
For safety reasons, no fighters below or above these weight limits will be permitted to fight.
Men’s Weight Categories (ages 18-45)
125-135 lbs
136-145 lbs
146-155 lbs
156-170 lbs
171-185 lbs
186-205 lbs
206-225 lbs
226 lbs and over
Women’s Weight Categories (ages 18-45)
115-125 lbs
126-135 lbs
136-150 lbs
151-165 lbs
166-185 lbs
Teens Weight Classes (Beginners Only)
NOTE: All Teen Fighters must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Legal Guardian must have a notarized form that authorizes them to act legally on behalf of the fighter in all matters regarding the competition. We will provide the required form.
Boys (ages 14-15)
115-125 lbs
126-135 lbs
136-145 lbs
146-155 lbs
Girls (ages 14-15)
95-105 lbs
106-115 lbs
116-125 lbs
125-135 lbs
136-145 lbs
146-155 lbs
156-165 lbs
Girls (ages 16-17)
105-115 lbs
116-125 lbs
126-135 lbs
Match and Round Duration for Adult Divisions
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
Match and Round Duration for Teens Divisions
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.
Note: No Third Round if Fighter Wins 1st Two Rounds
Weigh-in and Medical Screening
The Weigh-in and Medical Screening is mandatory for all fighters. This is scheduled for Friday, June 30, 2023, 6 pm -9 pm, at the Caribe Royale Hotel. Fights begin Saturday, July 1, at 10 am. Women fighters will require a pregnancy test.
All fighters will weigh in on the same scale
Any fighter who fails to make weight will be automatically moved to the category in which he or she does make weight.
Required Equipment
Matches will take place in a boxing ring (minimum size 20’x20’).
Protective headgear required for teen fighters (provided by promoter)
No headgear for adult fighters.
Mouth guard
Shin and instep protectors
Groin cup (women fighters must wear breast protection)
12-OZ boxing gloves (provided by the promoter)
Fight shorts
Scoring Techniques
Closed hand strikes to head and body
Kicking techniques to head, body, and thigh
Knees to body (not allowed in the Teens Divisions)
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
Attempting to throw opponent out of the ring
Ground grappling
Cautions (1 Point Deduction)
Holding the ropes
Spitting out mouthpiece
Purposely loosening equipment
Continuing to clinch after referee has called for break
Initiating attack before the referee’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 is thrown 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 the body
Kick to the thigh
Knee to the body (not allowed in Teens Divisions)
The opponent falls and the other fighter falls afterward
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)
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 interferes with the match
Excessive unsportsmanlike conduct
Failing to get up within three seconds of a fall (8 Count begins immediately after 3 seconds have elapsed)
A match is awarded if:
A fighter wins two out of three rounds
There is a Knockout
There is a TKO; the fighter is unable to continue
The opponent takes two standing 8-counts in a round or three standing 8-counts in a match.
An athlete is overmatched by the opponent in power and skill; in that event, the center referee can declare absolute victory
There is a disqualification
A fighter who fails to stand up before the count of ten (8) will lose by Knockout
Ringside physician determines that a fighter is not able to continue the match
Competitors must pre-register to compete in Sparring. No onsite registration will be accepted for Sparring.
weight limits for youth competitors:
For the safety of all competitors, weight limits will be enforced. Fighters will be matched with the nearest weight within each age group.
Kids 40-70 lbs.
Juniors 75-105 lbs.
Teen Boys 100-200 lbs.
Teen Girls 90-150 lbs.
Mandatory protective equipment must be supplied by the Competitors 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.
We recommend (not require) that head gear for Sparring have a Plastic Face Shield as pictured above.
Foot Gear must cover toes, heel, and sides of foot. Hand Gear must cover fingers as pictured above.
Note: Shin-Instep guards and Open finger (MMA type gloves) are not permitted.
Competition format:
All matches are single elimination consisting of three 1-minute rounds of running time. The time is stopped for injuries or equipment adjustment.
At the end of each round the winner of that round is declared by the decision of the majority of the judges. The winner of two out of three rounds wins the match. In case of a tie after the three rounds there will be a final 1-minute round to determine a winner; if still tied after this round, the winner is determined by the Chief Judge.
Match Length (running time unless there is an injury):
Note: In Case of a Tie in the Juniors, Teens & Adults Categories, there will be a 30-Second Sudden-Death to determine the winner.
In Case of a Tie in the Kids Category, the first to score wins the match.
Progression of match:
Legal contact targets:
Legal non-contact targets
The above targets require good control since any contact to these areas may result in immediate disqualification.
Allowable techniques:
Illegal techniques:
The following infractions will result in a warning:
The following will result in immediate disqualification:
By definition, light contact sparring implies that blows and kicks must be of a tagging and jarring nature and not executed with heavy impact force!
All Sparring Divisions must have at least 2 competitors for match to take place. If not, the competitors will be moved to the nearest weight class and skill level or spar in an exhibition match.
These rules have been derived from World Jianshu League. We have previously used similar rules at ICMAC tournaments on the U. S. west coast.
EQUIPMENT
MATCH FORMAT
TIME STOPPAGE
Time will be stopped only:
SCORING
ATTACKING WITH THE SWORD
VALID TECHNIQUES
Techniques must retain the characteristics of the Chinese Straight Sword. The following are valid techniques in a match:
LEGAL TARGETS AND POINTS
Legal Targets are divided into Primary and Secondary Targets and are covered by protective equipment.
Primary Targets will award two points:
Secondary Targets will award one point:
ILLEGAL TARGETS
The entire back of the Head and Torso, the Rear Leg and Groin Area
WARNINGS
Three warnings of any type will result in disqualification. Serious infractions will result in immediate disqualification at the discretion of the Chief Judge.
A formal procedure must be followed when a competitor or instructor would like to launch a protest regarding a presumed discrepancy in the application of the rules.
An Arbitration Official will be assigned for each tournament. Do Not Approach the Promoter for matters pertaining to Arbitration as your request will be immediately disallowed with no further recourse.
