2024 US Challenge Padded Weapons Rules
2024 US Challenge Rules Video Music Credits
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.
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
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
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.
