1. Divisions
Athletes wishing to compete in a different age group should contact the US Challenge coordinators at uswa.staff@gmail.com before registering for a written request and approval.
2. Tournament Structure
Children, Teen, Senior, and Elder Divisions
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Limited to 8 athletes.
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Split into 2 groups and use a round robin system to determine group winners.
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The second level is the championship fight between the winners of each group.
Adult Division
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Limited to 16 athletes.
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Split into 4 groups and use a round robin system to determine group winners.
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The second level is elimination between the winners of each group.
The third level is the championship fight.
3. Rules and Procedures
Time limits
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Children: 3 rounds of 1 minute, 15-second breaks.
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Teen and Adults:
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Round Robin matches: 3 rounds of 1 minute 30 seconds, 45-second breaks.
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Elimination and Championship Matches: 3 rounds of 2 minutes, 45-second breaks.
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Senior and Elders: 3 rounds of 1 minute 30 seconds, 1-minute breaks.
Round time is continuous: Athletes will spar continuously during each round, with judges tallying strikes. Continuous consecutive strikes to the same target only count once. Judges may ask athletes to disengage in the case of a dropped weapon or unstructured action. Time will be stopped ONLY in the case of safety considerations or injury.
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4. Judging Criteria
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Scoring System:
Scoring is based on the 10-Point must system. Each judge will independently score each round of the match. Each judge will award the round’s winner 10 points and the round’s losing fighter 7-9 points.
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10-9: Close round
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10-8: Clear winner
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10-7: Total dominance
Judges independently total their scores after three rounds and declare their judgment on the winner of the match (based on total score). Then, the winner of the match is decided based on a majority decision.
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Judges Award Points Based On:
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Number of quality strikes landed on the opponent’s valid target areas and the athlete’s ability to defend against the opponent's strikes. Successful strikes involve clean individual or combined techniques (slice, chop, split, thrust) using a valid part of the weapon.
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Domination of the bout by technical and tactical superiority, including control of the pace and location of the match.
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Competitiveness (initiative and desire to win).
5. Legal Targets
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Head (front or side, not back)
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Neck (not back, no thrust to throat)
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Torso (front and side, not back)
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Arms and hands
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Legs (not knees)
6. Illegal Techniques and Penalties
Judges have the discretion to apply penalties or disqualify fighters for any conduct judged to be unsafe or unsportsmanlike.
7. Warrior’s Etiquette
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Poor sportsmanship (showboating, taunting, influencing judges) results in a warning; second warning leads to disqualification.
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Foul language results in immediate disqualification.
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8. Attire
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Clothing: T-Shirts (long or short) without any messages or political statements, sweatpants or equivalent soft pants without zippers or pockets. Traditional Gi is also allowed.
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Accessories: No jewelry, pins, rings, earrings, watches, or bracelets. Eyeglasses are allowed within the helmet.
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Footwear: Soft-soled shoes required. Barefoot is not allowed.
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9. Weapons
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Type: Tiger Claw Combat weapons (lightweight PVC core, sturdy black/Blue vinyl cover).
Link to Tiger Claw Combat Swords -
Grip Tape: Allowed on the handle.
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Length: As specified in the Divisions table above.
10. Protective Gear
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Required:
• Head Gear: ICWSF and WSF-sanctioned helmet with complete head coverage, face protection, and a grill. No darkened face shields. Grill spacing must prevent weapon penetration.
Optional:
· Gloves: Padded and comfortable gloves.
· Throat Protection: Optional.
· Chest Protection: Optional for upper torso.
· Groin Protection, Leg Protection, Mouth Guards: Optional.
