Forms (Poomsae) Competition

One of the primary goals of martial arts training is the perfection of the self and technique. The practice of poomsae (forms) enables the student to perform important hand and foot techniques in a pattern stimulating battle and thus bringing essential application and meaning to its movements. In this way, forms represent the essence of the martial arts.

One must practice them with great concentration, commitment, and sincerity. A properly performed poomse is aesthetically beautiful and reflects the mental discipline, self-mastery of our art and the most confidence with the KI-Ap

All forms are welcome at this competition. Competitors will be judged on concentration, confidence, flexibility, balance, and proper execution of techniques.

Breaking (Kyokpa) Competition

Breaking competitors will be judged on the difficulty and technical demand of an attack. If the break is executed on the first attempt, then the score will be higher than the second attempt, etc. Second attempt will be scored lower than if it were done properly the first attempt.

Showmanship (good impression) and confidence (big scream) also add to score. Demonstration of respect to judges and other competitors is also important!

. Children 6 years and under—quarter or half inch boards . Children 12 years and under—half inch boards

. Adults and 13 and older—one inch boards

Breaking Difficulty Standards: Kicking techniques are superior to hand techniques: • Side kick is superior to front kick • Back kick is superior to side kick • Spin back kick is superior to back kick

Number of techniques:

1 • Two techniques are superior to one • Three techniques are superior to two • Fourth technique is superior to three

Number of boards: • Two boards are superior to one board

Weapons Competition

The purpose of weapons competitions is to evaluate competitors’ knowledge and mastery of forms, athletic abilities, stamina, confidence and focus. Competitors are expected to remain focused and highly engaged throughout their demonstration. Judges will evaluate each competitor’s professionalism and conduct from the moment they enter the demonstration area until they exit. Competitors will have two minutes to complete their form once the judge gives the command, “You May Begin”.

Weapon Rules:

1. SAFETY FIRST. 2. Weapons MUST NOT cause damage to rings, mats, or pose danger to competitors, spectators or judges. 3. All weapons must be inspected by judges prior to commencement of their demonstration.

Judges Scoring Criteria:

1. Competitors must demonstrate complete knowledge of their form. 2. Competitors must exhibit smooth transitions from one technique to the next and maintain balance and center of gravity; mistakes will result in a one point deduction. 3. Competitors must execute techniques gracefully with full range of motion along with athleticism, power, and intensity appropriate to age and rank level. There will be a three point deduction if execution is incorrect. 4. Competitors must display a confident persona through all phases of the demonstration including entry, execution, scoring and exit 5. Competitors uniforms must fit well and present a professional appearance. Parents and coaches are responsible for making sure the uniforms fit the criteria. 6. Immediate disqualification will be implemented if any of these rules are broken.

Kyo Rugi (Sparring) Competition Rules & Interpretation Sparring will utilize WTF and USTU rules. Junior safety rules in effect for colored-belt children 17 years old and under. Adult colored belts will also be using junior safety

2 rules. The rules of competition sparring were updated by the WTF and USTU in 2003. Please review the following information as they apply to all competitors.

Permitted Techniques and Areas:

1. Permitted Techniques • Fist techniques: Delivering techniques by using the front parts of the forefinger and middle finger of the tightly clenched fist. • Foot techniques: Delivering techniques by using the parts of the foot below the ankle bone. • 2. Permitted Areas • Trunk: Attack by fist and foot techniques on the areas covered by the trunk protector are permitted. However, such attacks shall not be made on the part of the spine. • Head: This area consists of the front and side of the face and excludes the back of the head. Attacks by foot techniques only are permitted.

Valid Points: a.i.1. Legal Scoring Areas • Mid-section of the trunk: The part covered by the trunk protector. • Face: The whole part of the face including both ears.

a.i.2. Awarding Of Points • Points shall be awarded when permitted techniques are delivered accurately and powerfully to the legal scoring areas.

a.i.3. Point Values a. One (1) point for attack on trunk protector or face For black belts 14 years old and up only: b. Two (2) points for attack to face c. One (1) additional point shall be awarded in the event that the contestant is knocked down and the referee counts 4. Final Score • Match score shall be the sum of points at the conclusion of each individual contest. 5. Invalidation of points * When a contestant performs an attack to score through the use of prohibited actions and the points scored shall be annulled.

3 Kyorug (Free Sparring) Competition Safety Rules Governing Children Purpose

The Competition Rules regulate and govern all matters pertaining to Taekwondo competition at all levels sanctioned or promoted by USA Taekwondo. However, the following special section of the Competition Rules (which will be referred to as “Junior Competition Rules” hereafter) shall further apply to junior sparring divisions as stated below.

General Rules A. No head contact a. Ages 7 and under (All Belts) and ages 11 & under (color belt division) a.i. In Michigan Cup Championship, sparring competition the rules and regulations were adopted from WTF/ USAT Rules and Regulations. The rules concerning a kick to the face shall be as follows: a.i.1. Any technique contacted to the hard area which does not cause any injury, will be give a warning by the referee (“kyong-go). a.i.2. Any technique which cause injury to the head area will result in a one-point penalty by the referee (“Gam-jeom) a.i.3. If the competitor cannot continue because of the injury to the head area, the attacker will be disqualified. Article 1. Junior NOTE: Inability to continue because of fright, crying, or loss of will following a kick to the head which did not cause injury, does not constitute grounds for disqualification of the attacker.

B. Junior Safety Rules a. Ages 8-11 (Black Belts), 12-13 Year Old Divisions (All Belts), and 14-17 Year Old Divisions (Color Belts)

i. Michigan Cup Championship, the rules concerning a kick to the face shall be as follows:

4 1. The competitor is allowed to kick to the facial area; however, the kick must be light contact with appropriate control without causing any injury or excessive contact, or the appropriate penalty shall be invoked. 2. The competitor who executes a successful technique (light contact without causing any injury) shall be awarded three (3) points. 3. The competitor who executes a kick to the face which results in a minor injury shall receive a one-point (“Gam-jeom”) penalty. A minor injury is defined as abrasion or bleeding caused by non-excessive contact. The referee, with or without consultation with the tournament physician, shall determine if the abrasion or bleeding is a minor injury, and if the attack is a non-excessive one.

a.i.4. The competitor who executes a kick to the face which results in the inability of the opponent to continue sparring because of injury shall be disqualified. The referee, with or without consultation with the tournament physician, shall determine if the attack is an excessive contact, and if the injury is a major one.

NOTE: Inability to continue because of fright, crying or loss of will following a legal kick to the head which did not cause injury does not constitute grounds for disqualification of the attacker.

*This information was adopted is from the WTF/USAT Rules and Regulations.