Sparring Event Rules

The Sparring event is round based light contact point fighting. Easily accessible to virtually all striking arts, sparring is fast paced and exciting for both participants and spectators.

Minimum Required Gear

• Shorts or sport pants
• Groin Protector
• Mouth Guard
• Head Gear
• Gloves (10oz min.)
• Foot Protectors and/or shin-instep protector combo
• T-shirt/Tank top or Rash guard

*Competitors can wear any combination of shorts, T-shirts, rash guards, partial or full gi.

Match Rules

• Beginner/Intermediate: two 1 minute rounds with 30 secs between rounds. 
• Advanced/Expert: two 1.5 minute rounds with 30 secs between rounds.
• Points are accumulated on each of the judges "clickers" and each judge calls the winner of the round based on his score. In the event of a 1-1 round tie, the center referree can break the tie. In the event the referree cannot decide a winner, there will be a 30 sec overtime round.

Sparring Scoring System

• Any legal hand striking technique - 1 point
• Body kicks - 1 point
• Head kicks - 2 points
• Spin kicks - 2 points

*All strikes must be precise, controlled techniques, with light touch contact. Legal targets are head (front and side) and torso (front and side). No unprotected part of the body may be used to score points.

**Warnings followed by point deductions may be given by the referee for running away, fouls, or any other actions deemed inappropriate.