RULES
GATHERING OF CHAMPIONS 2024
GENERAL RULES AND CONDUCT
Gathering of Champions, (GOC), reserves the right to deny entry or request anyone to leave the event.
No refunds!
Poor sportsmanship in or out of the ring will not be tolerated. You will be asked to leave the event immediately.
Only the Promoter, Arbitrator, Floor Coordinator, or Head Judge has the authority to stop a division.
In the event of a discrepancy, the competitor, parent and/or instructor has the right to speak with an arbitrator. Must be in a professional manner and with polite dialogue. Every effort to reach fair resolutions will be made. The final decision of the official must be respected. Aggressive, combative dialogue/ gestures and threats will not be tolerated.
ANYONE conducting themselves in a unprofessional, combative or threatening manner will be asked to leave. No refunds, no exceptions.
Opening Ceremony begins at 9am. Only those who are registered before that time will be eligible to participate in the ceremonies.
Competition starts at 9:30am.
It is the responsibility of the competitor, parent and instructors to register and sign up for divisions on time and when called. Each event will be announced three (3) times. (First call, Second call and Last Call)
No refunds if a competitor misses their event!
GOC reserves the right to make changes to any division. For the purpose of fairness, GOC, will take in consideration weight, height, rank and age as a determining factor in splitting a division.
Divisions with large entries will be split.
All contestants must be certified as a qualified competitor by their instructor. School instructors must assume full responsibility of their student’s abilities.
Competitor must compete in their appropriate age, rank, skill and weight as of the day of the event.
All of the GOC staff and judges are volunteers. Any bias will not be tolerated. If GOC promoters deems ANYONE of cheating, showing favoritism, or not complying to the tournament rules, they will be asked to step down from their position and/or asked to leave the event immediately.
ALL judges and staff will be required to wear tournament t-shirt provided compliments of GOC promoters.
Positive cheering and encouragement only. No heckling, trash talking, etc.
No coaching from the spectator area.
Only competitors and GOC staff will be allowed in the competition area, also known as the floor. No exceptions for coaches, instructors, celebrity, VIP or high ranking guests!
Coaches/Instructors are not permitted to loiter, wander, or spectate from the competition floor.
Grand Champion Eligibility:
All first place Kata, Forms, and Weapons competitors, whose division contained at least two competitors, are eligible to compete for Grand Champion.
All first place Self Defense and Showmanship competitors,whose division contained at least two competitors, are eligible for Grand Champion.
Each Grand Champion event must have at least two competitors.
GOC will announce the Grand Champion Division breakdown on or before the tournament date.
TRADITIONAL KATA AND FORMS
Traditional Kata and Forms should reflect the essence of the competitor’s art, style and school. Competitors will be judged on overall control, focus and execution of basics, such as stances, strikes, techniques. All competitors must understand that the concept of what is traditional in today's standards is ever evolving and is subjective. The instructors and competitors assume responsibility in choosing routines. No deductions will occur if a judge feels a competitor performed outside of their concept of traditional. However, they are entitled to score another competitor higher. Generally, non-traditional movement may include, but not limited to, gymnastic flips, excessive screaming, movements without martial arts technique, application or history. Jumping or aerial movements of traditional arts should contain strikes/ kicks or techniques of some kind. Forward rolls are traditional. Competitors may perform a combination of one or more traditional routines.
Competitors will remain seated ringside, or where designated, until they are invited in the ring or called up to compete!
Scoring will be on a scale of 9.80 to 10, 10 being the highest score.
The judges will view the first three competitors to determine a scoring range/average.
Judges will score the competitor according to their individual performance and execution. Not with the intention of preventing a tie nor determining placement of winners.
Judges will verbally give their scores to the scorekeeper.
All routines must be within two (2) minutes.
There will be no music permitted in the Kata, Forms or Weapons divisions.
All weapons must be secured and handled safely.
Judges have the right to visually inspect a competitor’s weapon. The competitor does not have to physically hand their weapon to a judge. In respect to customs of different arts, competitor will not be penalized if they refuse to give up their weapon.
Competitors must declare if they have a live blade, or sharp metal weapon.
Judges can prevent a competitor from competing if upon visual inspection they feel the weapon is unsafe.
Weapons that break or project, causing injury, will be the responsibility and liability of the competitor, parent and instructor. .
When there are 3 judges, scores will be based on total points.
When there are 5 judges, scores will be based on total points, minus the high and low scores.
In the event of a tie, the head judge will convene with the judging panel. The Head Judge has the final decision on resolution by choosing a Tie Breaking Method listed below. Or a combination of the following methods.
Tie Breaking Methods
The panel may invite the tied to enter the ring and turn their backs to the judges. The head judge will give a command of “Call!” to the panel at which time they will simultaneously point to their decision of the winner.
The panel may request the tied competitors t0 perform again, preferably with a different routine.
When there are 5 judges, the panel may choose to add the high score. If that does not break the tie, the low score will be added.
SELF DEFENSE
Each competitor must demonstrate one (1) self defense technique against each of the following attacks: empty hand attack, stick or club, and a non live, unsharpened, blunt blade or knife.
Competitor may have up to three (3) Uke, partners, attackers, dummy persons. However, only the competitor will be eligible for a trophy.
Competitors will remain seated ringside, or where designated, until they are invited in the ring or called up to compete!
Scoring will be on a scale of 9.80 to 10, 10 being the highest score.
The judges will view the first three competitors to determine a scoring range/average.
Judges will score the competitor according to their individual performance and execution. Not with the intention of preventing a tie nor determining placement of winners.
Judges will verbally give their scores to the scorekeeper.
All routines must be within two (2) minutes.
There will be no music permitted in the Self Defense.
All weapons must be secured and handled safely.
Judges have the right to visually inspect a competitor’s weapon. The competitor does not have to physically hand their weapon to a judge. In respect to customs of different arts, competitor will not be penalized if they refuse to give up their weapon.
Judges can prevent a competitor from competing if upon visual inspection they feel the weapon is unsafe.
Weapons that break or project, causing injury, will be the responsibility and liability of the competitor, parent and instructor.
When there are 3 judges, scores will be based on total points.
When there are 5 judges, scores will be based on total points, minus the high and low scores.
In the event of a tie, the head judge will convene with the judging panel. The Head Judge has the final decision on resolution by choosing a Tie Breaking Method or a combination of the following methods.
Tie Breaking Methods
The panel may invite the tied to enter the ring and turn their backs to the judges. The head judge will give a command of “Call!” to the panel at which time they will simultaneously point to their decision of the winner.
The panel may request the tied competitors perform again, preferably with a different routine.
When there are 5 judges, the panel may choose to add the high score. If that does not break the tie, the low score will be added.
BUNKAI (TEAM FORMS AND BREAKDOWN)
Bunkai will feature two parts Kata/Forms and Kata/Forms Breakdown. Forms should reflect the essence of the competitor’s art, style and school. Teams will be judged on overall control, focus and execution of basics, such as stances, strikes, techniques and synchrony. Breakdown will be judged on the ability to show and apply the Kata/Forms techniques and application on partners.
Teams are comprised of three (3) participants.
There will be one trophy per team
Competitors will remain seated ringside, or where designated, until they are invited in the ring or called up to compete!
Scoring will be on a scale of 9.80 to 10, 10 being the highest score.
The judges will view the first three competitors to determine a scoring range/average.
Judges will score the competitor according to their individual performance and execution. Not with the intention of preventing a tie nor determining placement of winners.
Judges will verbally give their scores to the scorekeeper.
All routines must be within three (3) minutes.
There will be no music permitted in the Bunkai.
No weapons allowed.
When there are 3 judges, scores will be based on total points.
When there are 5 judges, scores will be based on total points, minus the high and low scores.
In the event of a tie, the head judge will convene with the judging panel. The Head Judge has the final decision on resolution by choosing a Tie Breaking Method or a combination of the following methods.
Tie Breaking Methods
The panel may invite the tied to enter the ring and turn their backs to the judges. The head judge will give a command of “Call!” to the panel at which time they will simultaneously point to their decision of the winner.
The panel may request the tied competitors perform again, preferably with a different routine.
When there are 5 judges, the panel may choose to add the high score. If that does not break the tie, the low score will be added.
SHOWMANSHIP
Showmanship will consist of Creative Forms, XMA, Musical Forms, Musical Weapons, and partners.
Routines can contain aerial and acrobatic movements.
GOC reserves the right to expand what genre or sub-categories are eligible to participate in Showmanship.
Partners will be awarded one trophy if they place. Both competitors must register and pay for this event.
Competitors will remain seated ringside, or where designated, until they are invited in the ring or called up to compete!
Though showmanship, or entertainment value will be the counted highly toward the overall score, basic martial arts (stances, strikes and balance) must be demonstrated with control and focus.
Scoring will be on a scale of 9.80 to 10, 10 being the highest score.
The judges will view the first three competitors to determine a scoring range/average.
Judges will score the competitor according to their individual performance and execution. Not with the intention of preventing a tie nor determining placement of winners.
Judges will verbally give their scores to the scorekeeper.
All routines must be within two (2) minutes.
There will be permitted in the Showmanship. Competitors must provide their own source of music and music player. Volume must not be disturbing to the other divisions and competitors.
All weapons must be secured and handled safely.
Judges have the right to visually inspect a competitor’s weapon. The competitor does not have to physically hand their weapon to a judge. In respect to customs of different arts, competitor will not be penalized if they refuse to give up their weapon.
Competitors must declare if they have a live blade, or sharp metal weapon.
Judges can prevent a competitor from competing if upon visual inspection they feel the weapon is unsafe.
Weapons that break or project, causing injury, will be the responsibility and liability of the competitor, parent and instructor. .
When there are 3 judges, scores will be based on total points.
When there are 5 judges, scores will be based on total points, minus the high and low scores.
In the event of a tie, the head judge will convene with the judging panel. The Head Judge has the final decision on resolution by choosing a Tie Breaking Method listed below. Or a combination of the following methods.
Tie Breaking Methods
The panel may invite the tied to enter the ring and turn their backs to the judges. The head judge will give a command of “Call!” to the panel at which time they will simultaneously point to their decision of the winner.
The panel may request the tied competitors perform again, preferably with a different routine.
When there are 5 judges, the panel may choose to add the high score. If that does not break the tie, the low score will be added.
POINT SPARRING
Equipment
Safety equipment is MANDATORY in all kumite divisions – all belts.
Headgear; hand and foot pads, mouthpieces, groin cups (for male competitors only) and are mandatory for all competitors in sparring divisions. Chest guards or Chest protectors are optional.
The competitor’s equipment will be checked and if it is deemed unsafe, he/she will be asked to change the equipment before he/she can compete.
Hand Pads: A soft padded surface must cover the fingers, wrist and any striking surface of the hand.
Foot Pads: A soft padded surface must cover the instep, sides, toes, ankle and back of the heel of the foot. The bottom of the foot does not have to be padded.
Ringstar sparring shoes are prohibited!
Head Gear: The front, sides and back of the head must be covered by a soft padded surface. Face shield are optional and considered a part of the scorable area of a head gear.
Competitors, referees, and judges should be dressed in full uniform. NO EXCEPTIONS FOR COMPETITORS
Scoring
Length of match will be two (2) minutes, first to five (5) points, all flags will count. No point spread.
All legal techniques are one (1) point. Techniques must be executed with a snap or recoil and CONTROL.. Back knuckle, reverse punch, ridgehand, all kicks done in a controlled fashion with the opponent in line of sight. Focus shots are any strike executed within 3 inches of the face or head. Body and groin shots must make contact.
Scoring Areas- Designated scoring/ target areas are side of neck, chest and stomach area, side of body (kidney area), focus shot, light contact to side head gear, NO face contact. Groin area, all strikes to the groin, including but not limited, to lead hand jab or back fist are considered points.
Non-scoring Areas- Hips, arms, rear end (Buttocks). Lead hand jab or back knuckle to body is not a point.
Foul Areas are the face, back of head, spine, throat, back of the neck, joints, legs.
Illegal techniques include, but are not limited to, takedowns, grabbing, knees/ elbow strikes, palm strikes, slapping, poking, scratching or biting, head butt, uncontrolled attacks. Blind strikes such as spinning backfist, spinning heel kicks, or any technique where the opponent is not spotted or in the line of sight before execution. Whether an attack is blind will be left to the discretion of the Head Referee and Judges and are subject to warnings or disqualification.
Ground fighting- competitors have three(3) seconds to score a legal point to an opponent on the ground. The grounded opponent can score from the ground whether they intentionally go to the ground or by accident.
Sweeping will only be with the front leg to the opponent's front leg. Sweeps not to take down an opponent, but only to obstruct the balance. This technique will not be considered a point unless it is followed up with a legal technique to the scoring area. Also commonly referred to as a “Boot to Boot Sweep”.
No scoring from outside of the ring. Competitor inside the ring can score. Competitors who consistently go out of bounds are subject to the Three Warning Rule (see below)
Judging
Only the Head Referee can start or stop the clock.
Only the Head Referee can stop the action in the ring, call for points or penalties.
Competitors can request a time to adjust equipment or injury. Head Referee must approve.
Competitors must take a knee, with backs turned, in the event of an opponent being injured, timeout, during a judges meeting, or when ordered by the Head Referee or Judges.
When a point is seen by one of the judges, that judge will say point to the referee. This does NOT stop the match. The Head Referee will stop the match. The judges will hold their flags in the neutral position until the Head Referee calls for flags. The judges will immediately show the flag, either for red or white.
Two flags from two judges equals a majority rule for points or penalties. Head judge can only overrule this call if the two judges are making the same call for different reasons. Example, two judge give red a point, the Head Referee can ask for what technique. One judge says punch and the other says kick, then the Head Referee can overrule and determine no point.
No excessive contact – judge's major vote. Generally, a knockout, bruising, bleeding, or head whipping back, or attacking in an uncontrolled, aggressive manner are subject to an excessive contact call.
“Two Calls” rule to determine excessive contact. First call, “Call for Excessive Contact”. Second call, ”Call for Point”. If the first call results in two judges agreeing on excessive contact. The head judge will convene with the side judges to determine appropriate action. (Warning or Disqualification)
The Head Referee and Judges can vote to limit the legal contact areas, such as head and groin, if they deem a division is unable to exhibit control or to protect the safety of the competitors.
Three (3) Warning Rule- The competitor will be warned once. Second warning, a point will be awarded to opponent. Third warning will result in a disqualification.
The Head Referee, upon convening with the Judges, can disqualify a competitor for malicious, intentional excessive contact or severe unsportsmanlike conduct without warning.
Other Warnings- Running out of the ring, delaying time, are subject to the Three Warning Rule, at the Head Referee’s discretion.
All disqualifications to be verified via the Head Referee convening with the judges,.
All competitors will compete in their belt/age divisions. Any discrepancy should be taken to the tournament director.
NOGI GRAPPLING
(If available)
Equipment:
Groin protection and mouthpiece are MANDATORY!
All competitors must wear a tight fitted T-shirt or rashguard.
Fight shorts must not have exposed accessories which could scratch, cut or get caught on an opponent. Such as buttons and zippers. Gi pants are an acceptable alternative.
Gi’s are optional. However, grabbing one’s own Gi for defense or for offense is prohibited
Grabbing opponents clothes, including your own, is prohibited
Each competitor must practice sanitary hygiene and have clean attire and gear.
Scoring
Each Nogi grappling match will last for a duration of three (3) minutes.
A competitor can when a match via a legal submission.
If time expires, with no clear winner via submission, a winner will be determined by judges decision, majority rule vote.
No point will be awarded or point system followed
Single elimination format.
Three judges per ring, one head judge and two corner judges.
Only the head judge can stop the match.
Verbal or physical tap out.
In the event of a tie, competitors will have a two minute tie breaker match.
If there are not enough competitors in your division, you may be bumped up in weight class or skill level (upon agreement of competitors, coaches and judges)
WARNINGS AND DISQUALIFICATIONS
Three Warning Rule (1st, 2nd, DQ!)
Immediate disqualification of match or advancement upon judges call
Intentional, malicious slamming or spiking opponents head towards the grounds
Intentional, malicious striking
No finger or toe locks, small joint manipulation
Gauging (eyes, ears, orifices, fishhook, etc.)
Refusing to release a submission after verbal or physical tap out.
Poor sportsmanship towards opponent, judges, staff
Illegal submissions
No refunds
SUBMISSION RULES
Virtually all other forms of submission attempts are LEGAL in the Beginner, Intermediate, Advance and Expert No Gi divisions. Unless specified below. These submission variants include all forms of armbar, chokes, neck cranks, twisters, electric chair, straight ankle locks, knee bars, toe holds, body compressions, wrist locks, etc.
ADULT and Teens (13 to 17 year olds)
Novice: No neck cranks. No wrist locks will be allowed. No twisting leg locks will be allowed. Straight ankle locks will be allowed.
Intermediate and Expert: All neck cranks and all leg and foot locks will be allowed.
KIDS 5-12 years old:
No twisting joint manipulations (Americana, Kimura, Heel Hooks).
No standing neck cranks.
No can openers.
No Bicep/calf slicers.
SPORTSMANSHIP
Each competitor is require to compete and conduct themselves in a polite and professional manner. Any violation of any rules can be means for disqualification.
Any questions, concerns or discrepancies can be discussed with the staff in a civil manner. Aggressive behavior can result in a DQ or expulsion from the tournament.
No Sand Bagging! All competitors must compete in their correct skill, age and weight class. Violators are subject to immediate disqualification.
Semi Contact Sparring
Weigh-ins, line ups are at 8am sharp!
MISSION:
This event is open to all styles! Our goal in having this event at GOC is to promote a safe event to develop skills and build friendships through competition. Great sportsmanship and respectfulness is a must!
ABSOLUTES
Controlled Contact only! Strikes that appear to be full force, excessive and or intentional WILL result in a disqualification.
No Knock out, No Injuries.
Good sportsmanship and mutual respect must be exhibited at all times.
Fighter must have all required gear, clean, sanitary and in good condition.
Fighter must be in good health, in clean condition. If you are sick, have a health condition or disease, please do not compete.
Fighters must win by points; similar to a full round, full contact fight, the judges will score each fighter at the end of the bout.
SCORING
In order from least to most points;
Head (Least)
Body / Legs
Knee Strikes (Head NOT allowed!)
Sweep (Most! See rules below for legal technique)
GENERAL RULES
There are no knockouts and, or technical knockouts.
Punches, Kicks, especially to the HEAD are to be targeted and contacted with SEMI CONTACT ONLY!!! (Any strikes resembling full contact could result in warning, NC, or DQ. )
Any knockout will result in Disqualification or a No Contest. (GOC ref and Judges will determine outcome. Respect the call, no disrespectful action.)
If a fighter quits, or cant defend himself due to exhaustion, this will give a win to his or her opponent by DEFAULT. (The referee could notice the fighter is to tired to defend himself and stop the match for safety)
A ref only needs one warning to fighters in order to stop the bout (safety is priority, if the Ref is getting stressed the match could be called)
Punches to Head score THE LEAST (Clean combination of strikes to multiple targets while being safe!)
No rapid fire or multiple strikes to the head, aka rapid fire. (If a fighter takes excessive headshots, the bout could be paused and/or warnings, NC or DQ given. To prevent this from happening, Mix up to body+legs)
Emotions should NOT influence contact (Grunting or yelling during the bout will not be allowed)
No strikes in the back spine area, groin or knee joints.
Please be respectful to your opponent and display Good Sportsmanship.
BANNED TECHNIQUES
Even if by accident, you may face disqualification. These techniques are NOT allowed.
NO Knees to the head
NO Elbows
NO Jamming (catching a kick and driving opponent backwards)
NO Takedowns (shooting for legs)
NO Hip Throws
NO leg teep, front kick or side kick. Or and strike to cause the knee to hyperextend.
NO Cartwheel Kicks
NO Heel Tripping (front of foot/leg trips/sweeps are allowed)
NO Axe Kicks
Questionable/ Unrecommended Techniques:
If done incorrectly, or due to bodies in motion, or if by accident, may cause injury you could get disqualified!
(GOC reserves the right to ban any of these techniques before, the day of, or during the event if deemed a safety concern)
Blind Shots - any spinning technique done without spotting or having line of sight before striking.
Spinning back fists - risk of accidental elbows
Spinning heel hook/ kicks
Sprawling or Pulling your opponents head in a clinch. Accidental knee to head may occur.
Dropping of ducking out of a clinch. Accidental knee to head may occur.
Pushing out of emotion will be a DQ! A push technique as a set up, create space is ok. Ref, judges, staff will rule and determine the outcome.
Yelling, grunting or taunting in an emotional manner while striking
Flying knees. Accidental knee to head may occur.
Point Deduction or Possible Disqualifications
Too Much Contact- Reminder, all techniques must be controlled with semi - contact only
Rapid fire or boxing only (rapid punching or 4+ punches without any pause, kicks, knees)
Not demonstrating any defense
Use of profanity and un-professionalism.
Rounds/ Time
2 rounds of 2 minutes for adults.
2 rounds of 1.5 minutes for youth.
In the event of a tie, each fighter winning a round, a 3rd round will occur.
Break between rounds is 1 min.
EQUIPMENT
Safety equipment required and mandatory for competitors
Mouth Piece
Headgear
Groin Cup
Shin Guards
Shorts and parts are allowed
Gloves
Hand wraps
Headgear
Headgear with a full jawbar is allowed in for ALL AGES.
Headgear with full face Faceguard/cages are allowed for ALL AGES
Shin Guards
Full shin and instep as designed for kickboxing and Muay Thai.
No cloth, foam or point sparring gear.
Gloves
All fighters must wear boxing gloves that are in good condition. No rips, tears, no oils or coatings of any kind. Subject to inspection.
Each Fighter in ALL Bouts and ALL Divisions shall have the SAME Glove size as their opponent.
JUNIOR DIVISION (Gloves are based on weight as opposed to age)
Depending on the Junior Fighters weight, 10 Ounce May Be Used For "Juniors" Ages 4-8 Years Old.
Minimum of 12 Ounce For JUNIOR Divisions between age 8 and 14 Years Old. Depending on WEIGHT, Juniors Ages 14-16 may wear 12 ounce Gloves.
Minimum of 16 Ounce gloves for all fighters age 18 and over - ADULT Divisions.
Hand Wraps
Standard hand-wraps should be worn by all competitors.
No filling with material or hardened will be tolerated. Immediately disqualification upon inspection may result.
Breast and Chest Protectors, Face Guard Protectors
Are optional for adults. However, it is highly recommended. Both fighters do NOT have to wear if the other chooses. Scoring will not be affected.
JUDGING
Three judges will sit at ringside and score each bout based on a 10 point must system just like in regular boxing or kickboxing. The winner gets 10, the loser gets 9 or less if point deductions occur.
Bouts will be judged on who lands the most strikes / points in the designated areas based on the judges discretion.
Strikes earn more points in the following order:
least - Head < Body / Legs < Knees < Sweeps - most
Effective Clinching is scored highly
Pummeling and gaining positioning, kneeing target areas earns points
Ducking out of clinch is detrimental to score (can result in knee to head)
Blocking knees with forearms is detrimental to score
Hip tossing is detrimental to score
Heal tripping is detrimental to score
Kneeing opponent in groin is detrimental to score
Good defense can boost score (checking kicks, parry punches / teeps, feinting,
If rounds 1 & 2 are won by a fighter the win will go to him / her.
It will not be judged on who the crowd is chanting for on one's "show boating" etc.
If judges rule that a participants is intentionally trying to hurt someone or hurts someone resulting from a full contact blow that participant will be disqualified. (this will be at judges discretion majority rules).
Full protective gear is Mandatory - approved head gear, mouth piece, groin protectors, shin guards, handwraps and foot pads must be worn.
All strikes must be in designated striking areas. These are front head area, front body area, inside and outside of thigh. No groin strikes. If there is a draw in a match there will be an extra round to determine a winner.
If a leg kick is thrown and it is blocked with the shin portion of the leg...it is not a point.
If a knee is thrown to the body but is blocked it is not a point. All techniques must land in designated striking area to be counted as a point.