Tae Kwon Do

Tae Kwon Do is best known for the type of sparring that is featured in the Olympic Games. But there is more to Taekwondo than just Olympic Style Sparring.

The Tae Kwon Do portion of the Battle of Chicago will be conducted in a "festival style" format. That means we will be creating brackets of four competitors, so that everyone will medal in the Taekwondo events of Forms, Pair Forms, Breaking & Sparring. We may combine or divide divisions to accommodate the number of competitors.

Poomsae or Forms Competition

All WTF and ITF forms will be allowed. Competitors under 6 years of age can request the referee count for them while performing their form.

Will be evaluated on the following criteria:
1. Power
2. Focus
3. Technique (Finishing Position of each movement)
4. Rhythm / Tempo

Pair Forms Competition

All WTF and ITF forms will be allowed. Two males, two females and mixed pairs will be allowed to compete.

Will be evaluated on the following criteria:
1. Power
2. Focus
3. Technique (Finishing Position of each movement)
4. Rhythm / Tempo
5. Synchronous Movements

Kyok Pa or Breaking Competition

All participants will break at three stations with the assigned techniques. Color Belts two (2) attempts per station. Black Belts one (1) attempt per station.

Kyorugi or Sparring Competition

We will be using modified USA Taekwondo Kyorugi rules and Junior Safety Rules.

Required Safety Equipment
• Hand Gloves
• Forearm Protectors
• Shin & Instep Pads
• Chest Protector
• Headgear and Face Shield
• Mouth Guard for Upper Jaw or Orthodontic Mouth Guard for competitors with braces
• Groin Cup (Males)

If the competitor is missing any of the safety equipment at the time their match is called, the competitor will be disqualified. No exceptions!

Hapkido

Hapkido is known for its devasting throws along with its joint locking techniques that can result in the breaking of bones and joints on the human body.

The Hapkido portion of the Battle of Chicago will feature the following four events: Long Fall, High Fall, Belt Sparring and Self-Defense.

High Fall Competition

Competitors will attempt to clear a horizontal bar, starting low and progressing in height, landing in a soft, clean breakfall. With each successful jump, the competitor continues to the next round where the bar will be raised 4 inches. If the competitor dislodges the bar or lands in an unsafe manner, he/she will be permitted to re-attempt the jump. If the competitor dislodges the bar or lands in an unsafe manner on the second attempt, he/she will be disqualified. A competitor may make contact with the bar without dislodging it for a successful round. Competition continues until there is only one competitor left, who then receives first place. Second and third place are determined by working back to previously eliminated competitors with ties broken by competitor with fewest attempts. One judge assesses the clearing of the bar, and a second judge assesses a safe landing. If the landing judge determines the landing would result in injury if on an unpadded surface, that judge will rule the landing as unsafe.

Video of the High Fall Rules and examples can be viewed by clicking on the link here.

Long Fall Competition

Competitors will be attempting to jump from a specific starting point and gain the longest jump among competitors within that division. Competitors will have two opportunities to jump. One judge assesses the length of jump, and a second judge assesses the safe landing. If the landing judge assesses the landing would result in injury if on an unpadded surface, that judge will rule the landing as unsafe. The competitor with the longest distance (with safe landing) wins first place. Second and third place are awarded to the competitors with the second and third longest jumps. Divisions are the same as Long Fall.

Video of the Long Fall Rules and examples can be viewed by clicking on the link here.

Belt Sparring Competition

Competitors will attempt to grab the opponent's belt which is on the opponents back. This event is open to all ranks age 4 - 12 years of age.

Video of the Belt Sparring Rules and examples can be viewed by clicking on the link here.

Self-Defense Competition

Scores are based on the competitor’s ability to create a scenario that demonstrates and understanding of 1) attack, 2) appropriate, equal response and 3) realistic technique that ends the altercation. Competitor should avoid “movie self-defense”, acrobatics, and other impractical and unrealistic techniques. Each competitor is allotted two minutes, beginning from the time the judge indicates that the clock has started. If demonstration exceeds two minutes, the judge will stop the clock and assign a one-point deduction. The median score is 8.5, with no scores lower than 7.0. The highest score possible is 9.9. Hundredths may be used to ensure the fairest judging possible.

1. Group Members are limited to two people total. All members of the group must register as competitors to be eligible to medal in this event.
2. Perform a total of three techniques for color belts or perform a total of four techniques for black belts:
1. Bare Hand / Foot Defense: When the opponent attacks you with bare hand technique or kicking technique.
2. Grabbing Defense: When the opponents grabs you with their hands or arms.
3. Knife / Dagger / Firearm Defense: When the opponent attacks you with a knife, dagger or firearm.
4. Freestyle Defense (Black Belt Only): Any defense against of the prior attacks.
3. Each team will perform one technique at a time. Judge will declare which team wins for each technique right after each performance. Whichever team wins in two or more techniques will be declared the winner.
4. Note on weapons defense: no live (real) blades and/or functional firearms for self-defense demonstrations are permitted. Judges will inspect all weapons prior to demonstration.

Judging Criteria
1. Precision of Technique and Timing: Competitor should demonstrate an understanding of strike zones, body mechanics, and timing (competitor must act immediately upon attack). Competitor should choose techniques that are highly visible to the judges. Techniques should be executed properly, cleanly, and with full range of motion.
2. Proficiency of Situational Awareness: Competitor should demonstrate an understanding of self-defense that is appropriate to age and rank. It should be clear to judges that competitor understands how to assign proper techniques to specific attacks.
3. Proper Posture, Power and Control: Once attacked, competitor/defender should demonstrate 1) an understanding of appropriate stance that matches technique, 2) the necessary and appropriate flow of power, and 3) realistic, powerful technique in a controlled manner that does not cause actual injury to the partner.
4. Presentation: The demonstration should not be “overacted” by either competitor or attacker. If techniques/scenarios are demonstrated as a “story” or in a sequence, they should be performed in succession, ending the routine with incapacitation. Presentation also includes appearance of competitors (neat uniform, cleanliness), and proper display of character toward judges, fellow athletes and spectators

Tang Soo Do / Karate

Tang Soo Do or Karate will feature three events: Traditional Forms, Weapons Forms, Weapons Sparring and Point Style Sparring. This portion of the tournament will NOT be conducted in Festival style. Instead, only the top three will medal no matter how large the division is. Tang Soo Do and Karate are known for building one's character and the competitive portion of these events will bear that out by limiting the numer of medals awarded.

Hyungs, Kata or Forms Competition

All Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan and Shotokan Karate forms will be allowed. Competitors under 6 years of age can request the referee count for them while performing their form.

Will be evaluated on the following criteria:
1. Power
2. Focus
3. Technique (Finishing Position of each movement)
4. Rhythm / Tempo

Video of the Tang Soo Do Flag Forms Rules and examples can be viewed by clicking on the link here.

Weapons Forms Competition

The use of music is not allowed. In the event of a tie the competitors will be asked to perform a different form than the first one they did. Competitors can choose to use a different weapon within the category they are competing in.

Weapons forms will be divided into two categories: Long Weapons and Short Weapons.

Long Weapons consist of the following:

• Staff (Jang Bong / Bo)
• Oar (Eku)
• Garden Hoe (Kuwa)
• Crescent Moon Sword (Chun Yong Wol Do) Usually over 5 ft in height.
• Small version of Crescent Moon Sword (Hyeop Do) under 5 ft in height.
• Trident (Dang Pa)
• Fishing Gaff (Nunti)
• Cane (Ji Pang E)
• Spear (Chang)

Short Weapons consist of the following:

• Sickles (Nat / Kamas)
• Baton (Charu / Tonfa)
• Flail (Sang Chul Bong / Nunchakus)
• Truncheon (Sai)
• Dagger (Danto)
• Sword (Kumdo)
• Sword & Shield (Timbei)
• Knuckleduster (Tekko)
• Fishing Rope (Pho Bak / Suruchini)

Any other weapons will be evaluated on a case by case basis by the head referee for that ring. Absolutely no “live” or sharp blades.

Ja Yu Dae Ryun, Kumite or Sparring Competition

Required Safety Equipment:

• Boots and Shin guards
• Karate Mitts
• Head Guard and Face Shield
• Mouth Guard for Upper Jaw or Orthodontic Mouth Guard for competitors with braces.
• Groin Cup (Males)

All Color Belt contestants must wear a chest protector. Black Belt contestants over the age of 13 may wear a chest protector should they choose to do so.

Matches are to be two minutes long. First contestant to score 5 points is declared the winner. If a tie exists at the end of 2 minutes, then the first point scored in overtime will be used. The first contestant to score a point wins the match.

No contact in divisions up to and including 14 years of age. Light contact (Touch Contact) to the body will be allowed for 15 years and over. No contact at all to the head. This is very important to enforce in order to prevent injuries to participants.

Legal Target Areas:
Body (Front, Side and Back above the belt)
Head (Front, Side and Top)

Illegal Target Areas:
Spine
Back of the Head

Illegal Techniques:
No Hand or Foot Techniques are permitted below the belt.
No hand or foot techniques are permitted to the back of the head.
No hand or foot techniques are permitted to the spine.
Absolutely no head butts, shoulder, elbow or knee strikes are allowed.
No blind spinning techniques are allowed, such as, spinning back fist.
No knife hand or ridge hand techniques are allowed.
Throwing against the joint.

Video of the Tang Soo Do Point Style Sparring Rules and examples can be viewed by clicking on the link here.

Weapons Sparring Competition

Required Safety Equipment:

• Karate Mitts
• Head Guard and Face Shield
• Mouth Guard for Upper Jaw or Orthodontic Mouth Guard for competitors with braces.
• Groin Cup (Males)

All Color Belt contestants must wear a chest protector. Black Belt contestants over the age of 13 may wear a chest protector should they choose to do so.

Competitors must provide their own padded weapons. Weapons must pass a referee’s weapons inspection. There will be Padded weapons available for rent. (Cash Only)

Matches are to be two minutes long. First contestant to score 5 points is declared the winner. If a tie exists at the end of 2 minutes, then the first point scored in overtime will be used. The first contestant to score a point wins the match.

Light contact (Touch Contact) to the body will be allowed for 10 years of age and over. Light contact (Touch Contact) to the head will be allowed for 10 years of age and over. This is very important to enforce in order to prevent injuries to participants.

Legal Target Areas:
Body (Front, Side and Back above the belt)
Head (Front, Side, Top and Back)
Arms and Legs

Illegal Target Areas:
Spine
Groin

Illegal Techniques:
No Hand or Foot Techniques are permitted.
No thrusting techniques toward the face are permitted. Thrusting is allowed to the body.
No techniques are permitted to the spine.
No techniques using the unpadded handle of the weapon are allowed.
Absolutely no head butts, shoulder, elbow or knee strikes are allowed.
No blind spinning techniques are allowed, such as, spinning back fist.
No throws are allowed including throws against the joints.
Padded Weapons:

Long Weapons:

• Padded Staff (Jang Bong / Bo)
• Padded Sword (Kumdo / Kendo)

Short Weapons:

• Padded Sickles - Pair (Nat / Kamas)
• Padded Baton - Pair (Charu / Tonfa)
• Padded Flail - Single or Pair (Sang Chul Bong / Nunchakus)
• Padded Truncheon - Pair (Sai)
• Padded Dagger - Single or Pair (Danto)

Video of the Tang Soo Do Weapons Sparring Rules and examples can be viewed by clicking on the link here.

PDF Files

Tournament Packet can be downloaded by clicking on the link here.

The Registration form can be downloaded by clicking on the link here.

The complete Battle of Chicago rules can be downloaded by clicking on the link here.

Video of the Hapkido - High Fall Rules and examples can be viewed by clicking on the link here.

Video of the Hapkido - Long Fall Rules and examples can be viewed by clicking on the link here.

Video of the Hapkido - Belt Sparring Rules and examples can be viewed by clicking on the link here.

Video of the Tang Soo Do Flag Forms Rules and examples can be viewed by clicking on the link here.

Video of the Tang Soo Do Point Style Sparring Rules and examples can be viewed by clicking on the link here.

Video of the Tang Soo Do Weapons Sparring Rules and examples can be viewed by clicking on the link here.

Elements

i = 0;

while (!deck.isInOrder()) {
    print 'Iteration ' + i;
    deck.shuffle();
    i++;
}

print 'It took ' + i + ' iterations to sort the deck.';