Battlefield Weapons Tournament


What exactly is this tourney, anyway? Who can enter? What if less than 100 people enter? What are the requirements? What if I don’t have the required gear/uniform? When will the tourney be held? What are the divisions? Where will it be? How is Kata/Forms judged?	How do I win my fight? How do I win my division? How do I win the money? How will judging be kept fair? What about safety? What are Intramural Seminars? What is Open Sparring? What is the entry fee? Can I just come watch? Do you have any travel info?
I have a suggestion! I’m in! Where can I send my registration? I have more questions.

What exactly is this tourney, anyway? This is a weapons only tournament for all styles - Asian, European, African, South American - all traditions are welcome. It consists of Sparring and Kata/Forms and will be adults only. Sparring is elimination-style with winners from each weapons division (staff against staff, pole arm against pole arm, sword against sword, etc.) competing against each other for Grand Champion. Kata/Forms will be judged on practicality and precision of technique with winners of each division competing against each other for Grand Champion. The final Grand Champion winner in the sparring division will receive prize money, the amount being determined by the number of entries. Second through fourth places will receive prize monies, also. The final Grand Champion winner in Kata/Forms division will win a hand-made sword. Second through fourth places will win a hand-made knife. The tournament includes Intramural Seminars featuring the instructors of some of the various styles fighting in the competition as well as styles or weapons that are not competing. Seminars are not restricted to competitors but are also open to those who choose not to compete. Seminars are also open to advanced kyu ranks (under black belt,) 16 or older, who are able to learn at a level that will not disrupt black belt learners. Also included is - a chance to try your skill against any other stylist present at the tournament. Open Sparring is not a part of the judged tournament but allows "play time" in the sparring ring. This venue is a chance to combine knowledge of weapons, knowledge of the human body, and knowledge that you could wind up across from anyone in historical wars, to safely duplicate a battlefield-style fight. It is a chance for those of us who are serious about what we do to find out how good we are. View the other FAQs for detailed information.
Who can enter? Any stylist, aged 18 or above, who uses weapons, may enter. There will be no rank, age, or gender divisions; all divisions are along weapons lines only.
What if less than 100 people enter? Competition, Intramural Seminars and Open Sparring will be held no matter the number of entrants. Competition prize monies will be based on a percentage of the entry fees. Divisions will be determined based on the entries.
What are the requirements? Weapons for sparring will be made of wood and of approximate size and weight to the real thing. Weapons for Kata/Forms may be the authentic weapon the competitor trains with or may be a wooden replica. Uniform requirements consist of two options. They will either be a plain (i.e. no patches) traditional martial arts uniform of your style, or a traditional costume of the country of origin of your style. (Uniforms with patches may be turned inside out to cover the patches.) Those without a traditional costume may opt for a traditional Middle Ages to 17th Century European costume. Women may wear traditional men’s garb if they choose. The traditional, historical costume of the country of your style is preferred out of courtesy to our host. The reason for uniform guidelines is that competitors will be judged on his or her personal ability without regard to organizational affiliations. Required safety equipment for sparring is: head with full face gear; torso protection with shoulder pads; elbow and knee pads, if not protected by other; gloves of some type; and groin protectors for the males. You may wear as much added padding/safety equipment as you desire. See also: What if I don't have the required...
What if I don't have the required gear/uniforms? Get some. Uniforms: - Your school's supplier should carry uniforms appropriate to your style. - Century Martial Arts http://www.centurymartialarts.com carries reasonably priced traditional martial arts uniforms of various styles. - Try eBay: search renaissance or SCA costume for a simple European outfit. - Rebekah Patteson is a capable and reasonably priced seamstress who takes custom orders. 318-925-6874 (order early as she is often booked up) Weapons: - Wooden weapons can be made by most anyone with basic woodshop skills. - Purple Heart Armoury http://www.woodenswords.com - mention the tournament for a 10% off discount - Hollow Earth Swords http://www.hollowearthswordworks.com/swords.htm - Shadowhawk Blades, any off-the-rack blades currently available will be listed at http://www.shadowhawkblades.com/bladesforsale.htm, call 903-342-0217 for custom orders (again, order early as they tend to be well booked with custom orders) Safety Equipment: - http://www.spargear.com/ - http://www.pmasupplies.com/filpage-sparring_front.htm - http://bloodsport.com/
When will the tourney be held? April 10-11, 2010 - Pre-registration must be received by March 27, 2010. The competition will be Saturday the 10th and the seminars will be Sunday the 11th. See also: Where will it be?
What are the divisions? - Longsword & Broadsword (over 28”), single weapon - Curved Swords (i.e. saber, cutlass, etc), single weapon - Short Sword (under 28”), single weapon - Bo/Staff & Other Non-Bladed/Non-Tipped Weapons - Double Blades (i.e. double sword, sword & dagger, etc.) - Sword & Shield - Pole Arms (i.e. naginata, pike, spear, etc.) - Miscellaneous Weapons, single or double (i.e. fan, tonfa, kama, etc.) - no flail type weapons (nunchaku, mace, triple-staff, whip chain, etc.) - Grand Championship for first place winners of above divisions Divisions are made upon weapons lines but may be combined based on number on entries. Combination of divisions is at the discretion of Adams Martial Arts. Other divisions may be added in future tournaments. If you have a suggestion for a different division or a more logical arrangement of current divisions, please contact us with your suggestion.
Where will it be? The tourney will be hosted by Four Winds Rennaissance Faire near Tyler,TX. Four Winds Renaissance Faire: 22111 County Road 2178 Troup, TX 75789 Located 20 minutes South of Tyler, TX. For directions go to: http://www.fourwindsfaire.com/map.htm See also: When will the tourney be held?
How is Kata/Forms judged? Kata/Forms are judged on three criteria: Functionality & Effectiveness, Technical Ability, and Understanding. A competitor will perform his kata/form and then be asked to explain a technique or series of moves from the kata/form. This allows each competitor to be judged fairly, even by judges who may not be familiar with the style being used. Functionality & Effectiveness: Does the form incorporate techniques that work? Is the competitor using those techniques as they are intended? Techniques that are flashy but have no value in a fight (such as throwing a sword and doing a spinning jump to catch it) will not score points. Technical Ability: Precision of technique. Things such as is the weapon held steady, do the strikes go to the intended target, does the competitor have firm footwork, etc. Understanding: Does the practitioner know what his kata/form is doing? This tournament is focused on real-world martial arts. Bring on that "boring" kata that scores low at a sport tournament!
How do I win my fight? Sparring competition is continuous, there will be no breaks to call points. Judges will take into consideration both offensive and defensive techniques. Points will be assessed on both attacks and blocks/avoids. Judges are looking at a fighter’s overall ability in his martial art. At the end of each fight, judges will compare points in a private conference (point totals will not be announced) and declare the winner. Due to the possibility of great damage with minimal contact, controlled strikes to the head will be strictly enforced. (i.e. Drawing blood, causing a concussion or loss of consciousness or other such excessive contact to the head are grounds for disqualification. Judges determine excessive contact.) Weapons may be chalked to better allow judges to determine appropriate points. Fighting will continue until the time limit is reached. (i.e. not point-and-break fighting) Breaks will only be called to address safety issues. If you are disarmed, drop your weapon, or break your weapon you may recover it or disarm your opponent. You may disarm and strike your opponent with his weapon. You may continue to fight unarmed until time is called. You may call time and yield the match. Grappling, takedowns, punches and kicks are allowed. Any opponent who yields will be considered to have lost the match. No thrusts to the face or neck. Persons who fight without control or damage an opponent (break bones, draw blood, excessive contact, etc.) will be disqualified. Note that this is as close as safety and practicality of scoring points will allow us to get to real battlefield conditions. See also: What about safety?
How do I win my division? Divisions will be made along weapons lines. We will attempt to divide along strict weapons lines (i.e. Double Swords is not the same division as Sword and Dagger) but may combine similar weapons if a category has few entrants. Fights will be organized by the elimination manner and the fights of a division will be determined by lottery. See also: How do I win my fight?
How do I win the money? Sparring: All first place winners will compete in the Grand Championship for the prize money. The first fights of the championship will be determined by lottery. During this time, different weapons stylists will be able to compete against each other to determine the best of the best. First through fourth winners of the grand championship will receive money prizes. Kata/Forms: All first place winners will compete in the Grand Championship for the prizes. Order of competition will be determined by lottery. During this time different weapons stylist will compete against each other. First through fourth winners of the Grand Championship will receive hand-made blades. There is no cash prize for Kata/Forms. See also: How do I win my fight? How is Kata/Forms judged?
How will judging be kept fair? Judges will be volunteers trained at an earlier date in the rules and point system of the tournament. Judges will not be competing in any division of this tournament nor will they have students competing. Judges will be chosen based on their knowledge and ability and will not be influenced by organizational affiliations.
What about safety? Head with full face gear; torso protection; elbow and knee pads, if not covered by other; gloves; and groin protectors for the males must be worn but you may wear as much added padding as you desire. All techniques should exhibit control. Control means contact without damage. (A stinging or slight bruising is an acceptable risk but drawing blood or breaking bones are not. Judges maintain the right to determine what acceptable contact is.) Due to the possibility of great damage with minimal contact, controlled strikes to the head will be strictly enforced. (i.e. Drawing blood, causing a concussion or loss of consciousness or other such excessive contact to the head are grounds for disqualification. Judges determine excessive contact.) Judges may call a time out if they observe any safety issues in the ring. See also: How do I win my fight? What is Open Sparring?
What are Intramural Seminars? Intramural Seminars are taught by volunteer instructors of various styles. Instructors may or may not be entered in the competition. Seminars are not required to be on weapons from the tournament divisions. Each instructor will choose the subject, length, and number of students they will take. Instructors may conclude the seminars with the opportunity to schedule other, longer, seminars with those who are interested in learning more. Information on seminars, if available, will be posted on the web site but additional seminars may be added on the day of the event. Those who are interested in teaching a short seminar are encouraged to contact us with their name, style, and rank.
What is Open Sparring? Open Sparring is a non-competition event where martial artists can hone their skills through sparring, either with other styles or their own. Each participant chooses his or her sparring partner and there is no limit on the number of times a participant may use the sparring ring. Time limits will be set by the ring monitor, based on volume of demand, in order to allow each person a chance to test his or her skills. Safety rules will be enforced with input from the persons sparring and the ring monitor having final authority on safety issues. See also: What about safety?
What is the entry fee? Pre-registration entry fee is $80, non-refundable, payable via mailed check or money order, or credit/debit through the online registration form. Registration at the gate is $100, cash only. The entry fee is a flat rate, no matter how many divisions you enter and includes participation in all tournament events: Competition, Intramural Seminars, and Open Sparring. A portion of each entry fee will go into the prize money: more entries mean more prize money! The cost of entry into the Intramural Seminars only is $50, non-refundable. (Seminars free with entry in the tournament competition.) Payment forms and deadlines are the same as competition entry. Deadline for pre-registration is March 27, 2010. See also: I'm in! Where can I send...
Can I just come watch? Sure, but why let everyone else have all the fun? All that is required to observe is a ticket to Four Winds Faire (available at the gate or online, http://www.fourwindsfaire.com)
Do you have any travel info? Travel info is available in the downloadable registration packet.
I'm in! Where can I send my registration? Registration forms are available online. Pre-registration deadline is March 27, 2010. Register online or send forms with payment to: Adams Martial Arts Attn: Battlefield Weapons Tournament 907 Sherrill St Winnsboro, TX 75494
I have more questions. Contact us for answers. Charles or Sarah Adams tarnshadowhawk@yahoo.com 903-342-0217
I have a suggestion! This tournament welcomes all comments and suggestions. Many martial artists of many styles have contributed to its details. If you have an idea to make it better, please contact us. All submissions will be considered property of Battlefield Weapons Tournament and may be implemented in future tournaments.

What exactly is this tourney, anyway?
Who can enter?
What if less than 100 people enter?
What are the requirements?
What if I don’t have the required gear/uniform?
When will the tourney be held?
What are the divisions?
Where will it be?
How is Kata/Forms judged?

How do I win my fight?
How do I win my division?
How do I win the money?
How will judging be kept fair?
What about safety?
What are Intramural Seminars?
What is Open Sparring?
What is the entry fee?
Can I just come watch?
Do you have any travel info?

I have a suggestion!
I’m in! Where can I send my registration?
I have more questions.

What exactly is this tourney, anyway?

This is a weapons only tournament for all styles - Asian, European, African, South American - all traditions are welcome. It consists of Sparring and Kata/Forms and will be adults only. Sparring is elimination-style with winners from each weapons division (staff against staff, pole arm against pole arm, sword against sword, etc.) competing against each other for Grand Champion. Kata/Forms will be judged on practicality and precision of technique with winners of each division competing against each other for Grand Champion.

The final Grand Champion winner in the sparring division will receive prize money, the amount being determined by the number of entries. Second through fourth places will receive prize monies, also. The final Grand Champion winner in Kata/Forms division will win a hand-made sword. Second through fourth places will win a hand-made knife.

The tournament includes Intramural Seminars featuring the instructors of some of the various styles fighting in the competition as well as styles or weapons that are not competing. Seminars are not restricted to competitors but are also open to those who choose not to compete. Seminars are also open to advanced kyu ranks (under black belt,) 16 or older, who are able to learn at a level that will not disrupt black belt learners.

Also included is - a chance to try your skill against any other stylist present at the tournament. Open Sparring is not a part of the judged tournament but allows "play time" in the sparring ring.
This venue is a chance to combine knowledge of weapons, knowledge of the human body, and knowledge that you could wind up across from anyone in historical wars, to safely duplicate a battlefield-style fight. It is a chance for those of us who are serious about what we do to find out how good we are.
View the other FAQs for detailed information.

Who can enter?

Any stylist, aged 18 or above, who uses weapons, may enter.

There will be no rank, age, or gender divisions; all divisions are along weapons lines only.

What if less than 100 people enter?

Competition, Intramural Seminars and Open Sparring will be held no matter the number of entrants.

Competition prize monies will be based on a percentage of the entry fees. Divisions will be determined based on the entries.

What are the requirements?

Weapons for sparring will be made of wood and of approximate size and weight to the real thing.

Weapons for Kata/Forms may be the authentic weapon the competitor trains with or may be a wooden replica.
Uniform requirements consist of two options. They will either be a plain (i.e. no patches) traditional martial arts uniform of your style, or a traditional costume of the country of origin of your style. (Uniforms with patches may be turned inside out to cover the patches.)

Those without a traditional costume may opt for a traditional Middle Ages to 17th Century European costume. Women may wear traditional men’s garb if they choose. The traditional, historical costume of the country of your style is preferred out of courtesy to our host.

The reason for uniform guidelines is that competitors will be judged on his or her personal ability without regard to organizational affiliations.

Required safety equipment for sparring is: head with full face gear; torso protection with shoulder pads; elbow and knee pads, if not protected by other; gloves of some type; and groin protectors for the males. You may wear as much added padding/safety equipment as you desire.

See also: What if I don't have the required...

What if I don't have the required gear/uniforms?

Get some.

Uniforms:
- Your school's supplier should carry uniforms appropriate to your style.
- Century Martial Arts http://www.centurymartialarts.com carries reasonably priced traditional martial arts uniforms of various styles.
- Try eBay: search renaissance or SCA costume for a simple European outfit.
- Rebekah Patteson is a capable and reasonably priced seamstress who takes custom orders. 318-925-6874 (order early as she is often booked up)

Weapons:
- Wooden weapons can be made by most anyone with basic woodshop skills.
- Purple Heart Armoury http://www.woodenswords.com - mention the tournament for a 10% off discount
- Hollow Earth Swords http://www.hollowearthswordworks.com/swords.htm
- Shadowhawk Blades, any off-the-rack blades currently available will be listed at http://www.shadowhawkblades.com/bladesforsale.htm, call 903-342-0217 for custom orders (again, order early as they tend to be well booked with custom orders)

Safety Equipment:
- http://www.spargear.com/
- http://www.pmasupplies.com/filpage-sparring_front.htm
- http://bloodsport.com/

When will the tourney be held?

April 10-11, 2010 - Pre-registration must be received by March 27, 2010. The competition will be Saturday the 10th and the seminars will be Sunday the 11th.

What are the divisions?

- Longsword & Broadsword (over 28”), single weapon
- Curved Swords (i.e. saber, cutlass, etc), single weapon
- Short Sword (under 28”), single weapon
- Bo/Staff & Other Non-Bladed/Non-Tipped Weapons
- Double Blades (i.e. double sword, sword & dagger, etc.)
- Sword & Shield
- Pole Arms (i.e. naginata, pike, spear, etc.)
- Miscellaneous Weapons, single or double (i.e. fan, tonfa, kama, etc.)
- no flail type weapons (nunchaku, mace, triple-staff, whip chain, etc.)
- Grand Championship for first place winners of above divisions

Divisions are made upon weapons lines but may be combined based on number on entries. Combination of divisions is at the discretion of Adams Martial Arts.

Other divisions may be added in future tournaments. If you have a suggestion for a different division or a more logical arrangement of current divisions, please contact us with your suggestion.

Where will it be?

The tourney will be hosted by Four Winds Rennaissance Faire near Tyler,TX.

Four Winds Renaissance Faire:
22111 County Road 2178
Troup, TX 75789
Located 20 minutes South of Tyler, TX.

For directions go to: http://www.fourwindsfaire.com/map.htm

How is Kata/Forms judged?

Kata/Forms are judged on three criteria: Functionality & Effectiveness, Technical Ability, and Understanding. A competitor will perform his kata/form and then be asked to explain a technique or series of moves from the kata/form. This allows each competitor to be judged fairly, even by judges who may not be familiar with the style being used.

Functionality & Effectiveness:
Does the form incorporate techniques that work? Is the competitor using those techniques as they are intended? Techniques that are flashy but have no value in a fight (such as throwing a sword and doing a spinning jump to catch it) will not score points.

Technical Ability:
Precision of technique. Things such as is the weapon held steady, do the strikes go to the intended target, does the competitor have firm footwork, etc. Understanding: Does the practitioner know what his kata/form is doing?

This tournament is focused on real-world martial arts. Bring on that "boring" kata that scores low at a sport tournament!

How do I win my fight?

Sparring competition is continuous, there will be no breaks to call points. Judges will take into consideration both offensive and defensive techniques. Points will be assessed on both attacks and blocks/avoids. Judges are looking at a fighter’s overall ability in his martial art. At the end of each fight, judges will compare points in a private conference (point totals will not be announced) and declare the winner.

Due to the possibility of great damage with minimal contact, controlled strikes to the head will be strictly enforced. (i.e. Drawing blood, causing a concussion or loss of consciousness or other such excessive contact to the head are grounds for disqualification. Judges determine excessive contact.)

Weapons may be chalked to better allow judges to determine appropriate points.

Fighting will continue until the time limit is reached. (i.e. not point-and-break fighting)

Breaks will only be called to address safety issues.

If you are disarmed, drop your weapon, or break your weapon you may recover it or disarm your opponent. You may disarm and strike your opponent with his weapon. You may continue to fight unarmed until time is called. You may call time and yield the match.

Grappling, takedowns, punches and kicks are allowed.

Any opponent who yields will be considered to have lost the match.

No thrusts to the face or neck.

Persons who fight without control or damage an opponent (break bones, draw blood, excessive contact, etc.) will be disqualified.

Note that this is as close as safety and practicality of scoring points will allow us to get to real battlefield conditions.

How do I win my division?

Divisions will be made along weapons lines. We will attempt to divide along strict weapons lines (i.e. Double Swords is not the same division as Sword and Dagger) but may combine similar weapons if a category has few entrants.

Fights will be organized by the elimination manner and the fights of a division will be determined by lottery.

How do I win the money?

Sparring: All first place winners will compete in the Grand Championship for the prize money. The first fights of the championship will be determined by lottery. During this time, different weapons stylists will be able to compete against each other to determine the best of the best. First through fourth winners of the grand championship will receive money prizes.

Kata/Forms: All first place winners will compete in the Grand Championship for the prizes. Order of competition will be determined by lottery. During this time different weapons stylist will compete against each other. First through fourth winners of the Grand Championship will receive hand-made blades. There is no cash prize for Kata/Forms.

How will judging be kept fair?

Judges will be volunteers trained at an earlier date in the rules and point system of the tournament. Judges will not be competing in any division of this tournament nor will they have students competing. Judges will be chosen based on their knowledge and ability and will not be influenced by organizational affiliations.

What about safety?

Head with full face gear; torso protection; elbow and knee pads, if not covered by other; gloves; and groin protectors for the males must be worn but you may wear as much added padding as you desire.

All techniques should exhibit control. Control means contact without damage. (A stinging or slight bruising is an acceptable risk but drawing blood or breaking bones are not. Judges maintain the right to determine what acceptable contact is.)

Judges may call a time out if they observe any safety issues in the ring.

What are Intramural Seminars?

Intramural Seminars are taught by volunteer instructors of various styles. Instructors may or may not be entered in the competition. Seminars are not required to be on weapons from the tournament divisions. Each instructor will choose the subject, length, and number of students they will take. Instructors may conclude the seminars with the opportunity to schedule other, longer, seminars with those who are interested in learning more.

Information on seminars, if available, will be posted on the web site but additional seminars may be added on the day of the event. Those who are interested in teaching a short seminar are encouraged to contact us with their name, style, and rank.

What is Open Sparring?

Open Sparring is a non-competition event where martial artists can hone their skills through sparring, either with other styles or their own. Each participant chooses his or her sparring partner and there is no limit on the number of times a participant may use the sparring ring. Time limits will be set by the ring monitor, based on volume of demand, in order to allow each person a chance to test his or her skills. Safety rules will be enforced with input from the persons sparring and the ring monitor having final authority on safety issues.

What is the entry fee?

Pre-registration entry fee is $80, non-refundable, payable via mailed check or money order, or credit/debit through the online registration form. Registration at the gate is $100, cash only. The entry fee is a flat rate, no matter how many divisions you enter and includes participation in all tournament events: Competition, Intramural Seminars, and Open Sparring. A portion of each entry fee will go into the prize money: more entries mean more prize money!

The cost of entry into the Intramural Seminars only is $50, non-refundable. (Seminars free with entry in the tournament competition.) Payment forms and deadlines are the same as competition entry.

Deadline for pre-registration is March 27, 2010.

Can I just come watch?

Sure, but why let everyone else have all the fun? All that is required to observe is a ticket to Four Winds Faire (available at the gate or online, http://www.fourwindsfaire.com)

Do you have any travel info?

Travel info is available in the downloadable registration packet.

I'm in! Where can I send my registration?

Registration forms are available online. Pre-registration deadline is March 27, 2010.

Adams Martial Arts
Attn: Battlefield Weapons Tournament
907 Sherrill St
Winnsboro, TX 75494

I have more questions.

I have a suggestion!

This tournament welcomes all comments and suggestions. Many martial artists of many styles have contributed to its details. If you have an idea to make it better, please contact us. All submissions will be considered property of Battlefield Weapons Tournament and may be implemented in future tournaments.