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Sword Combat Rules

DISCLAIMER: these rules are NOT complete.. The most detailed version is available on the copyrighted PDF documents available from the Download Menu on the right hand side of this page.


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Originally intended as a fun division for children, it has proved to be very popular, often having among the largest number of entries. It is performed using foam swords, and with the athletes wearing protective headgear.

The sword must be held with both hands, and should not be extened behind the body for an attack, either above or to the side, for example, like a baseball bat or an axe, because usually such an attack will end up being excessively forceful.

  • Legal target areas are the thighs, hips, torso, arms, and head.
  • Illegal target areas are the below the knees, groin, and face, and any of these will incur a penalty.
  • Use of excessive force will also be penalised.
  • Strikes to the hands will not score anything.

Students of Kendo and other swordfighting arts have been particularly successful in this division, because it allows them to practice what they have been training, in a friendly and competitive arena.

Like AMAC Sumo, this division also provides a number of skills to younger students that are sometimes harder to learn in normal training situations. In addition to teaching them about fighting distance, it also allows them to focus their attention better on the concepts of defense and target area, due to the fact that they only need to focus on one weapon for attacking and defending (as opposed to the usual four in the "punch and kick" type of combat). This is often more in line with the capabilities of younger children.

Also, it REALLY is fun!

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