BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS AND RULES

FORMS

There are 5 types of forms; traditional hard, traditional soft, freestyle, traditional weapons, and freestyle weapons. The boundary between some of these can sometimes be a bit vague, but for the most part they fit into one or the other category. If in doubt, check with the Technical Commissioner of the day, or contact us before hand at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Note that the traditional forms are NOT restricted to actual traditional forms. They could be recombined forms, or newly devised forms. After all, all the traditional forms were new once too. They just have to follow the general format of traditional forms. Decisions are based not on the forms themselves, but on the execution of the forms, primarily in terms of balance, focus, and power.

TRADITIONAL HARD FORMS

These are the forms or kata practiced mostly by the mainstream karate styles such as Shotokan and Kyokushin, and their derivative styles. These forms tend to emphasis linear motion and strikes, with explosive and powerful kicks and punches. Strength and power of techniques and stances playing an important part in these forms.

TRADITIONAL SOFT FORMS

The emphasis in these forms is usually on flowing movement and grace, and the power in the form should be evident but not overt. A difficult concept. Most of the Chinese martial arts would fall in this category, but some aspects of Goju Ryu and Kempo, for example, would also fall in to this category.

FREESTYLE FORMS

Any form with martial arts related moves, that deviates significantly from the traditional format. At a higher level, these are known as extreme martial arts, and will usually involve techniques that are more gymnastic than martial in nature, with flips and spinning jumps playing a large role.

TRADITIONAL WEAPONS

Arguably, in the hands of a skilled martial artist, anything you can pick up and hold in your hands can be considered a weapon. Indeed, many of the so-called "traditional" weapons e.g. bo, tonfa, bamboo rod, were derived from everyday items or tools of trade. Today however, they are considered traditonal and include the likes of bo, nunchaku, bokken, tonfa, sai, kama, Chinese broadsword, spears, long poles, chain, and hook-swords. The main restriction, for the sake of safety is that live cutting blades are not permitted.

FREESTYLE WEAPONS

This division would incorporate either or both freestyle forms and weapons, regardless of the type of weapon. Additionally, it could also be a form involving a "modern" weapon. This could be anything: a chair, a baseball bat, a shoe wielded by it's shoestring etc... No flammables or projectiles permitted.

SHOWMANSHIP

Team forms, self-defence demonstrations, fight simulations etc... would all fall in this category. Typically, just about anything that falls into the above categories, but which involves two or more competitors.