UMAC Official Tournament Rules & Regulations​

Clear, fair, and safe competition guidelines for coaches, competitors, and parents across East London and Essex.

Tournament Guidelines & Frequently Asked Questions

Find everything you need to know about competing. Select a category below to explore our official Shobu Sanbon rules, forms criteria, and general tournament information for coaches, parents, and competitors.

Match Duration & Timekeeping

  • Juniors (15 years & under): 1 ½ minutes Stop-Time.
  • Seniors (16 years & over): 2 minutes Stop-Time.
  • Note: The official match clock will be paused by the timekeeper whenever the referee halts the match to award points or issue warnings, and will resume only when the match restarts.

Match Format & Scoring

  • All events will be contested under Shobu Sanbon (Stop-Start Point Sparring) rules.
  • The referee will halt the match immediately after a clean technique lands to award points.
  • Matches are decided by the highest score at the time limit, or as soon as a competitor reaches a 6-point ceiling (first to 6 points).
  • Nage (Throwing) and Sweeping techniques are permitted, subject to the safety restrictions listed below.

Safety Restrictions for Throws and Sweeps

  • To ensure competitor safety, NO sweeping or throwing techniques are allowed in the following categories:
    • Any individual boys and girls categories for competitors under 4ft 10in.
    • Team Categories 56, 57, and 58 (First Fighter boys and girls team categories).

Senior Team Line-Up (Category 59)

  • The mandatory team fighting order must be: Fighter 1 (Male) ➔ Fighter 2 (Female) ➔ Fighter 3 (Male).
  • Male 1 and Male 2 are permitted to rotate their positions in the line-up each round.

Compulsory Equipment

  • All competitors must wear the following equipment, which must be clean and in good condition:
    • Both Red and White hand mitts.
    • Both Red and White tournament belts.
    • Gum shield.
    • Groin protectors (Mandatory for all males aged 12 and over).

Optional Equipment

The following protective gear is permitted but optional:

  • Headguards/Helmets (Under 12 years only).
  • Groin protectors (Under 12 years).
  • Chest protectors (Females).
  • Soft shin pads (All age categories).

Mat Protocol & Judging Criteria

  • Mat Procedure: Competitors will be called onto the mat by the officials. Entrants may be placed on the mat alongside other competitors to perform simultaneously.
  • Execution: Once the examiner gives the command to “Begin,” you will perform the form in your own time. Depending on the event structure, you may be required to perform your form multiple times.
  • Full-Performance Judging: Competitors are graded on their entire presentation, including:
    • The walk onto the competition mat.
    • Martial presence and focus before the form begins.
    • Technical execution of the Kata / Thau.
    • Presence, etiquette, and focus after the form is completed until exiting the mat.

Competition Format & Rounds

  • Rounds: Events will consist of two rounds. The top 6 scoring competitors from the opening round will advance to the final round.
  • Small Categories: If an event has 6 or fewer competitors total, it will be decided in a single, one-round final.
  • Scoring: Accumulated scores from both rounds will be added together to determine 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places.

Form Performance Restrictions by Grade

  • Novice to 8th Kyu / 8th Ji Categories(Individual Events 1 to 4 & Team Events 49 & 50):
    • Repetition: Competitors are permitted to repeat the same form in both rounds.
    • Allowed Selection: Heian, Pinan, or Chee Pen (Basic Forms / Fundamentals) from their respective style. Advanced or intermediate forms are strictly prohibited.
  • 5th Kyu / 5th Ji and Above Categories:
    • Repetition: Competitors must perform a different Kata / Thau in each round.
    • Allowed Selection: Any Advanced Kata (Sentei/Tokui), Yi Chien (Intermediate Forms), or Luo Han (Advanced Forms) from their respective style.

Draw / Tie-Breaker Rules

  • Novice to 6th Kyu / 6th Ji (Events 1-4 and Team 49-50): Competitors may repeat a Kata / Thau that they previously performed. Advanced/Intermediate forms remain strictly prohibited.
  • All Other Categories (Events 15 to 18A): Competitors must perform a completely new form that they have not already executed in previous rounds.

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Who can enter UMAC tournaments?

  • UMAC is a mixed-styles, grassroots championship open to all independent martial arts clubs. Whether your background is in traditional Karate, Tang Soo Do, Kung Fu, or other striking disciplines, our rules are designed to provide a level, neutral playing field for everyone.

What licensing do my students need to compete?

  • All coaches must sign the declaration on the entry form. Every single competitor must possess a valid martial arts licence (e.g., BMABA, EKF, WUKF, or an independent club licence) on the day of the event. Licence numbers and expiry dates must be provided upon registration; random checks are conducted on-site, and failure to produce a valid licence will lead to disqualification due to insurance rules.

How do you keep matches safe and fair for beginners?

  • We strictly separate divisions by age, exact height/weight (where safety dictates), and grade (Kyu/Ji tiers). This keeps our tournament environment completely ego-free, safe, and balanced—making it the perfect introductory event for white belts and junior grades to build their confidence.

Are coaches allowed at the side of the mat?

  • Yes. Every club is permitted registered coaches who can sit in the designated coaching chairs to support their fighters. All coaches must stay within their designated areas, respect the officials, and adhere to our strict Code of Conduct.

Is there parking available at the venue?

  • Yes. Most of our local church hall and community venues feature on-site or adjacent car park spaces.

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If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact our event committee.

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