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Martial Arts Disciplines, Governing Bodies, and Rules
Welcome to the official and comprehensive guide to the International Martial Arts Festival — a world-class celebration of discipline, skill, tradition, and athletic excellence. This page is your trusted source for discovering every officially recognized competition category and the respected governing bodies that uphold the integrity and fairness of each event. Whether you are a competitor, coach, parent, or enthusiast, this section provides everything you need to know to prepare, participate, or simply better understand the structure of the festival. You’ll find accurate and up-to-date contact details, detailed rule references, and clear outlines of the formats and styles represented across each division. From dynamic striking-based tournaments to precision-driven performance events and specialized cutting challenges, every division listed below meets the standards set by nationally and internationally respected organizations. Take a moment to explore, and use this information to ensure a smooth, informed, and successful festival experience.
Governing Entities
Usa Sport Karate
The competition guidelines ensure fairness, consistency, and clarity across all divisions. Scoring for Weapons & Forms follows a standardized range, with strict judging criteria emphasizing technique, control, and presentation. Deductions apply for major infractions, while divisions such as Traditional, Extreme, and Creative Forms & Weapons have specific rules to maintain integrity. Sparring divisions enforce contact regulations, point scoring, and penalties to promote safe and competitive matches. Recent modifications introduce stricter coaching rules and updated equipment requirements. These standards help maintain the quality of competition while ensuring athletes are judged fairly based on skill, discipline, and performance.
WAKO - World Association of Kickboxing Organizations
The Weapons & Forms Competition Guidelines establish the essential scoring criteria, judging standards, and penalty regulations to ensure fairness and consistency across all divisions. From Traditional to Extreme and Creative categories, these rules define the permissible techniques, required elements, and scoring methodology. In sparring divisions, point allocations, contact limitations, and penalty enforcement maintain a competitive yet controlled environment. Recent modifications introduce updated equipment guidelines, coaching conduct rules, and arbitration procedures. These structured regulations uphold the integrity of the competition while providing clear expectations for athletes, referees, and coaches to ensure a fair and professional sporting experience.
AAU - Amateur Athletic Union
For over a century, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) has been shaping champions and fostering athletic excellence. Since its founding in 1888, AAU has stood as a pillar of amateur sports in the U.S., dedicated to its mission of “Sports For All, Forever.” As one of the world’s largest non-profit multi-sport organizations, AAU provides competitive opportunities across 45 sports, hosting premier events like the AAU Junior Olympic Games and the AAU National Volleyball Championships. Through partnerships, community initiatives, and a commitment to athletic development, AAU continues to empower athletes of all ages to reach their highest potential.
Usa Sport Karate
The competition guidelines ensure fairness, consistency, and clarity across all divisions. Scoring for Weapons & Forms follows a standardized range, with strict judging criteria emphasizing technique, control, and presentation. Deductions apply for major infractions, while divisions such as Traditional, Extreme, and Creative Forms & Weapons have specific rules to maintain integrity. Sparring divisions enforce contact regulations, point scoring, and penalties to promote safe and competitive matches. Recent modifications introduce stricter coaching rules and updated equipment requirements. These standards help maintain the quality of competition while ensuring athletes are judged fairly based on skill, discipline, and performance.
AAU - Amateur Athletic Union
For over a century, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) has been shaping champions and fostering athletic excellence. Since its founding in 1888, AAU has stood as a pillar of amateur sports in the U.S., dedicated to its mission of “Sports For All, Forever.” As one of the world’s largest non-profit multi-sport organizations, AAU provides competitive opportunities across 45 sports, hosting premier events like the AAU Junior Olympic Games and the AAU National Volleyball Championships. Through partnerships, community initiatives, and a commitment to athletic development, AAU continues to empower athletes of all ages to reach their highest potential.
