Iaido 

1. Eligibility: Divisions are typically based on rank (e.g., beginner, intermediate, advanced) and age (e.g., youth, adult, senior).

2. Uniform and Equipment:

   • Competitors must wear a traditional iaido uniform (keikogi and hakama).

   • Weapons: Iaito(unsharpened practice sword) or shinken (sharp sword) for advanced practitioners with proper certification.

     • Weapons must be in good condition and safe for use.

3. Kata Performance:

   • Competitors perform standardized iaido kata (e.g., Zen Ken Ren Iaido forms or Seitei Iaido).

   • Performances are judged on:

     • Precision: Accuracy of cuts, draws, and sheathing.

     • Fluidity: Smoothness and control of movements.

     • Focus: Mental presence and concentration.

     • Posture: Proper stance and body alignment.

     • Spirit: Demonstration of intent and energy (zanshin).

4. Judging:

   • A panel of judges evaluates each performance based on the criteria above.

   • Scores are typically given on a scale (e.g., 1-10) or through a ranking system (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd place).

5. Tie-Breakers:

   • In the event of a tie, competitors may perform the same kata again or a different kata, depending on the division rules.

6. Safety:

   • Competitors must handle their swords responsibly at all times.

   • Reckless behavior or unsafe weapon handling will result in disqualification.

Common Iaido Competition Etiquette

1. Bowing: Competitors must bow upon entering and leaving the competition area, as well as to the judges and opponents.

2. Respect: Competitors must show respect to judges, fellow competitors, and the audience at all times.

3. Cleanliness: The competition area must be kept clean and free of debris.

Let’s honor the art of Iaido with precision, focus, and respect!

Kumite

The Sparring Division at the Silverado Cup offers two exciting formats for competitors: USA Karate/WKF Sparring and One-Point Sparring. Both formats emphasize skill, strategy, and sportsmanship, providing a dynamic and competitive experience for athletes of all levels.

USA Karate/WKF Sparring

1. Equipment:

   • Competitors may wear a clean white karate gi, but it is not required. Appropriate martial arts attire is acceptable, provided it is respectful and adheres to event rules.

   • Approved gloves, foot protectors, mouthguards, and headgear are mandatory.

   • Groin protectors are required for male competitors.

2. Scoring:

   • Valid techniques must demonstrate good form, power, and control.

   • Points are awarded as follows:

     • 1 Point (Yuko): Punch to the body or mid-level kicks.

     • 2 Points (Waza-ari): Kick to the body.

     • 3 Points (Ippon): Kick to the head or scoring with a takedown followed by a technique.

3. Prohibited Actions:

   • Excessive contact, strikes to prohibited areas (e.g., throat, joints), or unsportsmanlike behavior will result in penalties or disqualification.

Match Duration

• Matches typically last 2-3 minutes, depending on the age and rank division.

• In the case of a tie, an additional 1-minute extension may be applied.

Penalties

• Category 1 (Minor): Warnings (e.g., stepping out of bounds, excessive stalling).

• Category 2 (Major): Deduction of points (e.g., excessive contact, dangerous techniques).

• Category 3 (Severe): Disqualification (e.g., intentional injury, disrespectful behavior).

Download Full Rules

For a complete and detailed breakdown of the kumite rules, download the official USA Karate Rules document here:
Download USA Karate Rules PDF.

Point Sparring

1. Equipment:

   • Approved gloves, foot protectors, mouthguards, and headgear are mandatory.

   • Groin protectors are required for male competitors.

2. Scoring

   • 1 Point:
     • Properly executed punches (tsuki) to the head or torso.
   • 2 Points:
     • Controlled kicks (geri) to the midsection or chest.
   • 3 Points:
     • Controlled head-level kicks or techniques showing exceptional skill and precision.

   Scoring Criteria

   • Techniques must demonstrate:
     • Good posture and balance.
     • Proper distancing.
     • Clean execution with control.
     • Targeting of allowed scoring zones.

   Penalties

   1. Warnings:
      • Given for minor rule breaches such as accidental contact outside scoring areas or stepping out of bounds.
   2. Point Deductions:
      • Excessive contact.
      • Use of illegal techniques (e.g., strikes to the back, neck, or groin).
      • Unsportsmanlike conduct.
      • Repeated minor infractions.
   3. Disqualification:
      • Repeated dangerous behavior.
      • Intentional illegal strikes.
      • Gross disrespect for rules or opponent.
   4. Boundary Violations:
      • Exiting the ring more than twice results in a point penalty.

   General Guidelines

   • Safety Gear: Competitors must wear approved protective equipment.
   • Match Duration: Competitors aim to achieve the set number of points first or win by the highest score at the end of the match.

Download Full Rules

For a complete and detailed breakdown of the point sparring rules, download the official WKC Point Sparring Rules document here:
Download WKC Point Sparring Rules PDF

Whether you prefer the strategic depth of WKF USA Karate Sparring or the fast-paced action of Point Sparring, the Silverado Cup Sparring Division has something for everyone. Join us and showcase your talent, discipline, and passion for karate!

Let’s spar, compete, and grow together!

Kobudo 

1. Uniform and Equipment

• Competitors may wear a clean white karate gi, but it is not required. Appropriate martial arts attire is acceptable, provided it is respectful and adheres to event rules.

• Weapons: Only traditional Okinawan weapons are allowed, including:

• Bo Staff
• Sai
• Tonfa
• Nunchaku
• Kama

• Weapons must be safe and in good condition (no sharp edges or broken parts). Foam or rubber weapons are not permitted.

2. Kata Performance

• Competitors should perform traditional kobudo kata 

• The kata must be performed as a single, continuous sequence without pauses or restarts.

3. Judging Criteria

Performances are evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Technical Performance (70%):

   • Accuracy of techniques, stances, and transitions.

   • Proper handling and control of the weapon.

2. Athletic Performance (20%):

   • Power, speed, balance, and rhythm.

   • Control and stability throughout the kata.

3. Spirit and Presentation (10%):

   • Focus, intensity, and overall impression.

   • Demonstration of confidence and intent (kime).

4. Scoring

• Judges score performances on a scale (e.g., 5.0 to 10.0).

• The highest and lowest scores are often dropped, and the remaining scores are averaged.

• In case of a tie, competitors may perform the same kata again or a different kata, depending on the division rules.

5. Prohibited Actions

• Performing an incorrect or unrecognized kata.

• Pausing, restarting, or stopping during the performance (unless due to external factors).

• Using non-traditional or unsafe weapons.

• Exceeding the time limit (if applicable).

6. Time Limit

• Performances typically have a time limit of 3-5 minutes, depending on the division.

• Exceeding the time limit may result in point deductions or disqualification.

7. Code of Conduct

• Competitors must bow upon entering and leaving the competition area, as well as to the judges.

• Respectful behavior toward judges, fellow competitors, and the audience is required.

• Unsportsmanlike conduct (e.g., arguing with judges, disrespect) will result in penalties or disqualification.

Let’s honor the tradition of Kobudo with skill, precision, and respect!