K.S.D.I OPEN MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENT OFFICIAL RULES & REGULATIONS - Vegas 2025
GENERAL RULES
(Westgate does not allow any Outside Food or Beverages inside the Event Ballroom area)
SAFETY is our number one priority, and we strive to make this event a very Successful, Memorable, Fair and Competitive experience for our entire Kajukenbo Ohana in honor of Sijo.
A proper and complete Uniform and Belt is mandatory and required representing your school and art form.
All competitors must be officially registered prior to competing in their assigned rings.
All competitors must report to their designated rings on time or prior to the start of each registered event. Once a division has started, new competitors will not be allowed to register for that event.
ON THE TOURNAMENT FLOOR
Spectators are NOT allowed on the competition floor at any time. Competitors not competing on the floor must remain outside each and every ring. Competitors when competing must remain seated around their designated ring throughout their events.
Ringside Exceptions are given to a single representative from each dojo/school that is providing assistance to their competitor at the assigned ring.
Any interference or unsportsmanlike conduct by competitors, instructors, coaches, and spectators will result in immediate disqualification with absolutely no exceptions. We strive to maintain a professional behavior from all in attendance.
PROTECTIVE GEAR
All competitors depending on gender are required to wear appropriate protective gear for Kumite/Fighting/Stick Fighting & Knife Fighting. This includes Foam dipped or Foam padded type Headgear, gloves, safety kicks, mouthpieces, chest protectors (optional) and groin protectors and any safety gear specific to Stick & Knife fighting.
WARNINGS
First Offense = Warning
Second Offense = One Point awarded to opponents score
Third Offense = Disqualification
DIVISIONS/AWARDS
A minimum of 3 contestants per Division are required when competing for Grand Championship & World Title Championship Awards. K.S.D.I. reserves the right to combine or revise any given division or division rules at our discretion. K.S.D.I. reserves the right to refuse admission to any person at our discretion.
World Title Championships will only be awarded to Adult Divisions and Grand Championships will be awarded to Jr. Black Belt, Children/Youth and Stick Fighting.
JUDGING
Judges must wear their Uniform and Belt while judging on the floor with no exceptions.
(Forms/Kata, Weapons, Self Defense and Showmanship) will consist of 3 Black belt judges in all color belt divisions and 5 qualified Black belt judges in Black Belt Divisions using a scoring criteria of 9.0 thru 9.99 using hundredths i.e. 9.50 for mid scoring and 9.87 for a higher score. Designated Center or Head Judges will maintain full control of the division rings they are supporting. Each ring will consist of one Score Keeper and Ring Runner as required.
Ties in judging for Forms/Kata, Weapons, Self Defense and Showmanship will result with the highest score being thrown out for the first tie and if a second tie occurs the option to perform the same Form/Kata or an equivalent Form/Kata will be performed with the winner determined by the judge’s panel.
(Fighting/Kumite, Stick & Knife Fighting) will consist of 3 Black belt judges in all color belt divisions and 5 qualified Black belt judges in Black Belt Divisions. Designated Center or Head Judges will maintain full control of the division rings they are supporting, and each ring will consist of a Time Keeper, Score Keeper and Ring Runner as required.
Color belt fights will consist of one 2-minute round with the highest score winning at the end of 2 minutes or the first fighter to reach 3 points before the 2-minute match ends.
Black Belt matches will consist of one 2-minute round with the highest score winning at the end of 2 minutes or the first fighter to reach 6 points (mercy rule) before the match ends. (This rule is subject to change for World Title Championship competition)
Each ring with more than 20 competitors can be split at the judge’s discretion.
Out of Bounds: When a fighter is considered “OUT OF BOUNDS” during a match, no point will be awarded. Running out of the ring will be considered a warning and will follow the Warnings Rule if the infraction is committed repeatedly.
FORMS/KATAS/SHOWMANSHIP
Forms/Katas will be judged and based on timing, speed, balance, focus, power and precision of each movement and technique strength.
Each Form/Kata will last a nominal of 2 minutes.
FIGHTING/KUMITE
All fighters must wear protective gear as described under the Protective Gear Section.
Children & Youth (Green Belt and below): No Face contact allowed, light head taps to head with protective gear is allowed and must be controlled.
No Face contact allowed if a face mask/shield is worn during a match.
Brown & Black belts are allowed controlled Face Contact. See Warnings for excessive Face Contact.
WEAPONS
Weapons used in forms or competition must meet or comply with the traditional weapons quality and requirements. If during Forms/Katas competition a weapon is dropped, you may continue & finish and will receive the lowest score allowable and not be allowed to place.
SELF-DEFENSE
Beginner and Intermediate divisions are required to perform 3 techniques.
Advanced divisions are required to perform 5 techniques.
Black Belts have the option of performing within a 2-minute time limit or a minimum of 5 techniques.
Techniques utilizing weapons are preferred to be used only in the Black Belt Division.
Judges will score the techniques based on realism, execution of techniques and effectiveness.
KAJUKENBO (K.S.D.I.) JIU-JITSU RULES
NOTE: All K.S.D.I. Jiu-Jitsu tournament rules and guidelines will follow the IBJJF rule set which includes any rules not covered within this flyer. All rules will be reviewed/discussed by the Judges/Officials prior to the start of the tournament.
Each match will consist of one single round per match based on the time limits outlined in the Time Table Rules section. There will be one center referee, and one or two side referee(s)/judges, one time keeper and score keeper responsible for keeping the time and scores of each match.
Competitor matchups/bracketing: This will be pre-determined according to gender, age, weight and experience. Each fighter is responsible for being honest and providing their Gender, Age and Weight (weight will be confirmed at registration and Juveniles/Teens will also provide experience as required) to the Referees prior to their match.
Weight guidelines are as follows: “See attached Weight Chart for guidelines”
Note: Juvenile/Teen & Adult Gi divisions are belt ranks which are defined on the division sheet. Skill levels of training for “No Gi” competition will be determined as follows:
Beginner (0-1.5 yrs exp)
Intermediate (1.5-2.5 yrs exp)
Advanced (2.5+ yrs exp)
Juvenile & Teen “Gi and No Gi” Time Limits
Beginners: Age 9 & under (3 minutes) Youth Age 10 & up (4 minutes)
Intermediate Age 9 & under (3 minutes) Age 10-12 (4 minutes) Age 13 & up (5 minutes)
Advanced Age 10-12 (5 minutes) Age 13 & up (6 minutes)
Adult / Masters “No Gi” Time Limits
Beginners (5 minutes)
Intermediate (6 minutes)
Advanced (7 minutes)
Adult / Masters “No Gi” Time Limits
White thru Black Belt (6 minutes)
Points Awarded By Referee
¨ Mount, Back Mount & Back Control (4 Points)
¨ Guard Pass (3 Points)
¨ Takedown, Sweep, Knee on Belly (2 Points)
¨ Penalties (1 Point)
¨ Advantages
Mount Back Mount & Back Control: 4 Points are awarded when the competitor is on top, clear of the half-guard, sitting on the opponent’s torso and with two knees or one foot and one knee on the ground, facing the opponent’s head and with up to one arm trapped under their opponent’s leg and thus
remains for 3 seconds. For Back Control the competitor must take control of the opponent’s back, placing their heels between the opponent’s thighs without crossing their legs and in a position to trap up to one of the opponent’s arms without trapping the arm above the shoulder line and thus remains for 3 seconds.
Guard Pass: 3 Points are awarded when the competitor is in the top position and manages to surmount the legs of their opponent in the bottom position (pass guard or half guard) and maintain side control or north-south position over their opponent for 3 seconds.
Take down, Sweep, Knee on belly: 2 Points are awarded from the result of a take down or sweep and maintaining top control for 3 seconds when the competitor forces their opponent in a back down, sideways, seated position, on all fours, belly down position. If competitor is on top maintaining side control places a knee on the belly, chest or ribs of his/her opponent—who is on bottom with their back or side on the ground, maintaining his or her other leg extended diagonally away from the opponent and their foot (not knee) on the ground, body facing the opponent’s head (not legs), and thus remains for 3 seconds.
Penalties, Advantages, Fouls and Stalling: 1 –2 Points concession to opponent of penalized competitor which can eventually result in disqualification of a perpetrating competitor. All advantages will be awarded at the discretion of the referee during the match based on the various attempts that qualify as such to determine a winner in a tie breaking scenario. Fouls types will be awarded and judged at the discretion of the referee’s. Stalling during a match will be addressed according at the discretion of the appointed referee.
Note: The use of any type of joint protectors (knee, elbow braces and etc.) that may increase body volume that inhibits a competitor ability to grip their opponents Gi is strictly prohibited.
GI Requirements
Gi divisions:
Straight ankle lock only for White/Blue Belts.
Toe holds & kneebars allowed for Purple Belt and up No leg attacks for Juveniles
All Gi requirements shall meet the same tournament guidelines as established by the “IBJJF “rule set and must be tailored from a proper cotton or cotton like material that is fashioned from woven type fabric and shall not impede an opponent’s ability to grip the Gi. No cutoff Gi’s allowed. Females are required to wear a stretchy or elastic type shirt underneath their Gi top that hugs the body at all times during competition. Gi’s should be clean and must not exhibit any type of mending or tear, be wet or dirty or emanate unpleasant odors.
No GI Requirements No
Gi divisions:
Straight ankle locks are allowed for beginners through advanced.
Straight foot locks are allowed for Intermediate & Advanced Juveniles & Teens Toe Holds & kneebars are allowed for Intermediate & Advanced Adults.
Male and Female
Pocketless type shorts must be worn with no buttons, snaps or plastic and metal obstructions that may be subject to cause of injury to their opponent. The length shall be longer than mid- thigh but no lower than the knees. Tights are acceptable. Shirts must be of elastic type material that hugs the body and long enough to cover the waistline of the shorts.
Juvenile and Teen Divisions:
Submissions are allowed. The following are illegal techniques for beginner, intermediate & advanced Juvenile/Teen all divisions: All forms of neck cranks, no Ezekiel choke, smothering, wrist locks, bicep & calf compressions, body compressions used as submission, slamming, boston crab & bear crawl style guard passes, twisting or reaping forms of ankle/leg locks, squeezing windpipe with hand, electric chair and spine locks. All chokes require an opponent’s arm inside the choke except for guillotines, rear naked chokes, forearm chokes and gogoplatas.
Adult/Masters Men & Women Advance Legal/Illegal Techniques:
Advanced skill levels are permitted to apply all submission techniques. The following are considered illegal techniques: Slamming, pulling back fingers or toes and squeezing windpipe with hand.
SAFETY is our number one goal. Referee’s reserve the right to stop a match at any given time if he or she feels injury is imminent. Any interference or unsportsmanlike conduct by competitors, instructors, coaches and spectators will result in immediate disqualification with absolutely no exceptions. We strive to maintain a professional behavior from all in attendance.
Note: If a referee determines a competitor is competing at an inappropriate skill level a Referee reserves the right to move any given competitor to their appropriate skill level prior to the start or during a match.
CONTINUOUS FIGHTING RULES
"NO KNOCKOUTS" Continuous International Kickboxing (CIKB)
IMPORTANT: NO KNOCKOUTS ALLOWED. All contact or combinations of punches and kicks are to be continuous with controlled light force only and primarily focused on execution of techniques. Any intentional full contact blows, kicks or knockouts will result in disqualification.
If a fighter voluntarily quits due to exhaustion or any unforeseen severe cuts/lacerations or self-induced type injuries will automatically give the win to his or her opponent by default. All stoppage circumstances shall be determined by the collective agreement of the center Ring Referee and Ringside judges.
PUNCHES: All punches must be delivered with the padded side of the gloves. Punches to the face will be lead jab Only. The wrist or the lace areas cannot be used to strike. Slaps, palm strikes, elbow attacks and forearm strikes are illegal. Strikes using the head or punches to the back of the head, neck, throat, groin, knee joints or back spine area are illegal.
KICKS/FOOT STRIKES: All kicks/foot strikes must be applied and landed with controlled light force. All kicks must only target the front or side part of the body. Kick target areas can be clarified by the center referee prior to each match if questions by the competitors arise. Kicks can be delivered with either the shin or the foot. Any kicks/foot strikes to the back spine area, back of head, knee joints and groin are illegal. Minimum kicks per round will be determined during the judges meeting with the fighters prior to the tournament.
AXE KICK or SPINNING HEEL KICKS: Axe kicks or spinning kicks are only allowed when the person delivering these types of kicks is wearing the proper full foot protectors that covers the heel of each foot. Full control is to be exercised when executing these types of kicks and they must not land on the head and face.
SWEEPS, DUMPS or TAKE DOWNS: Sweeps, dumps or take downs are NOT allowed at any time during a match.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
Headgear
Mouthpiece
Groin cup
Shin guards
Foot protectors covering toes and heels
Boxing gloves (12 oz for ages 8–14, 14 oz for ages 15+)
Optional: chest and face guard protectors
Gloves must be inspected by the referee prior to each match.
MATCH SCORING AND TIMING
Each round is scored by center referee and judges using the 10-point must system. Most effective fighter receives 10 points; opponent receives 9 or fewer.
Each match typically consists of 2 rounds. In case of a tie, one additional round is added.
Rounds last 1 minute with 30 seconds rest between rounds.
Illegal actions (e.g., illegal strikes, post-round attacks) result in warnings and point deductions.
SAFETY
Referees may change legal headshot rules and stop or disqualify fighters at any time if injury seems imminent or unsportsmanlike conduct is observed.
Spectator, coach, or instructor misconduct will lead to dismissal from the tournament.
SPORT KAJUKENBO FIGHTING RULES
IMPORTANT: NO KNOCKOUTS ALLOWED. ALL CONTACT OR COMBINATIONS OF PUNCHES AND KICKS WILL BE CONTROLLED WITH LIGHT FORCE ONLY AND PRIMARILY FOCUSED ON EXECUTION OF TECHNIQUES. ANY INTENTIONAL FULL CONTACT BLOWS, KICKS OR KNOCKOUTS WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION.
If a fighter voluntarily quits due to exhaustion or any unforeseen severe cuts/lacerations or self-induced type injuries will automatically give the win to his or her opponent by default. All stoppage circumstances shall be determined by the collective agreement of the center Ring Referee and Ringside judges.
PUNCHES: All punches must be delivered with the padded side of the gloves. Punches to the face will be lead jab Only. The wrist or the lace areas cannot be used to strike.
KICKS/FOOT STRIKES: All kicks/foot strikes must be applied and landed with controlled light force. All kicks must only target the front or side part of the body. Kick target areas can be clarified by the center referee prior to each match if questions by the competitors arise. Kicks can be delivered with either the shin or the foot.
AXE KICK or SPINNING HEEL KICKS: Axe kicks or spinning kicks are only allowed when the person delivering these types of kicks is wearing the proper full foot protectors that covers the heel of each foot. Full control is to be exercised when executing these types of kicks and they must not land on the head or face.
Required Gear includes:
8 oz+ combat gloves
Shin guards with foot protection (MMA style)
Mouth guard
Groin protection
Headgear (same as Continuous Fighting style)
All fighters’ gloves will be inspected and pre-approved by the center Referee prior to each fight. All gloves, Foot protectors, mouthpieces, hand wraps, groin cups, competition approved boxing style head gear suitable for continuous fighting or Sport Kajukenbo fighting and shin pads are also required in competition and MUST be provided by the competitors themselves. Vaseline or similar is highly recommended and will be provided by the fighter or coach and can only be applied to the face to help reduce facial burns and cuts during a fight.
Match Scoring: Matches are typically scored at the end of each round with a center referee and judges call identifying the most effective fighter and awarding the winner 10 points for each round won while awarding the opposing competitor nine or less points. A fighter wins the match by scoring more points than his opponent or submission.
Timing and Rounds:
Kids <18 months training: 3 x 1 min rounds
Kids >18 months: 3 x 1.5 min rounds
Adults <18 months: 3 x 1.5 min rounds
Adults >18 months: 3 x 2 min rounds
Competitors are allowed 30 seconds rest period in between each scheduled round.
Kids, less than 18 months of training, flyweight, lightweight, middleweight, heavyweight, Kids,18 months or more of training, flyweight, lightweight, middleweight, heavyweight, Adults, less than 18 months of training, flyweight, lightweight, middleweight, heavyweight, Adults, 18 months or more of training, flyweight, lightweight, middleweight, heavyweight, Fight stays on the ground 30 seconds max, then the fight is changed back to a standing position. For Safety Reasons: The ONLY type of strikes allowed to the face are a controlled lead jab type punch. This includes the State of Nevada Rules.
Illegal Moves: Any move determined illegal will result in a warning from the center referee for the first infraction. If a competitor punches or kicks any areas of the head and/or body deemed unsafe or illegal, he or she will be warned or possibly disqualified at the discretion of the center referee and side judges.
No Body Slams
No Leg Locks
No Slaps
No Palm Strikes
No Forearm Strikes
No Strikes using the head
No Elbow Strikes
No Linear Kicks or Oblique Kicks to the knee
No Strikes to the back of the head
No Strikes to the Groin
No Strikes to the Back or Spine
No Strikes to the Throat
SAFETY: is our number one goal. Referees and Ring Judges reserve the right to change, identify or enforce the type of legal Head Shots allowed during a fight. They have the authority to stop a fight or disqualify a fighter at any given time if they witnesses unsportsmanlike conduct or feel injury is imminent during any given fight. Any unwarranted interference or unsportsmanlike conduct by instructors, coaches and spectators will not be tolerated and will be the grounds for dismissal from the tournament.
ESCRIMA FORMS & STICK/KNIFE FIGHTING RULES
Escrima Forms:
May include but are not limited to:
Solo baston (single stick)
Espada y daga (sword and dagger)
Double baston or sinawali (weaving double stick)
Doble daga (double knife)
Bonifacio bolo, kampilan, or doble bolo
Required Equipment for Stick Fighting:
Uniform (no street clothes)
Full fingered padded gloves
Mouth guard
Groin protector
Helmet (preferably with a cage)
Scoring & Conduct:
Judges signal points and penalties with standard hand gestures
Safety is paramount; blood or dangerous conduct results in disqualification
Team formats must include at least one female (teen division)
No illegal strikes to spine, neck, or joints
Knife Fighting:
1 point per clean, controlled strike
No stabs to the throat, punches, kicks, or grappling
Losing the knife results in a point to the opponent
Judged by 3 officials; majority determines scoring
Live Stick Fighting:
Scored on striking, defense, ring control, and technique
2 rounds, 60 seconds each, with sudden death if tied
No hits to the back, spine, or helmet rear
3 disarms = TKO
Grappling Stick Rules:
Points: 1 (limbs), 2 (takedowns with stick), 3 (stick submissions)
Match ends after successful submission or if 2 submissions are scored
No punching, kicking, punio striking, or stand-up submissions
Fight resumes standing if stuck in clinch >5 seconds
Sparring Stick Rules:
Legal Target Areas: head, face, torso
Illegal: spine, back of neck, throat, groin, knees
Sweeps and takedowns allowed only on padded surfaces
Must follow with legal technique to score
Grabs permitted for 1 second max
First to 7 points or highest after time wins
KAJUKENBO ESCRIMA SELF-DEFENSE REQUIREMENTS
Weapon Use:
Wooden knives (Bahe/Kamagong), light rattan sticks
Age Group Techniques:
8 & Under: 1 stick vs stick (right and left)
9–12: 2 stick vs stick (right and left)
13–17: 2 stick vs stick + 2-man empty hand vs sticks
18 & Over: stick vs stick, knife vs knife (Sijo’s ABC), 3-man attack
All rules follow KaJuKenBo Escrima under Sijo Adriano Emperado and will be reviewed with officials before competition.
