Rules Quick Reference

Summary only. See invitational.sakubara.com/rules for rulebook.

AUTHORITY

Tournament Organizer > Rule Arbitrator > Head Judge.

Head Judge controls the ring; rulings stand unless overridden.

Procedural (3 warnings): stepping out; unsportsmanlike conduct; raising arms to claim points; running away

Engagement (1 warning): illegal strikes; striking illegal targets; clinching; striking a downed opponent

No warning for prohibited head-related engagement

Excessive force = grounds for immediate disqualification.

Scoring: Hand = 1; Foot = 2; Penalty = 1 point to opponent.

Win: most points; 5-point spread; sudden death; opponent DQ; opponent withdrawal.

Contact: light to head; medium to body.

Targets: front torso; side of head.
Level 1: face contact prohibited (immediate penalty).
Level 2: face contact allowed.

No head contact; 3 contacts per exchange; Must break on command.

Judged on stance, strikes, blocks, sequence, and presentation.

Traditional restrictions (includes weapons):
no >360° spins; no >2 kicks same leg without reset; no acrobatics; no music; simple releases (weapons).

One restart allowed in scored format.

Judged on boards broken, technique, board thickness, control, and presentation.

Non-contact. Competitors must stay in ring and on feet; only flags may be grabbed.

Win by: removing all flags; having more flags at time end; golden flag (sudden death).

Initial timeout: 2 min; Max medical time: 5 min

If injury caused by prohibited action: offender DQ; injured competitor wins but cannot continue.

3rd injury timeout → competitor cannot continue.

Medical personnel may decide if competitor can not continue.

Allowed only in sparring and only if certified.

Coaches must remain at station; Coach cards required for disputes; Only objective errors may be disputed.