Competition

This is a kata/forms competition only. It is similar to the World Karate Federation competition (please watch the video below). Competition is open to all styles of martial arts and katas/forms can be traditional or creative. Unlike the World Karate Federation this event will not be using a predetermined list of katas/forms. Martial artists will compete in pairs in a bracket format, however all competitors will perform at least twice. Grasshopper, Warrior, and Samurai competitors may perform the same kata/form in each round. They may also choose to perform a different kata/form. Shogun and all Black Belt competitors must perform a different kata/form in each round and may perform up to five different katas/forms. If a Shogun or Black Belt competitor has used all five katas/forms they may repeat a kata/form other than the one they used in the immediately previous round. They may also choose to do yet another kata/form. Competitors will inform the scorekeeper of the kata/form they will perform prior to starting a round and it will be recorded on their competitor card.

Competitors advancing to the championship round, from the medal round, must select from their unused katas first. If a competitor has performed all their selected katas they can than select from their previously performed katas. At no time can a competitor perform the same kata/form for consecutive pairings, except the last one used. The same rule will be used for black belts advancing from the championship round to the grand championship round.

Pairings

Each pairing will have a red (aka) and blue (ao) competitor. This will be designated by the appropriate color markings on the floor outside of the ring. In the medal rounds both competors will perform at the same time. The red (aka) competiotor will start at a position on the right side of the center referee. The blue (ao) competitor will start at a position on the left side of the center referee. In the championship rounds, at the discretion of the tournament director, the competitors may perform one at a time. They will stand at the appropriate colored markings outside the ring when they are not performing. The red (aka) competitor will perform first and the blue (ao) competitor will perform second. After each competitor has performed, both competitors will present themselves to the judges. The judges will select a winner by raising a red (aka) or blue (ao) flag. The competitor with the most flags raised is the winner of the pairing. Prior to each pairing's performances each competitor will inform the scorekeeper of which kata they will perform.

The Golden Eagle Challenge offers the following Age Divisions*

Under 8
8-9
10-12
13-14
15-17
18-34
35-49
50+

* Groups may be combined as necessary, based on registrations. Divisions will have a minimum of two competitors.

The Golden Eagle Challenge offers the following Rank/Experience Divisions*

Grasshopper: Less than 1 year of training, 1 katas/forms required (competitor's choice to do different katas/forms)
Warrior: 1 - 2½ years of training, 1 katas/forms required (competitor's choice to do different katas/forms)
Samurai: 2½ - 4 years of training, 1 katas/forms required (competitor's choice to do different katas/forms)
Shogun: 4+ years of training, 5 katas/forms required
Black Belt: Black Belt, 1st°, 2nd°, and 3rd°, 5 katas/forms required
Master: 4th° and higher, 5 katas/forms required

* Groups may be combined as necessary, based on registrations. Divisions will have a minimum of two competitors. Medal round divisions for Grasshopper, Warrior, and Samurai will be no bigger than four competitors. Medal round divisions for Shogun, Black Belt, and Master will be no bigger than eight competitors.

All competitors must wear a clean and complete uniform. If a school does not wear a uniform top as part of their uniform, then a clean t-shirt representing that school may be worn. Sleeveless tops and t-shirts are not allowed.

518logo This is a 518 Martial Arts event and all participating current 518 Martial Arts competitors will earn points in the medal and championship rounds. These points will count toward Competitor of the Year and Forms Competitor of the Year.

2012 WKF Women's World Championship

Meet The Team

The Golden Eagle Challenge requires a team effort to plan and coordinate.

Hanshi Chris Malley
Tournament Director

Master Adam Grogin
518 Martial Arts Director

Sensei Beth Malley
Ring Director

Sensei CJ Malley
Competition Director

How the Challenge Works

Competitors are divided into divisions by age and training experience and arranged in groups of two to four. Every competitor will perform at least twice and may perform more than five times over the course of the competition. Grasshopper, Warrior, and Samurai competitors can perform the same kata/form everytime. They can at anytime perform a different kata/form. Shogun, Black Belt, and Master competitors will perform a different/kata each time. They cannot repeat a kata/form in their first five rounds. If they perform six or more times they may use any kata/form, they previously performed except for the one from the immediately prior round.

Let’s look at some different competitor scenarios.

If there are only two competitors in a group, then the pair will compete in a best 2 of 3 and will switch rings in each round.

If there are three competitors in a group, then there two will be selected as a pair and will perform. The third competitor will perform solo. The third performer will then compete against the winner of the first pairing. The loser of the first pairing will then perform solo. If the first solo performer loses to the winner of the first pairing they will then compete against the second solo performer to determine the silver medal winner.

Scenario 1

4 Competitors
Experience: Shogun
Different kata/form each pairing

Johnny (red competitor) selects his kata/form 1 and performs against Suzy (blue competitor) who chooses her kata/form 2. Johnny wins this pairing four red flags to one blue flag.
Kalee (red) chooses her kata/form 2 and performs against Kyle (blue) who chooses his kata/form 3. Kalee wins this pairing three red flags to two blue flags.
Suzy (red) chooses her kata/form 3 and performs against Kyle (blue) who chooses his kata/form 2. Kyle wins five blue flags to zero red flags.
Johnny (red) chooses his kata/form 2 and performs against Kalee (blue) who chooses her kata/form 3. Kalee wins this pairing four blue flags to one red flag.
This group is done with Suzie and Kyle winning bronze, Johnny winning silver, and Kalee winning gold.
Kalee moves on to the Championship round.

Scenario 2

3 Competitors
Experience: Warrior
Can perform the same kata

Johnny (red competitor) performs against Suzy (blue competitor). Suzy wins this pairing four red flags to one blue flag.
Kalee (red) performs solo and wins five red flags to zero blue flags.
Suzy (red) performs against Kalee (blue). Suzy wins this pairing three red flags to two blue flag.
Johnny (red) performs solo and wins five red flags to zero blue flags.
Kalee (red) performs against Johnny (blue). Kalee wins this pairing four red flags to one blue flag.
This group is done with Johnny winning bronze, Kalee winning silver, and Suzy winning gold.
Suzy moves on to the Championship round.

Scenario 3

2 Competitors
Experience: Black Belt
Different kata/form each pairing

Johnny (red competitor) selects his kata/form 3 and performs against Kalee (blue competitor) who chooses her kata/form 2. Kalee wins this pairing three blue flags to two red flag.
Kalee (red) chooses her kata/form 1 and performs against Johnny (blue) who chooses his kata/form 1. Johnny wins this pairing three blue flags to two red flags.
Johnny (red) chooses his kata/form 2 and performs against Kalee (blue) who chooses her kata/form 3. Kalee wins three blue flags to two red flags.
This group is done with Johnny winning silver, and Kalee winning gold.
Kalee moves on to the Championship round.