1. The matted competition area (shiai jo) is to measure six (6) to eight (8) metres in circumference or on the shortest side distance, if not the preferred circular layout.

2. Presiding over the match will be one judge, one arbitrator, two referees, a score keeper and a time keeper, for a total of six officials.

3. The responsibility and authority over a match shall be that of the judge who may call upon the arbitrator and referees for collaboration.

4. The traditional budo / martial arts system for the awarding of points will be applied (Shobu Ippon) i.e. the contestant with the first technique to be delivered is awarded the point Only one point is scored at a time however, if the contestants deliver simultaneous techniques, both will be awarded the point (Hiki waki).

5. There are two degrees for the awarding of points: Ippon (full point) = a full - contact / perfectly executed technique which automatically determines the win. Wazari (half point) = a less than perfect technique, with the accumulation of Wazari used to determine the win. (Two Wazari does not equal an Ippon)

6. The duration of a match, regular time, will be three minutes. If a winner cannot be determined based on points scored after three minutes, there will be two - one minute overtime periods; one minute overtime to determine a winner based on the advantage of points or if the points are again equal, the second one minute overtime period will be sudden death i.e., first contestant to score .

7. Contestants will wear the traditional middle and upper region protection (Anzen Bogyo) covering the chest, solar lexis, ribs, pelvic and head areas (optional), thus maintaining the philosophy for protecting the targets while giving the opportunity to test the weapons. Additional equipment may only be worn on the recommendation of the onsite physician or first aid authority and acceptable to both the judge and the arbitrator.

8. All recognized techniques to the protected areas will qualify for scoring. An Ippon can only be awarded for a striking technique to the mid - section. Mid - section of the body allows for full contact while techniques to the head and pelvic areas must show distinct- complete control & pull back; contact to these areas will not be tolerated.

9. A well executed sweeping technique that renders the opponent off balance will be awarded a wazari; a sweeping technique followed with a well executed striking technique will be awarded an Ippon, winner.

10. A well executed throwing form will be awarded a wazari; a perfectly executed throwing form where the opponent must break-fall will be awarded an Ippon, winner.

11. A perfectly executed grappling / holding technique rendering the opponent into submission will be awarded an Ippon, winner.

12. Techniques delivered to unqualified areas (head, back, groin, joints) as a result of an accident the judge will issue a warning (chiui); for a second similar infraction, the judge will award a wazari to the opposing contestant; for a third infraction, suggesting a lack of control, the contestant will be disqualified.

13. The shiai jo boundaries will be monitored in such a way that: A) A contestant may not score on an opponent while one foot of the contestant is beyond the boundary. B) A contestant may be scored upon if beyond the boundaries prior to the signal from the judge to stop. C) A contestant will receive one warning for going out of bounds, with subsequent warnings resulting in the awarding of a wazari (s); D) Three subsequent wazari’s scored against an opponent for going out of bounds, suggesting retreat, the match will then be awarded to the opposing player.

14. Belligerent conduct and disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated, under any condition.

15. A contestant's distemperment believed to be promoting overly aggressive behavior will be addressed immediately with the student's sensei and / or coach, and if not resolved, will result in immediate disqualification.

16. Techniques recognized as being attacks to the back, joints, legs, arms and head will be strictly prohibited.

17. Traditional uniform (gi) with the appropriate belt level are required for contestants.

18. Audience participation is encouraged by way of applause for the win and the awarding points but must refrain from calling out during a match.

19. All competitions must ensure the event is presided over by a person qualified within the medical profession, i.e., doctor, paramedic, St.John's Ambulance attendant.

20. In the event of an accident / injury, the presiding medical representative has the ultimate authority for the continuance of a match and must be consulted for their decision.

Note: The complete True Way Competition Regulations (Seido Shiai Kisoku) apply for advanced adult students only. For children, beginners and intermediate students, sweeping, throwing, grappling, head and pelvic area techniques are not permitted.