Rules
View or download the full rules document: Competition Rules
Fighting Rules
The MVTA maintains rules that are easy to understand and fairly applied. Points are awarded for controlled techniques worth 1 point each.
Match Length:
• Non-Black Belts: First to 5 points or most points in 2 minutes
• Black Belts: First to 7 points or most points in 3 minutes
Acceptable Techniques
- Closed Fist: Reverse punch, backfist, hammerfist
- Open Hand: Ridge hand, knife hand (must chamber & rechamber)
- Kicks: Front, side, back, roundhouse, spinning (must see target)
Target Scoring Areas
- Head
- Stomach / Chest
- Sides
- Back
Contact Scoring Areas
- Head (light contact, no face-mask contact)
- Light face contact (Black Belt only)
- Stomach / Chest (neck to belt line)
- Sides (armpit to belt line)
- Back (no direct spine contact)
Sweeps
- Front leg sweep allowed; point scored only on follow-up technique
- Base leg sweeps are not allowed
Penalty Points
Penalties are awarded for contact to non-scoring areas. One point is awarded to the opponent.
Excessive contact may result in disqualification by majority vote.
Running out of bounds gives 1 point to opponent (no warnings).
Dishonorable actions may result in disqualification.
Sparring Gear
Accepted gear: dipped foam head/hand/foot, mouthguard, and cup/supporter for males. Cloth shin guards allowed if padded. Face shields allowed.
Empty Hand & Weapons Forms
Forms may vary by style; judges score based on:
- Balance
- Effectiveness
- Spirit
- Overall performance
Scoring
Scale: 5.0–10.0
- Beginner: 5.00–7.00
- Intermediate: 6.00–8.00
- Advanced: 7.00–9.00
- Black Belt: 8.00–10.00
First 3 athletes perform before scoring. Others scored after performing.
Tie Breakers
With 5 judges: drop high & low scores.
With 3 judges: total all scores.
If still tied: add back lowest, then highest.
If still tied: re-perform (advanced/BB must use different form).
Experience Levels
- Beginner: 0–1 year
- Intermediate: 1–2 years
- Advanced: 2–3 years
- Black Belt: 3+ years
Rating System
Most events are single-point rated. MVTA Grand Championship is worth an additional 2 points.
"A" Rated Event
- 1st: 8 points
- 2nd: 6 points
- 3rd: 4 points
Grand Championship Event
- 1st: 10 points
- 2nd: 8 points
- 3rd: 6 points
Year End Awards Banquet
Top 3 athletes in each division are honored at the awards banquet, held in February of the following year.
**Athletes MUST attend the banquet to receive their award.**