COMPETITION RULES

The competition rules and regulations for the World Open Martial Arts Championship (WOMAC) are established, updated, and regulated by the members of the Competition Committee of the World Fighting Martial Arts Federation (WFMAF). These rules are strictly enforced by the WOMAC’s Panel of Judges. During the competition, any disputes regarding the rules and regulations should be filed to the WFMAF’s Competition Committee. For masters and instructors who are interested in becoming judges at the US Open Martial Arts Championship, please submit your credentials for consideration using our online Judge Application form. Download the competition rules and regulations here: WFMAF Competition Rules.

Forms (Open Hand & Weapons) Divisions

Forms Divisions

• Modern Wushu
• Northern Kung Fu
• Southern Kung Fu
• Karate
• Taekwondo
• Internal Martial Arts
• Taijiquan
• Two/Multi-Person Routine
• Team Demonstration

*Each division is categorized into (1) Open Hand Form, (2) Short Weapon Form, (3) Long Weapon Form, and (4) Other Weapon Form.
*Two/Multi-Person Routine & Team Demonstration divisions are categorized by (1) Open Hand Form and (2) Weapon Form.
*Two/Multi-Person Routine & Team Demonstration divisions are not categorized by gender.

Level of Experience

• Beginner less than 2 years of experience
• Intermediate 2 to 4 years of experience
• Advanced more than 4 years of experience

Scoring Criteria

• Beginner Under Belts: 6 – 7.5 points
• Intermediate Under Belts: 7 – 8.5 points
• Advanced Under Belts: 8.5 – 10 points

Youth Age Groups

• Children 6 & Under
• Children 7 – 8
• Children 9 – 11
• Teen 12 – 14 | Boys
• Teen 12 – 14 | Girls
• Teen 15 – 17 | Boys
• Teen 15 – 17 | Girls
• If there are less than 2 competitors in an age group, the judges reserve the right to combine age groups.

Adult Age Groups

• Adult 18 – 29 | Men
• Adult 18 – 29 | Women
• Adult 30 – 45 | Men
• Adult 30 – 45 | Women
• Adult 46 & 60 | Men
• Adult 46 & 60 | Women
• Adult 61 & Above | Men
• Adult 61 & Above | Women
• If there are less than 2 competitors in an age group, the judges reserve the right to combine age groups.

Age Groups for Two/Multi-Person Routine & Team Demonstration

• Children 11 & Under
• Teen 12 – 17
• Adult 18 – 35
• Adult 36 & Above
• If there are less than 2 competitors in an age group, the judges reserve the right to combine age groups.

Hero of Combat Divisions

Hero of Combat Divisions

• Continuous Sparring
• Point Sparring (Kumite)
• Stationary Push Hands
• Moving Push Hands
• Self-Defense Demo
• Chi Sao
• Short Weapon Sparring
• Long Weapon Sparring
• Dagger Sparring

Level of Experience

• Beginner: Less than 2 years of experience
• Intermediate: 2 to 4 years of experience
• Advanced: More than 4 years of experience

Youth Age Groups

• Children 6 – 7
• Children 8 – 9
• Children 10 – 11
• Teen 12 – 13 | Boys
• Teen 12 – 13 | Girls
• Teen 14 – 15 | Boys
• Teen 14 – 15 | Girls
• Teen 16 – 17 | Boys
• Teen 16 – 17 | Girls
• If there are less than 2 competitors in an age group, the judges reserve the right to combine age groups.

Adult Age Groups

• Adult 18 – 29 | Men
• Adult 18 – 29 | Women
• Adult 30 – 45 | Men
• Adult 30 – 45 | Women
• Adult 46 & 60 | Men
• Adult 46 & 60 | Women
• Adult 61 & 70 | Men
• Adult 61 & 70 | Women
• Adult 71 & Above | Men
• Adult 71 & Above | Women
• If there are less than 2 competitors in an age group, the judges reserve the right to combine age groups.

Weight Classes & Weigh-In Time

• Men’s Featherweight: (145 lbs & Under)
• Men’s Lightweight: (146 – 155 lbs)
• Men’s Welterweight: (156 – 170 lbs)
• Men’s Middleweight: (171 – 185 lbs)
• Men’s Light Heavyweight: (186 – 205 lbs)
• Men’s Heavyweight: (206 lbs & Above)
• Women’s Lightweight: (125 lbs & Under)
• Women’s Welterweight: (126 – 135 lbs)
• Women’s Middleweight: (136 – 145 lbs)
• Women’s Light Heavyweight: (146 lbs & above)
• Youth groups 17 yrs & under are not categorized by weight.
• If there are less than 2 competitors in a weight class, the judge reserves the right to combine weight classes.

*Weigh-in time is 8a.m. to 9:30a.m. at the date of the tournament for Point Sparring, Karate Sparring and Kempo Sparring. If a competitor missed the weigh-in time,  weigh-in will take place at the time when the competitor is called to compete.

Competition Grouping & Dress Code

Competition Grouping

For forms divisions, competitors are grouped first by age groups and then by level of experience.

For hero of combat divisions, competitors are grouped by the order of age groups, level of experience, and weight classes. Restriction on age groups may apply to some divisions of hero of combat, learn more on the rules page of each of these divisions.

Dress Code

All competitors are required to dress appropriately.

For Chinese martial arts divisions, competitors may wear traditional Chinese martial arts uniforms (preferred), or school T-shirt. For Karate divisions, competitors may wear Karate-type Gi’s. 

For beginner and intermediate sparring divisions, competitors may wear traditional uniforms. For full contact sparring divisions, competitors may wear sparring t-shirt and shorts.

Shoes are mandatory for all events, except for sparring. All shoes should be regular athletic type shoes.