• Uniform Pants, Kempokan T-shirt, preferably tucked in, & Belt.  THESE ARE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE!
• Entry Tickets that you picked up at the school (Additional Spectator Tickets will be available at the door)
• Directions to Sportsworld (available at www.sportsworld.cc)
• Whatever you will be wearing on your feet (not required, but you should practice a little bit at the place in order to get a feel for the floor in whatever you’ll be wearing)
• Sparring Gear, if you are competing in the Sparring event.  YOU MUST BRING YOUR OWN:

1. Helmet
2. Gloves
3. Protective Cup
4. Mouthguard (Optional)
5. Shin Pads (Optional)

• Your Weapon, if you are competing in the Weapons event
• Your parents, who are incredibly proud of you, no matter what happens at the Tournament, and who will congratulate you even louder than everyone else!
• A GREAT ATTITUDE!

I strongly recommend that everyone show up at the very least 30 minutes prior to your event’s scheduled start time in order to allow time to get parked and find your way inside.  Check in will happen at your ring, and schedules with Ring assignments will be available at the door, so there will be no need to go to the Head Table.  Good luck to everyone and I look forward to seeing you all there!

Sincerely,

Sensei Ben

Camps are open to any actively training students in belt programs under the age of 14.

As always, the camp will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and campers are invited to participate in a wide range of activities, including extra karate classes, sparring, advanced forms, performance, and weapons training.  In addition, campers also experience other fun and exciting activities, such as origami, fight scene choreography, playing go, and other possibilities.  The specifics will be decided depending on the students enrolled.  Almost all participants at past camps have had such a great time that they have wanted to participate again and again!

In order to participate, a non-refundable full payment of $60 is required to secure your space.  You may make this via the appropriate PayPal link below or by the usual methods at the school.  If you have any questions, or to reserve a spot, please contact me at the school at (860) 665-7553 or bthomas@thekempokan.com.

To make a deposit by PayPal click here.

To make the best and most efficient possible use of your time, here are some guidelines to follow when preparing for the Tournament:

• Know what events you are entering and what you will be doing in each one prior to your session.  If you can’t remember what events you are registered for, ask me.  If you want to make any changes, don’t worry, it’s not too late!  For the Forms, Open Forms, and Weapons events, you should know which form you will be presenting.  For the Combinations event, you should have your three best goshin or jujutsu movements pre-selected so you can focus on refining them during your time.  If possible, it can also be very helpful to know which movement is your best and which of the three you feel least confident with.
• For each private practice session you schedule, focus on only one event.  Don’t try to cram too much into a short time.
• Each 15-minute private session is $20.  Please make sure to write down the correct time, since you will be charged for any missed session, or session canceled with less than 24 hours notice.
• Write down as much as you can remember of what you learn during your session so you can refer to it later while you are practicing on your own.  I will note the biggest things to work on at the conclusion of your session.  It’s your job to practice them since I can’t do it for you!
• Practice your routine, including opening presentation, as often as possible in the days leading up to the event so you feel completely confident with what you are doing before you go.  Do it at home in front of the mirror or your family.  If possible, imagine the crowd cheering for you!

Good luck and I look forward to helping you achieve your best!

The evening yoga session is still in progress on Tuesday evenings, 7:15-8:00 p.m.  If you would like to participate, simply drop-in.

Policy Overview

• There are currently 5 level divisions:  Beginner (white Yellow orange), Intermediate (purple, blue, Blue stripe), advanced (green, green stripe, and brown), Jr. Black, and Black Belt.
• There are currently 4 age divisions: 4-6, 7-11, 12-16 and 17 & up.  Jr. Black & Black Belt have different divisions.
• CKI reserves the right to cancel or reassign a division if it is under-registered or unworkable.
• All competitors must wear uniform and belt except for events designated “open”.
• Appropriate behavior is expected at all times.
• When entering the ring for the first time, each competitor has the option to introduce himself.  It is customary to bow to the judges before and after the entire performance
• Food will be available on site and feel free to bring your own.
• All events will award trophies to First through Fourth place.
• All competitors who do not receive a place trophy will receive a winner trophy.

Sparring Rules Overview

• CKI is not responsible for providing gear.  All competitors should arrange to buy their own gear or share it with a fellow competitor.
• No point will be given if there is even light contact on a punch or kick.
• Contact warnings are given for any strike that impacts with some level of momentum unless the contact was unavoidable (e.g. a charge.)
• Light contact is when a strike touches in such a way that no momentum is transferred.  No warning is issued on light contact.
• Two contact warnings means loss of point, three means loss of match.
• Allowable Contact is defined as blocking or pushing an arm or a leg to create an opportunity to score.
• Judges may decide, at their discretion, if a blow was dealt with excessive contact.  Excessive contact automatically disqualifies. Drawing blood does not guarantee a ruling of excessive contact.
• Biting, grabbing, gouging and deliberately striking an opponent are all illegal and grounds for warnings or disqualification.
• Legal Target Areas are the front of the torso, the face, and anywhere on the helmet.
• Illegal targets are the back, the back of the neck, and below the belt.
• Sparring gloves and helmets must be worn to each event.  Athletic cups, mouth guards and other protective gear are highly recommended.
• Scoring is based on the perception of the judges.  CKI promises to provide skilled and impartial judges.  However, no judge or even collection of judges can see every point.  Scoring is based on what the judges see, not on what may have actually happened.  It is therefore the object of the game to score the points the judges see, not just score points.  Judges have absolute authority on scoring and are not to be challenged.
• Leaving the ring will stop the match but does not incur penalties.
• A match ends when a third point is awarded to either competitor.  Two judges must call this final point.
• Changes at Shodan and above:  Light contact is allowed.  Furthermore, a point only scores if it is demonstrated that the strike could have been delivered powerfully to a target.

Combinations Event Overview

• Any kempo self defense maneuvers, 8 point blocks, numbered combinations, kempo jujutsus, or even extra kempos are allowable maneuvers for this event.  The maneuvers do not need to be required material to be allowed, however, the technique should be real kempo, not kung fu or wushu, and should not contain acrobatic or gymnastic movements.  Non-kempo material is not acceptable and will not be considered for a place trophy.
• Each competitor chooses three maneuvers to perform.
• All three maneuvers are scored collectively not individually.
• Scoring is rigorously based on four technical categories. These categories are: Power, Presentation, Technical Precision, and Stances.
• If this event has eight or more competitors, a finals round will occur (see below)..

Forms Event Overview

• Any form that demonstrates proper kempo movement will be allowed for this event.  The form need not be a traditional kempo form but it will still be scored based on its adherence and demonstration of the skills of kempo.
• Scoring is rigorously based on four technical categories.  These categories are: Power, Presentation, Technical Precision, and Stances.
• If this event has eight or more competitors, a finals round will occur (see below).

Open Weapons Event Overview

• The weapons event is a competition based on a single weapons form.
• Music is allowed. All participants must supply their own sound system and are responsible for operating their own equipment.
• Any weapons form will be allowed.  This event does not require a full gi.
• Scoring:  Scoring will be done on a technical basis with a maximum score of ten.  Scoring is based on five categories: Power, Presentation, Weapon Control, Stances, & Difficulty.
• If this event has eight or more competitors, a finals round will occur (see below).

Open Forms Event Overview

• The open forms division is open to any martial arts form from any system including but not limited to karate, kung fu, sports martial arts, and wushu.
• Music is allowed. All participants must supply their own sound system and are responsible for operating their own equipment.
• Any form will be allowed.  This event does not require a full gi.
• Scoring:  Scoring will be done on a technical basis with a maximum score of ten.  Scoring is based on five categories: Power, Presentation, Body Control, Stances, & Difficulty.
• If this event has eight or more competitors, a finals round will occur (see below).

Open Synch Division

• The Synch division is open to any martial arts form from any system including but not limited to karate, kung fu, sports martial arts, and wushu.  Weapons may also be used.
• Music is allowed. All participants must supply their own sound system and are responsible for operating their own equipment.
• This Division is designed for TWO or THREE PEOPLE to perform simultaneously and to be scored as a team.
• Synchronized means that the competitors are performing:
  • the same moves at the same instant
  • a mirror image of the same movement at the same instant
  • the same movement with a discrete delay (domino effect).
• Competitors may not make excessive body contact or
• While occasional contact is allowed between the two participants, the presentation should not include techniques done on each other or be constructed like a 2 man set.
• Scoring:  Scoring will be done on a technical basis with a maximum score of ten.  Scoring is based on five categories: Power, Presentation, Body Control, Stances, & Difficulty.  The ability to stay in synch will be reflected in the presentation score.
• If this event has eight or more competitors, a finals round will occur (see below).

Chanbara

• Generally, CKI will follow the rules of the United States Chanbara Association available online at http://samuraisports.com/association/pdfs/fr02.pdf
• We will hold three divisions.  Kodachi (short sword), Choken (long sword) and mixed weapons (any weapon or weapon combination approved by the judges).  Competitors over the age of 12 will not be allowed to compete in the Kodachi division.  All ages are welcome in the other divisions.

Finals Rounds Overview

• In rings that have ten or more competitors, the first competitor gets to perform again at the end before the finals round.  With twenty competitors, the first two get to go again and with thirty or more competitors, the first three repeat their performances.
• In rings that have eight or more competitors, a finals round will occur.  Rings with eight or nine competitors will have a finals round with only the top four competitors.  With 10 or more, the top six scoring competitors will give a second performance and be scored again.  This second set of scores will determine first through fourth place.  First through Fourth place will be determined using Ordinal Scoring.

Combinations

Step 1. Choose 3 Goshin, Kempo, or Jujutsu techniques that you feel most comfortable with and display your best skills.

Step 2. Memorize which order you will be performing them in (I recommend putting your best one last).

Step 3. Think about how to position yourself so that the judges will be able to see your best movements.

Step 4. Practice, practice, practice, including any introductory remarks you may wish to make in your practicing so that the entire set comes out as one smooth sequence.

Katas, Forms and/or Weapons

Step 1. Choose the form that you are most comfortable with and display your best skills.

Step 2. Make certain that the form is challenging for you, not one you’ve had for a long time.

Step 3. Think about how to position yourself so that the judges will be able to see your best movements.

Step 4. Practice, practice, practice, including any introductory remarks you may wish to make in your practicing so that the entire set comes out as one smooth sequence.

Sparring

Step 1. Get focused.  Remember that unless you are a Black Belt, this is a non-contact event, so your primary focus should be on how to score points against an opponent.  Also remember that you must have your own equipment to participate in this event.

Step 2. Watch in class when other people are sparring so that you can see how to score points.  Most people have the same bad habits, so if you can figure out what they are, you will have an advantage.  For example, most people drop their hands when they kick, the perfect opportunity to score points to their head, plus, they let you know that they are kicking.

Step 3. Remember that this is generally a single elimination event, and that if you lose your match, you will probably not get the opportunity to go again unless you are in contention for a medal or are randomly selected to spar again because of an odd number of competitors in a given round.

Step 4. Practice at home with one of the following methods:

• Shadow Boxing: Practice by throwing strings of kicks and punches against an invisible opponent.  Remember to keep throwing them where you are focused, not every which way.
• Targeting: Using an object that you don’t mind hitting, set it up in a clear area of your home where you can aim at it above your waist level.  Practice throwing strings of kicks and punches at it without connecting.  For those of you that have punching bags at home, the best way to do this is to set it up so that it is about your height.  Then, tie your belt around it at your waist level, and use this as your guideline.
• Defense: Have a parent throw slow punches and kicks toward you so that you can practice blocking.  A pool noodle or other soft object also works well.

Please remember that very few competitors will actually receive place trophies.  The value of this type of event is in the mental and physical preparation for it, so make sure that you get something out of it by trying your best.  For more practice or tips, you may also schedule a private class.

About the Tournament

2011 marks the tenth year of this tournament, and I was one of the original creators and worked as a director before stepping down several years ago.  Each year, the event has had hundreds of competitors, and has run very smoothly (and on time, unlike most Tournaments).  Although it is a large event, the organizers do their very best to ensure the quality of each competitors experience, especially regarding consistency of judging.  The judges are trained in the way they score the competition as well as their manner of presentation.  The registration process itself is set up to make certain that the judges and coordinators will have all of the information they need to run the event as efficiently as possible.  Although any judge is certainly human and capable of errors, I can assure you that they are fair and impartial in all of their scoring.  I have been an instructor or close colleague of just about every one of the judges at some point in my career, and I have a lot of respect for all of them.

What You Need to Know

Here are some things you need to know about the Tournament if you are thinking of entering:

• All entrants are competing against people of their same relative age and skill level.  All divisions are listed on the schedule, and some may be broken down further depending on the number of entries.  On very rare occasions, events may be combined if there are a small number of registered participants.
• There are several types of competitions that each participant may enter, including Combinations (Goshins), Sparring, Forms, Weapons, Synchronized Forms, and Open Forms.  Children under Junior Black Belt level are generally able to compete in the Sparring and/or Combinations categories.  Most adults and children at the Junior Black Belt level and above are also eligible to compete in the Forms category.  Students that have participated in performance, weapon, or kung fu classes may be able to compete in other divisions.  All belt class students are eligible to compete in the Chanbara event (padded sword fighting).  Equipment for this event will be provided.  If you have questions about your eligibility, please ask.  For more information about how to compete in these categories, click here.
• If you are interested in participating, you can register online. Detailed rules, regulations, and schedules are also available at the website.  The tournament itself will be held at Sports World in East Windsor, about a 25 minute ride North on I-91.
• The entry fee is $88 during the months of January and February.  This covers your registration for as many events as you are eligible.  In the month of March, the price increases, so I would recommend registering as soon as possible.  Each competitor will receive 2 entry tickets: one for the competitor and one for a spectator.  Additional spectator tickets are available for $5 each.  I recommend that you get these the day of the event.  Children under 4 and adults over 65 are free. 
• Please make certain that you register for the belt rank that is appropriate for you.  If you know that you will be testing for a new belt shortly before the Tournament and it will change your division, you may enter as your previous belt, but you will have to wear your old belt on the day of the event.  If you are registering earlier, you may not know exactly which belt you will be at that time so go ahead and make a guess and it can be adjusted later if necessary.
• All competitors in the sparring division must bring their own sparring equipment; those competing in the weapons division must have their own weapon.  Shoes are highly recommended, but not required.
• Place trophies will be awarded to the top 4 competitors in each division.  Everyone who participates will receive a trophy.

3 Reasons to participate:

There are 3 reasons that YOU should be interested in competing:

1. This is a rare opportunity to place yourself in a situation where you must perform under pressure (rather than waiting around to be attacked)
2. Refining and really focusing on a particular set of skills for competitive purposes has value well beyond the simple act of practicing, and translates into better self-discipline, more physical and mental strength, and a more positive attitude overall.  I have seen MANY people who were nervous or afraid participate in this type of event and it ended up truly propelling them forward in terms of their character growth at all ages.  By the way, if YOU are nervous to perform, that is exactly the reason you NEED to do it and do it now!!!
3. I have faith that your hard work and participation, regardless of outcome, and your great example will bring honor to yourself and to our school.

This is one of the few opportunities we have to go out and see people from other martial arts schools.  It is one of my favorite events of the year because I love seeing the hard work students put into their training pay off in the form of greater confidence and self-esteem.  I look forward to seeing you there!

Camps are open to any actively training students in belt programs under the age of 14.

As always, the camp will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and campers are invited to participate in a wide range of activities, including extra karate classes, sparring, advanced forms, performance, and weapons training.  We will also have some time to focus on preparing for this year’s CKI tournament as well.  In addition, campers also experience other fun and exciting activities, such as origami, fight scene choreography, playing go, and other possibilities.  The specifics will be decided depending on the students enrolled.  Almost all participants at past camps have had such a great time that they have wanted to participate again and again!

In order to participate, a non-refundable full payment of $60 is required to secure your space.  You may make this via the appropriate PayPal link below or by the usual methods at the school.  If you have any questions, or to reserve a spot, please contact me at the school at (860) 665-7553 or bthomas@thekempokan.com.

To make a deposit by PayPal click here.