Open Tournament Ruleset

2026 Whistlekick Martial Arts League logo
whistlekick tournament standards

Open Tournament Ruleset

A shareable, style-neutral tournament rules framework. Current published version: 1.3 (August 31, 2026). This ruleset serves events beyond WMAL.

Version 1.3 is the current published release. Use the linked PDF or DOC for the full text. The version history remains available below.

The whistlekick Open Tournament Ruleset is used by all tournaments participating in the Whistlekick Martial Arts League.

Introduction

This document outlines the official rules for events operating under the whistlekick Open Tournament Ruleset. This ruleset is presented royalty-free and may be used, modified, or adapted by any event or organization.

The only requirement: If you use this ruleset — in whole or in part — you must clearly disclose that fact within your published rules or event materials.

Purpose

We provide this ruleset to assist the global martial arts community with clarity and cohesion in competition. Our goals are to:

  • Promote fair, open, and inclusive martial arts events
  • Provide a framework that is style-neutral and referee-driven
  • Reduce ambiguity and confusion for competitors, referees, and hosts
  • Allow tournament directors to customize or expand where needed

This document covers:

  • Point Sparring
  • Forms (Traditional, Creative, Musical, Extreme)
  • Weapons Forms
  • Flag Sparring
  • Power Breaking Gauntlet
  • General Event Guidelines

Training Courses

  • For free training courses, visit here.

Future versions may include additional divisions such as breaking, continuous sparring, or team formats. Feedback and collaboration are welcome as this ruleset continues to grow with the community it serves.

Current Version

Version 1.3 — Full PDF] [Full DOC] | 20260831

Prior Versions

1.0 - [Full PDF] [Full DOC] | 20250718
1.1 - [Full PDF] [Full DOC] | 20251222
1.2 - [Full PDF] [Full DOC] | 20260710

Version History / Changelog Section

  1. Version 1.0 – July 18, 2025
    1. Initial release of the whistlekick Open Tournament Ruleset
    2. Covers Point Sparring, Forms (Traditional, Creative, Musical, Extreme), Weapons, and General Event Guidelines
    3. Focus on clarity, style-neutral language, and referee-driven decisions
  2. Version 1.1 – December 16, 2025
    1. Added the rules for flag sparring.
    2. Changed forms ties rules to prioritize the high score over the low score when dropped scores are added back in.
  3. Version 1.2 - July 10, 2026
    1. Added the rules for Power Breaking Gauntlet.

  4. Version 1.3 – August 31, 2026

    1. Added Position Grappling rules, including scoring, safety, equipment, stalling, reset, hygiene, timekeeping, and officiating standards for submission-free grappling competition.

    2. Added Point Sparring scoring language requiring clear retraction or recovery and clarifying that stiff-arm or pushing techniques do not meet the technical standard for scoring.