Praying Mantis Kung Fu
 
 

TAIJIQUAN RULES

Taijiquan Forms Division

Participants are divided into separate divisions based on style of form. These are: Yang (Yang Lu Chan), Wu (Wu Chien Chuan), and Chen. All participants must present themselves for forms competition attired in a traditional internal Style tournament uniform and be prepared to perform a three (3) minute (maximum) set.

  • These are Adult Divisions.
  • Divisions are assigned as Novice, Intermediate and Advanced.
    • Novice - means having trained for under one year (12 months)
    • Intermediate - means having trained for under three (36 months)
    • Advanced - means having trained for over three years
  • Music is not allowed in any of these divisions.

An internal Style uniform consists of traditional Chinese jacket and pants. Uniforms of this type may be available on the premises from participating vendors. Participants will not be allowed to perform bare-footed. There will be no exceptions. If a competitor is in need of shoes, kung-fu type slippers will be available through one of the commercial vendors.

The head judge in each division will determine whether a participant’s forms is acceptable and representative of the style it is proported to be. For example, if a form is called ‘Yang’, it must have a predominance of recognizable traditional Yang style Taijiquan characteristics. If too many are missing, the head judge will confer with the corner judges, and acting on a majority consensus, s/he has the right to disqualify a participant on the grounds of failing to retain the traditional flavor of the style.

A participant has the right to contest such a decision only after having read the criteria which must be followed by the judges of each division. Ultimately, if the participant still does not agree with the judges’ final decision, they may obtain a refund of their division entry fee from the tournament administrators.

All forms will be scored on the following basis:

  • Adherence to the widely recognized and accepted principles of Taijiquan
  • Clear posture characteristics of the style being performed
  • Clear definition of substantial and insubstantial
  • Clear demonstration of posture intent (martial function)
  • Whole body connection
  • Rooting, balance and control
  • Posture sequence and flow
  • Clearly defined internal strength/power
  • Clear maintenance of " Peng " and " Sung " throughout the set

Taijiquan Tuie Sou/Push Hands Division

There are no separtate divisions for men and women. The goal of Tuie Sou/Push Hands is to clearly demonstrate understanding and skill in "Peng" (Ward Off), "Chi" (Press), "An" (Push), "Lu" (Roll Back), "Lieh" (Split), "Tsai" (Pull Down). Participants who wish to enter this division should know what these terms mean or seek clarification from their sifu.

  • Divisions are assigned as Novice, Intermediate and Advanced.
    • Novice Level Competitors must have practiced Taiji Tuei Sou for a minimum of two (2) years.
    • Intermediate Level Competitors must have practiced Taiji Tuei Sou for over two years but do not teach Taiji or Taiji Tuei Sou.
    • Advanced Level Competitors must be Instructors or Student Instructors of a recognized Taijiquan system.
  • Participants must be prepared to prove experience with references if questioned.
  • Competitors will be paired up by weight when possible.
  • A red sash will identify the competitors as "Red" or "White".
  • Area of Competition
    • Stationary Push Hand Competition will take place where the surface of the floor is flat, firm, and non-slippery.
  • Mouth guards may be worn.
  • Finger nails must be cut short.
  • Competitors must be attired appropriately with appropriate foot wear.

Tournament Rules:

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