Open Arming Sword Cutting Tournament Rounds:
The rounds for the arming sword tournament will be similar to the open longsword rounds. Competitors will ensure their sword is approved by the judges and competitors are allowed only one sword for the open arming sword rounds. Swords may not be changed between any feat unless absolutely required for safety reasons. This event will consist of an elimination round consisting of two feats, a semifinal of one feat, and a final round consisting of two feats
Elimination Feat 1: Proficiency and Control (possible 80 points)
Six Basic cuts on a single mat, plus one short thrust, and one long thrust. These may be completed in any order. Each cut will require an action to step into measure, preform the cut, then step back out of measure.
Scoring: Up to 10 points per successful cut, up to 10 points for successful thrust For this feat, special attention will be paid to form and control.
Elimination Feat 2: Accuracy (possible 80 points)
Lines will be painted on the bamboo target. Four basic cuts will be used to cut the painted lines from the top line down. Two attempts for each basic cut for a total of up to eight cuts. Each cut will require an action to step into measure, preform the cut, then step back out of measure.
Scoring: Up to 10 points per successful cut through the painted line. (following the line, not perpendicular too it) Successful cut that misses the line will start at 4 points before deductions. If the wrong line is successfully cut, it will be treated a missed line cut.
The top 6 scored competitors from the first 2 elimination rounds will advance to the semi-finals
Semi-Final Feat: Reactionary Cutting (possible 100 points)
Four Basic cuts on a single mat and long thrusts. The goal of this feat is to spar the mat. A staff member will be across and outside the cutting area from the competitor. The staff member will run through a series of signals the competitor must react too. As the staff member signals an action; one of the four basic cuts, or a thrust, the competitor must take an action to step into measure, preform the cut or thrust, then step back out of measure. If the staff member signals two actions, the competitor may choose to complete them in either order.
Scoring: Up to 10 points per successful cut, up to 10 points for successful thrust The top 3 scored competitors from the semi-finals will advance to finals.
Final Round Feat 1: Thrust to Cut (possible 120 points)
Long thrust on a single tatami mat, followed immediately by one of the six basic cuts. The sequence will require an action to step into measure of tatami, perform the thrust/cut combo, then step back out of measure, without pausing. Competitors may choose which order they wish to perform each of the six basic cuts.
Scoring: Up to 10 points per successful cut, up to 10 points for successful thrust
Final Round Feat 2: Double Targets (possible 90 points)
A single tatami mat and a bamboo target will be spaced apart. A pattern of cuts is to be performed without stopping between cuts. First is a long thrust, descending cut, short thrust combo on the tatami mat, followed by a descending, ascending, descending combo on the bamboo, followed by a double cut back on the tatami mat. The sequence will require actions to step into measure of tatami, perform the thrust/cut/thrust combo, step into measure of the bamboo, perform the cut combo, step into measure of the tatami, perform the double cut, then step back out of measure, without pausing. Competitors may choose which sides they wish to perform each section of the feat.
Scoring: Up to 10 points per successful cut/thrust. Final cut of double cut will count for double points
Advanced Arming Sword Cutting Tournament Rounds:
This is an invitational event. Competitors will be placed in Advanced by the tournament staff based prior experience. If a competitor has won a prior open cutting event, they will be placed in advanced. If a competitor feels they are placed incorrectly, they should reach out to the tournament staff. Competitors will ensure their sword is approved by the judges and competitors are allowed only one sword for the advanced arming sword rounds. Swords may not be changed between any feat unless absolutely required for safety reasons.
This event will consist of an elimination round consisting of 2 feats, a semifinal of 1 feat, and a final round consisting of 2 feats.
