Competitors are asked to look at the judges before each cut to ensure they are watching each cut being made (exceptions will be announced). Competitors will ensure their sword is approved by the judges and competitors are allowed only one sword for the open long sword rounds. Swords may not be changed out 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: 

Definitions of each cut and thrust are shown in appendix A 

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 long thrust, the competitor must take an action to step into measure, preform the cut or thrust, then step back out of measure. 

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: Power and Control 

Tatami mats will be stacked horizontally six to seven rolls high. Two vertical cut attempts to get through as many mats as possible. Each cut will require an action to step into measure, perform the cut, then step back out of measure. Competitors will perform one attempt at a time, then let the next competitor make an attempt.

Scoring: Up to 10 points per successful cut. Successful cuts must remain controlled vertically, any movement off approximately vertical (scoops and turns) will end the successful cuts, even if they pass through a mat. In the unlikely event of cutting through all mats, and hitting the stand below, this will not cause a deduction for this feat. 

Final Round Feat 2: Double Targets (possible 80 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 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 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