The rounds for the Messer/Falchion 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 Messer/Falchion sword rounds. Messer/Falchion may be single hand or hand and half. 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 8 scored competitors from the first 2 elimination rounds will advance to the semi-finals

Semi-Final Feat: Passing cuts (possible 100 points)

Using the basic cuts and thrusts prescribed on a single mat. The goal of this feat is to spar the mat. Competitor is to perform two consecutive actions, first by stepping into measure, perform the cut or thrust, then move to pass by a side step(single or double) around the mat in the direction indicated to perform the second cut or thrust, and then move back out of measure. 

Prescribed actions:
1) Left descending cut, side step/circle left, right descending cut
2) Right descending cut, side step/circle right, left descending cut
3) Long Thrust, side step/circle left, left descending cut
4) Long Thrust, side step/circle right, right descending cut
5) Left descending cut, side step/circle left, short thrust (for right hand, opposite for left
hand)

Scoring: Up to 10 points per successful cut, up to 10 points for successful thrust. -5 form points on the second action if competitor does not break the plane of their front foot from the first action.

The top 3 scored competitors from the semi-finals will advance to finals.

Final Round Feat 1: Advancing and Retreating (possible 90 points)

Using the basic cuts and thrusts prescribed on a single mat. The goal of this feat is to spar the mat. Competitor is to perform three consecutive actions, first by stepping into measure, perform the cut or thrust, perform the second cut or thrust and advance if needed, and perform the last cut or thrust while moving back out of measure.

Prescribed actions:
1) Long thrust, left descending cut, right descending cut
2) Left descending cut, short thrust, right descending cut
3) Long thrust, right ascending cut, left horizontal cut

Scoring: Up to 10 points per successful cut, up to 10 points for successful thrust. -5 form points on the third action if competitor does not perform action while retreating.

Final Round Feat 2: Double Targets (possible 100 points)

A single tatami mat and a bamboo target will be spaced apart. The tatami mat will have a small bamboo section on top of it. A pattern of cuts is to be performed without stopping between cuts. First is a false edge ascending cut on the small bamboo section on top of the tatami, then a descending cut, short thrust combo on the tatami mat, followed by a descending, ascending, descending combo on the bamboo, followed by an ascending/descending same side 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