Self Defense Division Rules – Hawaii Pacific Regionals

Self Defense

Rules and Regulations

Guide to Competition Protocol and Scoring in Self Defense

Self Defense is where the purpose of Kajukenbo is on full display. In this division, competitors perform a choreographed self-defense demonstration with their own attackers, and the judges score it the same way they score kata and weapons kata: on technique and performance. A winning routine is realistic, precise, controlled, and delivered with the spirit of a martial artist who means it.

This guide covers the rules, protocols, and scoring for the Self Defense divisions at the Hawaii Pacific Regionals, using the same standards as our Kata (Forms) and Weapons Kata rules.

• Date: Saturday, September 4, 2027
• Location: Palama Settlement
• Doors open: 8:30 am. Tournament begins: 9:30 am.
• Division order: Self Defense – Men’s, then Women’s, then Children’s

SELF DEFENSE COMPETITION

Only the registered competitor (the defender) is judged. Attackers do not need to register as competitors, but every attacker must sign the IKA General Liability Form before the division begins. Safe training weapons only, inspected before the division. No live or sharpened weapons. No music. Throws and falls only on mats.

1. Divisions

Self Defense is offered in three divisions, Men’s, Women’s and Children’s, each split by rank level and age.

Rank Levels

• Novice
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• Black Belt – all black belt ranks
• Masters – senior black belt ranks (Masters level as listed on the registration form)

Competitors must compete at the highest rank they hold in any martial art.

Age Splits

As in our other divisions, the adult divisions are for competitors 15 years of age and over, and the Children’s division is for competitors 14 and under.

Any division with fewer than 3 competitors may be combined with the closest age or rank division at the discretion of the Division Lead Judge. The Self Defense division is open to all styles.

2. The Routine: What You Must Show

Every Self Defense routine is a choreographed demonstration of realistic defenses against realistic attacks. You choose and arrange your own techniques.

Required Defenses

Every routine, at every rank, must include at least one defense against each of the following:

1. A punch
2. A grab (wrist, clothing, choke, headlock, bear hug, or similar)
3. A kick

Slow, Then Street Speed

Each technique is shown first at a slow, instructional speed so the judges can see every movement, and then again at street speed. You may present the techniques one at a time or as one continuous routine.

Requirements by Rank

Children’s divisions follow this table with the restrictions in Section 9.

Example:

An Intermediate competitor brings two attackers. The first throws a straight punch, the second grabs from behind in a bear hug, and the first returns with a front kick. She shows each defense slowly, then runs the whole sequence at street speed, finishing well inside her 3:00 limit.

3. Attackers (Partners)

• Attackers are part of your routine, but only you are judged. Attackers do not place, receive awards, or need to register as competitors.
• Every attacker must sign the IKA General Liability Form before the division begins. A parent or guardian must sign for any attacker under 18.
• Attackers must wear a martial arts uniform or plain training attire approved by the Division Lead Judge.
• Attacks must be realistic and committed. An attacker who “does the work” for you, such as falling or flying away without being moved, lowers the realism of your routine and your score.
• Competitors in the Children’s 7 & under division and Children’s Novices may use an instructor or an older student as their attacker. All other competitors should use partners of similar size and experience.

4. Before the Performance: Setting the Stage

How you present yourself to the judges is part of your performance.

1. Approach the Judges with Respect. When your name is called, walk to the judges with your attacker(s) a few steps behind you. Bow respectfully.
2. Introduce Yourself and Your Routine. Clearly state your name, your school, and your routine, including how many attackers you have and whether any training weapons are used. For example: “My name is Kai Mahoe from Example Kajukenbo School, and I will be performing an Advanced self-defense routine with three attackers, including one knife defense.”
3. Weapon Inspection. Any training weapon in your routine must be shown to the Division Lead Judge for inspection before the division begins (see Section 7).
4. Take Your Starting Position. Return to your starting position, bow to your attacker(s), and wait for the center judge’s signal to begin.

Scenario Example:

Leilani is called to the ring for Women’s Black Belt. She approaches the panel with her four attackers, bows, and announces, “My name is Leilani, from Example Kajukenbo School, and I will be performing a Black Belt self-defense routine with four attackers, including a stick and a knife defense.” Her training weapons were inspected before the division began. She returns to her starting point, bows to her attackers, and waits for the signal.

5. During and After the Performance

Timing. Time starts on the center judge’s signal and stops when you finish your final technique and return to your ready position.

Hold Your Position. When your routine is complete, you and your attackers return to your starting positions and stay still and attentive while the judges score. Leave the ring only after the center judge dismisses you, then bow once more.

6. Judging Criteria

Judges score the competitor (the defender) on the following:

1. Realism and Practicality. The attacks are believable, and the defenses would actually work on the street.
2. Execution and Technique. Stances, balance, power, speed, accuracy, and correct body mechanics.
3. Effectiveness. Each defense neutralizes the attack and finishes the threat.
4. Control. Strikes, throws, locks, and weapon defenses are delivered with full intent but controlled, with no injury to your partners.
5. Presentation and Intensity. Focus, spirit, kiai, timing, and etiquette from the first bow to the last.

Higher ranks are expected to show greater difficulty, variety, and complexity.

7. Weapons

• Only safe training weapons are allowed: rubber, foam, plastic, or wood training knives with no edge or point, padded or training sticks, and non-functional plastic or rubber training guns.
• No live weapons of any kind. No sharpened blades, no metal blades, and no real or functioning firearms, loaded or unloaded.
• All weapons must be inspected and approved by the Division Lead Judge before the division begins. An unapproved weapon may not be used.
• Weapon attacks are permitted only in the Advanced, Black Belt and Masters levels.
• Only Black Belts and Masters may use a weapon taken from an attacker as part of their defense.
• Weapons must stay under control at all times. A disarmed weapon should be dropped or placed inside the ring.

8. Safety

Safety comes first in every Self Defense routine.

• Throws, Takedowns, and Falls may be performed only on mats, and only with partners trained to fall safely.
• Controlled Contact Only. No hard contact to the head, face, throat, spine, groin, or joints. Locks and chokes are applied only to the point of demonstration, never to injury.
• Center Judge Authority. The center judge may stop any routine at any time if a competitor or attacker is at risk. A routine stopped for safety is scored as incomplete or disqualified, at the judges’ decision.
• If you cannot do a technique safely, do not do it.

9. Children’s Division Safety Rules

• No chokes, neck cranks, or joint locks applied with pressure. They may be shown as positions only.
• Throws and takedowns only at the Intermediate level and above, only on mats, and only with partners of appropriate size.
• No weapons for Children’s Novice and Intermediate. Children’s Advanced and Black Belt may defend only against foam or rubber training knives and padded sticks.
• Children may not use a weapon taken from an attacker.
• Every routine must end with a clear escape and, where it fits the routine, a strong kiai.

10. Scoring Protocols

Scoring Range. All Self Defense performances are scored within a range of 9.60 to 9.99, the same range used for traditional kata and traditional weapons kata.

Judges. Color belt divisions are scored by 3 black belt judges, and Black Belt and Masters divisions by 5. With 5 judges, the highest and lowest scores are dropped.

First Two Competitors. To ensure fairness and consistency, the first and second competitors in each division hold off on receiving scores until both have completed their routines. This allows the judges to set a proper scoring baseline. The number of held performances may vary based on the number of competitors in the ring.

Example:

Noa and Keoni are the first two competitors in Men’s Intermediate 18–34. Noa performs a sharp, realistic routine against two attackers. Keoni follows with three attackers. Neither receives a score until both routines are finished, so the judges have a basis to compare and grade fairly.

11. Restarting a Performance

If you lose your place or a technique breaks down, you are granted one restart.

1. The restarted performance receives an “incomplete” designation.
2. Incomplete performances are scored between 9.50 and 9.60.
3. An incomplete routine cannot outrank a fully completed one, no matter how polished it is.

12. Point Deductions

Each of the following results in a 0.05-point deduction per instance:

• Stepping Outside the Ring. Applies to the competitor and to attackers.
• Weapon Leaving the Ring’s Boundaries. A training weapon dropped or displaced beyond the boundary line.
• Exceeding the Time Limit. 0.05 per 10 seconds over.
• Loss of Control. An unintentionally dropped weapon, or contact or technique that is careless but causes no injury.
• Fouls or Rule Violations. Each foul committed during the performance.

Example:

During his Black Belt routine, Makoa’s disarm sends the training knife skidding over the boundary line, and later one of his attackers steps out of the ring. These two infractions lead to a total deduction of 0.10 points from his final score.

13. Disqualification

A competitor will be disqualified for any of the following:

• Injuring an attacker, by majority decision of the judges
• Using a live, sharpened, or uninspected weapon
• Unsafe conduct that continues after a warning from the center judge, or any reckless technique
• Unsportsmanlike conduct by the competitor, their attackers, or their coach
• Failing to report to the ring when the division begins

14. Handling Tie Scores

When two or more competitors earn identical scores, a tiebreaker decides the placing.

1. Tied competitors perform again, choosing either the same routine or a different one.
2. If a second tie occurs, they perform yet another routine if available, and the process continues until the judges determine a clear winner.

15. Uniform

• Competitors must wear a complete, clean traditional martial arts uniform (top and bottom) in good repair, with the belt of their current rank.
• No offensive words or artwork on any uniform.
• No jewelry or hard objects that could injure a partner.

16. Space Accommodations

If your routine needs extra room, for example with five attackers or a long stick, communicate with the arbitrator before the event begins. The Division Lead Judge will evaluate the request and make the final decision, ensuring fairness and safety.

Final Thoughts

Self Defense is the heart of Kajukenbo. These rules are in place to keep every competitor and every attacker safe, to keep the judging fair, and to reward routines that are realistic, technically excellent, and performed with true martial spirit. Prepare your attackers as carefully as you prepare yourself, respect your partners, and step into the ring ready to show what Kajukenbo is for.

Questions about these rules may be directed to the Tournament Director, Professor Sean Harflinger.

Register today for the Hawaii Pacific Regionals