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Internal and Combat Arts

Skill, control and respect

Internal and Combat Arts

The goal is to bring together the deeper internal training of Chinese Martial Arts with live combat training and fighting.

Our focus is on developing both body and mind, so each student can apply themselves to their full potential across any style they train.

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Chi Sao Competition Rules

Weight Categories

Men​

  • Below 65 kg

  • Below 75 kg

  • Below 85 kg

  • Below 95kg

  • Below 105 kg

  • Open Weight

Women

  • Below 55 kg

  • Below 60 kg

  • Below 65 kg

  • Below 70 kg

  • Open Weight

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Match Format

  • Two rounds: 2 minutes each, with 1 minute between rounds

  • Overtime: 2-minute round if a draw

  • Finals / Championships: 3 rounds, 2 minutes each, 1 minute between rounds

  • Competition area: ~10ft x 10ft square (subject to adjustment)

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Equipment

All fighters must wear:

  • Boxing-style groin protector

  • Gum shield

  • Shin protectors

  • Knee pads

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Levels of Competition

  • Advanced – Controlled full contact

  • Novice – Same rules with added chest protector

  • Junior (up to 16 yrs) – Chest protector, light hand cover, strikes are touch contact

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Unified Chi Sao Competition Rules

  • Start in Chi Sao roll position

  • Referee signals fight after 3 rolls

  • Striking only after “Fight” call

  • Controlled strikes below the neck

  • Touch contact only above the neck (open hand, palm, chop — not to nose/eyes/mouth)

  • Head can be pushed, pulled, grabbed, twisted (controlled only, no fast cranks)

  • Allowed: holds, clinch (5 sec max), fig-4 locks, throws, trips, controlled submissions (standing or 1 knee down)

  • Striking allowed with fists, palms, forearms, knees, kicks (below neck only, controlled contact)

  • Striking requires bridge contact (short or long)

  • Ref restarts after 5 seconds if roll breaks, clinch stalls, or fighters go to the ground

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Forbidden Techniques

  • Closed-fist strikes above the shoulders

  • Kicks or knees to the head

  • Kicks below the knee or above the armpit

  • Finger strikes, eye gouges, nose/mouth strikes

  • Elbow tip strikes

  • Joint strikes / small joint locks

  • Stomps, groin strikes, spine locks

  • Hair pulling, biting, scratching, fish hooking

  • Grabbing clothes, ears, or using substances

  • Fast/violent neck twisting

  • Straight arm locks

  • Kicking downed opponents

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Referee Authority

The referee may stop the match for:

  • Heavy head contact (disqualification)

  • Striking illegal areas

  • Lack of control in strikes or pressure

  • Fighters going out of bounds

  • Safety concerns or injury checks

  • Restart after 5-second breaks, stalls, or going to ground

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Judging Guidelines

Points Awarded For:

  • Ring control and stance

  • Off-balance opponent control

  • Clean striking combinations (with structure, timing, control)

  • Trips, sweeps, throws

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Point Deductions For:

  • Stalling / lack of aggression

  • Illegal strikes or actions

  • Attacking after the referee stops

  • Running out or disengaging

  • Excessive uncontrolled pressure

  • Warnings from referee

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Disqualification:

  • Two warnings or a serious foul

  • Deliberate illegal strikes or attempts to injure

  • Rude or disrespectful behaviour towards the opponent, referee, or staff

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Ways to Win

  • KO – Opponent cannot continue

  • TKO – Referee stops the fight if no defence/counter

  • Submission – Opponent taps out

  • Points – Judged by referee and officials

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