If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact us at: info@chonjimartialarts.org
Competitors
What is a “open” tournament?
A open tournament is just that: a tournament in which any style of martial art may compete.
What types of competitions are available?
This tournament will test your abilities in 3 (three) areas:
Forms: You get to choose the empty hand form with which you are most comfortable. Judging is based on your ability to perform your routine with control and precision.
Weapons Forms: You get to choose the weapon & the form with which you are most comfortable. Judging is based on your ability to perform your routine with control and precision.
Sparring: This is a LOW-to-NO Contact competition. Excessive force and/or dangerous techniques – as determined by the Judges, Arbiter, or Tournament Director – will be grounds for immediate disqualification (DQ). All competitors are REQUIRED to wear full safety equipment during this event. Judging is based on your ability to perform with awareness, control, and precision.
What level of contact during sparring is allowed?
This is a low-to-no contact tournament. The goal is to demonstrate control and targeting – not raw force. Excessive contact or blind techniques will be cause for immediate disqualification (DQ). The decision is at the discretion of the judges, director, and/or arbiter. All decisions are final.
With all of the recent vitriol by some in the local community, will it be safe to attend?
Yes, as safe as any gathering can be these days. ANY inappropriate behavior may result in immediate expulsion from the venue at the discretion of Tournament Director and/or the Arbiter.
Coaching: For competitors under 8 years old, parents or guardians only may be on the floor (ie competition area) during the competition. All other ages groups may be “coached” from outside of the floor area.
The Rules
These are just some highlights:
1. Entry to the competition is at the discretion of the Tournament Director and/or the Arbiter.
2. ANY inappropriate behavior may result in immediate expulsion from the venue at the discretion of Tournament Director and/or the Arbiter.
3. This is a traditional martial arts tournament. It is not: a boxing match, MMA fight, or any other type of full contact, combat event.
4. Coaching: For competitors under 8 years old, parents or guardians only may be on the floor (ie competition area) during the competition. All other ages groups may be “coached” from outside of the floor area.
Partners
What kind of partners is the tournament looking for?
Battle on the Columbia is looking for entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals to be a part of our family.
Why does Battle on the Columbia need partners?
Simple, we have bills to pay. The venue is our largest single cost, but it is not the only cost. There are medals for competitors (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place), food and hydration for staff and judges, and all of the other miscellaneous expenses that any event incurs.
What benefits do partners enjoy?
In addition to supporting children and adults in their journeys, they will have the opportunity to attend the tournament to meet and greet with the competitors.
Partners will have their logos with links to their websites prominently displayed on the front page of the Battle on the Columbia website. They will also be able to distribute marketing collateral and display their wares.
May partners sell their products at the event?
No. Southridge Sports Complex is a taxpayer funded organization and, as such, retails sales on the venue grounds are prohibited. However, e-commerce sales (ie sales made via website) are permitted.
What experience do you have in hosting such events?
Master Lorraine Tucker-Reid is the owner/operator of Chon Ji Martial Arts Academy (https://chonjimartialarts.org/) and is the executive director of Battle on the Columbia (Battle) which has consistently been in operation since 2009. In that time Battle has grown from 50 to nearly 200 competitors.