Tameshigiri Competition
The Tameshigiri event is a single elimination competition (Single Elimination Description). There will be separate iai-do, and batto-do events. The batto-do and iai events will broken into three categories. Shodan and below, Nidan and Sandan, and Yondan and above. A competitor may enter a higher category, but never a lower one. Each competitor will perform a series of cuts on one to three targets per round. The cuts are described below. A sequence of cuts may be started from the left or right. The targets will be single tatami mats. Judges will base their decision on such aspects as performing the proper sequence of cuts, angles of cuts, cleanness of cuts, and over-all presentation. Competitors may face disqualification for missing the target, not cutting all the way through a target, knocking the target off the stand, knocking over the stand, or hitting the peg in the top of the stand. The Judges may direct a competitor to stop and not continue if they have been disqualified. A competitor should never touch the target or stand. This includes adjusting the target or righting a stand that has been knocked over. Judges will penalize a competitor for not making cuts in the proper sequence, bad cutting angles, having a cut pass through a previous cut, having a cut pass through the top of the target, and shaving off too thin a piece of the target. Competitors are being judged for proper attitude and decorum the entire time they are on the competition floor. All aspects of the competition are subject to change by the head judges.
Wakizashi will have a qualifying round. All competitors will perform the first round cutting sequence and get a pass/fail ruling from the judges. You must pass to qualify for the rest of the event. Wakizashi competitors will then move on to a single elimination round.
