Welcome to the US Open & ISKA World Championships
The World's Most Prestigious Martial Arts Event!

Each year, the US OPEN World Championships weekend presents an experience unique to the martial arts. The location itself is in the heart of Disney World and sets the stage for a fun and magical weekend of thrilling competition and activities for everyone. As always, the US OPEN will bring together the world's very best competitors, teams, coaches, spectators, and officials for a weekend of inspiring performances and the most memorable of good times. Once again the OPEN will be telecast worldwide on the ESPN Networks and provide you with the opportunity to receive Special Disney Park Passes! Whether you are a seasoned competitor or a newcomer to the art and sport, the US OPEN aims to be your most exciting and enjoyable event of the year!

Events will be held on the weekend of July 4th through July 5th.
Register Online
Events Schedule

SPECIAL DISNEY PASSES for US OPEN Competitors and Spectators
No doubt about it, the best way to see Disney World is with the multi-park Hopper Pass that lets you travel freely between the Disney parks as often as you like, and gets you free entry into the Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island Entertainment Complex and DisneyQuest. These are two, three, four, or five-day discount-priced passes available only to our competitors, spectators, and guests. Don't miss the magic that makes Walt Disney World the world's number one vacation destination!
More information on specially priced Disney Passes

The US OPEN strives each year to present new ways to enhance your competition experience! This year, nearly four hundred divisions will give you the potential for a tremendous variety of competitive experience.

The US Open's innovative Unlimited Entry... means that you can compete in up to four forms and four weapons divisions - Musical, Extreme, Creative and Traditional and Six Team Events - Team Synchronized Forms, Demonstration Team, Self Defense and Team Point Fighting. Continuous Sparring will be held on Friday and Team Point Sparring will occur after your team forms divisions have been completed, so you may register and compete in both types of sparring competition. (Please note that not every event option is offered for every rank and every age group. Please refer to our divisions page in order to confirm the divisions appropriate for your age and rank before proceeding to registration.) The 2008 US OPEN will also, once again host the ISKA World Breaking Championships
More information on the large variety of separate age and rank Divisions for each type of competition
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On-Line Registration is the Easiest and Most Economical way to register for competition and to purchase spectator passes! Competitors who have advance registered will have their competition materials and spectator passes prepared for them in advance and ready for their pickup beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 3rd at the Coronado's Convention Center Registration bay marked "Advance Registration Pick-up." A picture I.D. will be absolutely necessary in order to claim your advance registration package (parents may claim their children's competitor packages by presenting their own picture I.D.)

If you prefer to register via fax or mail we can see that you receive a registration form by mail, fax or email that can be returned to us. Please make this request by emailing help@usopen-karate.com or by calling (352) 331-0260. (Please Note: All fax and mail registration will carry an additional $5.00 handling fee.)

Your registration will reflect the "events" that you intend to compete in rather than the specific "divisions." When you register to compete, you will be asked to indicate which events you would like to compete in (i.e. Traditional Weapons, Creative Forms, Point Fighting, etc.). The exact "division" of competition will additionally take into consideration your age, rank / level of experience or weight. The Under-black belt divisions skill-level breakdown is as follows: beginner (usually white, yellow & orange belts), intermediate (usually blue, green & purple belts) and advanced (usually red & brown belts).

When you arrive at the US OPEN, event programs and complete event schedules will be available. These programs will have a list of all of the event divisions and their ring assignments (i.e. 7 & 8 year old Traditional Weapons - Ring #5).
Get General Events Schedule!

There will also be a complete event schedule. It is the competitor's responsibility to be at the proper ring at the proper time in order to turn in their competition pass. This qualifies the competitor for that specific competition division. Competitors that need to be weighed in order to qualify for a specific division (i.e. adult point sparring) should report to a weigh-in station once they collect their registration materials.

COMPETITION RULES
The US Open has adopted the United Tournament Karate (UTK) rules. The UTK rules will be used in all divisions unless otherwise noted. In addition to the UTK rules, the US Open Supplemental Rules cover select divisions and ranks. All of these rules may be downloaded by clicking the rules link below.
Download the Rules (Copies will also be available at the tournament)
Register Now!
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TYPES OF COMPETITIONS
What follows is a brief description of each type of competition. For more complete information please refer to our Rules page and our Divisions page.

Empty Hand Forms Divisions
Each Competitor may compete in four different Empty Hand Forms Divisions:

Traditional Forms must capture the essence of classic martial arts movements, showcasing the traditional techniques, stances, footwork. Emphasis is placed on execution of technique, application of technique, balance, speed, power, solid stances, and focus.

Creative Forms division (formerly known as "Open Forms") is intended for those competitors who do not wish to compete in a strictly traditional form, and/or do not wish to compete against other participants who execute extreme gymnastic-type movements.

Extreme Forms division is designed to allow for the integration of techniques and movements from all martial art styles, gymnastics, acrobatics, dance, and athletic disciplines, however, (1) at least half of the form must originate from martial arts techniques, and (2) the competitor must execute at least one technique that involves an inverted move or greater than 350 degree spin.

Musical Forms divisions requires a form meeting the above criteria for a Traditional, Creative, and Extreme form, choreographed in a general sense to the beats of rhythm of music chosen and provided by the competitor. Primary emphasis shall be placed on innovation choreography of moves to the music, however, the basic criteria listed above for all forms must also be observed. you will be judged based on the standard criteria for forms plus how well your form is performed to the music.

FOR A MORE THOROUGH EXPLANATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THESE DIVISIONS PLEASE REFER TO OUR OFFICIAL RULES
Download the Rules
Register Now!

Weapons Forms Divisions Under Belt Competitors may compete in three different Weapons Forms Divisions.

Traditional Weapons Forms must capture the essence of classical martial arts movements, showcasing the traditional techniques, stances, footwork, and weapons. Emphasis is placed on execution of technique, application of technique, balance, speed, power, solid stances, and focus. Releasing the weapon other than for simple hand switches is not allowed.

Creative Weapons Forms division (formerly known as" Open Weapons") is intended for those competitors who do not wish to compete with a strictly traditional weapons form. There is no technique limitation since Extreme Divisions are not offered for under black belts (In some Creative Weapons divisions use of music is optional. Since it is not strictly a "musical" division Choreographing the weapons form to the beat or rhythm of the music is not required.)

Extreme Weapons Forms division is designed to allow for the integration of techniques and body movements from all martial art styles, gymnastics, acrobatics, dance, and athletic disciplines, however, (1) at least half of the form must originate from martial arts techniques, and (2) the competitor must execute at least one technique that involves an inverted move or greater than 360 degree spin. (In some Extreme Weapons divisions use of music is optional. Since it is not strictly a "musical" division, choreographing the weapons form to the beat or rhythm of the music is not required.)

Adult Black Belt Competitors may compete in as many as four different Weapons Forms Divisions: Musical, Extreme, Creative and Traditional.

Youth Black Belt Competitors may compete in as many as three different Weapons Forms Divisions: Extreme, Creative and Traditional.

Traditional Weapons Forms must capture the essence of classic martial arts movements, showcasing the traditional techniques, stances, footwork, and weapons. Emphasis is placed on execution of technique, application of technique, balance, speed, power, solid stances, and focus. Releasing the weapon other than for simple hand switches is not allowed.

Creative Weapons Forms division (formerly known as "Open Weapons") is intended for those competitors who do not wish to compete with a strictly traditional weapons form. It is important to note that any particular weapons movement shall NOT be a factor in determining whether the weapons form constitutes a Creative or Extreme Form. The determining factor shall be the particular body movements as defined below in the Extreme Divisions. Consequently, a Creative Weapons competitor is permitted to perform weapons move (i.e., twirls, releases, spins, etc.), but is not permitted to perform "Extreme" body movements (i.e., flips, 540 and above spins or any inverted body moves, etc.) (In some Creative Weapons divisions use of music is optional. Since it is not strictly a "musical" division Choreographing the weapons form to the beat or rhythm of the music is not required.)

Extreme Weapons Forms division is designed to allow for the integration of techniques and body movements from all martial art styles, gymnastics, acrobatics, dance, and athletic disciplines, however, (1) at least half of the form must originate from martial arts techniques, and (2) the competitor must execute at least one technique that involves an inverted move or greater than 360 degree spin. (In some Extreme Weapons divisions use of music is optional. Since it is not strictly a "musical" division Choreographing the weapons form to the beat or rhythm of the music is not required.)

Musical Weapons Forms divisions requires a weapons form meeting the above criteria for a Traditional, Creative, and Extreme form, choreographed in a general sense to the beats or rhythm of music chosen and provided by the competitor. Primary emphasis shall be placed on innovative choreography of moves to the music, however, the basic criteria listed above for all forms must also be observed. These divisions will be judged based on the standard criteria for forms plus how well your form is performed to the music.


FOR A MORE THOROUGH EXPLANATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THESE DIVISIONS PLEASE REFER TO OUR OFFICIAL RULES

Point Sparring Divisions Face Shields and Chest Protectors are now REQUIRED for all youth fighters 17 & Under Semi-Contact Point Sparring divisions are available for competitors of all ages and all ranks. The Sparring competition is scheduled to occur after the completion of each age/rank group's empty hand forms competition. (You may register for Sparring without concern that the competition time will overlap with either you Team, Weapons or Forms competition - see Event Schedule) Continuous Sparring Divisions Semi-Contact Sparring that is continuous in nature, meaning that the referee will not stop the action when points are scored. Judges will give credit for scoring techniques while keeping a tally during the match. The winner will be determined by a majority decision of the judges. Team Synchronized Forms Sponsored by Paul Mitchell Systems. This is a team event for up to five members. Each team must have at least one black belt. Music is optional and the form presented must have at least 75% of the movements synchronized among the team members. The two teams that receive the highest scores in the eliminations will compete during the Night of Champions for the ISKA World Title.
Download the Rules
Register Now!

Self Defense Each competitor will demonstrate his or her self-defense skills against up to four attackers (the competitor will provides his own assistants/attackers, all of which must have at least general admission passes) The primary judging criteria will be based on realism, effectiveness, difficulty and variety. The top two black belt finalists may compete for the ISKA World Title during the Night of Champions.
Download the Rules
Register Now!

Demonstration Team This team competition provides an opportunity for your team, group or school to show your martial arts expertise. The team must consist of at least one black belt. The primary judging criteria will be based on showmanship, presentation and quality of execution. Music is optional and the top two scoring finalist during the eliminations round will compete during the Night of Champions for the ISKA World Championship title.
Download the Rules
Register Now!

Team Point Fighting Two person Team Fighting divisions for black belt boys 15 - 17 and Adult Black belt Women and black belt men 30 and over. The Three Man Team Fighting division is for Black Belt men 18-29. Please note: In each of these team-fighting divisions only one of the team members must register for the event. The other team members must already be competing in other events or sign a supplemental release form upon their arrival.
Download the Rules
Register Now!

Breaking Divisions
There are two types of breaking divisions offered this year; ISKA / USBA Breaking divisions which are open to competitors of all ages and ranks,
and ISKA World Championships divisions which require pre-approval by
ISKA Breaking Division director Chris Lee (leenanju@aol.com).
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ISKA / USBA BREAKING DIVISIONS
Creative Multi-Direction Wood Breaking:
Wood boards only
All techniques allowed
Multiple stations (3 station max.)
3 minute max. (set-up/break/clean-up)
Competitor provides own holders and stands

Creative Open Breaking:
Any materials. No fire, no glass.
All techniques allowed
Multiple stations, 10 station max.
6 minute max. (set-up/break/clean-up)
Competitor provides own holders and stands

Speed Board Breaking:
Board size: 12 and under- ½X10X12", 13 and over- 1X10X12
No Spacers Allowed
Any technique allowed
3 Station maximum, stations may be replenished; stations may be stands or holders
Competitor and 2 assistants maximum
10 seconds to break, 3 minute max. (set-up/break/clean-up)
Boards must be purchased from supply committee

High Jump Board Breaking
Board size: ½X10X12"
Any type of jump kick allowed
Short run and then high jump
Height measured from top of head to height of board
Best of 3 attempts, board must be broken
Boards must be purchased from supply committee

Power Board Breaking:
Board size: 12 and under- ½X10X12", 13 and over- 1X10X12
Carpenter Pencil Spacers provided
Downward strike/one strike only
Set on floor with block base
5 minute max. (set-up/break/clean-up)

Power Concrete Breaking:
Carpenter Pencil Spacers provided
Downward strike/one strike only
Set on floor with block base
6 minute max. (set-up/break/clean-up)
Patio blocks must be purchased from supply committee

Download the Rules
Register Now!

ISKA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BREAKING DIVISIONS

Creative Breaking
Creative Breaking is a dynamic and unique display of breaking skills using multiple materials in multiple directions. Scoring based on creativity and uniqueness of break(s). Multiple material and directional breaks are allowed. (Please note: If you will be competing in Creative Breaking you WILL also be able to compete in team events, continuous sparring and weapons. You WILL NOT be able to compete in Empty Hand Forms and Individual Point Sparring since the competition times overlap).

Concrete Power Breaking Each competitor will try to break stacks of concrete slabs stacked vertically, requiring a downward hand or arm strikes. (Please note: If you will be competing in Power Breaking you WILL also be able to compete in team events, continuous sparring and weapons. You WILL NOT be able to compete in Empty Hand Forms and Individual Point Sparring since the competition times overlap).

Wood Power Breaking Each competitor will attempt to break boards stacked horizontally (requiring linear strikes) with a kick. (Please note: If you will be competing in Power Breaking you WILL also be able to compete in team events, continuous sparring and weapons. You WILL NOT be able to compete in Empty Hand Forms and Individual Point Sparring since the competition times overlap).

Combat Board Breaking While simulating a real self-defense encounter, each competitor will attempt to break as many boards as possible in only eight seconds! (Please note: If you will be competing in Power Breaking you WILL also be able to compete in team events, continuous sparring and weapons. You WILL NOT be able to compete in Empty Hand Forms and Individual Point Sparring since the competition times overlap).

Ultimate Breaking Championship The ULTIMATE BREAKING CHAMPION will be crowned by determining a cumulative score for each breaking competitor that reflects they placed in each of the four individual breaking events. Registration for the "Ultimate" event is automatic for each competitor who registers and competes in each of the four breaking events listed above.

FOR A MORE THOROUGH DESCRIPTION OF EACH OF THESE EVENTS PLEASE SEE THE COMPLETE US OPEN OFFICIAL RULES

Download the Rules
Register Now!
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2008 US OPEN  RATES
2008 COMPETITION FEES
For the Following Event Types: Empty Hand Forms, Weapons Forms, Self Defense, Point Fighting, Continuous Fighting and Breaking.

	First Event	Each Additional Event
April 30th or Before	$55.00	$25.00
May 1st - June 27th	$60.00	$30.00
June 28th - July 1st	$70.00	$35.00
(Please note: You will not receive confirmation in the mail prior to your arrival)
On site July 3rd - July 5th	$80.00	$40.00
(Please note: On July 4th, registration will close at 9:00 PM. All forms registration will end Friday night. Competitors will not be allowed to change or add forms divisions on Saturday. On Saturday July 5th registration will be open from 7:00AM until 10:00AM, at which time competitors may only register for point sparring either as a new competitor or add or delete point sparring from an existing registration.)

For the Following Team Events:	Before 4/30/08	5/01/08 - 6/26/08	6/27/08 - 7/2/08
Synchronized Forms	$150.00	$175.00	$200.00
Demonstration Teams	$150.00	$175.00	$200.00
Three Person Team Fighting	$150.00	$175.00	$200.00
Three Person Continuous Team Fighting	$150.00	$175.00	$200.00
Two Person Team Fighting	$100.00	$125.00	$150.00

SPECTATOR FEES 2008
COMPETITOR GENERAL ADMISSION UPGRADE TO RESERVED SEATING (All competitors receive a general admission pass to the "Night of Champions" that may be upgraded to a reserved seat!)
1st Row Reserved Stage Side Seating	$45.00
2nd - 3rd Row Reserved Seating stage side	$25.00
4th - 5th Row Reserved Seating stage side	$15.00
6th - 10th Row Reserved Seating stage side	$ 5.00
RESERVED SEATING FOR NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS: (Includes general admission to Friday and Saturday and Sunday's eliminations)
1st Row Reserved Seating stage side	$80 each
2nd - 3rd Row Reserved Seating stage side	$60 each
4th - 5th Row Reserved Seating stage side	$50 each
6th -10th Row Reserved Seating stage side	$40 each

GENERAL ADMISSION PASSES:
	Before June 29th	After June 30th
2-day Tickets	$30	$35
(All Events Fri. & Sat. Including General Admission for The Night of Champions)

Group Discount
$50 1st event + $25 each additional
Discounts on Spectator passes:
$25 for General Admission which includes
Friday, Saturday & General Admission to The Night Of Champions.
You may upgrade your Night Of Champions Admission to
reserved seating rows 6-10 for $5 (this is a $40 value)
Register Online Now

All Advance Purchased Competition and Spectator Passes will be available for your pick-up at the Coronado Springs Resort starting at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday night July 3^rd. Please report to the registration bay marked "Advance Registration Pickup" and be prepared to show a picture I.D.

US Open & ISKA World Martial Arts Championships FedEx/DHL/UPS: 6020 NW 4th Place Suite G  Gainesville, FL 32607, USA US Open Hotline: (352) 331-0260, (352) 331-3557 24-Hour Fax Line: (352) 331-2119 Email: help@usopen-karate.com