Fright Fight 2025

Tournament Rules

Select Rules: Rules:

Longsword

Long Sword Tournament Objectives and Guidelines

The primary objectives of this tournament are to offer a competitive platform that caters to participants of diverse skill levels. The fundamental intent is to foster methodical engagement among competitors, focusing on genuine combat rather than strategizing around rule nuances.

Promotion of Skillful Combat: The essence of this tournament lies in encouraging participants to engage in skillful combat that embraces strategic thinking over rule manipulation.

Keep in mind that matches are timed, and progressing in the tournament depends not just on winning a single bout, but on accumulating points across all your matches. The key to advancement is maximizing your score throughout the tournament, and not simply defeating an individual opponent, but consistently performing at a high level.

Tournaments prioritize targets over right-of-way fencing 

Rules sets subject to change, if there are any major issues discovered. Tournament rules could be updated until a month before the event.

SCORING ACTIONS AND TARGET SPECIFICATIONS

In order to make judging easier, all legal targets are considered "DEEP" or "SHALLOW." Target classification is defined below.  Rules favor “DEEP” targets

Target Definitions

DEEP

The head, neck, and torso

SHALLOW

Shoulder to hand, hips to shins

Point visual - Click to visualize points assigned to targets

Points - The following table shows how points are calculated based on the type of strike.

Target

Cut

Thrust

Pommel

DEEP

4

4

4

SHALLOW

2

2

0

Point Details

Understanding Targets

Recognize "SHALLOW" areas, including regions below the waist and arms (shoulder to hand). Everything else is a "DEEP" target

Disarm

A disarm will count as a “DEEP” strike

Strike Standards

Ensure strikes meet specific criteria for points. Thrusts require weapon flex and must extend beyond accidental touch. Cuts should be purposeful with proper edge alignment

Effective Striking

While there are no strict power or rotation rules, focus on martial intent and effectiveness. Strikes lacking these elements may not count toward your score

Improper Contact

Prevent uncontrolled movements leading to accidental blade contact, like flailing or "draw cuts," as these won't score points

Pommel Strikes

Use pommel strikes exclusively on the mask's front mesh. Avoid hitting the target's arm or sword, as this won't earn points. Hitting other mask parts is not allowed

One-Handed

(Long Sword) - Showcase one-handed cuts and thrusts with control and quality for points. Maintain the required level of proficiency

THE GRAPPLE

2 Tempo

Upon a grapple there is 2 tempos to complete a scoring action

Clock continues

Regardless of the outcome the clock doesn't stop

Stop grapple

If no score within 2 tempos judge will call no-exchange

 

 

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