I. Principles of the Houston Stick Fighting Association (“HSFA”).

    •   1.   HSFA is an independent association of martial artists with the motto “Elevate your Martial Arts Skills          in a Combative Environment.”  Our goal is to improve our skills, make new friends and learn from our          experiences through simulated combat.     •   2. Membership in our association is open to martial artists from all backgrounds including, but not         limited to, Escrima, Arnis, Kali, Kobudo, European Fencing, Western Martial Arts, Renaissance         Martial Arts, Kendo, Iaido and Kenjutsu.     •   3. The purpose of the HSFA is to organize combative tournaments referred to as “gatherings” once per          calendar quarter so that HSFA members can test their skills in a combative environment.  There will be          no judges, no referees and no trophies.  A match will end at the expiration of time or if a participant          submits.     •    4. All participants in any combative tournaments organized by the HSFA  must be first be a member of          the Houston Stick Fighting Association and agree to abide by these Principles and Bylaws in order to          participate.     •    5. All participants must sign a waiver before participating in each gathering releasing the Houston Stick          Fighting Association, its founder, and each of its advisors and members, from any damages, liabilities          or physical injuries that may result or occur from participating in any gathering organized by the HSFA.     •    6. Each participant must certify that he/she is in good overall health and physical condition in order to          participate in any gathering and have the necessary protective gear and equipment in order to participate.     •    7. All protective gear (headgear, eye protection, gloves, etc.) and all equipment (rattan or wooden          sticks or other weapons, padded sticks, padded knives, rubber knives and shields) must be in good          working condition before each and every match.     •    8. All participants must abide by these Principles and Bylaws of the Houston Stick Fighting          Association, without exception. Safety is first!     •    9. All members and participants must treat each other in a respective manner and exhibit a friendly          attitude towards each other all at all times.  Any deviation from this principle of brotherhood and friendly          atmosphere may result in termination of membership in the HSFA.

II.  Bylaws of the HSFA

    •    1. Required gear: Headgear, gloves, and groin protection (preferably a Canete helment or Fencing          Mask and LAMECO protective gear or equivalent) are required for the impact weapons divisions.          Elbow and knee pads are highly recommended for fighting with sticks made of rattan or wood.  Pads          on the forearms and shins are also highly recommended.     •    2. Fighting Area: Unlimited.     •    3. Weapons: Must be in good working condition, must also be of same length and weight for all but          Uneven Weapons division.     •    4. Types of Matches         ◦     A. Single Blade: This is a blade-based division where the stick or aluminum blade will be treated               as a live blade.  Duration:  one 2 minute round.         ◦     B. Double Blade: This is a blade-based division where the sticks or aluminum blades will be               treated as live blades.  Duration: one 2 minute round.         ◦     C. Espada y Daga or Sword and Shield: This is a blade-based division where the stick or               aluminum blade and dagger will be treated as blades or where a shield is also used.                Duration: one 2 minute round.         ◦     D. Single Live Stick:  This is an impact-weapon division with grappling.                Duration: one 2 minute round or submission.         ◦     E. Double Live Stick: This is an impact-weapon division with grappling.               Duration:  one 2 minute round or submission.         ◦     F. Single Knife: one 1.5 minute round.                Grappling is allowed, but is generally not a good idea.         ◦     G. Double Knife: one 1.5 minute round.         ◦     H. Staff v. Staff and Uneven Weapons:  Duration : one 2 minute round or submission.              •    5. Illegal Target Areas:  Thrusting to the throat or neck is prohibited.  There will be no butt strikes, puno          strikes or pommel strikes to the neck area.  Attacks to the spine including the back of the neck are also          not allowed.  Grabbing the mask is prohibited.  Bad sportsmanship, reckless behavior, fake injury, or          illegal contact and techniques may result in forfeiture of membership.

“There will be no judges, no referees and no trophies . . . Our goal is to improve our skills,  make  new friends and learn from our experiences.”   The Houston Stick Fighting Association

HOUSTON STICK FIGHTING ASSOCIATION

“Elevate your Martial Arts Skills in a Combative Environment”                             STICK—KNIFE—BLADE