Houston Stick Fighting Association
© Houston Stick Fighting Association 2019
Rules
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.
All participants must abide by these
Principles and Bylaws of the
Houston Stick Fighting Association,
without exception. Safety is first!
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.
Membership
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.
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.
Purpose
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.
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.
Equipment
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.
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.
Types of Matches
Single Blade: Poly/Aluminum trainiers
will be treated as live blades.
Double Blade: Poly/Aluminum trainiers
will be treated as live blades.
Single Stick: Impact weapons/Rattan
Double Stick: Impact weapons/Rattan
Single Knife: Poly/Aluminum/wooden
trainers
Double Knife: Poly/Aluminum/wooden
trainers
Esapda y Daga/Sword & Shield: Stcik
and knife are treated as blades.
Staff vs Staff: Any weapon 4 ft or longer.
Uneven Weapons: Chains, whips,
nunchucks, tonfas, ect…
Empty Hands: Striking, kicking, grapplnig
Illegal Targeting 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.