US Open 2026
Pattern Rules
ITF Patterns only.
Brackets
Brackets are sorted by age, gender, and rank. (The senior umpire can make changes based on competitors.)
Single elimination rounds.
Judging panel of 3 - 5 black belts.
Sparring Rules
Brackets
Brackets are sorted by age, weight, height, gender and split between color belt and black belt divisions)
Required Gear
Sparring gear is required (handgear, footgear, headgear, groin cup (boys), mouthguard).
Point Scoring System:
1 point - kick to the body, punch to the body, punch to the head
2 points - kick to the head, flying kick to the body, flying punch to the head
3 points - flying kick to the head
Tie Breaker
There will be 4 corner judges, one center referee, one time-keeper, one tie-breaker, and one head table judge. In the event of a tie between the 4 corner judges, the tie breaker will announce their score.
Breaking Rules
Brackets
Brackets are broken up based on age, gender, and rank:
12 - 13 year old (color belt divisions and black belt divisions)
14 - 17 year old (color belt divisions and black belt divisions)
18+ year old (color belt divisions and black belt divisions)
Team Patterns Rules
Teams may be comprised of color belts and black belts. Teams will be evaluated based on the members and split into a color belt division and black belt division on the day of the tournament.
Teams can perform the pattern of their choosing (based on the lowest ranking member of the team)
There are no limits to the number of ripples in the pattern.