Judges/Coaches Padded Stick Sparring Clinic
Sat June, 7, 2025.  10:00am - 1:00pm.  

Chi Rho Kali Clinic Guide for Parents and Students
Welcome to our upcoming Chi Rho Kali padded sparring clinic! Whether you're a student looking to improve your skills or a parent wanting to support your child in martial arts competition, this is a great opportunity for students to grow in skill, confidence, and competition awareness. For parents, this guide offers insight into how the sport is structured, judged, and supported.this guide outlines key areas we’ll cover to help everyone understand the structure and dynamics of a Chi Rho Kali tournament.

1. Competition Rules (Simple Form – Padded Sparring)Padded sparring under Chi Rho Kali is a safe and exciting way to introduce students to the art of Eskrima/Kali/Arnis in a competitive setting. Here's how it works:

• Protective Gear Required:
  All competitors must wear a helmet with face shield and goves.  Students are encouraged to also wear forearm/shin guards, and groin protection. These ensure safety during matches.
  
• Weapons Used:
  Fighters use foam-padded sticks (usually 28 inches). These are lightweight and designed for safety.
  
• Legal Target Zones:
  
  • Head (excluding the back)
    
  • Torso (chest, ribs, sides)
    
  • Arms and legs (excluding joints and groin)
    
  • No hits to the back, neck, or below the knee.
    
• Match Duration:
  There will be 2 rounds.  Matches are 1.5 minute long, with a 30 second break between rounds
  
• How to Win:
  The competitor who scores the most valid, clean hits wins the match. Good defense, footwork, and controlled aggression are key
  

2. Judging – “How to Call a Point or Foul” in Padded SparringUnderstanding how points are earned helps fighters focus their training — and helps parents follow the action too!  Judging is all about fairness and clarity. Here’s how points and fouls are identified:
Calling a Point (Scoring):

• Judges look for:
  
  • Judges look for clean, visible strikes to valid target areas.
    
  • The strike must be made with control, intent, proper form and force. 
    
  • The point is usually called by judges with a flag signal and verbal call (e.g., “Point Red!”).
    
  • Each clean strike earns 1 point.
    
  • Hits with weak contact, poor form, or that glance off may not score.
    

Calling a Foul:

• Fouls include:
  
  • Hitting the opponent’s back, groin, feet, or neck.
    
  • Grabbing the opponent or their stick.
    
  • Hitting after the referee calls “Break” or “Stop.”
    
  • Dropping the stick or disengaging unnecessarily.
    
• Repeated fouls may lead to warnings, point deductions, or disqualification.
  

Judges are trained to be fair and consistent. Sportsmanship from competitors — and support from parents — is expected and appreciated.  Referees and judges work together to ensure a smooth and unbiased match. Students are taught to respect all officials and decisions during a match.
3. Timekeeping & Scorekeeping in Padded SparringBehind the scenes, timekeepers and scorekeepers make sure every match is organized and fair.
Timekeeping:

• Timekeepers track each round using a stopwatch or timing device.
  
• The Center Ref starts the match, and the timekeeper starts the time when the Center Ref says "Laban" which signals the start of the match.  The timerkeeper will keep the clock going until the end of the round or match.  At the end of the round or match the timekeeper will through the "match ending item" into the ring.  A "match ending item" will be a soft item thrown into the ring to signal the end of the round or match.  A Center Ref can also stop the time for other reasons (injury, clarification on a call, etc)
  
• Time may be paused for injury, gear adjustment, or official time-outs.
  
  Scorekeeping:
  
• Each judge signals points, and the scorekeeper records them.
  
• At the end of the match, all scores are totaled to determine the winner.
  
• In clinics and friendly matches, scores may be shared for feedback rather than official ranking.
  

This helps students understand their progress and areas for improvement.
4. Coaching in Padded SparringCoaching is a big part of an athlete’s growth — before, during, and after a match.
Role of the Coach:

• Before the Match:
  
  • Help the student warm up, stretch, and mentally prepare.
    
  • Discuss strategy: how to defend, counter, and control the match.
    
• During the Match:
  
  • Only one coach is allowed in the corner.
    
  • Coaches can offer verbal advice between points or rounds (e.g., “Watch your guard!”).
    
  • Coaches must stay respectful and cannot argue with officials during the match.
    
• After the Match:
  
  • Offer constructive feedback, celebrate effort, and teach from both victory and defeat.
    

Parents’ Role:

• Support your child by encouraging effort, learning, and good sportsmanship — not just winning.
  
• Let coaches and officials do their jobs, and celebrate all progress.
  

Final ThoughtsThis clinic is more than just preparation for competition — it’s a chance to build confidence, discipline, and respect in a fun, supportive environment. We thank all families and students for being part of the W.E.K.A.F. community!
If you have any questions during the clinic, our team is here to help.
Let’s train with focus, fight with honor, and grow together!