Competition Fighting
Competition fighting is a very popular part of the BKFA and we have produced some of the best fighters in the world.

The competition fighting is varied and is fought in several different categories: 

• Semi Contact 

• Light Contact 

• Full Contact 

• Pushing Hands

There are also team events where each team consists of 3 - 5 fighters. This is particularly interesting towards the final stages of the event whereby the last fighter can often decide the fate of their team. The pressure is on and the tension is high. 

Semi Contact - By far the most popular of these whereby the fight is stopped after each point is scored and fighters have the opportunity to show off their technical skills and hard nights of training. The fighters wear protective equipment and controlled force is required, any drawing of blood and the aggressor is disqualified. 

Light Contact - is fought with no stoppages, unless one of the fighters has run out of the designated area, or they have fallen, been hurt or an item of protective equipment/clothing is causing obstruction or could be damaging to the opponent etc. This category is usually undertaken for the more accomplished fighter and makes for interesting for the spectator as its fast and lively. Again, protective equipment is required and any drawing of blood means instant disqualification to the aggressor.

Full Contact - is fought in a boxing ring and opponents are allowed to use full force when striking. This differs to similar martial arts as punches, kicks and throws are among the many techniques available to the fighter. There are four judges who sit around the ring marking each round and a main referee within the ring to ensure the fighters comply with rules and safety regulations are met. 

Pushing Hands - This category is only open to Black sash students. The fighters are not required to wear any protective equipment and the fighting is continuous as in light contact. The difference between this category and light contact is that the judges do not only score on points but also the successful deployment of a large variety of techniques.

Chi Sau / Pushing hands Explained

This category is only open to Black sash students. The fighters are not required to wear any protective equipment and the fighting is continuous as in light contact. The difference between this category and light contact is that the judges do not only score on points but also the successful deployment of a large variety of techniques.

What is pushing hands? 

Pushing Hands is an exercise performed by two people who are attempting to improve their Lau Gar Kung Fu skills. 
Practicing pushing hands teaches one to remain balanced, focused and relaxed while in physical contact with another human being. This is not as easy as it may sound, being in contact with another person who is moving is a difficult task.
Attainment of this level of ability opens the door to a higher level of martial skill.

Pushing Hands can be described in the following way Two people face each other at arms distance, both with the same foot forward. The forward hand of each participant is raised to approximately chest height with the palm facing in, and the back of the hand lightly touching the same part of the other person’s hand. The rear hand (the hand corresponding to the rear foot) is placed gently on the elbow of the other player's lead elbow, so that both players are in an equal starting position. Feet should be comfortably placed so that each person feels balanced and stable from the start.

To initiate the exercise, each person cooperatively moves his or her arms, waist and legs in a circular pattern for three rotations, after which the significant aspect of the drill begins. After the third rotation, each player attempts to remain in light contact with the other person's arms while at the same time remaining in perfect balance. A loss of balance can be detected by observing the feet of each person. A person who is pushed or pulled off balance will usually stumble out of his or her stable position and have to reset his or her stance to resume play. 

Students are permitted to put their hands on the other's body to attempt to unbalance him or her, while at the same time following certain guidelines established at the start. Examples of such guidelines might include keeping the feet in place, not using brute force to unbalance the other player, not grabbing the other person with both hands at one time and not losing contact with the other person throughout the exercise.

Pushing Hands provides Lau Gar Kung Fu practitioners with a format to test and improve upon their relaxation, flexibility, timing, balance, poise and numerous other qualities while in contact with another person. Push Hands also provides a gentle way to "compete" with other Lau Gar Kung Fu practitioners without the risk of injury. There are many variations of this exercise, each with its own particular benefits.

- IASKA /WAKO 
There were two main Competition Organizations in the Martial Arts world that are recognized by all styles and associations worldwide. These are the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) and International Amateur Kickboxing Sport Association (IAKSA).

In recent years the BKFA has solely been a member and competed in IAKSA tournaments worldwide. However the GB Lau Gar team in very early years did compete in WAKO tournaments.

In October 2006 a merger took place between these two organizations forming one.

www.iaksa.com

The association is now solely called World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO). You can visit the WAKO website for further information. www.wakoweb.com

BKFA National Championships 
The British Kung Fu Association National Championships is an annual event which has been running for well over 30 years and is a prestigious event for the association.

The BKFA Championships have played an important part in the history and development of competition fighting in the UK. The championships are open to competitors from all styles and associations and the title of BKFA National Champion is there to win.

The competition also features demonstrations from the official BKFA Demonstration Team and some years features a Lion Dance. To become a member of the demo team you will have to attend Guardian courses or the Summer Course where you may be selected to join.

As an addition to the competition, in the last few years, Guardians have been holding a series of seminars throughout the day which are open to all. The seminars are held alongside the competition throughout the day. Some of the Guardian Seminars featured in previous years are:

• Chi Na

• Self Defence

• Pushing Hands

• Chi Kung

Tournament Fighting Techniques – with World Champion and GB Team Coach - Sean Viera

The event is an enjoyable day for both competitors and spectators and is an opportunity for all BKFA members to get together.

BKFA Interclub Circuit

Throughout the year, senior Instructors and Guardians hold various interclub tournaments at various locations throughout the UK.

It is currently being developed that these tournaments come together to form part of a National Interclub Circuit which is endorsed by the BKFA.

This will create an opportunity for each region to raise the profile of their own competition and invite members from other regions. 

The Guardians responsible for the development of competition wish to improve the standard of fighting within the organisation and also offer the opportunity for new competitors to take part.

Tournament Fighting Seminars
As an addition and to support the Interclub Circuit a series of tournament Fighting Seminars will also be available. These will be taught by Senior Instructors and Guardians.

Full, Light & Semi Contact
For a comprehensive set of rules for full, light and semi contact, please visit:
www.wakoweb.com/wako/rules.asp
Note: The rules listed are base guidelines however may differ slightly for BKFA tournaments.

Chi Sau Rules
Vision: A competition of skill rather than aggression taking place in a spirit of sportsmanship
Below are the Chi Sau Rules applicable to a BKFA Competition.

Entry
1. All participants must be over 16 and be sponsored by their Senior Instructor or nominee.
2. All participants must have undertaken some training in sticking or pushing hands methodology.
3. No entries will be allowed on the day.
4. All participants must hold a Black Sash rank.
5. All participants must be familiar with the rules.

Dress
A Mandarin suit must be worn
No visible protective equipment will be worn.

Match Governance
1. There will be one controlling referee and three judges.
2. The referee will regulate the contest and enforce the rules.
3. The contest will take place on a matted area not less than 6 meters square.
4. A person capable of rendering first aid must be in attendance.
5. Contests start with contact between participant's wrists.
6. The referee may stop and restart the match as needed.
7. Physical contact between participants must be maintained at all times, excepting in the use of projections or throws.
8. All techniques must be executed with the opponent's safety in mind.
9. The contest will last no more than three minutes, but no less than 2 minutes.

The Decision
1. Judges must decide in favour of one of the participants.
2. When only two judges are available the referee will act as the third judge in the event of a tie.
3. Defensive-minded participants will not be penalized.
4. Decisions should go to the participant with the superior skill, not the participant with the most flamboyant technique. (Example: a participant who falls over when attempting a sweep is not displaying good skill, a  participant who is pulled to the ground when attempting a throw is likewise deficient in skill or judgement.)

Warnings will be given for
1. Deliberately retreating out of the contest area.
2. Deliberately breaking contact with the opponent (moving out of contact range).
3. Poorly controlled technique even if it does not make contact.
4. Showing disrespect to the officials, opponent or spectators.

Disqualification will result from
1. The accumulation of three warnings.
2. The single use or attempted use of a technique that the referee considers to be dangerous to either, or both contestants.
3. Arguing with the match officials. (This may also disqualify participants from future events.)