Triple Crown MAT
Divisions & Rules
Know the categories, belt levels, and age groups before you compete
Triple Crown 2026 is an OPEN tournament for all styles, organizations, schools, and individuals. Competitors may enter up to six (6) events across multiple age groups and belt levels. All divisions follow Regional Series tournament rules that are listed below.
Competition Categories
What You Can Enter
Weapons
Competitors perform a weapons form of their choice. Traditional and creative weapons are accepted. Judging is based on technique, power, focus, and presentation.
Key Rules
- Traditional and creative weapons are permitted
- Forms must be performed solo
- Judged on technique, power, focus, and presentation
- Visit our rules section below for additional information
Divisions
- 7yrs & Under — Beg M/F
- 7yrs & Under — Int M/F
- 7yrs & Under — Adv M/F
- 8–9yrs — Beg M/F
- 8–9yrs — Int M/F
- 8–9yrs — Adv M/F
- 10–11yrs — M/F Beg
- 10–11yrs — M/F Int
- 10–11yrs — M/F Adv
- 12–13yrs — M/F Beg
- 12–13yrs — M/F Int
- 12–13yrs — M/F Adv
- 14–15yrs — M/F Beg
- 14–15yrs — M/F Int
- 14–15yrs — M/F Adv
- 16–17yrs — M/F Beg
- 16–17yrs — M/F Int
- 16–17yrs — M/F Adv
- 18yrs & Over — Men Beg
- 18yrs & Over — Men Int
- 18yrs & Over — Men Adv
- 18yrs & Over — Women Beg
- 18yrs & Over — Women Int
- 18yrs & Over — Women Adv
- Black Belt Jr. 9yrs & Under — M/F
- Black Belt Jr. 10–11yrs — M/F
- Black Belt Jr. 12–13yrs — M/F
- Black Belt Jr. 14–15yrs — M/F
- Black Belt Jr. 16–17yrs — M/F
- Black Belt 18–34yrs — Men
- Black Belt 35–49yrs — Men
- Black Belt 50yrs & Over — M/F
- Black Belt 18–34yrs — Women
- Black Belt 35–49yrs — Women
Forms
Competitors perform a kata or open form. Both traditional and creative forms are welcome. Judges evaluate precision, balance, speed, and overall execution.
Key Rules
- Traditional and creative forms are permitted
- Forms must be performed solo
- Judged on precision, balance, speed, and execution
- Visit our rules section below for additional information
Divisions
- 5yrs & Under — Beg M/F
- 5yrs & Under — Adv M/F
- 6–7yrs — Beg M/F
- 6–7yrs — Int M/F
- 6–7yrs — Adv M/F
- 8–9yrs — Beg M/F
- 8–9yrs — Int M/F
- 8–9yrs — Adv M/F
- 10–11yrs — M/F Beg
- 10–11yrs — M/F Int
- 10–11yrs — M/F Adv
- 12–13yrs — M/F Beg
- 12–13yrs — M/F Int
- 12–13yrs — M/F Adv
- 14–15yrs — M/F Beg
- 14–15yrs — M/F Int
- 14–15yrs — M/F Adv
- 16–17yrs — M/F Beg
- 16–17yrs — M/F Int
- 16–17yrs — M/F Adv
- 18yrs & Over — Men Beg
- 18yrs & Over — Men Int
- 18yrs & Over — Men Adv
- 18yrs & Over — Women Beg
- 18yrs & Over — Women Int
- 18yrs & Over — Women Adv
- Black Belt Jr. 9yrs & Under — M/F
- Black Belt Jr. 10–11yrs — M/F
- Black Belt Jr. 12–13yrs — M/F
- Black Belt Jr. 14–15yrs — M/F
- Black Belt Jr. 16–17yrs — M/F
- Black Belt 18–34yrs — Men
- Black Belt 35–49yrs — Men
- Black Belt 50yrs & Over — M/F
- Black Belt 18–34yrs — Women
- Black Belt 35–49yrs — Women
Sparring
Point sparring divisions available. Competitors must wear approved protective gear. Matches are officiated by certified judges.
Key Rules
- Required gear: foam dipped hands, feet, headgear, and mouthpiece
- Groin cup required for males
- Face shields not required but recommended
- Matches officiated by certified judges
Divisions
- 5yrs & Under — Beg M/F
- 5yrs & Under — Adv M/F
- 6–7yrs — Beg M/F
- 6–7yrs — Int M/F
- 6–7yrs — Adv M/F
- 8–9yrs — Male Beg
- 8–9yrs — Female Beg
- 8–9yrs — Male Int
- 8–9yrs — Female Int
- 8–9yrs — Male Adv
- 8–9yrs — Female Adv
- 10–11yrs — Male Beg
- 10–11yrs — Female Beg
- 10–11yrs — Male Int
- 10–11yrs — Female Int
- 10–11yrs — Male Adv
- 10–11yrs — Female Adv
- 12–13yrs — Male Beg
- 12–13yrs — Female Beg
- 12–13yrs — Male Int
- 12–13yrs — Female Int
- 12–13yrs — Male Adv
- 12–13yrs — Female Adv
- 14–15yrs — Male Beg
- 14–15yrs — Female Beg
- 14–15yrs — Male Int
- 14–15yrs — Female Int
- 14–15yrs — Male Adv
- 14–15yrs — Female Adv
- 16–17yrs — Male Beg
- 16–17yrs — Female Beg
- 16–17yrs — Male Int
- 16–17yrs — Female Int
- 16–17yrs — Male Adv
- 16–17yrs — Female Adv
- 18–34yrs — Men Beg
- 18–34yrs — Women Beg
- 18–34yrs — Men Int
- 18–34yrs — Women Int
- 18–34yrs — Men Adv
- 18–34yrs — Women Adv
- 35yrs & Over — Men Beg
- 35yrs & Over — Women Beg
- 35yrs & Over — Men Int
- 35yrs & Over — Women Int
- 35yrs & Over — Men Adv
- 35yrs & Over — Women Adv
- Black Belt Jr. 9yrs & Under — Male
- Black Belt Jr. 9yrs & Under — Female
- Black Belt Jr. 10–11yrs — Male
- Black Belt Jr. 10–11yrs — Female
- Black Belt Jr. 12–13yrs — Male
- Black Belt Jr. 12–13yrs — Female
- Black Belt Jr. 14–15yrs — Male
- Black Belt Jr. 14–15yrs — Female
- Black Belt Jr. 16–17yrs — Male
- Black Belt Jr. 16–17yrs — Female
- Black Belt 18–34yrs — LW (179 & Under) Men
- Black Belt 18–34yrs — HW (180 & Over) Men
- Black Belt 18–34yrs — Women
- Black Belt 35–49yrs — Men
- Black Belt 35yrs & Over — Women
- Black Belt 50yrs & Over — Men
CMX
Creative Musical Extreme (CMX) combines acrobatics, extreme techniques, and musical performance. A high-energy, crowd-favorite division.
Key Rules
- Music and extreme techniques allowed
- Acrobatic and creative elements encouraged
- Judged on creativity, difficulty, and execution
- Visit our rules section below for additional information
Divisions
- 7yrs & Under — M/F
- 8–9yrs — M/F
- 10–11yrs — M/F
- 12–13yrs — M/F
- 14–15yrs — M/F
- 16–17yrs — M/F
- 18yrs & Over — M/W
- Black Belt Jr. 9yrs & Under — M/F
- Black Belt Jr. 10–11yrs — M/F
- Black Belt Jr. 12–13yrs — M/F
- Black Belt Jr. 14–15yrs — M/F
- Black Belt Jr. 16–17yrs — M/F
- Black Belt 18yrs & Over — M/W
Continuous
Continuous sparring is a fast-paced, non-stop format where competitors score points throughout the match without stopping for each point.
Key Rules
- Required gear: foam dipped hands, feet, headgear, and mouthpiece
- Groin cup required for males
- Non-stop format — scoring continues throughout the match
- Visit our rules section below for additional information
Divisions
- 9yrs & Under — Male
- 9yrs & Under — Female
- 10–11yrs — Male
- 10–11yrs — Female
- 12–13yrs — Male
- 12–13yrs — Female
- 14–15yrs — Male
- 14–15yrs — Female
- 16–17yrs — Male
- 16–17yrs — Female
- 18yrs & Over — Men
- 18yrs & Over — Women
Open Rank/Weight
Open Rank/Weight sparring brings together competitors across belt levels and weight classes for an open-division championship experience.
Key Rules
- Open to all belt levels and weight classes
- Required gear: foam dipped hands, feet, headgear, and mouthpiece
- Groin cup required for males
- Visit our rules section below for additional information
Divisions
- 9yrs & Under — Male Open Rank
- 9yrs & Under — Female Open Rank
- 10–11yrs — Male Open Rank
- 10–11yrs — Female Open Rank
- 12–13yrs — Male Open Rank
- 12–13yrs — Female Open Rank
- 14–15yrs — Male Open Rank
- 14–15yrs — Female Open Rank
- 16–17yrs — Male Open Rank
- 16–17yrs — Female Open Rank
- 18yrs & Over — UB Men Open Rank
- 18yrs & Over — UB Women Open Rank
- 18yrs & Over — BB Men Open Weight
- 18yrs & Over — BB Women Open Weight
Official triple crown
Tournament Rules
Uniform
All contestants must wear a complete (top and bottom) traditional or professional sport karate (kung fu, tae kwon do, etc.) uniform in a state of good repair. A contestant with offensive words or artwork on the uniform may be denied the privilege of participation. The appropriate color belt or sash must be worn in competition.
Rank Rule
All competitors must compete at the highest belt level they have earned in the martial arts. A contestant can never compete in a division of which he/she has not earned. Once a competitor competes as a Black Belt, he/she must always compete as a Black Belt.
Proof of Age Rule
All contestants must have proof of age. If there is a legitimate reason to question a contestant's age, he/she must present a birth certificate to prove their age. If proof of age cannot be presented and contestant wins a division, his/her award(s) and rating points will be held until proof of age is furnished. Proof of age must be furnished within (7) days of event.
Judge / Referee Attire
We ask that all tournament judges wear a plain black polo shirt with black pants if you are judging. This will help those in attendance determine staff members. This will also help us meet our objective of presenting a more professional event.
Spectator Viewing Policy
Spectators are not allowed on the competition floor at any time; spectators include black belts that are not judging. Spectators may be fined or ejected from tournament site or both for unsportsmanlike conduct, foul language, standing behind the scorekeepers, illegal protests, or being on the competition mats.
Coaching
Coaches are not allowed on the competition floor during forms/weapons competition. They may only be ringside during fighting competition, seated in an assigned coach's chair when they are ACTIVELY coaching their fighter. There will be a 10 second time out for coaches in all age divisions. If a Coach comes on the competition floor other than to ask a question or file a protest, then they will lose their coaching privileges for the day. All protests are to be made ringside to a tournament arbitrator or to a Center Referee at the Score Table.
Code of Conduct
Regional Series values sportsmanship, fair play, skill development, and mutual respect among all competitors, coaches, officials and spectators. This Code of Conduct has been established and adopted to ensure the guiding principles of the Regional Series are understood and met by all individuals associated with this organization. To meet these responsibilities, each Competitor/Coach/Parent is expected to: (A) Know the rules and abide by them. (B) Respect the officials, referees, coaches and players of the opposing team. Demonstrate appropriate gestures of sportsmanship at the conclusion of each match. Be humble and generous in victory and proud and courteous in defeat. (C) Maintain control of his/her emotions, avoiding the use of abusive language or profanity, humiliating remarks and gestures of ill temper upon another competitor at any time. (D) Realize, accept, and practice the principle that a team's reputation is built not only on its martial arts ability but also on the sportsmanship, courtesy and manners of each individual.
Offensive Actions
A Competitor, Parent or Black Belt can be disqualified/ejected from event or suspended from tournament competition for unsportsmanlike conduct, depending on the severity of the infraction due to their behavior. Disqualification may include the following violations: Foul Language, Disrespect to Officials/Referee, the use of Excessive Contact, Throwing Equipment, Excessive Coaching or Uncontrolled Temper. If a competitor is disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct, they will receive NO REGIONAL SERIES POINTS OR AWARDS for that day. This decision may be made by the Arbitrator, Tournament Promoter, Director or any officers.
Weapons · Forms · Self Defense · CMX
Weapons, Forms & CMX Rules
Late Entries and Order of Performance
It is the responsibility of the contestant to be at the ring prior to the time that the division starts. Once the division is organized and the first competitor begins, there will be no additional entries. If a contestant comes late but the first contestant has not started, he/she can compete but must compete first and immediately. The order of performance will be by random draw of selection, shuffling of cards or computer matrix. Competitors competing in Self-Defense divisions must wear a helmet.
Time Limit & Scoring Range
All weapons/forms/self-defense contestants have a maximum of three (3) minutes to present and perform their routine. The time starts once they enter the competition area. Contestants in the grand championship runoff will receive (4) minutes. Scoring Range: 9.99 – 1st Place, 9.98 – 2nd Place, 9.97 – 3rd Place, 9.96 – 4th Place. All others 9.90–9.95. Cannot repeat top 4 scores. If a competitor drops their weapon, forgets their form and starts over, then mistakes will be included as part of the referee score evaluation. If there is a tie breaker or only 2 competitors, then a show of hands may be used to determine the winner.
Forms Divisions (Japanese / Okinawan / Chinese / Korean)
Competitors in these divisions must exhibit a form that reflects the essence and traditional values of the division name in which they are competing. The form does not have to be a classical form handed down over the years but should not deviate too far in form and content from the style's classical form.
CMX (Creative / Musical / Extreme) Forms & Weapons Division
Competitors in the CMX Division exhibit forms that are comprised of elements from more than one style, have gymnastics or include music with presentation.
Point Sparring · Open RANK/Weight Sparring
Point Sparring & Open RANK/Weight Sparring Rules
Dress Code
Point Sparring: Uniform with top/bottom and belt required. Open Rank/Weight Sparring: Uniform with top/bottom required.
Scoring Points
A point is a controlled legal sport karate/kung fu technique scored by a player in bounds that strikes an opponent with the allowable amount of focused touch contact or focused control to a legal target area. All punching & kicking techniques to a legal target area on the body will be awarded one (1) point. All kicking techniques to the head will be awarded two (2) points.
Time Limit
Two minutes per match — Total Points. The competitor with the high score at the end of regulation wins the match, or a 10-point spread (Adults) / 7-point spread (Youth) declares a winner.
Safety Gear
Helmet, Mouthpiece, Hand Pads, Feet Pads, and Groin Cup (men only). Face shields are not required but are highly recommended for youth 17 yrs and under.
Legal Target Areas
Chest, Stomach, Head (Helmet/Head Gear Area and Face), Side Ribs & Kidneys.
Illegal Target Areas
Spine, Back of Neck, Throat, Groin, Legs, Knees and Back. PLEASE NOTE — Light face contact ONLY is allowed during sparring competition. Any strike to an illegal target area will result in a penalty point, or contact deemed excessive/malicious will lead to disqualification.
Sweeps, Take Downs & Grabs
Sweeps not to take down an opponent, but only to obstruct the balance, can be executed to the back of the front leg and mid-calf or below. Ground fighting is not allowed. A competitor may grab an opponent to offset balance or set for a strike but MUST let go of the opponent before they strike.
Second Punching
Executing a technique after the center referee has said stop will result in a penalty point given to the opponent, whether the infraction takes place in or out of bounds.
Out of Bounds
Any time a competitor is avoiding or intentionally runs out of bounds and/or steps out of bounds, a penalty point will be awarded to the opponent, provided he or she is not pushed, shoved, propelled, or fighting out of the ring.
Penalty Points
Every verified rule infraction will result in a penalty point awarded to the opponent. This excludes those rule infractions that are considered flagrant and result in disqualification. Once a competitor receives (3) penalty points, they are disqualified. (NO WARNINGS)
Weight Division
It is mandatory for all adult fighting competitors who fight in a weighed division to weigh in before engaging in competition. Only one official weigh-in is required. All adult fighting competitors must fight in their weight division. A contestant cannot go up a heavier weight or down to a lower weight division. If the weight official feels a contestant is trying to weigh heavier by wearing unreasonable clothes or equipment, he/she will be asked to remove those articles before weighing in. The weight in pounds must be recorded on the competitor's competition card and arm band. Lightweight: 179 lbs & Under. Heavyweight: 180 lbs & Over.
Continuous Sparring
Continuous Sparring Rules
Dress Code
Uniform Top and Bottom required.
Time Limit
Youth 17 yrs & Under: (1) round per match with a 1:00 minute time limit. Adults 18 yrs & Over: (2) rounds per match with a 1:00 minute time limit for each round, including a 30-second rest period in between.
Safety Gear
Chest Protectors are MANDATORY for ages 9 yrs & Under. Face shields are not required but are highly recommended for youth 17 yrs & Under. Adult and Youth headgear is required. MMA gloves not allowed. Footgear must cover toes.
Legal Target Areas
For adults ages 18 yrs & Over: kicks and punches allowed to head/face and front/side torso. No leg kicks. For ages 17 yrs & Under: kicks and punches allowed to front/side torso. Kicks are allowed to the head. NO HANDS TO HEAD. No leg kicks.
Match Decision
Winner will be determined by a show of hands at the end of time. Up to 3 hand strikes are allowed in a fury, then either a disengagement or kicks are required — the referee can and will separate competitors. Winner will be determined by general competitor engagement, strikes landed (both kicks and hands), and aggressiveness. If the center referee feels at any point that the match is one-sided or uncompetitive, they can call both referees and a majority decision can be made to stop the match and announce a winner.