What is ATA Combat Weapon Sparring?

ATA Combat Weapons Sparring uses padded sticks to strike opponents for score. The entire body is a legal target area in combat weapons sparring with the following exceptions:

• Groin.
• Stab to the eyes.
• Any area of the neck not covered by headgear (face shield is considered part of the headgear).

Strikes with the weapon to a legal contact area will result in the following points with a maximum of 4 points given at any one time:

• 1 point will be awarded for a legal strike or stab to the body not including the head or weapon-holding arm below the elbow.
• 2 points will be awarded for a legal strike to the head, weapon-holding arm below the elbow or stab to the front leg
• Add 1 point to the score for jumping techniques.
• 1 point is awarded to your opponent if you drop you weapon at any time.

The strike or stab must be effective and under control to be considered a scoring technique by the judges.