Taido
Competition
Taido Jissen – Rules and Signs
1. Objective
Jissen is the free sparring competition format in Taido. The goal is to demonstrate effective Taido techniques with correct form, control, and strategy, scoring points by executing techniques that show superiority over the opponent.
2. Duration
• Matches are usually 1.5 to 2 minutes for regular bouts.
• Finals may be longer depending on tournament regulations.
3. Scoring
Points are awarded for:
• Effective techniques: Kicks, punches, or sweeps with correct form, targeting allowed areas, and with good control.
• Unbalancing the opponent with sweeps or takedowns.
4. Prohibited actions
• Contact to the face with punches (usually)
• Excessive force or dangerous techniques
• Grabbing or holding unless part of an immediate attack or takedown
• Attacking joints

Japanese Call
Hajime
Yame
Point (Ippon / Nihon)
Chui
Hansoku
Shugo
Hantei
Kachi
Meaning
Start
Stop
Awarding a point
Warning
Disqualification
Call judges for conference
Judges decision
Victory
Hand sign / Explanation
Arm raised up then dropped downwards to begin
Arm raised frontally, palm outward
Arm extended at shoulder level to the scorer's table side, stating competitor’s color and points
Index finger raised, directed to competitor
Arm raised above head, chopping motion towards violator
Both arms raised and waved towards self
Raise both arms to indicate decision call
Arm raised towards winner
5. Here are key referee signs:
Rules - Judge Signals in Jissen

Yuuko
1/4 point

Wazari
1/2 point

IPPON
"the decisive point on the competition"
1 point
6. Judging Criteria
Judges consider:
• Correct execution of Taido techniques
• Proper distancing and timing
• Control and sportsmanship
• Use of Taido’s 3D movement principles (sen, un, hen, ten, nen)
7. Tatami configuration in Jissen

Rules - Judge Signals in Jissen

Warnings / Chuui



Stop Time
Rules - Others
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Jissen
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Three warnings to one competitor ends the match, other competitor is given ippon
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Tenkai
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Correct time of tenkai is 25-30 seconds, shorter and longer are given time penalty according to the table on right
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NOT APPLIED IN JUNIOR TENKAI
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Timing starts when the indicated competitor moved first time after the team “setting up the scene” and having a 3-5 sec break staying still
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Timing ends when gentai from last technique is done
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Overstepping the area results in penalty -1,0 points per overstepping
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Dantai jissen
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Match can end in a draw, no overtime is given
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Dantai hokei
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Overstepping the area results in penalty -1,0 points per overstepping
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Competition in Taido: Hokei
Hokei (similar to katas in traditional Karate) were created by Taido’s founder, Dr. Shukumine. They consist of combinations and sequences of pre-defined individual techniques.
Types of Hokei
1. Tai Hokei
Based on doko sotai (rules for movement). Five tai hokei exist, according to the five groups of techniques:
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Sentai no hokei
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Untai no hokei
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Hentai no hokei
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Nentai no hokei
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Tentai no hokei
2. In Hokei
Also based on doko sotai. Originally created to be practiced by women, but now practiced by both sexes (mainly by women in competition):
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Senin no hokei
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Unin no hokei
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Henin no hokei
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Nenin no hokei
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Tenin no hokei
3. Sei Hokei
Based on seigyo sosoku (rules for confrontation or controlling an opponent). There are three sei hokei:
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Ten sei no hokei
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Chi sei no hokei
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Jin sei no hokei
4. Mei Hokei
Based on taiki kokyu (rules for breathing and control of body energy). There are three mei hokei:
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Ten sei no hokei
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Chi sei no hokei
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Jin sei no hokei
Key Points for Practicing Hokei
1. Imagine an adversary receiving each technique (note: hokei is for technique practice, not kumite).
2. Mental and physical preparedness – begin with serenity; in seiza, visualise the entire hokei before starting.
3. Execute movements with pre-established continuity, harmony, and fluidity, maintaining appropriate speeds.
4. Seek balance of opposites: weak/strong, fast/slow, expansion/contraction.
5. Adapt breathing – full breathing in pauses, adequate breathing during techniques.
6. Ensure objectivity and targeting – no hesitation, aim for the correct target with confidence.
7. Use kiai correctly, at designated moments, channelling energy appropriately.
8. Maintain form and balance throughout; avoid hesitation or instability.
9. Finish with correct attitude and relaxation – in seiza, control tiredness with abdominal breathing and review the performance calmly.

7. Tatami configuration in Hokei
Team Competition in Taido
Team jissen precepts are basically the same as those for individual jissen.
• Each team is composed of five competitors.
• Every competitor is identified by a number on the back their dogi (uniform).
Purpose of the number: This number indicates the group of techniques in which the competitor is more proficient. If the competitor performs a technique belonging to the group matching the number on their back, they may receive ippon for that technique.

Tatami configuration in Dantai Jissen
Team Competition: Tenkai
Tenkai is performed by a team of 6 members. It is a simulated fight with multiple opponents, designed to appear logical and efficient, demonstrating effective techniques with real but controlled contact.
Roles in Tenkai
• Shuyaku (main actor): The central protagonist who defends against all attacks.
• Wakiyaku (supporting actors): The five opponents who surround and attack the shuyaku.

Tenkai, Team Finland, Gold Medal WTC 1997, "The bakuchu boys". Photo by Miguel Ferreira
Numbered Dogis and Technique Groups
Each wakiyaku wears a numbered dogi, indicating their special area:
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Sengi
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Ungi
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Hengi
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Nengi
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Tengi
- Each wakiyaku must demonstrate both offensive and defensive techniques against the shuyaku.
- For their final attack, the wakiyaku must use a technique from their assigned group.
- For example, a wakiyaku with number 3 must use a hengi technique for the final attack.
Evaluation
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Judged by 6 judges:
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Each judge (1 per competitor) gives 1 to 10 points.
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The chief judge gives 1 to 20 points.
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Total possible points: 70
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Performance time: Must be between 25 to 30 seconds. Minus points are given if:
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The performance is too short or exceeds the time limit.
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The team moves outside the 9 x 9 m area.
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Tenkai
Tatami configuration in Dantai Jissen

