Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the awards going to be?
All first place division winners will receive a beautiful, hand embroidered black belt commemorating the event or a hand embroidered red/white/blue competition belt (under-belts)! 1st, 2nd. and 3rd place finishers in their division will receive 3", full metal/struck, Olympic style medals custom made for the event! All participants will receive free commemorative wristbands for the event!
2. Is there a kids grappling division?
No. Due to time constraints there will not be any child grappling divisions this year.
3. What SKITA rules options are you using?
1-b, 2-b (all the Internationals forms divisions are open), 3-b, 4-a, 5-b, 6-a, 7-a.
Note: Regarding Option 6-a, The Internationals scoring system for Point Sparring will be the following: "One point for hand techniques, two points for kicking techniques, and three points for spinning/aerial kicks to the head scoring areas."
XMA weapons (graphite and/or light weight weapons) are allowed in weapons divisions. The bo staff requirements given are for hard, traditional weapons divisions...All kata and weapons divisions at the Internationals are open (to traditional, creative, hard, soft, etc.)
Click here to see a rules summary.
4. Does my child have to wear a chest protector and a face mask to spar?
No. Required safety equipment for point and continuous sparring are mouthpiece, groin protector, hands, foot and headgear.
5. Will there be press at the event?
Press attending our event include KSAT News, Clear Channel Radio, International Martial Arts Today, Master Steve Pinder's "Martial Arts Masters of Texas" Podcast, and www.proelite.com!
5. The flyer says the tournament is on Saturday May 24th but your website says there will be seminars on Friday, May 23rd?
All participants in the Internationals may also attend the World Head of Family Sokeship Seminars that are being held on Friday and Saturday May 23rd and 24th. All you need to do is arrive Friday, pick up your wristband (location TBA), and you will be allowed entrance to the no-cost seminars. We will also have a special appearance by Master Fred LaSala who will be conducting a free seminar on site at the tournament in a designated ring and Hans Wikkeling who will be giving a low cost seminar immediately after the tournament.
6. Where do I park?
Self-Parking or Valet parking is available at the hotel parking garage. Several self pay lots ranging from $2-$5 per day are available within a 1 block radius of the event! There are 3 parking lots within 1 block of the hotel (on Martin St. directly across from the hotel, W. Pecan/S Flores, and N Main/W Pecan that are $3.00 per day. Look for "Ampco System Parking" signs.)
7. What if I want to attend the World Head of Family Sokeship Council Hall of Fame Banquet?
Information about the WHFSC HOF (which is being held along side the Internationals) is available here. The price for those receiving an award from the council is $175.00, guests of an awardee are $100.00, and the general public may attend for $140.00. The WHFSC HOF banquet and awards presentation is a separate event from the tournament being held at the same location. The banquet will include an awards presentation, entertainment, and much more! For a list of the grandmasters attending the event, click on the link above or the link on the main page of our website. The list of grandmasters attending the event is a virtual whos who of the martial arts world.
7. Your Myspace Page says something about an after party/celebration?
There will be an after party/celebration for all of age (21+) competitors and/or their guests at the Suede Lounge, just .2 mi (walking distance) from the Hotel. All competitors/spectators will receive free entrance to the club and one free drink! More details will be announced soon!
7. I registered to be an official but have not received a confirmation email?
Try resubmitting your information or calling us at (210) 781-2811.
8. Will there be a grand championship?
Time permitting, there will be a black belt grand championship sparring and kata. Prizes are TBD. Keep checking back, we will make the announcement soon.
9. Do you accept credit card payments?
We are now accepting credit card payments for registration. To pay by credit card, scan and email your registration form to info@theworldinternationals.com. Please write "credit card registration" on the subject line of the email and your contact number and name in the body of the email message. A representative will contact you as soon as possible. Your registration will not be accepted until a representative has contacted you and given you an authorization number for your payment. If you do not hear from a representative within 48 hours, please call (210) 342-7537 and ask for Scott Talbott. We will also be accepting credit card payments on the day of the event!
9. I am a blackbelt or advanced grappler and would like to judge?
Don't forget: Black Belt judges/Advanced Grapplers/WHFSC members/students of members volunteering to officiate will receive a discounted registration and/or a free spectator pass to the event if not competing! We will also be providing free refreshments, snacks, and much more to our officials! To have your biography and/or achool featured in our coming judges section of the website, submit your information today by clicking on the link above or emailing your info to info@theworldinternationals.com! You will receive a confirmation email within 72 hours of registering.