ATA-XTREME COMPETITION RULES / GUIDELINES
ATA-Xtreme Form and ATA-Xtreme Weapons competitions are a “Free Style” performance that allows the mix
of traditional and contemporary martial arts techniques that have evolved over the last 30 years. The ATA
Xtreme division category for forms and weapons competition is based in traditional Songahm
Taekwondo but allows for non-traditional movements spanning all martial arts styles and disciplines
whereas the ATA Creative division categories do not. Competitors are free to create their own
choreography based on the following minimum criteria where martial arts techniques and
combinations carry the highest value over non-martial arts techniques such as gymnastics, acrobatics,
and dance.
Eligibility Requirements:
In addition to the regular eligibility requirements listed on page 17, in order to compete in any ATA-Xtreme
competition, the competitor must also compete in the traditional event that correlates to the ATA-Xtreme
event in which they wish to compete. Failure to compete in the corresponding event may result in the loss
of points earned at that event.
EXAMPLE: If a competitor wishes to compete in ATA-Xtreme Forms, the competitor must also compete in
Traditional Forms at that tournament. The same would apply for ATA-Xtreme Weapons competition.
General Rules / Guidelines
The following guidelines are in place for ATA-Xtreme competition (Forms & Weapons):
Competitors in these divisions must demonstrate a form or weapon routine that reflects the essence and values of
ATA-Xtreme.
 At least 50% of the form must be original material.
 The entire presentation must be no longer than 2 minutes from bow in to finish. This time frame includes
all presentations to the judges.
All ATA-Xtreme competitions will be started in the following manner:
1. Competitor’s name is called.
2. Competitor enters the ring for traditional bow in. Time begins after their traditional bow in and
is indicated by the center judge saying “your time begins now.”
3. Competitor either asks permission to begin (and receives permission), or they may begin
their form presentation.
4. Competitor may not back up & exit the ring or go to the back corner & re-enter to present
themselves to the judges. Competitor must either start their form demonstration or present
themselves to the judges.
SPECIAL NOTE: By JUNE 1, 2012 there will be a short video clip that may be viewed on
www.atatestings.com to see examples of the these guidelines.
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All 3 Judges will score the entire form.
Judging Criteria:
1. The first aspect of the form demonstrated will be Creativity, Difficulty, Presentation, Attitude and
Precision of the taekwondo techniques presented. These 5 areas should all be considered, but not
weighted in any particular order.
2. The second aspect a judge will consider are the "tricks" and “variety of tricks” presented in the
form.
EXAMPLE 1: Competitor A, who is equal in presenting an “XTREME” form that is creative, has
strong, difficult, precise techniques with a great attitude, may not score as high as Competitor B who adds
a variety of "tricks" to the that same type of form.
EXAMPLE 2: Competitor A, whose taekwondo techniques are not crisp and strong but has many
difficult "tricks" within their form, may not score as high as the Competitor B who has strong, crisp,
precise techniques, but only meets the minimum requirements of an Xtreme Form presentation.
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EXAMPLE 3: Competitor A and B are equal in techniques and creativity, but Competitor A only
does tumbling passes as his/her “tricks” he/she may not score as high, if Competitor B performs
martial arts kicking "tricks" verses gymnastic/acrobatic type "tricks". Likewise, if Competitor A and
B are equal in everything including "tricks", the competitor that demonstrates a stronger ability to
integrate the "tricks" into martial arts combinations may score higher. Example A: Both competitors
do aerial cartwheels but Competitor A performs it in combination - Butterfly kick, hook kick into the
aerial ending with a punch in a front stance, Competitor A demonstrates higher level difficulty
through integration of this acrobatic move into a martial arts combination verses just doing a standalone aerial. Example B: - Performing a Jump Split kick, back tuck, pop front kick turn punch is
more difficult than just a back tuck and landing in a stance or on one's knee.
Music is allowed but not mandatory. In keeping with the concept that judges will consider difficulty, then
if music is used, a competitor who performs “in time” with the music may receive a higher score.
o Music is the responsibility of the competitor. Each competitor must have their own sound system
in good working order. Dead batteries, iPod malfunctions are the result of the poor preparation
and malfunctions will not change the time limit. The total time limit of 2 minutes will stand
regardless of any music malfunction. Competitors should continue without music if there is any
delay and have the person designated to play their music take the appropriate action in keeping
with the wishes of that competitor.
There is no limit to the number of "tricks" allowed.
All types of kicks and combinations are allowed as long as the instructor of the competitor approves of
the safety aspect of the presentation. Safety is the number one concern.
The use of blindfolds for ATA-Xtreme Forms and ATA-Xtreme Weapons is now approved . This does
not apply to any other competition division. No other props are allowed. Blind folds should be
presented to the center judge to verify that the blindfold actually prevents vision, and is not just a
prop for the illusion of a more difficult routine. Failure to present the blindfold prior to use in
any ATA-Xtreme competition will result in disqualification.
Competitors may not remove any part of their clothing during performance.
All music and lyrics must be approved by the student’s instructor. Inappropriate lyrics/music may result
in the competitor being disqualified.
Student must also compete in the corresponding traditional event.
Student must wear traditional Dobok or ATA-Xtreme uniform only (See pages 13 & 15 for uniform
regulations).
Disqualified Junior competitors will still receive a competitor’s trophy in keeping with the guidelines on
page 18 of the 2012-13 Rule Book.
There are NO novice divisions in Creative and ATA-Xtreme competitions.
The forms or weapons performance will be scored using the same process and point range as the ATA
Traditional Forms and Traditional Weapons competition except that all three judges will judge the
overall presentation rather than specific parts.
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Music is allowed for both the ATA-Xtreme Form and ATA-Xtreme Weapons competition but both the
equipment to play the music and the music itself must be supplied by the competitor along with someone
at ringside to start and stop the music as well as control the volume.
ATA-XTREME WEAPONS ADDITIONAL RULES
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Releases of the weapon are allowed in ATA-Xtreme competition.
Control of Weapon is added to the Judging Criteria.
Dropping the weapon will result in a two (2) tenths of a point deduction;
o A weapon that is retrieved must be picked up in the traditional manner. If this does not happen,
an additional two (2) tenths of a point will be deducted.
o If competitor drops the weapon more than once all three judges will continue to deduct a two
tenths penalty per drop &/or incorrect pick up. The lowest possible score in Xtreme
Weapons is 9.1.
If there are mandatory deductions then the center will explain them to the corner judges before scores are
given.
If competitor is disqualified no score will be given.
Color belts may compete with any weapon in the color belt Protech curriculum, however, Color Belts
MUST use ATA Protech Safety Weapons only. XMA or ATA-Xtreme branded weapons are not allowed
for color belt use with the exception of the Jahng Bong.
A competitor who is 60” or taller must use an adult size weapon
Weapons may be decorated but reduced in size.
Black Belts may use any weapon in the Protech curriculum. They may use XMA or ATA-Xtreme
branded weapons.
Competitors may not use single Ssahng Nat, nor may they combine any weapon types (example: they
cannot use one Bahng Mahng Ee and one Ssahng Nat)
The use of double swords are allowed for BLACK BELTS ONLY. Color belts may NOT use double
swords.
Approved ATA-Xtreme Weapons:
The following rules apply to ATA-Xtreme Weapons:
Color Belts
 The same weapons rules apply as in Traditional Weapons Competition (see page 43).
o The same selection of weapons applies - NO others are added.
o The same style of weapons applies – NO exceptions, modifications or additions.
 Xtreme Competition Weapons for color belt use MAY be decorated.
 Xtreme Competition Weapons for color belt use MUST NOT be REDUCED in shape or size.
Black Belts
 MUST use a weapon from within the entire “Protech” curriculum (see page 45 of Protech Rules). NO
other weapons are added for ATA-Xtreme competition.
 Black belts of all ages MAY use the ATA-Xtreme competition weapons or XMA branded weapons.
Note: The “XMA” branded Xtreme competition sword has the logo on the scabbard and an “X” shaped hand
guard
 Black belts may perform with any “Protech” version or “Protech” approved weapon.
 Xtreme Competition Weapons MUST NOT be reduced in shape or size.
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Xtreme Competition Weapons MAY be decorated. If in the opinion of the Regional Tournament Team
Leader (or his/her assigns) the decorations alter the weapon, the weapon will not be allowed to be used in
competition. The decision of the Regional Tournament Team Leader is final.
SPECIAL NOTE: School owners and Instructors should listen to and approve all music including the
appropriateness of the lyrics (profanity, lewd behavior, etc.) prior to the competitor using it during competition.
Special attention should also be paid to the attitude of the competitor during ATA-Xtreme competition. Rudeness
or inappropriate behavior during any competition will not be tolerated.
ATA-Xtreme Divisions
Divisions are based on gender, age of the competitors, and rank. At the conclusion of each tournament season,
the International Chairman of Tournaments will evaluate the number of competitors in each division and
determine if any changes are to be made for subsequent tournament seasons. Divisions change as the
organization grows and more students in different age and rank groups compete.
The current divisions are either Black Belt or Color Belt, and they are further divided by age.
There are NO Novice Divisions for Xtreme Competitions.
The age divisions are as follows:
BOYS
8 years old & under
9,10, & 11 years old
12, 13 & 14 years old
15, 16 & 17 years old
GIRLS
8 years old & under
9,10, & 11 years old
12, 13 & 14 years old
15, 16 & 17 years old
MEN
18 to 29 years old
30 to 39 years old
40 to 49 years old
50 to 59 years old
Age 60 and older
WOMEN
18 to 29 years old
30 to 39 years old
40 to 49 years old
50 to 59 years old
Age 60 and older
ATA-Xtreme divisions at National and World events will reflect these age groups
At Regional events ATA-Xtreme divisions, male/female, that have less than 5 in each gender WILL be combined
with the other gender divisions of the same age. (color belts or black belt divisions) to provide competition
opportunities. If one gender has at least 5 competitors, and the other gender has at least 2 competitors, the groups
will not be combined. If, however, one gender has only 1 competitor, the genders must be combined.
****Age groups will not be combined, nor will Black Belts be combined with Color Belts.
Example 1: Boys 1st-3rd Degrees Age 9-11 have 5 competitors, but the Girls 1st-3rd Degrees Age 9-11
division only have 4. The two genders will not be combined to make one division.
Example 2: Boys 1st-3rd Degrees Age 9-11 have 5 competitors, but the Girls 1st-3rd Degrees Age 9-11
division only has 1. The two genders will be combined to make one division.