What is Boston Battle?

Boston Battle is a portion of the NECKC tournaments that was created by Master Tabata. It is unique to the NECKC tournaments and tends to excite all those who attend the tournaments.

Boston Battle is normally held at the end of the tournament, after all kata and kumite divisions are completed, but before the trophy ceremony and the formal close of the tournament.

In general, Boston Battle is a two-on-two kumite competion that uses the entire gymnasium space as it's competition ring. Because of the size of the competition area, all judges that participated in the tournament are used for the competition. In most cases, there is a minimum of six judges watching the ring.

How Does the Competition Go?

Competitors start from opposite ends of the competition space and approach each other only when the head judge calls out to begin. The object is to score upon someone of the opposite team while avoiding getting scored upon. If someone from one of the teams gets scored upon, that person returns to the sideline and kneels. Their teammate then faces the other team for a two-on-one match. If the remaining member scores a point on one of the other team, that person sits down at the sideline of the ring, and the match becomes a one-on-one match. If both members of a team are scored upon, the scoring team gets a point. Matches go to two points.

What Safety Equipment is Required, and What are the Rules?

Safety equipment for Boston Battle is mandatory. Other than that, the rules of going outside the ring, warnings (except for excessive contact or continuing after the judges call a halt), and general sparring are waived.

Who Can Compete in Boston Battle?

Anyone can compete in Boston Battle if they have two members for the team. The event is open to men and women of at least 18 years of age. The competition is co-ed - there are no divisions for men or women.

Boston Battle is not reccommended for the novice fighter.