What is KickFEST? Is it for me?

KickFEST is an exciting semi-annual event designed to prepare students for

KickFEST is an exciting semi-annual event designed to prepare students for Mirae and Open tournaments while supporting self-defense education and community outreach.

We encourage all of our students to participate in Mirae Kuk Sool tournaments, but with the nearest events some distance away (Peoria, Scotland, California, etc), trave can be an issue. KickFEST offers a low-cost, local opportunity for students to gain competition experience and build confidence before stepping onto a larger stage.

Why Participate in KickFEST?

✅ Gain Valuable Experience – Compete in a friendly, supportive environment with other local upstate students.

✅ Sharpen Your Skills – Practice and refine techniques in Kuk Sool-style competitions.

✅ Have Fun & Make Friends – Meet fellow martial artists, challenge yourself, and maybe even take home a medal or trophy!

 ✅ Learn Valuable LifeSkill – Win or lose, competing and training hard will improve you as a martial artist. However, the losing and striving also is a great lesson in itself. While most students will will at least a medal or two, not getting gold will hopefully motivate students to train harder. KickFEST is a great place to 

Who Should Join?

EVERYONE! KickFEST is open to all students, with competitors grouped by rank to ensure fair matchups.

📅 Event Date: March 29th 2025 

📍 At Clemson United Methodist Church – 300 Frontage Rd Clemson, SC 29631
 

Sign Up Now – Register through the app or HERE.

Don’t miss this opportunity to train, compete, and give back. Secure your spot today!

FAQ for KickFEST 2025 

A Clemson Martial Arts Tournament 

Q: What is KickFEST?

A: KickFEST is a local martial arts competition hosted by Clemson Martial Arts, designed to give students valuable experience in a competitive setting while having fun! Through competition, students set and achieve short- and long-term goals, strengthen the local martial arts community, and gain confidence that extends beyond training. KickFEST also serves as preparation for national/international tournaments.

Q: When and where is the tournament?

A: Saturday, March 29th at Clemson United Methodist Church (300 Frontage Road, Clemson).

• Competition begins at 8:30 AM and concludes around 3:00 PM
• There will be a lunch break and demonstration at noon
• Participants do not need to stay the entire time, but should arrive at least 10 minutes early to warm up
• See attached schedule for details

Q: Can my child participate in KickFEST?

A: Yes! However, all participants must:
✔ Have a complete uniform
✔ Have earned at least a White Belt (Etiquette Belt)
✔ Bring their own weapon if competing in a weapons event (e.g., jul bong, staff)

Q: Is my child ready to compete?

A: Yes! Every student is matched with others of the same rank and age group to ensure a fair competition. For example, a 5-year-old White Belt will only compete against other 4-5-year-old White Belts. Students have been prepared in class and only compete using material they have already learned. Not new material. They should however practice at home to prepare if they want to win gold (however just competing and learning about the event is a positive step).

Q: How do I sign up?

A: Register through the Events section of the app. If you wish to pay in cash, use the code CASH at checkout.
⚠️ All registration and payments must be completed by the Tuesday before the event.

Q: Do we have to stay from 8:30AM to 3 PM?

A: No. Most students will only need to be present for less than two hours:

• Arrive at least 15 minutes before your start time
• Competitions generally last about 90 minutes
• Students receiving a Grand Champion trophy should stay until at least 12:00 PM for the awards and demonstration

Bonus: Stay longer and enjoy our demo and lunch concessions!

Q: What events do students compete in, and how much does it cost?

A: Students compete in their rank-appropriate events, which typically include:
✅ Forms
✅ Sparring
✅ Techniques
✅ Weapons (if applicable)

Competition Fees:

• White, Yellow, Blue & Red Belts – Compete in 3 events | $50
• Brown Belts & DBNs – Compete in 4 events | $55
• Black Belts – Compete in up to 5 events | $60

Note: Competing in all available events is encouraged but not required. However, only students competing in every event for their division are eligible for Grand Champion awards (highest point total).

Q: Can spectators attend?

A: Yes! This event is open to friends, family, and the public. While there is no spectator fee, we encourage you to invite others to watch and support our students.

Q: How will students prepare for competition?

A: Students will train in class for their events. However, additional home practice is strongly recommended. Check the Resources section in the app for videos and instructional materials.

Q: Do I need to buy additional gear for KickFEST?

A:

• All competitors must wear a complete uniform with a black shirt underneath
• Embroidered uniforms are recommended but not required for students under Blue Belt
• Tiny Tigers, Lil’ Dragons, and ASC students will need Jul Bong (nunchucks/flail) but do not need sparring gear – medieval sparring gear will be provided
• Juniors, youth, and adults must have protective sparring gear (helmet, gloves, boots)

Ask instructors about discounted or used gear options.

Competition Requirements

After-School Care, Lil Dragons & Tiny Tigers:

Everyone does basic JulBong Spin Routine  &  Medieval Sparring*Foam equipment for medieval sparring will be provided at the tournament In addition there is a third event based on your rank listed below.
Tiny Tigers White Belts:   Front fall, f Kick, Back Fall & b. Kick, Shoulder roll, palm Strike ASC/Lil Dragons White Belts:    Ki Cho Hyung  parts  1 & 2	Yellow Belts:   Ki Cho Hyung  parts  3 & 4	Blue Belts:    Ki Cho Hyung  parts  4- 6

Regular Student Events:        

Rank	Junior Class 8 and younger	Juniors 9-12	Adults 18+    &      Youth 13-17
White	Ki Cho Hyung 1-2    SohnPpaeKi  2, 5 & KiBohnSoo 1	Ki Cho Hyung 1-3  Ki BohnSoo 1, 2 &5	Ki Cho Hyung 1-3  Ki BohnSoo 1, 2 &5
Yellow	Ki Cho Hyung 1-4   Ki BohnSoo 1, 2, 5	Ki Cho Hyung 1-6Ki Bohn Soo 1, 6, 9	Ki Cho Hyung 1-6Ki Bohn Soo 1, 9, 14
Blue	Ki Cho Hyung 1-6Ki Bohn Soo 1, 6, 9	Cho Geup HyungKi Bohn Soo 1, 9, 14	Cho Geup Hyung        Sohn Mohk Soo 1, 6, 9
Red	Cho Geup HyungKi Bohn Soo 1, 9, 14	Joong Geup HyungSohn Mohk Soo 1, 6, 9	Joong Geup Hyung           Eue Bohk Soo 3, 6,13
Brown	Joong Geup HyungStaff 1-5Sohn Mohk Soo 1, 6, 9	Goh Geup Hyung Staff 1-5Eue Bohk Soo 3, 6, 13	Goh Geup Hyung     Staff 1-5Ahn Sohn Mohk Soo 1, 2, 4
DBN 0-3	Goh Geup Hyung Staff 6-10Eue Bohk Soo 3, 6, 13	Dae Geup HyungStaff 6-10Ahn Sohm Mohk Soo 1, 2, 4	Dae Geup Hyung  Staff 6 -10Maek Chi Ki 15   Maek Cha Ki 11Joo Muhk Maga Ki Bohn Soo 5
DBN 4+	Dae Geup Hyung Staff 11-15Ahn Sohn Mohk Soo 1, 2, 4	Guhm Moo Hyung  Staff 11-15Maek Chi Ki 15Maek Cha Ki 11Joo Muhk Maga Ki Bohn Soo 5	Guhm Moo Hyung     Staff 11-15Joong Geup Sohn Mohk Soo 1 Ahp Eue Bohk Soo 6  Dee Eue Bohk Soo 3
Jyo Kyo Nim	Guhm Moo Hyung        Sword Form       Self-Defense routine (at least 5 techniques)      Breaking

* BlackBelts ONLY:    Breaking points from successful breaks determine winner    Self-Defense for Black Belts ONLY – minimum of 5 techniques (time between 45sec to 90 seconds)

*Technique competition – remember you need to find a partner to throw on your techniques. 

Practice pin and finish. The partner should be near your size.

*ALL students may participate in sparring if they bring mouth guards (and groin protection for males) Please bring your own sparring gear. Divisions will be combined and mixed as necessary to create functional brackets.  Males/females separated ideally at 13 years old and above.   Everyone does “no-contact touch contact sparring” . Contact rules are strictly enforced

Medals Value for Grand ChampionGold  = 5 pointsSilver = 3 pointsBronze = 2 pointsCopper = 1 point

GOLD STANDARD 9.7 and higher              GOLD       1st Place    5pt9.5-9.6                            SILVER     2nd Place   3pt9.3-9.4                            BRONZE  3rd Place   2pt9.3 or less                     COPPER    4th Place  1pt

KickFEST Schedule

Saturday – March 29th 

At Clemson United Methodist Church

300 Frontage Road 

Clemson, SC 29631

8:30am – 10am  Black Belts

10am   Tiny Tigers, Lil’Dragons, ASC  (all ranks)

11am  White Belts Yellow Belts & Blue Belts

12pm  Lunch, Auction and Raffle, DEMONSTRATION 

12:45pm Red, Brown, DBN and all Adults start after lunch