What is KickFEST? Is it for me?
KickFEST is an exciting semi-annual event designed to prepare students for competition…
Yes – it is for you! yes – for you!!!!
Low cost, local and fun – this event designed to prepare students for Mirae and Open tournaments while supporting self-defense education and community outreach.
No one is too new or too young – its for EVERYONE
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… and it’s never to early to start. THIS IS A PRACTICE TOURNAMENT – but with real things to win. Yes – you will win medals, but the most important things you win are CONFIDANCE and EXPERIANCE!
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: October 4th 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 2026
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 7th at Clemson United Methodist Church (300 Frontage Road, Clemson).
- Competition begins at 9AM 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 MOnday 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 – Compete in 3 events | $45
- Red, Brown Belts & DBNs – Compete in 4 -5 events | $50
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 may change – instructors will provide you with updated competition requirements as the tournament approaches
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 SohnPpae Ki 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 1-6 Ki Bohn Soo 1, 6, 9 | Ki Cho Hyung 1-6 Ki Bohn Soo 1, 9, 14 | |
| Blue | Ki Cho Hyung 1-6 Ki Bohn Soo 1, 6, 9 | Cho Geup Hyung Ki Bohn Soo 1, 9, 14 | Cho Geup Hyung Sohn Mohk Soo 1, 6, 9 | |
| Red | Cho Geup Hyung Ki Bohn Soo 1, 9, 14 Staff Spins 1-5 | Joong Geup Hyung Sohn Mohk Soo 1, 6, 9 Staff Spins 1-5 | Joong Geup Hyung Eue Bohk Soo 3, 6,13 Staff Spins 1-5 | |
| 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 Begi 1-10 x2 Self-Defense Routine | Begi 1-10 x2 Self-Defense Routine | Dae Geup Hyung Begi 1-10 x2 Self-Defense Routine | |
| DBN 4+ | Dae Geup Hyung Begi 1-10 x2 Self-Defense Routine | Guhm Moo Hyung Begi 1-10 x2 Self-Defense Routine | Guhm Moo Hyung Begi 1-10 x2 Self-Defense Routine | |
*Black Belts 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 – October 4, 2025
9am Brown Belts and DBN * 12 and under
10am Tiny Tigers – Lil’ Dragons and After School Care
11am Junior White Belts and Yellow Belts
12pm Lunch break and DEMO
12:45pm All Ranks Youth and Adult (13+), Junior Red Belt, Junior Blue Belt
Location
At Clemson United Methodist Church
300 Frontage Road
Clemson, SC 29631