Us Lightfencing Rules: Dulon/Forms

Posted: July 27, 2024

The principles of Dulon are fundamental to the training approach on which these rules are based. The combat style and its practical training are best executed through individual exercises known in our sport as Dulon. Kata (Japanese) and TaoLu (Chinese) are alternate terms for this practice, both essentially meaning "routine". These routines contain a wealth of information used for instructing and conditioning athletes. However, not all routines are equally effective when performed. This is where the competitive aspect of Dulon comes into play.

A Dulon is a sequence of movements that enables athletes to train for biomechanical efficiency, footwork and mobility, and cardiovascular endurance specific to the sport of light fencing. These sequences can take any form chosen by the athlete. There are 8 fundamental categories of Dulon, each corresponding to one of the 7 Formula of Saber combat as defined by Terra Prime Light Armory, and an "Unorthodox" Category of Dulon that does not adhere to any formulas. Events can be tailored based on registrations for each category.

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Competition in Dulon will be based on a system of judging. Judges will be accomplished and knowledgeable individuals from various martial arts and performance areas. Performances will be judged on a 10-point scale with one decimal point. 4 judges and one Head Judge will give scores. The Head Judge will be responsible for awarding boons or deductions (see below), which will be added or subtracted from the total score. The total score is the average of the five judges' scores, and the athlete with the highest average is declared the winner of the event. 

Divisions:

- Youngling: Under 12

- Apprentice: Beginners 0-2 years of experience or 12-18 years old

- Knight: Intermediate 2-4 years of experience and/or 18+

- Master: Advanced 4+ years of experience

Events:

- First and second Formula Shii-cho-Makashi: All divisions

- Third and fourth Formula Soresu-Ataru: Apprentice and Knight

- Formula 5, 6, 7: Knight only

All events and divisions are mixed gender. There will be no divisions based on sex or gender. 

Basic rules:

Each athlete is given between 30 and 90 seconds to perform a Dulon conforming to one of several categories. During this performance, the athlete may not touch themselves with the blade, drop their saber, or deactivate their saber, or they will receive a deduction. If the performer does something particularly clever, difficult, or theatrical, a boon may be awarded by the Head Judge. After the 5 scores are tallied, the average score is determined, deductions and boons are applied, and the final score is awarded to the athlete. The winner of the event is the athlete with the highest score.

Deductions:

Deductions occur when one of the rules is breached. Only the Head Judge takes deductions, and those are subtracted from the final score. Deductions begin at 0.1 points for each occurrence. The Head Judge can determine if an infringement constitutes up to a full point deduction, depending on how egregious the infraction.

Boons:

Boons can be used to identify exceptional aspects of a performance beyond the requirements. A particularly difficult or well-staged sequence, or a narrative aspect that is particularly compelling. Boons begin at 0.1 point. The Head Judge will determine if a boon is warranted and how much it will be worth, up to a full point. Boons can be given for more than one occurrence, but the total cannot exceed a full point.

Please familiarize yourself with the following information

Compulsory Dulon

In the realm of USA Lightfencing, a series of Dulon, developed by TPLA, serves a dual purpose. Firstly, they are employed as pedagogical aids for those looking to hone their skills, and secondly, they are compulsory for competitive participation. These Dulon exemplify the defining characteristics of each category that serve as evaluation criteria. The assessments are not based on subjective judgment for competitions but rather aid in the classification of Dulon for evaluative purposes. Any form can fall under several categories. The mandatory Dulon set a standard for assessment.

Below are brief descriptions of each of the seven formulas and what they represent for the skill level of athletes:

First Formula (Shii-Cho): 

This Dulon serves as the universal foundational category. It describes three types of strikes, three parries, and three guards. Additional elements are acceptable, but nothing should be omitted.

Form and style examples are Basic Kendo kata, basic sets of European longsword techniques, basic Da Dao, and basic Shang shou jian (mantis, wushu, etc.). 

Judging criteria: 

Form 1 Dulon should be very simple with no complex blade work, jumps, or spins. It should demonstrate body mechanics in cuts, quality of stance, and the basics of swordplay. A minimum of orbits and saber spinning should be present.

Second Formula (Makashi): 

The dynamic of single combat. This Dulon highlights the dynamics of single combat. The compulsory Dulon may be split into A and B sections and set against each other. It shows the rhythm and distancing needed for live combat with another person. This form is considered intermediate and above level. It must present a clear attitude toward single combat, with or without the USL rule set.

Form and style examples are Basic Chinese jian (any style), rapier, small sword, and any one-handed system of hilt combat.

Judging criteria: 

Form 2 must show a good example of training for single combat, including strong frontal defense, reaching and stretching strikes, and turns rather than spins. It should also demonstrate footwork with explosive forward movement, a strong sense of the line, and one-legged stances. Orbits and saber spins should be kept to a minimum.”

Knight and above

Third Formula (Soresu): 

This technique is focused on defense and protection. It involves characteristic movements such as "spinning" or orbits, with the blade coming close to but never touching the body. Flow and tosses are often added for stylistic flair, and parries and dodges are also essential components. Examples of this form include Wushu Jian and dao, Cossack Saber Dance, Chinese opera weapon work, and Montante/Great Sword. 

The judging criteria for Form 3 emphasize a defensive attitude and a passive approach, with the use of orbits, spins, tosses, and catches. Movements can be small and close to the body, large with defined arcs, or a combination of both, but they should clearly convey a defensive style. Strong strikes, jumps, and spins with attacking orientation are not permitted, while low stances, hops, and dodges are acceptable.

Fourth Formula (Ataru): 

This form is characterized by an agile and attack-oriented approach, utilizing jumps, spins, rolls, and acrobatics to generate power and execute attacks. It is common to incorporate acrobatics and ground work, and in the absence of jumps and acrobatics, spins may be utilized. Form examples of Ataru include Wushu Jian, Dao and Staff, extreme Karate, and acrobatic styles. When judging Form 4, the emphasis is on the demonstration of attack and power through well-performed jumps, spins, and acrobatics. Good landings, clean approaches, and powerful execution are key elements. Even those who cannot perform acrobatics may demonstrate spins and jumps in a conservative manner as long as they still convey power and aggressive action.

Master

Fifth Formula: 

This form is a synthesis of the first four forms, incorporating aspects in novel ways. Acrobatics are to be performed in a powerful manner, allowing for both two-handed and one-handed variants. Examples of this form include Iado, Kenjutstu, German Longsword, Italian Longsword, and any two-handed or one-handed sword style. 

When assessing the Fifth Form, judges will evaluate the performer's demonstration of solid basics, clean footwork, well-defined strikes, and effective defense. Additionally, inventiveness, mindset, dynamics, and the overall combative presentation will be considered.

Sixth Formula: 

This form aims to harmonize the body, mind, and Force, with movements that can be slow and smooth or a combination of slow and explosive power. Although it embodies a meditative and inward-gazing approach, the performance if one’s skill must not lack conviction. Examples of this form include Tai Chi, Aikido, Iaido, and other 'internal' or soft forms. 

When evaluating Form 6, the focus is on the detailed body mechanics of the performer, including good balance, control of movements, and the incorporation of slow movements that demonstrate body mechanics.

Seventh Formula: 

Known as "Transcendence," this style requires a chaotic yet methodical approach, utilizing all the skills from the previous forms. It is characterized by erratic, daring, clever, inventive, and unpredictable movements. Examples of this form include Drunken fist, monkey fist, Bartitsu, and BilJi from Wing Chun. 

When judging the Seventh Form, the emphasis is on expertise in performance, inventiveness, and the unpredictability of the Dulon, with unconventional combinations, feats, or techniques making it unpredictable to viewers.