TOURNAMENT RULES
Everything you need to know before stepping into the Gauntlet.
📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026
📍 Smyrna High School • Smyrna, TN
BUILT FOR ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT.
The Phoenix Iron Gauntlet was created to solve a common problem—athletes traveling for hours only to compete once.
Every division uses a double-elimination format to maximize meaningful ring time and help athletes grow through competition.
We look forward to welcoming athletes, coaches, officials, and families from across the Southeast.
Sparring
Only
Dedicated entirely to sparring competition.
Double Elimination
Every athlete gets multiple opportunities to compete.
KP&P Electronic Scoring
Required for all Red and Black Belt divisions.
AAU
Rule Set
Modified World Taekwondo Olympic sparring rules.
Match Format
| Rounds | Format | Weight Divisions |
|---|---|---|
| Best 2 Out of 3 | Double Elimination All Divisions | Weight Divisions may be combined or split at Director's Discretion |
Scoring
| Punches | Body Kicks | Head Kicks | Turning Kick Body | Turning Kick Head | Point Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Point | 2 Points | 3 Points | 4 Points | 6 Points | 15 Points |
Age Divisions
| Tiger | Dragon | Mini-Cadet | Cadet | Junior | Senior | Executive | Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-7 | 8-9 | 10-11 | 12-14 | 15-17 | 18-32 | 33-42 | 43+ |
Belt Divisions
| Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Black |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | Green | Brown | All Levels of Black Belt |
| Yellow | Blue | Red | |
| Orange | Purple |
Equipment
uniform
Uniform color requirements will be waived for this event. Both White and Black Uniforms will be allowed. Uniform must be in good condition free of any holes or tears.
Gear
All athletes will need to provide their own shin/instep protectors, forearm protectors, mouthguard (no red), groin cup for males. Chest gear and head gear required for Novice and Intermediate divisions. Advanced and Black Belt divisions will use e-headgear and e-hogu provided by Iron Gauntlet.
Kp n P
All Advanced and Black Belt Divisions will use KP n P e-hogu and e-headgear K1. There will NOT be KP n P socks for sale on site so athletes will need their e-socks before the event.
no Kp n p
Novice and Intermediate (White-Blue) divisions will NOT use KP n P e-hogu and e-headgear. Any Novice or Intermediate that wants to "fight up" to Advanced level to gain PSS experience can do so. You will need to contact us before the event so you can be placed in the appropriate division.
earned.
not given.
Custom 4 inch medals will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and two 3rd place in each division.
Venue
Smyrna High School
100 Bulldog Dr
Smyrna, TN 37167
Easy interstate access
22 miles from Nashville
QUESTIONS?
WE'VE GOT ANSWERS.
Here are a few of the most common questions about registration and tournament day.
How Do I Register?
Registration is right on this site. Just click REGISTER TODAY to get started!
What is the cost of the competition?
Cost is $103.99 to compete ($100 + CC Processing Fees)
What is the Date and Location?
Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Smyrna High School in Smyrna, TN
What Gear Will Be Required?
Each player will need to provide their own white shin/instep protectors, white forearm protectors, mouthguard (any color except red). Players red belt and below will need to provide their own WT style chest protector and WT style headgear. White headgear will be allowed. Red and Blue headgear will be allowed- player must have both red and blue. All black belt players must provide their own Kp n p e foot gear. E hogu (chest gear) and E headgear will be provided by the tournament. There will NOT be Kp n P e foot gear for sale on site.
What Rules Will Be Used?
Modified WT rules will be in play. Modifications are that head contact will be allowed in all divisions, light contact for colored belts under 18 and black belts under 15. Full contact for 15-17 black belts and all belts over 18.
Check Ins/Weigh Ins
Doors will open for check-in at 7:30a and check-in will be from 7:30a until 8:45a. All competitors must weigh in at check-in. Competition will start promptly at 9:00a. Final competition schedule will be emailed to all participants a week before the event.
Will There Be Concessions on Site?
Concessions will be available on site
Who Do I Contact With Questions?
You can email info@martialarts4murfreesboro.com or text/call 615-488-4708
READY TO STEP
INTO THE GAUNTLET?
Registration is now open for the inaugural Phoenix Iron Gauntlet. Join coaches and athletes from across the Southeast for a sparring-only, double-elimination tournament built around meaningful competition and athlete development.