☯ TAIJIQUAN CHAMPIONSHIP 23 JANUARY 2027 APELDOORN - THE NETHERLANDS Official C ompetition Rules Tai Chi School He Yong Gan 5 October 2026 Apeldoorn Version 1. 1 – 5 – October - 2026 https://taijiquan - academy.nl/tai - chi - kampioenschap - apeldoorn - 2027 Contents 1. Purpose, Scope and Principles ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 1 2. Competition Information ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 1 3. Registration, Fees and Cancellation ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 1 4. Division Allocation ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 2 5. Conduct and Safety ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 2 6. Clothing, Weapons and Equipment ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 2 7. General Rules for Forms ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................ 2 8. Judging of Forms and Qi Gong ................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 3 9. Forms Categories ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 3 9.1 Unarmed – Yang, Chen, Wu, Sun, Wu Hao, Tung, etc. ................................ ................................ ............ 3 9.2 Unarmed – Other ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ 3 9.3 Weapon Forms ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 3 9.4 Qi Gong ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 3 10. Groups, Duo and Duilian ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 3 11. Awards ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 3 12. Push Hands – General Rules ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 4 12.1 Weigh - in and Weight Classes ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 4 12.2 Match Duration ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ 4 12.3 Clothing and Safety ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 4 12.4 Permitted Techniques ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................ 4 12.5 Prohibited Actions and Penalties ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 4 12.6 Injury and Withdrawal ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................ 4 13. Push Hands – Disciplines and Scoring ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 5 13.1 Fixed Step ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 5 13.2 Parallel Step ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 5 13.3 Moving Step ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 5 13.4 Scoring Guidelines ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................ 5 14. Tai Chi Self - Defense ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ 5 14.1 Etiquette, Performance and Timing ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 6 14.2 Judging Criteria ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 6 14.3 Safety ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 7 14.4 Partner ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 7 14.5 General Rules ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 8 15. Scheduling and Overlapping Events ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 8 16. Privacy, Photography and Video ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 8 17. Liability and First Aid ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................... 8 18. Results and Final Provisions ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 8 Tai Chi competitions previously organized by us: Tai Chi Championship Apeldoorn 2026: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TChsN2pxj58 He Yong Gan Cup Dutch Open Tai Chi Championship 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH80Y7oeAkk He Yong Gan Cup Dutch Open Tai Chi Championship 2022 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZEtNwX7PUE For further information, please email: taijiquan2027@gmail.com 2027 年荷 兰 阿珀 尔 多 伦 太极拳 锦标赛 Tai Chi Championship 202 7 Apeldoorn – Competition Rules 1 1. Purpose, Scope and Principles These rules apply to the Tai Chi Championship 202 7 in Apeldoorn, organized by Tai Chi School He Yong Gan. The event is open to practitioners of different skill levels. Safety, sportsmanship, respect, technical quality, control and personal development are central principles. By registering, participants a ccept these rules. The Head Judge and competition management shall decide on situations not covered by these rules; their decisions concerning the competition procedure, division assignments and results are final. 2. Competition Information • Date: Saturday, Saturday 23 J anuary 2027 • Location address will be announced by E - mail • Organizer: Tai Chi School & Martial Arts school He Yong Gan • 09:00 – Reception • 09:30 – Registration/check - in • 10:00 – Opening ceremony • 10:15 – Competitions begin • 17:00 – Award ceremony • Register before 15 January 202 7 • E - mail: taijiquan2027@gmail.com 3. Registration, Fees and Cancellation A fixed registration fee of €12 applies to each registration. The additional entry fees listed below also apply. Registration is confirmed upon receipt of payment. • 1. Unarmed Forms – Mention your style (€8) • 2. Unarmed Forms – Other (€8) • 3. Weapon Forms – Jian (€8) • 4. Weapon Forms – Dao (€8) • 5. Weapon Forms – Long Weapon (€8) • 6. Weapon Forms – Fan (€8) • 7. Weapon Forms – Other (€8) • 8. Qi Gong (€8) • 9. Groups – Unarmed (€40) Scan the QR code • 10. Groups – Weapons (€40) • 11. Duo – Weapons (€16) https://taijiquan - academy.nl/tai - chi - kampioenschap - apeldoorn - 2027 • 12. Duo – Unarmed (€16) • 13. Duilian – Weapons (€16) • 14. Duilian – Unarmed (€16) • 15. Tai Chi Selfdefe nse & Applications Unarmed (€8) • 16. Tai Chi Selfdefense & Applications Weapons (€8) • 1 7 . Push Hands – Fixed Step (€8) • 1 8 . Push Hands – Moving Step (€8) • 1 9 . Push Hands – Parallel Step (€8) • A participant may enter several different divisions. Tai Chi Championship 202 7 Apeldoorn – Competition Rules 2 • Duo and Duilian each consist of exactly two participants; the principal registrant is Participant 1. • Group forms must have at least three participants and have no fixed maximum number. • No refund will be provided if a participant withdraws or does not appear. • If the organizers cancel an event category, the fee for that category — or, where applicable, the entire registration fee — will be refunded. 4. Division Allocation The organizers aim for divisions of approximately 5 – 10 participants. Divisions may be split or combined. For forms, the organizers will try to take age and experience level into account where registration numbers permit. Separate classes are not guaranteed . Participants will be informed in good time of relevant changes to the final division allocation. 5. Conduct and Safety • Everyone must behave respectfully and in a sporting manner and follow instructions from judges, referees, competition management, first - aid staff and venue management. • Participation is at the participant’s own risk; each participant is responsible for ensuring that their health allows them to participate safely. • Alcohol, narcotics and substances that interfere with safe participation are prohibited. • Aggression, intimidation, deliberately dangerous behavior or repeatedly ignoring instructions may result in a warning, point deduction or exclusion. • Participants must follow the schedule themselves and arrive at their competition area on time. Failure to appear when called may result in loss of the opportunity to compete in that division. 6. Clothing, Weapons and Equipment Appropriate Tai Chi/Wushu clothing or a neat school uniform is recommended for forms events. Weapons must be suitable for the form, be in good condition and be safe to handle. Damaged, sharp, unstable or otherwise unsafe weapons may be rejected by the judg es or competition management. 7. General Rules for Forms • Maximum performance time: 6 minutes; no minimum time. • The participant or group enters the competition area when called, presents themselves to the judges and begins once the judges are ready. • A signal may be given at 6 minutes; the performance must then be concluded as soon and as safely as possibl e. • Individual forms are performed basically without music but if music is needed contact us. • Instrumental music without vocals is permitted for Duo, Duilian, group forms and Qi Gong. Participants must provide their own music and playback equipment. • The form must clearly fit within the selected category. In case of doubt, the Head Judge decides. • Interruptions, forgetting the form, falling, losing a weapon, leaving the competition area and other clear errors may be taken into account in the assessment. Tai Chi Championship 202 7 Apeldoorn – Competition Rules 3 8. Judging of Forms and Qi Gong The judging panel assesses the overall performance. Key criteria include technical accuracy; balance, stability and structure; continuity, rhythm and timing; Tai Chi principles such as relaxation with structure, coordination, intention and centering; prese ntation and concentration; for weapons, safe control and body – weapon coordination; for groups, Duo and Duilian , synchronization, timing, distance and cooperation; and for Qi Gong, posture, coordination of breathing, calmness, continuity and concentration. Multiple judges may be used, with an average or agreed final score. Technical errors and rule violations may r esult in deductions. In the event of a tie, the Head Judge decides. 9. Forms Categories 9.1 Unarmed – Yang, Chen, Wu, Sun, Wu Hao, Tung, etc. For unarmed forms from different traditions, the organizers will create separate divisions by style wherever possible. 9.2 Unarmed – Other For Tai Chi styles with fewer entries, including Chen, Wu, Wu/Hao, Sun and other traditional systems, mixed divisions may be created. This will be decided based on the registrations received. 9.3 Weapon Forms Separate divisions are offered for Jian, Dao, Long Weapon, Fan and Other. Long weapons include, for example, spear and long staff. The Head Judge may reassign a weapon entered in an incorrect category to the appropriate division. 9.4 Qi Gong Qi Gong is judged as a demonstration - based competition category. The performance must be controlled, safe and consistent with the declared system. 10. Groups, Duo and Duilian Group forms consist of at least three participants. In addition to technique, synchronization, formations, timing and the performance as a whole are assessed. Duo consists of exactly two participants performing a coordinated routine together. Duilian consi sts of exactly two participants performing a prearranged partner routine featuring attack, defense and/or interaction elements. Separate armed and unarmed Duilian divisions are available. In armed Duilian , the two participants may use identical or different weapons declared in advance. All contact must be fully controlled. 11. Awards First - , second - and third - place finishers in individual, Duo, Duilian, Qi Gong and Push Hands divisions will receive an award/medal or trophy as arranged by the organizers. For group events, one trophy will be awarded to each group placing first, second or third. Tai Chi Championship 202 7 Apeldoorn – Competition Rules 4 12. Push Hands – General Rules Competitions are held in Fixed Step, Moving Step and Parallel Step. These rules combine the existing He Yong Gan Cup rules with common Push Hands competition principles. 12.1 Weigh - in and Weight Classes Participants will be weighed on the day of competition; the measured weight is decisive. The weight classes are: up to and including 60 kg; over 60 – 70 kg; over 70 – 80 kg; over 80 – 90 kg; over 90 – 100 kg; over 100 kg. Competition management may adjust or combine weight classes. Men and women are generally entered in separate divisions. A mixed division is permitted only with the consent of the participants concerned, given in advance by email or on competition day. 12.2 Match Duration Each match consists of two one - minute rounds without a break. Finals have the same duration. 12.3 Clothing and Safety • Appropriate sportswear without hard or sharp parts. • As a rule, participants compete barefoot; feet must be clean, nails short and long hair tied back. • No watches, jewelry, visible piercings, glasses or other items that could cause injury. 12.4 Permitted Techniques The objective is to disrupt the opponent’s balance and structure in a controlled manner, using appropriate Tai Chi principles including Peng, Lü , Ji, An, Cai, Lie and Kao. Techniques must develop from controlled contact and must not turn into striking, kicking or wrestling. 12.5 Prohibited Actions and Penalties • Strikes, punches, kicks, knee strikes, headbutts and elbow strikes. • Attacks to the head, throat, neck, groin or other vulnerable areas. • Finger thrusts, joint locks, choking, dangerous throws, foot sweeps, stomping or deliberately stepping on an opponent’s feet. • Grabbing the legs or waist as a wrestling technique; attacking a fallen opponent. • Deliberately dangerous behavior, insults, intimidation, disregarding referee instructions or disruptive unauthorized coaching. The referee may issue an instruction, official warning, point to the opponent, match loss or disqualification. As a guideline, an official warning awards one point to the opponent; serious violations may result in immediate disqualification. 12.6 Injury and Withdrawal In the event of an injury, the referee stops the match. If a participant cannot safely continue, the match ends. If the injury was directly caused by an illegal action, the offending participant may lose the match or be disqualified. Withdrawing means losi ng the match. Tai Chi Championship 202 7 Apeldoorn – Competition Rules 5 13. Push Hands – Disciplines and Scoring 13.1 Fixed Step Participants begin in a forward/backward stance with controlled arm contact. After a preparatory circular movement, the match begins on the START command After the START command, they attempt to unbalance their opponent without freely moving their own feet. A clear foot movement or fall caused by the opponent may result in a score. In the second round, sides/arms are switched. 13.2 Parallel Step Participants begin with feet approximately shoulder - width apart and the prescribed arm contact. After a preparatory circular movement, the match begins on the START command. After the START command, they attempt to unbalance their opponent without freely moving their own feet. Foot movement and loss of balance are assessed by the referee; arm positions are switched in the second round. 13.3 Moving Step Participants may move within the designated area. Points are awarded for technically caused loss of balance, displacement or a fall. Charging or “bull fighting” without controlled Push Hands technique is not rewarded and may be penalized. The participants walk in a circle with their front arms in contact. The rear hand is held higher and mirrors the opponent’s hand. When they return to their starting positions after circling, the referee calls “fight” and the round begins. After one minute, hand and leg pos itions are switched. 13.4 Scoring Guidelines As a guideline, one point is awarded for a limited but clearly caused foot movement or technical advantage, and two points for clear movement of both feet or a controlled fall. If both participants lose balance simultaneously, the referee determines who cr eated the technical advantage. The referee’s decision is decisive. The basic scoring system is as follows: disruption of the opponent’s balance, 1 point; one of the opponent’s knees or hands touching the ground, 2 points; a complete fall, 3 points. The man ner in which the technique is performed must, of course, also be taken into account. 14. Tai Chi Self - Defense The participant selects a recognizable movement or short movement sequence from a Tai Chi form and translates it into a practical self - defense application. The techniques may be unarmed or involve weapons. For an example of the intended demonstration and entry etiquette, please see the following videos: Example of unarmed Tai Chi applications. Click the blue link below: TAI CHI UNARMED SELFDEFENSE COMPETITION – UNARMED FORMS | Competition Routine & Etiquette Example of Tai Chi applications with weapons. Click the blue link below: TAI CHI WEAPON DEFENSE COMPETITION – WEAPONS FORMS | Competition Routine & Etiquette Tai Chi Championship 202 7 Apeldoorn – Competition Rules 6 IMPORTANT: THE SELF - DEFENSE / APPLICATIONS / TECHNIQUES COMPETITION CATEGORY MUST NOT INCLUDE CHOREOGRAPHED FIGHTS. PARTICIPANTS MUST DEMONSTRATE ACTUAL MOVEMENTS TAKEN FROM EXISTING FORMS AND SHOW THEIR PRACTICAL APPLICATION. 14.1 Etiquette, Performance and Timing 1. The participant walks onto the competition area alongside their partner to approximately the center, in front of the judges’ table. Both salute the judges. 2. The participant approaches the judges’ table while the partner waits outside or at the edge of the competition area. 3. The participant tells the judges which section of which form will be demonstrated. For example: “I will perform a section of Yang Chengfu’s Yang - style 108 Form, using Raising Hands / The Beginning.” 4. The participant returns to the center of the competition area and demonstrates the chosen movement alone, as it would appear in a form. 5. The participant then salutes their partner, who also comes to the center of the competition area. 6. The participant performs the technique on their partner three times. 7. The participant and partner salute the judges together. The partner exits the competition area to the left. 8. The participant walks in front of the jury table , stops at the edge of the competition area and waits for the score. In summary First, the chosen movement or short movement sequence from the Tai Chi form is shown clearly to the judges. The participant then translates that movement into a practical self - defense technique with a partner. The same self - defense technique is performed t hree times in total. The form segment and the three demonstrations together may last no longer than 2 minutes. Timing begins when the participant starts the demonstration. 14.2 Judging Criteria The judges assess the demonstration in three separate areas. Each criterion may receive a score from 1 to 10 points. 1. Application of the Movement – maximum 10 points The self - defense technique must be clearly recognizable as originating from the movement shown in the Tai Chi form. The judges assess how well the original movement principle, direction, body mechanics and technical intention of the form movement are refle cted in the application. Tai Chi Championship 202 7 Apeldoorn – Competition Rules 7 2. Effectiveness – maximum 10 points The application must be logical, functional and practical to execute. The judges consider, among other things, distance, timing, positioning, disruption of balance, control and the actual usefulness of the defense. 3. Execution – maximum 10 points The judges assess the technical quality, balance, coordination, fluidity, control and conviction with which the technique is executed. All three repetitions must be controlled and technically consistent. Maximum total score: 30 points. A simple, clear and effective application may be scored more highly than a spectacular technique whose connection with the original Tai Chi movement is insufficiently recognizable. 14.3 Safety The safety of both participants always comes first. All techniques must be performed in a controlled manner. Extremely hard contact or deliberately causing injury is prohibited. Strikes, punches, kicks and other attacks may be simulated or performed in a controlled manner, but must not make full - force contact. Joint locks and control techniques are permitted but must be applied with restraint. As soon as the partner taps out or verbally indicates a wish to stop, the technique must be released immediately. Throws and balance - breaking techniques are permitted when performed safely and with control. Uncontrolled throws, dangerous falling techniques and techniques in which the partner is deliberately thrown onto the head or neck are prohibited. Attacks to the eyes, throat, neck, groin and other vulnerable areas may only be simulated and must not be carried through. A technique must not be continued if the partner is injured or can no longer safely receive the technique. If weapons are used, they must be sturdy and safe and must be inspected by the judges. The judges or competition management may immediately stop a demonstration if a participant’s safety is at risk. 14.4 Partner The participant performs the event with their own partner, who must also know what to do when carrying out the attacks. The partner supports the demonstration by delivering realistic but controlled attacks. The partner is not judged separately, except insofar as their actions affect the quality and safety of the demonstration. Tai Chi Championship 202 7 Apeldoorn – Competition Rules 8 14.5 General Rules The application must have a demonstrable connection to the Tai Chi movement presented beforehand. An entirely separate self - defense technique with no recognizable connection to the form movement shown will receive a lower score. The demonstration is performed without prerecorded music, props or theatrical elements unless the organizers decide otherwise in advance. If the maximum time of 2 minutes is exceeded, the judges may end the demonstration and/or take the time overrun into account when scoring. Competition management reserves the right to disallow any technique or demonstration considered unsafe. Control, technical quality and practical applicability take precedence over speed, strength and spectacle. 15. Scheduling and Overlapping Events If a forms event and a Push Hands match are scheduled at the same time, Push Hands generally takes priority. The participant must immediately report the conflict at both competition areas; competition management will decide when the form may be performed i nstead. 16. Privacy, Photography and Video Photographs and videos may be taken during the event. Participants will be informed of this during registration. Registration data will be used for organization, communication, payment, division allocation, safety and competition administration in accordan ce with applicable privacy regulations. 17. Liability and First Aid First - aid personnel will be present during the event. Participation in sports and martial arts involves risks and is at the participant’s own risk. This clause does not limit any liability that cannot be excluded under mandatory Dutch law. 18. Results and Final Provisions Results may not be disputed with the judges during the competition. A participant or coach may ask competition management for an explanation. Decisions by the Head Judge/competition management are final. The organizers may amend rules before competition da y where required for safety, practicality or participant numbers, and will communicate important changes as promptly as possible. Participate and Challenge yourself! Tai Chi Championship 202 7 Apeldoorn – Competition Rules 9 This championship is organized by: Taijiquan Academy He Yong Gan Apeldoorn: https://www.taijiquan - academy.nl He Yong Gan Martial Arts Apeldoorn: https://www.shaolin - vechtkunst.nl https://taijiquan - academy.nl/tai - chi - kampioenschap - apeldoorn - 2027 2027 年荷 兰 阿珀 尔 多 伦 太极拳 锦标赛