RULEBOOK
BLADEBOWL OFFICIAL RULEBOOK
Version 1.0 — 2026 Edition
Presented by Shanktelli Outlaw Press
🔻 OVERVIEW
BladeBowl is a revolutionary combat sport designed to simulate high-stakes entanglement while preserving the safety and structure of competitive martial arts. It combines elements of submission grappling, positional dominance, strategic striking, and blade-contact scoring, all within a tightly controlled rule framework. BladeBowl was created for practitioners who want to pressure-test their skills in a dynamic, blade-aware environment.
This rulebook is your definitive guide to the BladeBowl system. Whether you’re a competitor, coach, official, or spectator, these pages will clarify what makes BladeBowl different — and why it demands a unique blend of control, grit, and intent.
Taped Fists and Safety Goggles or Glasses
Mouth Guard
Groin Protection (optional)
⏱️ MATCH FORMAT
Regulation Time
Each BladeBowl bout consists of one 6-minute round of continuous action.
Time does not stop unless there is an equipment failure, injury, or official timeout.
The objective during regulation is to win by submission or to accumulate the highest point score by the end of the round.
Overtime Protocol: EBI Format
If no submission or clear point winner is declared at the end of regulation:
EBI (Eddie Bravo Invitational) Overtime Format will be initiated.
Fighters will alternate starting from one of two controlled positions:
Spider Web (armbar position)
Back Control (hooks in, seatbelt grip)
Victory is awarded to:
The fighter who submits their opponent fastest, or
The fighter who escapes in the shortest time without being submitted.
WEAPONS GUIDELINES
Approved Training Tools
To maintain the essence of blade work while ensuring safety, only the following weapon simulators are permitted:
Rubber Training Knife
Rubber or Plastic Training Straight Razor
All weapons must be blunted, flexible, and pre-approved by event staff.
Carry and Use Requirements
All fighters must begin each match with their weapon securely holstered.
Drawing the weapon is permitted at any point, but it must not interfere with illegal maneuvers or target zones.
Weapon Scoring Modifiers
Dropping your weapon unintentionally results in a –1 point deduction.
Successfully disarming your opponent results in a +1 point bonus.
Disarms must be clean and observable by the referee to count.
STRIKING RULES
Standing Striking (Clinch Range Only)
Striking is permitted only in clinch range and must directly support a grappling maneuver.
Legal Clinch Strikes:
Open-hand palm strikes
Short elbows (no wind-up)
Shoulder bumps and shoves
Forearm frames and pressure strikes
Illegal:
Punching or elbowing from outside the clinch
Any strike that does not contribute to a grappling advance (e.g., striking to stall)
Ground Striking
Striking on the ground is limited to open-hand palm strikes only.
Permitted Target Zones:
Face
Torso (rib cage, abdomen, chest)
Limbs (shoulders, arms, thighs)
Purpose of Ground Strikes:
Disrupt opponent’s posture
Create openings for submissions
Simulate realistic combative stress under pressure
📊 SCORING SYSTEM
Scoring rewards tactical weapon use, positional control, and disarms. Judges assess points based on effectiveness, not just volume.
Action Points
Clean blade touch to valid target w/ initiative 1 point
Takedown aided by blade use or clinch strike 2 pts
Dominant position + successful blade touch 3 pts
Opponent disarmed 1 point
Submission (via choke, lock, or blade tap) Instant Win
Definitions:
Clean Blade Touch: Must be visible, controlled, and within legal zones
Dominant Position: Mount, Back Control, Knee-on-Belly, or Strong Side Control
Submission: Any legal joint lock, choke, or blade-induced tap
🎯 TARGET ZONES (Blade Touch Scoring)
Blade scoring is limited to vital zones where a blade would matter in a real-world context.
Legal Target Zones:
Torso (sides, abdomen, chest)
Arms (excluding hands and wrists)
Neck (no thrusting)
Non-Scoring or Illegal Zones:
Simulated lethal gestures (e.g., dragging blade across throat)
Blade contact must be controlled and deliberate to be awarded a point.
⚖️ RIGHT-OF-WAY RULE
When both competitors land a blade touch simultaneously, Right-of-Way determines who earns the point.
Right-of-Way Criteria:
1. Offensive Initiative – Who engaged first with intent?
2. Positional Control – Who had superior leverage, posture, or position?
3. Intent and Clarity – Was the strike purposeful, clean, and unambiguous?
Referee discretion applies in close calls. Points are not awarded for incidental or flailing contact.
🚫 ILLEGAL ACTIONS
To maintain safety and structure, the following actions are prohibited:
Strikes from outside clinch range
Closed-fist punches, kicks, knees to grounded opponents
Simulated lethal gestures or theatrical movements
Violations may result in:
Point deductions
Disqualification
Match suspension
VICTORY CONDITIONS
Victory may be achieved through the following methods:
1. Submission Victory
Any legal choke, joint lock, or blade-induced tap results in immediate win.
2. Points Victory
Highest point total after 6-minute regulation round
Includes blade touches, takedowns, positional dominance, and disarms
3. Overtime Victory (EBI Format)
Submission or fastest escape time from Spider Web or Back Control
