ICO English Open ‑ 1st Leg of ICO 4‑Nations Tournament Series 2025

*Important Safety Change* Fighters must only fight in their fighting age category throughout the series, if their birthday falls within the series they must move up to the next category* For example if they start in 10-12 years and they turn 13 years they must move up*

ICO 4-Nations Tournament Series 2025: Rules and Information

We are thrilled to announce the introduction of the ICO 4-Nations Tournament Series to the ICO competition calendar!

This ground breaking series will span England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, aiming to become the premier multi-discipline martial arts event across the four nations.

Open to all martial arts athletes, this platform provides competitors of all skill levels with the opportunity to showcase their talents.

Age and Weight Division Rules

Age Groups:
For the 4 Nations Series, competitors must remain in the age group they initially enter. For example, if you are 12 years old, you will compete in the 10-12 years age group for the entirety of the series unless you have a birthday before the end of the 4 nations series then you must move up to the next age group for any remaining events!.

Weight Divisions:
Fighters must remain in the same weight division they start with. If a competitor misses weight, they will be moved up to the next weight class, the object is to collect all four Medals to make the complete plate.

***(Birthday Consideration:)***
Coaches and guardians, please use common sense when entering competitors. If a fighter’s birthday falls within the series, causing them to age into a higher division, they must move up to higher division to maintain fairness across the competition if they move up in age they must move up to that age category at the next event!.

New Competitor Categories
(Trial: Point Fighting All & Light Continuous Females Only, Novice & Intermediate Levels)

To foster a fair and enjoyable competition environment, the following competitor categories are available:

Novice

Eligibility:

Up to 12 months of training.
No more than one year of competition experience.
Must not have placed 1st or 2nd at a recognised event (e.g., ICO, WAKO, WKU, WKKC, ISKA, WKO).
Coach’s Discretion:

Fighters slightly exceeding 12 months of training but still competing at a novice level may participate.
Coaches are encouraged to exercise integrity to ensure fairness.
Intermediate

Eligibility:

Up to 2.5 years of training.
No more than three years of competition experience.
Must not have placed in intermediate or advanced categories at recognised events.
Note:
Novice and Intermediate divisions will not be qualifying events.

Advanced

Eligibility:

Athletes who have placed in intermediate or advanced categories at recognised events.
More than three years of continuous training and or competition experience.
Athletes representing their country in international martial arts events.

Important Notes for Coaches
Coaches are strongly encouraged to demonstrate integrity and fairness when entering athletes into categories. This ensures:

A balanced and enjoyable competition.
A rewarding experience for all participants.
Advanced medal winners will earn credit toward qualifying for ICO Team England for WC Wales 2025!

Event Schedule
Saturday:

Full Contact / K1 Full / Ring Continuous / Kick Light / K1 Light / Martial Boxing
Novice & Intermediate Light Continuous (Ladies Only)
Advanced Mat Light Continuous
Veterans & Masters: Ring Continuous / Kick Light / K1 Light / Martial Boxing / Light Continuous
Ring Sports: Full Contact and K1 are AMT only.

Sunday:

Novice & Intermediate Point Fighting (All Categories)
Kids (Under 6 Years) Point Fighting (Mixed)
Advanced Point Fighting
Kumite
Forms
Veterans & Masters: Point Fighting / Kumite
Weigh-In and Check-In Details
For Saturday Events:
Friday evening, Jan 31, 6-8 PM
Saturday morning, Feb 1, 8-9:30 AM
For Sunday Events:
Saturday evening, Feb 1, 6-8 PM
Sunday morning, Feb 2, 8-9:30 AM
Important:

Do not arrive at 9:30 AM as weigh-in will close promptly at that time.
There is a 0.5kg allowance on the scales.

We want to remind you that managing participant movements on event day can be challenging. If you happen to miss your designated weight, we will assist you in moving to a different category. However, please be aware that a fine will apply for this adjustment. All proceeds from these fines will be donated to MND (Motor Neurone Disease) charity, supporting a vital cause. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

ALL competitors must bring their valid, in-date association/club license book to the weigh-in desk!

Best of luck to everyone.

Additional Notes

Divisions may be cancelled if insufficiently filled. Refunds, including for Open Weights, will be provided if no alternatives are available.

Disclaimer
Martial arts is a contact sport, and while safety is our utmost priority, inherent risks are involved. By registering for this event, participants and their guardians acknowledge these risks and accept full responsibility. The ICO is committed to providing a well-organized and safe environment, but participation is undertaken at your own risk.

We look forward to welcoming athletes from across the 4 Nations and beyond as we work together to create an unparalleled competitive experience!