Fight Scene

Coming in 2021 Create Your Own Fight Scene!

Everyone loves a martial arts movie. We have all enjoyed Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris and Jackie Chan taking on seemingly impossible odds, and executing picture-perfect techniques. We constantly found ourselves looking forward to their next movie. The American Martial Arts Association is now giving you the chance to sit in the director’s chair or be an action star by letting you direct your own fight scene. Stage combat is a specialized technique in theater, designed to create the illusion of physical contact without causing harm to the performers. The scene can consist of two people sparring or fighting off a group of thugs. The possibilities are endless, so come on and let’s make Hollywood jealous.

Awards & Prizes

First prize is $3000
UMA Crystal Plaque
Up to 12 plaques will be awarded to the winning group.
Group plaque and banner will also be given to school and gym winners.

Awards & Prizes

Second prize is $2000
UMA Crystal Plaque
Up to 12 plaques will be awarded to the winning group.
Group plaque and banner will also be given to school and gym winners.

Awards & Prizes

Third prize is
$1000
UMA Crystal Plaque
Up to 12 plaques will be awarded to the winning group.
Group plaque and banner will also be given to school and gym winners.

The annual fight scene contest is sponsored by the American Martial Arts Association.

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1st Through 12th place Winners:

* First, second, and third place winners will receive their posted prize money. 12 personalized plaques engraved with

the participant's name, the team or school's name, and their place your team came in.

* 1st through 12th winners shall receive Perpetual plaque engraved with the group's name and all the participants

names. The banner will state your team's name, year, and the place your team came in.

YouTube Videos:

Here are some YouTube videos that can give you some basic instructions and safety tips on how to shoot your fight scene. YouTube has many instructional videos on this subject, some stress safety more then others. We ask that you use coomon sense, and always take every safety precaution. It's a good idea for all involved to watch these videos.

When you look at this scene, notice how basic the fighting techniques are. Complicated fighting techniques alone won't guarantee an exciting scene. Don't dismiss using spectacular techniques, just don't make that your only focus.

This video will give you insight on how to work with your partner, a good safety distance with your kicks and practice times. These are just a few videos, there are many more. Its important to research all aspect of making a fight scene before attempting to do so.

The light contact emphasized in this video should only be done by experienced martial artists. Light touch is tapping the other actor not causing her or him any discomfort or harm. If you can't do it, don't try! If your team is considering using light contact in your fight choreography we suggest using pads underneath your cloths. When using pads it still remains light contact. No padding completely protects a person. We recommend not touching at all and keeping a safe distance. Your safety is the highest priority in making these scenes.

Remember to keep your dialogue simple, explain exactly what your characters are experiencing. Here are 5 tips on how to shoot your dialogue.

Judging the Scenes:

The scene will be judged on their overall entertainment value, not just the fighting. Each category listed below will be judged on the 1-5 scoring system, 5 being the highest.

1. Fight Choreography: 1-5_score Action scene-comedic action.

2. Dialogue-acting: 1-5_score How it explains the situation- comedy if any, conveys emotion.

3. Location: 1-5_score How does the location relates to the scene.

4. Cinematography: 1-5_score All on-screen visual elements; framing, camera motion and angles.

5. Music: 1-5_score How does the music relate to the scene.

6. Editing: 1-5_score How the scene flows together.

The six categories above are how your scene will be judged. Don't just grab a cell phone, run outside to shoot a scene, it takes much more than that. It's going to take planning, research, and practice, plenty of practice! Expect to invest some time. Try to find a unique way for the camera to capture the action. It's not just about fighting. Look at some fight scenes for the idea, safely play around with your fight choreography. Experiment with different types of background music. Find the perfect location, then give it a try. If your team doesn't win this year, regroup and start planning for the next year's contest. Remember your first priority is safety, your second is yo have fun. For more information scroll down.

Teams:

A team member is anyone who contributes to the making of your fight scene.

1. Each team must have a team name. Team names must not be vulgar or insulting to anyone or anything. The AMA reserves

the right to determine if a team name violates the rules. If a team name is found to be in violation of this rule they will be

disqualified. Scene entry and enrollment fees will be promptly returned. Simply change your team name, then re-submit your

entry.

2. Teams can only enter 1 time under that team name. If a team wants to enter again within the same contest year, that team

must enter under a separate name.

3. Teams can consist of any number of participants but only 14 plaques will be given out to the first, second, and third-place

team winners.

4. All team winners must submit a team photo.

5. All three winning teams will be abducted into the AMA's Hall of Fame, as that year's fight scene winner.

6. Team members can belong to or be a combination of any fight training, gymnastics, or stunt training schools.

Eligibility:

This contest is open to the general public. Targeting "amateur video makers". There's no age limit but we strongly suggest adult supervision. No matter what martial art style you practice, this includes boxing and wrestling, your welcome to enter. If you feel you can make an entertaining scene about it, DO IT! Remember we are not looking for the best fighters, we're looking for people with a unique vision in cinematography.

Ending credits:

At the end of each fight scene video, the video must have ending credits. The credits should have the names of all team members and their duties, music titles, fight choreographers, cameraman, etc.

Rules and Regulations:

* No physical contact, safety is our highest priority!!!

* No foul language or references to or doing sexual acts.

* No simulating drug use.

* No disrespectful references made to any actual people or things.

* Ages Under 14 must submit a parental consent form.

* Any background music used in the video must be credited to the composer and performer in the ending credits.

* Scenes must be appropriate for viewing by the general public.

* By submitting a video to this contest all teams, schools and gyms agree and will abide by the rules and regulations governing this contest.

* By submitting a video to this contest all teams, schools and gyms understand that all videos entered and received will

become the property of the UMA. No video can or will be returned If a video is used by the UMA for any other reason than

the contest, such as promotional, educational or marketing all credit will be given to the scene maker.

* Videos may include public places, well-known products, trademarks, or certain other copywritten material is incident to the

subject matter.

* No UMA senior staff or UMA senior staff staff family member meaning husband, wife, or children can participate in the fight

scene contest, nor can they be involved in any production done by a team or school that enters the contest.

* This contest is void where prohibited by law.

Name & Duration:

* Your fight scene must have an original title.

* Your title cannot be your school's or gym's name, it must represent in some way what the scene is about.

* The scene must be between 3 to 6 minutes long, which includes the end credits.

* If your scene should run longer than 6 minutes, that entry will automatically be disqualified. Please follow the time limit.

Rules of Contact:

Sometimes in movie fight scenes a cast member my be required to take a hit for a realistic effect. That kind of dangerous filmmaking will not be tolerated in this contest. Using the right camera angles, proper editing and sound effect, there is no need for actual hard contact. No one has to get hurt for a camera shot. These are the seven basic rules concerning contact in your scene:

* Light or no contact.

* Light contact is defined as; barely touching the actor causing him or her no physical discomfort or injury.

* We recommend using padding underneath your cloths for light touch contact.

* If you are under 18, you're required to have adult supervision.

* We recommend plenty of practice time before attempting to shoot your scene.

* Once your cast has gotten comfortable with their fight choreography, start recording as you practice to see what camera

angles looks best with your choreography.

* Failure to follow these rules will result in your disqualification. Safety must be the number one priority.

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Explaining Judging Criteria

1. Rehearsal and Video Safety
When rehearsing or filming, maintain a serious and focused approach. Participants under 18 must have adult supervision, such as an instructor, coach, or parent. For those under 14, parental consent is mandatory, with consent forms located at the bottom of this page. These forms must be correctly completed and submitted with the entry. Incorrect forms or issues with signature authenticity will lead to immediate disqualification; however, teams may correct and resubmit their forms. Safety is the highest priority, and future contests depend on all participants maintaining safe practices.

2. Leverage Your Strengths
Identify techniques your team is proficient at and incorporate them into your choreography. Avoid attempting new or unfamiliar movements, such as gymnastics or unfamiliar weapons. Highlight each member’s strengths to enhance the overall entertainment value of the scene.

3. Communication and Planning
Discuss the scene in detail with your team to ensure everyone understands the final objective. Clear communication will make practice sessions more productive and safer.

4. Cinematography
Effective camera use is essential for enhancing action. Appropriate camera angles can add intensity, making characters appear faster, more powerful, and contributing to the illusion of danger. Research camera techniques to find what best suits your scene. Though visual effects can be used, realism and how the camera complements the scene are key judging factors.

5. Music
Music adds depth by establishing the setting, atmosphere, and emotional tone. It should support the narrative and character actions. Ensure all background music is credited in the end credits.

6. Location
Choose a location that enhances the scene's emotion. The right setting—such as a dark alley or a scenic path—can amplify the scene's mood and support character emotions.

7. Dialogue
Keep dialogue clean and straightforward. Good dialogue reveals character traits, motivations, and contributes to plot progression. Use concise, engaging dialogue that hooks the audience immediately. Bad dialogue can weaken character development and lose audience connection.

8. Comedy
Comedic fight scenes require careful planning, timing, and the right mix of dialogue and camera work. This style, popularized by stars like Jackie Chan, can enhance a scene's entertainment value. Ensure comedic elements are well-integrated into either dialogue or choreography.

9. Fight Choreography
Stage combat should be well-rehearsed and free of spontaneous changes to avoid injuries. Begin rehearsals at a slow pace with controlled power. Good choreography includes strategic pacing, with pauses for breathing or dialogue that maintain the flow. The reaction to a hit is as important as the hit itself. Maintain a safe distance (6 inches to 2 feet) during strikes, adjusted for camera angles. Gymnastic or dance moves should add value or humor; otherwise, they may lower the score. Always prioritize safety and use protective equipment when needed.

10. Weapon Use
Only fake weapons are allowed. Violation of this rule results in immediate disqualification with no fee refund. Fake weapons, such as breakaway bottles, should be used carefully to avoid injury. Research safe usage before incorporating them into scenes.

11. Sound Effects
Sound effects can greatly enhance realism and emotion. Utilize sound apps to include effects like punches, gunshots, or glass breaking. These should be used strategically to support the scene’s action.

12. Editing
Editing ties the scene together seamlessly. A well-edited video flows smoothly without noticeable disruptions, enhancing the overall presentation.

13. Stunts
Stunts involve challenging physical feats requiring special training and equipment. Keep stunts simple and avoid complex actions typical of major films. Falls, rolls, and basic gymnastic moves are allowed if the participant has prior training. Unsafe stunts, such as car chases, fire use, or dangerous heights, are prohibited and must be explained in the end credits if included. Failure to comply results in disqualification.

Examples of Prohibited Stunts:

Dangerous car maneuvers
Use of fire or explosives
Stunts from unsafe heights

Disclaimer
The United Martial Arts Federation is not responsible for any past, present, or future injuries incurred during practice or filming for this contest. By entering, teams, schools, or gyms acknowledge and agree to all rules, regulations, safety practices, suggestions, and this disclaimer.

This version emphasizes clarity, structure, and the importance of safety while retaining the essential information.

The annual fight scene contest is sponsored by the American Martial Arts Association.

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Here are some apps that might help you with your production from free to more expensive. These are just a few suggestions. We are not endorsing any products.

Free Videos Editors:

DaVinci Resolve
If you have a newer Apple product you could use iMovie.

Paid video editors:

Sony Vegas Pro
Adobe Premier.

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