1. Official Fight
An official fight is a bout that is confirmed and sanctioned by the Lithuanian Bushido Federation (LBF) / SHOOTO. LBF/SHOOTO reserves the right to cancel an official fight even after it has been approved.
2. Rounds
- U11 (ages 9–10) – fight duration: 2 minutes, with a possible 1-minute extension;
- U13 (ages 11–12) – fight duration: 2 minutes, with a possible 1-minute extension;
- U15 (ages 13–14) – fight duration: 3 minutes, with a possible 1-minute extension;
- U18 (cadets, ages 15–17) – fight duration: 4 minutes, with a possible 2-minute extension;
- U21 (juniors, ages 18–20) – fight duration: 4 minutes, with a possible 2-minute extension;
For U18 and U21, except for the final, the match consists of 2 rounds of 3 minutes. If the final round ends in a draw, an additional 2-minute round is added. There is a 1-minute break between rounds.
3. Judging
Each fight is judged by one (1) head referee and three (3) LBF/SHOOTO-certified side judges.
4. Qualification
The head referee and side judges (hereinafter – referees) must hold a national or international LBF/Shooto referee category.
5. Referee Training
Referees must hold meetings where, if necessary, they review rules and techniques, and take action to improve the quality of refereeing.
6. Neutrality and Fairness
Referees must remain neutral and fair.
7. Misconduct
Referees must strictly reject any misconduct, such as bribery or threats.
8. Disqualification
If a referee makes errors in applying the rules or deciding the outcome of a fight due to negligence, he/she may be disqualified or suspended.
Fighters:
9. Discipline
All fighters must follow the regulations listed below:
- A fighter must be registered with LBF/SHOOTO in order to participate in official amateur fights. Persons living abroad are exempt from this requirement;
- A fighter must arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the first fight;
- A fighter must undergo and pass a medical examination before competing;
- A fighter must have health insurance;
- A fighter must be accompanied by at least one coach (second);
- Once the fight has started, the fighter may not leave the tatami/ring without the referee’s permission. If permission is granted, the fighter must be accompanied by an LBF/SHOOTO official;
- After the fight ends, the fighter must immediately leave the competition area;
- A fighter must wear a mouthguard; male fighters must wear a groin guard (the fighter is responsible for their own safety). Female fighters may wear chest protection at their own discretion;
- Taping of joints is allowed if required by officials, and must be covered with protective gear;
- It is forbidden to use vaseline, oil, creams, or other chemical substances, as well as cosmetics or hair accessories that may interfere with the fight;
- A fighter is not allowed to wear metal accessories such as rings, chains, or earrings.
10. Application
All fighters must comply with the following requirements:
- The fighter must pay the required registration fee using the LBF/SHOOTO official application form. The photo must be no older than 3 months, taken from the front, and without a head covering;
- Minors must submit parental or guardian consent.
11. Registration Cancellation, Suspension
If a registered person violates the rules or laws, and LBF/SHOOTO determines they are unfit to participate, their registration may be revoked or temporarily suspended:
- Disqualification due to rule violation – 30-day suspension;
- Loss by knockout due to a head strike – 60-day suspension;
This suspension period also applies to all other tournaments; - Failure to appear for weigh-in or exceeding weight – 60-day suspension;
- Failure to show up for the competition without a valid reason – 180-day suspension;
If non-participation is due to injury or illness, a doctor’s certificate must be submitted.
Second (Coach):
12. Second (Coach)
Each fighter may have up to three (3) seconds, including one (1) mandatory second.
13. Prohibitions
The second must follow these rules. Upon receiving two warnings, the second must be removed from the fight area and suspended for 24 hours:
- Only the main second is allowed to enter the fighting area (tatami) before the fight or during breaks between rounds;
- Upon hearing the command “Second out” from the referee, the second must immediately leave the fight area with all brought items;
- The second may not touch the fighter during the fight;
- Under no circumstances may the second enter the fight area during the bout;
- The second must avoid inappropriate behavior.
14. Permitted Items
The following items are allowed for seconds to use:
- Water bottle;
- Bucket;
- Ice;
- Tape;
- Scissors;
- Gauze, cotton wool;
- Swabs;
- Towel;
- Watch (not in loud mode);
- Cooling agents for swelling;
- Hemostatic agents;
- Chair.
15. Weight Categories
The amateur weight categories are as follows:
U11 (ages 9–10):
Approximate weight categories:
Boys: -24, -27, -30, -34, -38, -42, +42 kg
Girls: -22, -25, -28, -32, -36, -40, +40 kg
U13 (ages 11–12):
Boys: -30, -34, -38, -42, -46, -50, -55, +55 kg
Girls: -28, -32, -36, -40, -44, -48, -52, +52 kg
Youth / Teenagers
U15 (ages 13–14):
Boys: -38, -42, -46, -50, -55, -60, -66, -71, -77, +77 kg
Girls: -36, -40, -44, -48, -52, -57, -63, +63 kg
U18 (cadets, ages 15–17):
Boys: -47, -50, -53, -57, -62, -66, -71, -77, -84, -93, -100, +100 kg
Girls: -40, -44, -48, -52, -57, -63, -70, +70 kg
U21 (juniors, ages 18–20):
Boys: -48, -53, -57, -62, -66, -71, -77, -84, -93, -100, +100 kg
Girls: -44, -48, -52, -57, -63, -70, -78, +78 kg
Adults (ages 21 and older):
Men: -48, -53, -57, -62, -66, -71, -77, -84, -93, -100, +100 kg
Women: -48, -53, -57, -62, -66, -71, -77, +77 kg
Veterans (Masters)
Age-based groups:
- M1: 30–34 years
- M2: 35–39 years
- M3: 40–44 years
… and so on, increasing every 5 years
16. Weigh-in
All fighters must arrive for the weigh-in at the location and time set by LBF/SHOOTO (usually 24 hours before the first fight). A fighter who is late or fails to show up without a valid reason will be disqualified. If there is a valid reason, the weigh-in may be conducted at another time determined by LBF/SHOOTO. During the weigh-in, all fighters must show their nails and hair — if needed, they must be trimmed or adjusted according to the instructions of the officials.
17. Overweight
Fighters may weigh in multiple times during the official weigh-in period if they exceed the permitted weight. If by the end of the official weigh-in time the fighter still does not meet the weight requirement, they will be disqualified.
Fight Area
18. Fight Area
The fight area must meet the following requirements:
1.It may be a ring, a cage enclosed with wire mesh, a wrestling mat, or judo tatami, approved by the LBF/SHOOTO commission;
2. The floor must be even and surrounded by sufficient free space;
3.Of the two opposite entry corners used by the fighters, one must be the red corner, and the other the blue corner. The remaining corners must be neutral. Officials must be seated next to the fight area, with two (2) assistant referees positioned on opposite sides;
4. The fight area must be well-lit.
Gloves
19. LBF/Shooto Gloves
All fighters must wear leather open-finger gloves approved by LBF/SHOOTO. Both fighters must wear identical gloves of the same type and size. Gloves of different sizes or shapes are not allowed.
20. Wearing Gloves
All fighters must properly wear gloves inspected and approved by LBF/SHOOTO. The gloves must be secured at the wrist with plastic straps.
21. Glove Tampering
It is strictly forbidden to modify the inside of the gloves, for example, by removing or reducing padding or in any way deforming the gloves.
Hand Wraps
22. Usage
Hand wraps and adhesive tape may only be used to protect the knuckle area.
23. Instructions
Wraps must be approved by LBF/SHOOTO and made of fabric. Without wraps, adhesive tape may be wrapped around the knuckles, wrist, or fingers no more than twice. With wraps, adhesive tape may only be used to secure the wraps, also no more than twice, and it must not be wrapped over the knuckle area.
24. Inspection
All fighters wearing wraps or adhesive tape must present them to the official staff for inspection. After the inspection, no changes or adjustments are allowed.
Equipment:
25. Fighter Equipment
All fighters must wear protective gear approved by LBF/SHOOTO:
head protection/helmet,
knee guards,
shin and foot guards to protect the head, knees, shins, and feet.
26. Prohibition
It is forbidden to use protective gear or equipment that is in poor condition and no longer serves its protective function properly.
Clothing Rules:
27. Competition Shorts Rules
Fighters may only wear competition shorts approved by LBF/SHOOTO. Female fighters are required to wear a T-shirt or leotard that does not serve as additional upper body protection. The color of the leotard must match the fighter’s corner color (red, blue, or a similar shade).
28. Prohibitions
Male fighters must compete shirtless or wear tight-fitting T-shirts. All fighters must fight barefoot, without any footwear.
Hygiene:
29. Fighter Hygiene
1. All fighters must follow these rules:
2. The fighter must keep their body and hair clean and hygienic;
3. The fighter must wear dry and clean clothing and protective gear that does not emit unpleasant odors;
4. Nails (both hands and feet) must be trimmed short and not sharp, to avoid injuring the opponent;
5.If required by officials, hair must be tied back;
6.Beards must be shaved or neatly groomed so as not to cause discomfort to the opponent;
7.It is forbidden to use slippery hair products (e.g., wax, cream, etc.), hair clips.
PERMITTED AND PROHIBITED STRIKES:
In all amateur fights in U11 (ages 9–10), U13 (ages 11–12), U15 (ages 13–14) when the fight goes to the ground – all strikes are prohibited, only grappling techniques are allowed;
In all amateur fights in U18 (cadets, ages 15–17), U21 (juniors, ages 18–20) when the fight goes to the ground – only body strikes and grappling techniques are allowed (all elbow strikes are prohibited);
While on the ground, all strikes are prohibited, only grappling techniques are allowed.
Fight Outcome:
30. Possible Fight Outcomes:
- Knockout (KO) – when the referee decides that due to the damage caused by a strike or throw, the fighter is no longer able to continue the fight.
- Technical Knockout (TKO):
a. The referee decides that due to a strike, throw, or other action, the fighter cannot continue the fight;
b. The doctor decides that due to an injury, the fighter cannot continue the fight;
c. The fighter is bleeding heavily, regardless of the type of injury;
d. The fighter clearly loses the will to fight or submits;
e. The second throws in the towel or otherwise declares a withdrawal. - Ippon (Submission) – when the fighter, caught in a choke or painful hold, verbally submits or taps the mat or the opponent’s body with their hand or foot.
- Technical Ippon – when the referee decides that the painful hold or choke is fully executed.
- Decision (points) – each judge has one vote. The fighter who receives two or more votes wins. If only one judge gives the win and the others do not, the decision depends on yellow cards: if one fighter received a yellow card, they lose; if both fighters received it or neither did – it is a draw. The decision can only be changed by the LBF/SHOOTO referee panel, unless there is a scorekeeping error.
- Technical Decision – when the fight cannot continue due to an accidental injury, accident, or technical issues.
- Extra Round – if the tournament final ends in a draw, an additional 2-minute round is added. Judges evaluate only that round.
- Point Deduction / Disqualification:
- a. For minor violations, the first offense results in a verbal warning, the second in a yellow card and 1-point deduction. The third offense results in a red card – disqualification;
- b. If the violation is intentional or malicious, a yellow card or disqualification may be issued immediately;
- c. A warning alone does not affect the outcome – if the decision is 1:1 and only one fighter was warned, the fight result is a draw. If it’s a final – an extra round is held;
- d. If a fighter cannot continue due to an opponent’s rule violation, the opponent is disqualified. The referee may allow time to recover if choosing to continue the fight.
Scoring:
31. Points for Technique
In each round, both fighters receive 10 points. Two side judges assign them based on the following criteria:
10–10: even fight;
10–9: one fighter slightly ahead (effective strikes);
10–8: one fighter clearly dominant (almost a knockdown or submission);
10–7: complete dominance (almost KO/TKO).
32. Technique Evaluation Priorities
- Clean and effective actions – those that cause damage;
- Aggressiveness – if attacking effectively, even without damage;
- Ring or tatami control – when one fighter clearly neutralizes the opponent’s actions.
33. “Must System” Mandatory
Judges may not score a draw – a winner must be clearly declared.
“Don’t Move” Command:
34. “Don’t Move”
The referee gives the command “Don’t move” when a fighter steps or is about to step outside the fighting area.
This command is also applied if the fighter’s clothing or protective gear slips or is about to slip.
When the command “Don’t move” is given, both fighters must immediately stop and maintain their position until the referee gives permission to resume the fight.
Forced Separation (Break):
35. “Break” Command to Separate
If the referee sees that the fight has stalled and neither fighter is active (regardless of whether the fight is passive or not), the referee gives the command “Action.” If, after this command, a fighter remains passive, or if a fighter disobeys the “Don’t move” command (intentionally or unintentionally), the referee announces “Break” – both fighters are separated and the fight continues standing.
“Break” is also announced when one fighter lifts the opponent to waist level and maintains this position (except from back control). Immediately after the command, both fighters must stop fighting, and the fight continues in the standing position.
Prohibited Actions and Behavior:
36. Prohibited Actions
- Prohibited Physical Actions:
a. Headbutts;
b. Elbow or forearm strikes;
c. Hand strikes except with the knuckle area;
d. Strikes to the back of the head;
e. Strikes to the spine;
f. Strikes to the front of the knee joint;
g. Strikes to the fingers;
h. Strikes to the groin or abdomen;
i. Joint pressure while standing when using full body weight;
j. Strikes with any body part other than knuckles when the opponent is on the ground;
k. Strikes to the head and face when the opponent is on the ground;
l. Rear chokes with full body weight on the opponent’s neck;
m. Throws where the opponent lands on their head;
n. Pressing the opponent’s head to the ground or slamming it into the ground;
o. Lifting and slamming the opponent on their head, neck, or back (except for technical throws);
p. Kicking the feet;
q. Strikes to the kidneys;
r. Spinning back fist. - Prohibited Behavior:
a. Biting;
b. Scratching with nails;
c. Inserting fingers into the eyes, nose, ears, mouth, or anus;
d. Pressing elbows or jaw into the eyes;
e. Pinching the skin;
f. Grabbing the hair, throat, nose, ears, or groin;
g. Pressing the throat with fingers or palm;
h. Grabbing with fewer than three fingers;
i. Grabbing the opponent’s clothing or protective gear;
j. Pressing the face or neck into the ropes or corner;
k. Using ropes or corner as leverage;
l. Holding the ropes or cage with fingers (pushing or kicking them is allowed);
m. Continuing the fight without referee permission after the “Don’t move” or “Break” command;
n. Striking when the opponent is bending and touches the mat first with their head;
o. Striking during breaks;
p. Intentionally pushing the opponent out of the fighting area;
q. Passive fighting;
r. Disobeying the referee;
s. Offensive or provocative behavior toward the opponent or referees;
t. Sudden or frightening noises;
u. Talking between fighters during the fight;
v. Any forceful action that affects the spine;
w. Interlocking fingers between both fighters. - Running from the Fight (Escaping):
a. Intentionally stepping out of the fighting area;
b. Intentional actions that interrupt the fight, e.g., spitting out the mouthguard. - Staged Fight (Buck Fight):
a. A prearranged fight;
b. A fake or effortless fight done for appearances.
5. Disrespectful Behavior:
Any behavior that the referee considers inappropriate.
Complaints:
37. Submitting a Complaint
A fighter may submit a written complaint regarding the fight or any incidents related to it to LBF/SHOOTO within one (1) week from the day of the fight. LBF/SHOOTO will review the complaint and make a final decision.
Referee:
38. Referee
The referee has full authority to make decisions in official fights. They must carefully observe the fight to ensure the rules are followed and the fighters’ safety is maintained, and that the bout proceeds smoothly.
39. Dress Code Requirements
- The referee must wear clean, neat clothing that does not restrict movement;
- The referee must be barefoot or wear athletic shoes that allow free movement (e.g., wrestling shoes);
- It is forbidden to wear watches or metal accessories (e.g., rings, metal belt buckles). Glasses may be worn only with a secure strap.
40. Referee’s Functions
- Check whether the fight area and equipment are properly prepared and whether the officials are in their designated positions.
- Inspect the fighters before they enter the fighting area to ensure they comply with the rules.
- In the center of the ring, give a brief reminder of the rules, then send the fighters to their corners and give the start signal to the timekeeper.
- Move during the fight in a way that does not interfere with the bout and allows clear observation of the action.
- Evaluate rounds objectively, record the results on the judging card, and submit it to the head referee.
- Stop the fight and call the doctor if a fighter is injured or bleeding.
- Stop the fight if the fighter cannot continue due to injury or the opponent’s action.
- Stop the fight if the fighter loses the will to fight, submits, or if the corner throws in the towel or announces withdrawal.
- Stop the fight if the submission is obvious or the referee decides that a choke or joint lock has been fully applied.
- In case of a KO or Ippon before the end of the round, signal the end of the fight by widely waving both arms above the head.
- If the fight stalls, give the command “Action”; if inactivity continues, give the command “Break.”
- If there is a risk that a fighter will leave the area, give the command “Don’t move,” then relocate the fighters to the center with the help of assistant referees.
- If fighters leave the fighting area in an unclear ground position, return them to a standing position.
- If protective gear or clothing slips – instruct the fighter to fix it.
- Give the command “Fight” (to start/continue the fight) by extending one arm forward.
- For any violation (intentional or unintentional), stop the fight and issue a warning to the fighter.
- For malicious behavior, indicate a caution by raising a thumb up with a wristband showing the corner color, or show a yellow card. Inform the head referee and both assistant referees.
- The command “Stop” – the fight must be stopped.
- The command “Time” with a T-shaped hand gesture – pause the time; “Fight” – resume.
- Report the reason for stopping the fight to the head referee.
- During breaks, inform the fighters of the upcoming round number, ask if they wish to continue, and issue a warning if necessary.
- Collect scorecards from the assistant judges and hand them over to the head referee.
- At the end of the fight, raise the winner’s hand. In the event of a draw – raise both fighters’ hands.
- If a fighter falls out or steps out of the area, the referee must stop them and return them to the fighting area for safety.
Side Judge:
41. Side Judge
Side judges must sit in their assigned seats and calmly, attentively observe the fights, assisting the main referee when needed to ensure smooth conduct of the bout.
42. Functions of the Side Judge
- The side judge evaluates the fight objectively and fairly, awards points only for effective actions, and completes the scorecard to be submitted to the main referee.
- If the main referee does not see a rule violation or a submission signal, the assistant judge must report it.
- If the command “Don’t move” is given and the main referee asks for help, side judges must immediately enter the fighting area and assist in relocating the fighters to another position while maintaining their original posture.
- If the main referee requests it, side judges must provide input on cautions, yellow cards, or similar matters.
- If a fighter is at risk of falling or leaving the fighting area, the side judges must stop them and return them to the area.
43. Timekeeper
The timekeeper must sit in the official position and accurately monitor time using a reliable stopwatch.
44. Functions of the Timekeeper
- The timekeeper must sound the gong, bell, or other signal device at the beginning and end of each round.
- The timekeeper must inform the announcer to call “Second out” before each round begins.
- When the main referee gives the command “Time,” the timekeeper stops the clock; when the referee gives the command “Fight,” the time resumes.
- If the fight ends earlier than scheduled (e.g., KO, TKO), the timekeeper must announce the end of the fight and record the time.
Announcer:
45. Announcer
The announcer is responsible for clearly and understandably announcing the course of the fight.
46. Functions of the Announcer
- Before each fight, the announcer announces the following: weight category, number of rounds, fighters’ names, their weights, and the names of the referees.
- Ten seconds before each round begins, the announcer says “Second out” (seconds leave the ring).
- After the fight ends, the announcer announces the duration of the bout, then the winner’s name and the method of victory.
- The announcer announces everything as directed by the officials.
- The announcer is not allowed to announce anything not officially approved by LBF/Shooto.
Official Doctor:
47. Official Doctor
The official doctor must be approved by LBF/SHOOTO, hold a sports medicine qualification, and be well-versed in LBF/Shooto techniques and rules.
48. Functions of the Doctor
- On fight day, the official doctor performs medical examinations on fighters before and after the bout and, if necessary, provides recommendations to LBF/SHOOTO regarding a fighter’s eligibility to participate.
- The doctor must be stationed ringside/tatami and examine fighters during the fight at the referee’s request. The doctor makes the decision whether the fighter can continue and informs the referee.
