The Cardboard Tube Fighting League

The Cardboard Tube Fighting League is (according to Wikipedia),

. . . a global organization that hosts cardboard tube based events in Seattle, Washington; San Francisco, California; and Sydney, Australia. The CTFL hosts tournaments and battles where cardboard tube fighters go head-to-head in an attempt to break their opponent’s tube without breaking their own. The events also focus on cardboard costumes and theatrics. These events are often held at public parks throughout the summer, are open to everyone ages 5 and up, and emphasize fun over competition. Cardboard tubes are provided and all events are free for participants.

. . .

The commonly observed rules in the CTFL are:

1. Don’t break your tube. In a duel, the last person with an unbroken tube is the winner. In the event that both participants break their tubes at the same time, both duelists are considered losers. A tube is considered broken when it is held horizontal and the tip drops to an angle greater than 45 degrees or it is completely detached from the rest of the tube.

2. Attacking until the other combatant is knocked out, or dead. No stabbing. No weapons.

3. No stabbing. Lunges involving tubes are not allowed under any circumstances. Participants who exhibit this behavior will be ejected from the event.

4. Do not attack the opponent’s face. Hitting the face is heavily frowned upon and can force ejection from the event.

5. Once a tube is broken, fighting must cease.

6. Only official CTFL tubes are allowed. These tubes are provided at the events.

7. No blocking of opponent’s tube other than with your own tube.

8. Tubes must always be held near the end. Participants may switch ends as they see fit. Holding tubes in the middle is illegal.

9. Shields are banned in tournaments.

10. All participants must sign a waiver.

There are quite a few videos on YouTube of the events, such as this one with the excellent soundtrack.