How big is a Thang-Ta arena?
Officials' detail · Events and equipment · 2 of 2Checked 15 October 2026
The arena is a circle 20 ft across inside an outline 30 ft across, flat and covered with mats. The referee's line is 5 ft from the centre towards the referee, and each player's line 5 ft towards that player. Six score judges sit round the outline; the chief jury sits opposite the referee, with the timekeeper at the jury's left.
How it works
- Circle: 20 ft across.
- Outline: 30 ft across.
- Surface: flat, with mats.
- Referee line: 5 ft from centre.
- Player lines: 5 ft from centre.
- Score judges: six chairs.
- Chief jury: opposite the referee.
- Stepping out: 1 mark off.
The glossary has the arena, the central referee, the score judges, the chief jury, the timekeeper and the bout.
Tricky cases
A fighter steps outside the outline. Result?
They lose 1 mark.
Where do the players sit between rounds?
In chairs on opposite edges, red and blue.
How far from the arena is the chief jury?
About 6 ft outside the outline.
Who sits beside the timekeeper?
The programme conductor.
Why the rule exists
Judges spread round the circle see strikes from every side.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Circle | 20 ft | L T 5 |
| Outline | 30 ft | L T 5 |
| Out | 1 mark | L T 13 |
From the rule book
SGFI, Thang-Ta Game Rule, articles 5, 13 and 22. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: SGFI Thang-Ta Game Rule (scanned).