A SPORT FOR ALL
Karate competition is an easy to understand sport. While there is a huge number of techniques, any new practitioner or follower can now enjoy the greatness of this sport by knowing its basic and common rules.
KATA RULES
- Competitors are allowed to use the same kata in the same round, even in a tie-breaker
- Kata competition will be be conducted using the flag system of judging.
- Kata competition for all ages: There are no specific deviations from the standard rules, but a limitation to the kata list to less advanced kata may be used.
- Participants failing to complete their kata should be given the option of a second attempt without reduction of score.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfoEpnV3Psw
KUMITE RULES
SCORING
2 vs 2 KUMITE
- https://youtu.be/Rk5PYPdAsJM
- Judges will follow the same rules as if team competitors will be as one.
Scores are as follows:
- IPPON Three Points
- WAZA-ARI Two Points
- YUKO One Point
A score is awarded when a technique is performed according to the following criteria to a scoring area:
- Good Form
- Sporting Attitude
- Vigorous Application
- Awareness (Zanshin)
- Good Timing
- Correct Distance
IPPON is awarded for:
- Jodan kicks
- Any scoring technique delivered on a thrown or fallen opponent while the torso (upper body or trunk) is on the tatami
WAZA-ARI is awarded for:
- Chudan kicks
YUKO is awarded for:
- Chudan or Jodan Tsuki
- Chudan or Jodan Uchi (ie. blows with the bottom or back of the fist)
Attacks are limited (controlled) to the following areas:
- Head
- Face
- Neck
- Abdomen
- Chest
- Back
- Side
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A victory over an opponent who has been given a Hansoku (penalty) or Shikkaku (disqualification) shall be worthKiken (forfeiture).
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An effective technique delivered at the same time that the end of the bout is signaled is considered valid. A technique, even if effective, delivered after an order to suspend or stop the bout shall not be scored and may result in a warning or penalty being imposed on the offender.
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No technique, even if technically correct, shall be scored if it is delivered when the two contestants are outside the competition area. However, if one of the contestants delivers an effective technique while still inside the competition area and before the Referee calls “Yame”, the technique shall be scored.
Kumite for Adults – Age 18 and over:
- Non-injurious, light controlled “touch” contact to the face, head and neck is allowed (but not to the throat) with the hand and foot.
- Conventional karate leg sweeping or takedown techniques may be allowed.
- Use of protective equipment WKF approved are recommended to used but not mandatory.
- The bout duration is two minutes.
Kumite for Adults – Age 17 and under:
- No touch or contact to the head, face, and neck (including face mask) is allowed with hand techniques. Any contact, no matter how light will receive a warning or penalty, as in the paragraph above, unless caused by the recipient (MUBOBI). Jodan kicks may make the lightest touch (“skin touch”) and still score. Any more than a skin touch will require a warning or penalty unless caused by the recipient (MUBOBI).
- Conventional karate leg sweeping or takedown techniques may be allowed.
- Use of protective equipment WKF approved are recommended to used but not mandatory.
- The bout duration is two minutes.
Kumite for children between 12 and 14 years of age:
- For techniques to the head and neck (Jodan area) no contact is allowed.
- Any contact to the jodan area, however slight, in principle will be penalized.
- A correctly performed technique to the head or neck in principle will be considered a score at a distance up to 10 cm.
- The bout duration is one and a half minute.
- Conventional karate leg sweeping or takedown techniques may be allowed.
- The fighting area may be reduced from 8x8 mts. to 6x6 mts.
- Use of protective equipment WKF approved are recommended to used but not mandatory.
- WKF Facemask and Chest Protector for Children are recommended to used but not mandatory.
Kumite for children under 12 years of age: