Preparation for a Competition
Understanding Competition Rules for Kata
For those karateka that want to compete in Kata at competition level the competitior must follow the rules and guidelines from the WKF (World Karate Federation)
Arena
All karateka compete in an area marked out as 8x8 metres with either five or seven referees judging.
If five judges are available then four of the referees will be seated in each corner of the competition area and the fifth judge known as the chief judge will be sat central facing the competitors.
If seven juges are available then they will be sat marking from the sideline.
Equipment
All karateka must be wearing the correct uniform before competing.
Gi needs to be white and WKF approved.
Competitor needs to bring two coloured belts Aka (Red) and Ao (Blue)
Rules about the match
Bout
The first competitor walks up to the competition area and bows deeply. They then state the name of the kata select form 102 listed kata and begin the performance.
Once completed the competitor bows and walks out of competition area and new competitor enters.
Points
Points are scored on two areas Technical ability and Athletic ability.
These two areas are split to 70% technical score and 30% athletic score.
Each referee will be judging the performance on their own standards.
Technical elements are marked on
Stances
Correct breathing
Timing
Transitional movements
Sense of space
Kimi / focus
Waza / technique
Athletic elements are marked on
Speed
Balance
Strength
The final scores are determined by removing the two lowest judges scores and the two highest judges scores from. leaving the remaining scores to be added up to make the total for the kata performed. If both competitors have tied, then they may need to perform again.
102 Kata
Understanding Competition Rules for Kumite
For those karateka that want to compete in Kumite at competition level the competitor must follow the rules and guidelines from the WKF (World Karate Federation)
Arena
All karateka compete in an area marked out as 8x8 meters with five referees judging.
Four of the referees will be seated in each corner of the competition area and the fifth judge will be moving around near the competitors.
Equipment
All karateka must be wearing the correct uniform before competing.
Gi needs to be white and WKF approved.
Competitor needs to bring two coloured belts Aka (Red) and Ao (Blue)
WKF approved gloves need to be worn and again Aka or Ao
WKF approved gloves
WKF Approved Belts
Rules about the match
Bout
For seniors, both male and female and those under 21 the round will last for 3 minutes. For juniors the round will last for 2 minutes.
The winner is decided upon a points system where after the time has passed, the competitor with the most points is declared the winner.
If a competitor scores a lead of 8 points, then they will automatically become the winner.
If the bout is a draw, then it will be the first person to score a point or the 5 judges can decide on the winner.
Before beginning the match, you will need to know that there will be penalties awarded against competitors for any violation of the rules.
Penalties
There are four ways that penalties will be given.
Exiting arena
Passivity or avoiding contact
Grabbing the opponent
Excessive contact
All penalties are divided into two categories (C1) and (C2)
Each category has 4 warnings. If a competitor receives 4 warnings in either category, the competitor will be disqualified.
X X X X
Category 1 Warnings (C1)
1. Techniques which make excessive contact, having no regard to the scoring areas and techniques aimed at making contact with the throat.
2. Attacks to the arms or legs, groin, joints, or instep.
3. Attacks to the face with open hand techniques.
4. Dangerous or forbidden throwing techniques.
Category 2 Warnings (C2)
1. Feigning, or exaggerating injury.
2. Exit from the competition area (JOGAI) not caused by the opponent.
3. Self-endangerment by indulging in behaviour, which exposes the Competitor to injury by the opponent, or failing to take adequate measures for self-protection, (MUBOBI).
4. Avoiding combat as a means of preventing the opponent having the opportunity to score.
5. Passivity – not attempting to engage in combat. (Cannot be given after there is less than 15 seconds left of the bout.)
6. Clinching, wrestling, pushing, or standing chest to chest without attempting a scoring technique or takedown.
7. Grabbing the opponent with both hands for any other reasons than executing a takedown upon catching the opponents kicking leg.
8. Grabbing the opponent’s arm or karate gi with one hand without immediately attempting a scoring technique or takedown.
9. Techniques, which by their nature, cannot be controlled for the safety of the opponent and dangerous and uncontrolled attacks.
10. Simulated attacks with the head, knees, or elbows.
11. Talking to, or goading the opponent, failing to obey the orders of the Referee, discourteous behaviour towards the Refereeing officials, or other breaches of etiquette.
Points
Points are scored from 1 to 3
Yuko or one point is awarded for any punch or strike to the body or head.
Waza-ari or two points is awarded for a kick to the body
Ippon or three points is awarded for a kick to the head or a sweep / takedown followed by a counter punch.