Competition Rules

Question 1

What are the target areas for Kumite?

Answer 1

Head
Face
Neck
Abdomen
Chest 
Back
Side

Question 2

What rules do referees apply for judging Kumite?

Answer 2

Good form
Proper timing
Correct distance
Vigorous application
Correct attitude
Zanshin (perfect finish)

Question 3

How do you get 3 points (sanbon) in Kumite?

Answer 3

Jodan kicks or throwing or leg sweeping the opponent to the mat followed by a scoring technique

Question 4

How do you get 2 points (nihon) in Kumite?

Answer 4

Chudan kicks
Punches to the back
Combination of hand techniques (each scoring on their own right)
Unbalancing the opponent and scoring

Question 5

How do you get 1 point (ippon) in Kumite?

Answer 5

Chudan and Jodan tsuki

Uchi waza

Question 6

How long is a Kumite bout?

Answer 6

Either 2 or 3 minutes fighting time depending on the rules of the tournament

Question 7

How is the result of a bout determined in Kumite?

Answer 7

Reaching a clear 8 points lead

Having the highest score when the time is up

Being awarded a bout because of HANSOKU, SHIKKAKU or KIKEN

Question 8

What happens if the event of a draw after the initial fighting time is up?

Answer 8

The bout is extended for a further minute: ENCHO-SEN

Question 9

What happens if after no further score is reached during Encho-Sen?

Answer 9

A decision (Hantei) is made by the referee and judges

Question 10

What are the 5 action that may result in SHIKKAKU (disqualification)?

Answer 10

Actions that might harm the prestige and honour of karate-do

Disobedience of the Referee’s order

Any actions that is dangerous and deliberately violates the rules of prohibited behaviour.

Entering or continuing the competition against doctor recommendation

Actions that violate the rules of the tournament

Question 11

What are the 12 behaviours that are prohibited in Kumite?

Answer 11

Contact to the throat
Excessive contact
Attack to the groin, joints or instep
Open hand attack to the face
Dangerous throws
Use of an uncontrollable technique
Repeated direct attack to arms or legs
Repeated exit from the competition area (JOGAI) or actions that waste time
Purposeless grabbing, wrestling or violent pushing
MUBODI (reckless disregard for one's own safety)
Any discourteous behaviour
Feigning injury to gain advantage

Question 12

For Kumite

   How many members does the refereeing panel consists of?

Answer 12

One referee (Shushin)
Three judges (Fukushin)
One arbitrator (Kansa)

Question 13

What does Chukoku mean?

Answer 13

Warning, may be imposed for attendant minor infractions or the first instance of a minor infraction

Question 14

How far apart are the competitors in Kumite?

Answer 14

3 metres

Question 15

What are the dimensions of the Kumite competition area?

Answer 15

6x6 meters fighting area with a supplemental 2 meters safety area (8x8 meters in total)

Question 16

How far apart is the Referee is from the competitors at the start of a Kumite match?

Answer 16

2 meters

Question 17

How many judges are there in a kata competition match?

Answer 17

If 5
1 chief judge in front of the the competitors
4 judges at each corner

If 3
Same positions as in kumite

Question 18

Name the Shitei (WKF) compulsory kata for the 4 main karate styles?

Answer 18

Wado Ryu: Seishan, Chinto

Shotokan: Jion, Kankudai

Shito Ryu: Bassai Dai, Seienchin

Goju Ryu: Seipai, Saifa

Question 19

How many authorised (Tokui) katas each style has?

Answer 19

Wado Ryu: 10 (all katas after the Pinan)

Goju Ryu: 9

Shotokan: 21

Shito Ryu: 43

Question 20

Describe the kata competition area?

Answer 20

Must be flat and devoid of hazard

Must be of sufficient size to permit uninterrupted performance of the kata

Question 21

How do you select katas for competition?

Answer 21

Contestants will be expected to perform both compulsory (Shitei) and free selection (Tokui)

One a kata is performed it cannot be repeated

Question 22

Describe the final of a Team Kata competition?

Answer 22

The two finalist teams will perform their chose kata from the Tokui list

They will then perform a demonstration of the meaning of the kata (Bunkai)

The time allowed for the Bunkai is 5 minute. Exceeding this will result in disqualification

The use of weapons, ancillary equipment or additional apparel is not permitted

Question 23

What are the 10 criteria for judging kata?

Answer 23

1. A realistic demonstration of the kata meaning
2. Understanding of the techniques being used (Bunkai)
3. Good timing, rhythm, speed, balance and, focus of power (Kime)
4. Correct and proper use of breathing as an aid for Kime
5. Correct focus of attention (Chakugan) and concentration
6. Correct stances with proper tension of the legs and, feet flat on the floor
7. Proper tension in the abdomen (Hara) and no bobbing up/down of hips when moving
8. Correct form (Kihon) of the style being demonstrated
9. Degree of difficulty of the kata performed
10. In team kata, synchronization without external cues is an added factor

Question 24

What can result in a disqualification in a kata?

Answer 24

Variation of the Shitei (compulsory) kata

Coming to a halt whilst performing a kata, performing a different kata from the announced

Performing and ineligible kata or repeating a kata