1. Bout/match duration

  1. Bout/match duration
    1. Duration of the Kumite bout is:
      1. Senior male and female categories: 3 minutes effective time
      2. Under 21 male and female categories: 3 minutes effective time
      3. Cadet and Junior male and female categories: 2 minutes effective time
      4. 14 years and younger: 1.5 minutes effective time
    2. For tournaments without limitation to participation the duration of elimination bouts may be reduced from 3 minutes to 2 minutes and from 2 minutes to 1.5 minutes if this is announced prior to tournament start in a meeting for both coaches and officials.
    3. The timing of the bout starts when the Referee gives the signal to start and stops each time the Referee calls “Yame” or at the signal for full time.
    4. The timekeeper shall give a signal, indicating “15 seconds to go” by one short burst with the buzzer, and “time up” by two short bursts with the buzzer. The “time up” signal marks the end of the bout.
    5. Competitors are entitled to a rest period between bouts, equal to the standard duration time of the bout. The exception is in the case of change of equipment colour, where this time is extended to five minutes.

2. Scoring methodology

  1. Scoring methodology
    1. The following scale is used for awarding of points:
      1. Yuko (1 point) is awarded for Tsuki (straight punch) or Uchi (strike) to a scoring area.
      2. Waza-Ari (2 points) is awarded for Chudan kicks.
      3. Ippon (3 points) is awarded for Jodan kicks or any techniques against an opponent whose any part of the body other than the feet is in contact with the mat.
    2. A score is awarded to a Competitor when two or more judges indicate a score or when the Video Review Supervisors agree on a score after a Coach has raised a Video Request.
    3. Points are scored by a traditional karate technique with the hand or foot executed with control to the scoring area.
    4. Only the first correctly executed technique of an exchange will score with the exception of an effective combination of techniques in which case the highest scoring technique will count regardless of the sequence of techniques in the combination.

3. Legal scoring techniques

  1. In order to be considered a score the technique must have the potential to be effective if it had not been controlled, and must also fill the criteria of:
    1. good form (properly executed technique)
    2. sporting attitude (delivered without intent to cause injury)
    3. vigorous application (delivery with speed and power)
    4. maintaining awareness of the opponent both during and after execution of the technique (not turning away or falling down after completing a technique — unless the fall is caused by a foul by the opponent)
    5. good timing (delivery of the technique at the correct moment)
    6. correct distance (delivery at a distance where the technique would be effective)

4. Legal scoring targets

  1. The scoring areas are the body above the pelvis, up to and including the collar bone (Chudan), excluding the shoulders themselves, and the area above the collar bone (Jodan).
  2. Techniques to the Jodan can score when stopped within 5 cm of the target for kicks and 2 cm for hand techniques but may be delivered with light touch (skin touch), without causing impact - with exception to the throat area where no physical contact is allowed.
  3. For Cadets under 14 years and children, techniques to the Jodan can score when stopped within 10 cm of the target for kicks and 5 cm for hand techniques.
  4. "Skin touch” is allowed in categories for Competitors 16 years or older (Juniors). For categories 14 to 16 years of age skin touch is allowed for kicks only. Skin touch is defined as touching the target without transferring energy into the head or body.

5. Illegal scoring techniques

  1. A technique is invalid if:
    1. executed after the time-up signal or the Referee calling “Yame”
    2. executed upon or after “Wakarete” before “Tsuzukete” has been called
    3. executed when the performer is outside the competition area (Jogai)
    4. followed by a foul — except for Jogai
    5. one turns one’s back to the opponent after a technique (lack of awareness)
    6. dangerous or forbidden throwing techniques
    7. clinching, wrestling, pushing, or standing chest to chest without attempting a scoring technique or takedown
    8. grabbing the opponent’s arm or Karategi with one hand without immediately attempting a scoring technique or takedown
    9. techniques which make excessive contact, having regard to the scoring area attacked, and techniques which contact the throat

6. Illegal scoring targets

  1. It is, or follows, a violation of the rules (such as excessive contact, holding, grabbing and such).
  2. Attacks to the arms or legs, groin, joints, or instep.
  3. Attacks to the face with open hand techniques.
  4. Simulated or actual attacks with the head, throat, knees, or elbows.

7. Scoring fouls/penalties

  1. Informal warnings
    1. Used to facilitate the continuity of action without stopping the bout. They are not meant to replace formal warnings when these are appropriate, and the Referee should proceed with formal warnings or penalties as appropriate if the informal warning is not reacted upon by the Competitors.
    2. There are two types of informal warnings:
      1. Tsuzukete for encouraging activity: To urge the Competitors to commence activity by gesturing in the same way as is customary for making the Competitors stepping on to the Tatami, combined with the instruction “Tsuzukete”.
      2. Wakarete for breaking up a clinch: To break-up a clinch, using the same gesture as is customary for making the Competitors step back on the Tatami combined with giving the order “Wakarete” to temporarily stop the action without stopping the clock. The Competitors must separate — after which the order “Tsuzukete” is given for resuming action.
    3. Once Wakarete is called by the Referee, the Coaches do not have the opportunity to make a video request.
    4. Tsuzukete, unless preceded by Wakarete, is not used if there is less than 15 seconds left of the bout.
    5. An otherwise correctly executed technique will not be given a score if executed at the same time as Wakarete has been called — but will not be penalized. An uncontrolled technique will be subject to warning or penalty in the normal manner.
  2. Official warnings
    1. There are two degrees of official warnings - Chui and Hansoku Chui
      1. Chui Warning: is given, up to three times, for smaller infractions that do not diminish the other Competitor’s chances of winning.
      2. Hansoku Chui Warning of disqualification in the event of further infractions: is given for more serious infractions that reduces the other Competitor’s chances of winning, or to a Competitor for any further infraction if three Chui has already been given.
  3. Penalties
    1. There are two kinds of penalties which are two different levels of disqualification:
      1. Hansoku Disqualification from the bout: This is the penalty of disqualification following a very serious infraction or when Hansoku Chui has already been given.
      2. Shikkaku Disqualification from the tournament: This is a disqualification from the entire tournament including any subsequent category the offender may have been registered for. Shikkaku may be invoked when a Competitor fails to obey the orders of the Referee, acts maliciously, or commits an act which harms the prestige and honour of Karate.
  4. Warning and penalty application
    1. Excessive contact: Where contact is considered by the Referee to be too strong, but does not diminish the Competitor’s chances of winning, a warning (Chui) may be given.
    2. Contact causing injury: Any technique, which results in injury, can unless caused by the recipient cause a warning or penalty. The Competitors must perform all techniques with control and good form. If they cannot, then regardless of the technique misused, a warning or penalty must be imposed.
    3. Observation after contact: The Referee must continue to observe the injured Competitor until the bout is resumed and allow adequate time for observation. A short delay in giving a judgement allows injury symptoms such as a nosebleed to develop or reveal any efforts by the Competitor to aggravate slight injury for tactical advantage.
    4. Overreaction to contact: A slight overreaction will receive a Chui. An obvious display of exaggeration will receive a Hansoku Chui. A more serious exaggeration such as staggering around, falling on the floor, standing up and falling down again, and so on, may receive Hansoku directly.
    5. Feigning an injury: Any instance of feigning an injury, whoever slight, will receive a minimum warning of Chui while an obvious display of exaggeration will receive a Hansoku Chui. A more serious exaggeration such as staggering around, falling on the floor, standing up and falling down again, and so on, will receive Shikkaku directly. Any feigning of an injury from a technique that in fact has been determined by the judges as a point will, as a minimum, result in Hansoku Chui.
    6. Contact to the throat: Any contact to the throat, unless received by the recipient’s own fault, must result in a warning or penalty.
    7. Throwing techniques are divided into two types. The established “conventional” karate leg sweeping techniques such as de ashi barai, ko uchi gari, etc., where the opponent is swept off-balance or thrown without being grabbed first — and those throws requiring that the opponent be grabbed by one hand or held as the throw is executed. Both are allowed.
    8. The pivotal point of the throw must not be above the thrower’s hip level and the opponent must be held onto throughout, so that a safe landing can be made. Over the shoulder throws are expressly forbidden, as are so-called “sacrifice” throws.
    9. Catching a kick: The only instance where a throw may be performed while holding onto the opponent with both hands is when trapping the opponent’s kicking leg. Holding on with both hands is only permitted when grabbing an opponent’s kicking leg for the purpose of executing a takedown and then holding on to the opponent’s leg while the other grasping the opponents Karategi or body to break the fall.
    10. Grabbing the legs: It is forbidden to grab the opponent below the waist and lift and throw him/her or to reach down to pull the legs from under him/her. If a Competitor is injured as a result of a throwing technique, the Referee will decide whether a warning or penalty is called for.
    11. One hand grabbing: The Competitor may seize the opponent’s arm or Karategi with one hand for purpose of executing a throw or a direct scoring technique – but may not keep holding on for continuous techniques.
    12. Holding on to break a fall: Holding on to the opponent’s Karategi with one hand is permitted to break a fall.
    13. Exiting the competition area: Jogai relates to a situation where a Competitor's foot, or any other part of the body, touches the floor outside of the competition area. An exception is when the Competitor is physically pushed or thrown from the area by the opponent or is exiting after having scored.
    14. Self endangerment: A warning or penalty for Mubobi is given when a Competitor is hurt or injured through his or her own fault or negligence. This may be caused by turning their back on the opponent, attacking without regard for the opponent’s counterattack, stopping fighting before the Referee calls “Yame”, dropping the guard or repeated failure or refusal to block the opponent’s attacks.
    15. Passivity refers to situations where neither Competitor makes attempts to score, or a single Competitor does not attempt to score despite being behind on points or the opponent has a lead because of Senshu.
      1. Passivity cannot be given to a Competitor that has a lead on points or Senshu.
      2. Passivity cannot be given during the first 15 seconds of a bout.
    16. Avoiding Combat refers to a situation where a Competitor attempts to prevent the opponent having the opportunity to score by using time-wasting behaviour such as constantly retreating without effective counter, holding, clinching, or exiting the competition area rather than allowing the opponent an opportunity to score. Avoiding combat during the last 15 seconds of the bout (Ato Shibaraku) will, as a minimum, result in Hansoku Chuiand loss of Senshu.
    17. Not following instructions: A Competitor that refuses following the instructions of the Referee or display a loss of temper will automatically receive Shikkaku. This penalty may be imposed before, during or after the bout.

8. Result declarations

  1. General
    1. When two or more Judges signal a score for the same Competitor, the Referee will stop the bout and render the decision accordingly. Should the Referee fail to stop the bout the Match Supervisor will blow his/her whistle. When the Referee decides to halt the bout for any reason, he/she will call “Yame” at the same time using the required hand signal.
    2. In the event that both Competitors have a score signalled by two Judges, both Competitors will be awarded their respective points.
    3. If one Competitor has a score indicated by more than one Judge and the score is different between the Judges, the higher will be applied. The same applies if there are two judges for each Competitor with different scores.
    4. If there is majority, but disagreement, among the Judges for one level of score, the majority opinion will always overrule the principle of applying the highest score.
    5. When explaining the basis for a decision after the bout or match, the Referee Panel may speak to the Tatami Manager, the Chief Referee, or the Appeals Jury. They will explain themselves to no one else.
  2. Criteria for deciding winner of bout
    1. The result of a bout is determined by a Competitor obtaining a clear lead of eight points, at time-up, having the highest number of points; at equal score having the first unopposed point advantage (Senshu); obtaining a decision by Hantei or; by a Hansoku, Shikkaku, or Kiken imposed against a Competitor.
    2. By 'first unopposed score advantage' (Senshu) is understood that one Competitor has achieved the first instance of scoring on the opponent without having the opponent also score before the signal. In instances where both Competitors score before the signal, and there is indication of score by two judges for each of the two Competitors, no ‘first unopposed score advantage’ is awarded and both Competitors retain the possibility of Senshu later in the bout.
    3. Individual bouts cannot be declared a tie, with the exceptions of team competition, or Round Robin competition, when a bout ends with equal scores, or no scores, and neither Competitor has obtained Senshu, in which case the Referee will announce a tie (Hikiwake).
    4. In any bout, if after full time the scores are equal, but one Competitor has obtained ‘first unopposed score advantage’ (Senshu), that Competitor will be declared the winner.
    5. In any individual bout, where no score has been obtained by either Competitor, or the score is equal without any Competitor having a ‘first unopposed score advantage’, the decision will be made based on the following criteria in order of application:
      1. The higher number of Ippon scored in the bout.
      2. The higher number of Waza Ari scored in the bout.
    6. Should also the number of Ippon and Waza Ari be equal, the decision will be by Hantei, a final majority vote of the four Judges and the Referee, each casting their vote based on their individual judgement of which competitor displayed superiority of tactics and techniques.
    7. When deciding the outcome of a bout by vote (Hantei) at the end of an inconclusive bout, the Referee will move to the competition area perimeter and call “Hantei”, followed by a two-tone blast of the whistle. The Judges will signal their opinions and the Referee will declare the winner. The Referee will then indicate the winner by hand signal and the order (Aka/Ao No Kachi), and by this action also resolve any tie.
    8. Should a Competitor that has been awarded Senshu receive a warning for avoiding combat for the following incidents: Jogai, running away, clinching, grabbing, wrestling, pushing or standing chest to chest when there is less than 15 seconds left of the bout – the Competitor will automatically forfeit this advantage. The Referee will then first show the type of infraction and type of warning or penalty the Competitor did, then show the sign for Senshu followed by the sign for annulment (Torimasen) and at the same time announcing “Aka/Aa Senshu Torimasen”.
    9. If Senshu is withdrawn when it is less than 15 seconds left of the bout, no further Senshu can be awarded to either Competitor.
    10. In cases where Senshu has been awarded, but a successful video request determines that also the other opponent scored, and that a score in fact is not unopposed, the same procedure is used for nullification of Senshu.
    11. In instances where both Aka and Ao are disqualified in the same bout by Hansoku, the opponents scheduled for the next round will win by bye (and no result is announced), unless the double disqualification applies to a medal bout, in which case the winner will be declared by Hantei, unless one of the Competitors has Senshu.

9. Athlete attire and required equipment

  1. Athlete attire and required equipment
    1. Competitors must wear a WKF approved white Karategi without stripes, piping or personal embroidery other than specifically allowed by Karate Ontario and specified in the bulletin for the competition:
    2. Only the original manufacturer’s labels may be displayed on the Karategi or their Karate club logo.
    3. The jacket, when tightened around the waist with the belt, must be of a minimum length that covers the hips, but must not be more than three-quarters thigh length.
    4. Female Competitors can wear a plain white T-shirt beneath the Karate jacket.
    5. Jackets without ties cannot be used. The jacket ties holding the jacket in place must be tied at the beginning of the bout. If they are torn off during the bout, the Competitor is not required to change the jacket.
    6. The maximum length of the jacket sleeves must be no longer than the bend of the wrist and no shorter than halfway down the forearm.
    7. Jacket sleeves cannot be rolled up.
    8. The trousers must be long enough to cover at least two thirds of the shin and must not reach below the anklebone. Trouser legs cannot be rolled up.
    9. Competitors must keep their hair clean and cut to a length that does not obstruct smooth bout conduct. Hachimaki (headband) will not be allowed.
    10. Hair slides are prohibited, as are metal hairgrips. Ribbons, beads and other decorations are prohibited. One or two discreet rubber bands on a single ponytail is permitted.
    11. Competitors may use voluntary religious headwear approved by the WKF: A black plain fabric head scarf covering the hair, but not the neck or throat area.
    12. Competitors must have short fingernails and must not wear metallic or other objects, which might injure their opponents. The use of metallic teeth braces must be approved by the Referee and the Tournament Doctor. The Competitor accepts full responsibility for any injury.
    13. The following protective equipment is compulsory:
      1. WKF approved mitts, one Competitor wearing red and the other wearing blue.
      2. Gum shield.
      3. WKF approved body protector (respectively male and female design as applicable)
      4. WKF approved shin pads, one Competitor wearing red and the other wearing blue.
      5. WKF approved foot protection, one Competitor wearing red and the other wearing blue.
      6. WKF approved groin guards for men.
      7. In addition, for Competitors <14, helmet is compulsory.
    14. Glasses are forbidden. Soft contact lenses can be worn at the Competitor's own risk.
    15. The wearing of any unauthorised apparel, clothing or equipment is forbidden.
    16. The use of bandages, padding, or supports because of injury must be approved by the Referee on the advice of the Tournament Doctor.
    17. In case that deformities or amputations that do not allow for safe and secure fitting of the protective equipment or could represent a risk to the athlete or their opponents, competitive Kumite will not be permitted. In any doubt, the Referees should ask the doctor for the decision.
    18. Competitors that appear at the competition area with unauthorized equipment or irregular Karategi will be given two minutes to correct the attire, and the Coach will automatically lose the right to coach that bout.
    19. An official will inspect the equipment of all contestants prior to competition to ensure that the contestant’s equipment meets minimum standards and is in good repair.