TOURNAMENT RULES & REGULATIONSCHAPTER 1 GENERAL RULES
Item 1 – Goal and Objective
The goal of establishing these rules and regulations is to promote a fair and smoothcourse of occurrence of all events in any given tournament.

Item 2 – Applicants Concerned
1. These rules and regulations shall apply to the following JKA related events:a) World Championships, All Japan Championships and National
Championships hosted by The JKA Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
b) Regional Tournaments/Championships hosted by JKA Regional
Headquarters.
c) District Tournaments/Championships hosted by JKA District
Headquarters.
d) Local Tournaments hosted by JKA Dojos.
2. All tournaments in all countries shall abide by this present document.

Item 3 – Rules of Conduct for All Participants
All participants shall act in accordance to the highest standards of ability and of fairplay in the spirit of Karate Do and strive to the utmost respect and dignity towards
others participants.
In Accordance to this, all gestures and posturing indicating victory or winning arestrictly prohibited.

Item 4 – Additional Information
If there arises a situation undefined by this present document, the decision shall begiven by the Master Chief Judge.

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CHAPTER 2 TOURNAMENT OPERATIONS
Item 5 – Preparation Set-up Prior to Event
1. Prior to holding a tournament, the Host Organization shall notify all concernedof its proposed plan for the upcoming tournament.
2. Also, it is necessary to provide the following support personnel:a) Timekeepersb) Scorekeepersc) Directors of Operationsd) Official Doctore) Medical Attendants
3. As well, the following officials must be provided:a) Arbitratorsb) Master Chief Judgec) Head Judges and Judges

Item 6 – Arbitrators
1. One Arbitrator shall be stationed at a Kumite Event.
2. An Arbitrator is responsible for the following:a) that the Head Judge and the Judges have appropriate qualifications for
tournamentb) that the competitors have appropriate qualifications as wellc) that the rules and regulations are being followed
3. An Arbitrator is responsible to provide appropriate guidance and decisions to
the Head Judge and the Judges, timekeepers and scorekeepers in the following
situation: the Arbitrator can interrupt a match by a sharp whistle blow tointervene if there is a breach of any of the Tournament Rules and Regulations
or if the Head Coach has a protest or a question which makes it necessary tointerrupt a match.
4. An Arbitrator is to only participate in a Judges’ conference in which
disqualification (Hansoku) is being considered.
5. The Arbitrator is responsible for insuring that proper record keeping is done.
6. The Arbitrator can request any explanations deemed necessary from any
officials.
7. The Arbitrator is selected and appointed to that position by the Master Chief
Judge.

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Item 7 – Master Chief Judge
1. The Master Chief Judge is responsible to maintain a fair and smooth course ofoccurrence of all events in a given tournament.
2. The Master Chief Judge is responsible to provide appropriate decisions in thefollowing situations:a) if there is an issue with the rules and regulations or if unfairness has
been identifiedb) if a judge is requesting advice or guidancec) if there is a matter exceeding this present documentd) if there is an accident
3. If a situation has occurred, after consulting with the Head Judge and theJudges, the Master Chief Judge will take action as per the following:a) give special advise or instructionsb) banish from the tournamentc) disqualify a competitor from the tournament
4. After consultation with the Judges, the Master Chief Judge will decide theduration of disqualification and if it applies to further tournaments. A letter
confirming this decision is then forwarded to the involved individual or group.
5. The Master Chief Judge is appointed by the Host Organization. If necessary,
the Host Organization will also select an Assistant Chief Judge.
6. As a general rule, the JKA Chief Instructor is the person that is selected as
the Master Chief Judge in the All Japan Championships as well as the WorldChampionships.

Item 8 – Head Judge & Judges
1. The Head Judge and the Judges are responsible for a match or event and makedecisions during a given match or event.
2. The Head Judge and the Judges exert control over the surroundings of thematch or event as well.
3. The Head Judge and the Judges are solely responsible for the outcome of amatch of event and cannot be challenges with the exception of the Arbitrator.
4. The Head Judge coordinates the match or event and gives the final decision
regarding the outcome of the match or event.
The final decision is either red side or white side declared winner(Aka No Kachi, Shiro No Kachi)
In the case of a full point or Ippon, red side or white side full point is declared(Aka Ippon, Shiro Ippon)3

5. The Judges, previously called Corner Judges assist the Head Judge byindicating their own decisions during the match or event.
6. The Head Judge and the Judges are selected amongst the pool of certified
Judges and appointed to their positions by the Host Organization.

Item 9 – Competitors
1. If the competitors are qualified, the Host Organization cannot refuse their
participation in a tournament.
2. As a general rule, the competitors are active members of the JKA or membersof an affiliated organization approved by the JKA. However, non members canapply and be approved by the Host Organization.

Item 10 – Head Coach
1. One Head Coach can be present for his competitor during a match or event,whether individual or team event.
2. A Head Coach must be registered with the Host Organization prior to thetournament.
3. If a Head Coach has a question or protest regarding a match or event, it has tobe addressed to the Arbitrator. No appeals can be done at the decision time
( Hantei) now being called.
4. A Head Coach gives advice to the competitor from a designated area, with nodisruptions or disturbances to other competitors or Judges during that matchor event. If a Head Coach does not abide by this, the Chief Judge and the
Arbitrator will deal with this disruptive behavior immediately, on that court.
5. A Head Coach has to hold instructor’s qualification.

Item 11 – Timekeepers
A timekeeper is responsible to keep time of a match or event, as well as notify the
Head Judge of elapsed time during the match or event as per set procedure.

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Item 12 – Scorekeepers
A scorekeeper is responsible for keeping a record of all scores during a match or
event, as well as announcing or presenting those scores publicly. If necessary, thescorekeeper shall notify the Head Judge of these scores.

Item 13 – Directors of Operations
A director of operations is responsible for good communication between allcompetitors and officials to ensure smooth occurrence of the tournament.

Item 14 – Official Doctor
1. The Official Doctor is selected by the tournament officials.
2. The Official Doctor in conjunction with the Master Chief Judge, is
responsible for all medical decisions that may occur during the course of
an incident involving injury, whereas the candidate is to continue or
withdraw from a match.

Item 15 – Medical Attendants
A medical attendant is responsible to treat and support an illness or injury that may
occur during the course of a tournament, in order to maintain a safe environment for
all participants.

Item 16 – Dress Code for Participants
1. A competitor wears an all plain white karate uniform.
a) crests that are recognized by the Host Organization may be worn on the left
chest sideb) sleeves of the jacket length should be at least ½ of the forearm but nolonger than the wrist, and folding of the cuffs is not permitted; however if
folded inward, that fold must be sown; the length of the top, after the belt is
tied, is up to half of the thighfemales must wear a plain white t-shirt under the top5

length of the pants must be 2/3 of the calf down from the knee but no longer
than the top part of the ankle, and folding of the cuffs is not permitted;
however if folded inward, that fold must be sownc) crests and numbers given by the Host Organization must be worn at thedesignated aread) in order to differentiate between opponents, one of the competitors shallwear a thin red band of cloth around the waiste) general appearance must not provoke any feelings or injury to the opponent
all nails must be cropped short, hair must be clean and not of any weird colors,
its length must not interfere or distract; when tied there should be no plastic,
metal or colorful ribbons that has an aim to beautify; rubber bands or clothbands are permittedf) medical needed aids such as teeth braces, soft contact lenses are to be wornat the own risk of the competitor; however, during a Kumite match, glasses are
not permitted; glasses can be worn during a Kata match but held in placesecurelyg) medical aids used for a past sustained injury, whether taping , bandages orsupport pads must not be cause of injury to the opponent, and are to beapproved by the Head Judge prior to the matchh) medical aids that are made of a hard material such as casts, wood, hardplastic, steel are not permittedi) otherwise, designated safety equipment should be used
2. A competitor wears nothing more than is mentioned in the prior statement
unless specified by either the Head Judge or the Master Chief Judge.
3. A Head Coach must wear an identifying item on a designated area.
4. The Head Judges, the Judges and the Arbitrators must wear the JKA official
dress wear. An identifying item is worn on a designated area.
5. All other support staff is easily identified as such by wearing a similar dress
wear.

Item 17 – Set-up of Courts
1. The court area is a square measuring 8 meters X 8 meters, marked off by a 4-5
centimeters wide line. The outer edges of this line measure 8 meters. If matsare used, the boundary may be marked by mats of a different color.
2. For a Kumite Match or Event, the starting positions of the competitors are on
the center line, indicated by two parallel lines both 1 meter long, and that are 3

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meters apart from each other. In general, when facing what is called the Frontor Shomen, the right line is red and the left line is white.
3. For a Flag System Kata Match or Event, the starting lines of the competitorsare 2 meters from the back line and 3 meters apart from each other. Theselines are designed in the shape of a short inverted T; the horizontal line is 70
centimeters long and the vertical line is 35 centimeters long. As for a Point
System Kata Match or Event, the inverted T starting lines are 2 meters backfrom the center of the court.
4. For safety reasons, a court shall not be raised for more than 1 meter above theground level and there is a 2 meters wide safety area around the court.
5. The surface of the court should be flat and smooth. It may be made of wood,resin, urethane mats or Tatami mats.
6. To indicate the position of the Head Judge, a line is drawn 1.5 meters backfrom the center of the court.

7Set-up & Dimensions of Courts

Front

White side

Red side2 m Safety Area

Item 18 – Events & Categories
1. The events are as follow:a) Kumite Events – Individual and Teamb) Kata Events – Individual and Team
2. It is possible to hold different events as well.

8CHAPTER 3 KUMITE EVENTS

Item 19 – Definition of Kumite Event
1. In a Kumite Event, two competitors enter the court and within the allotted
time, perform various kinds of techniques freely against each other hoping tohold victory. There are two different kinds of scoring system:a) 1 Point Match or Ippon Shobu: The competitor who has scored one fullpoint or 2 half points first, within the allotted time, is declared thewinner.
b) 3 Points Match or Sanbon Shobu: The competitor who has scored 2 fullpoints first, within the allotted time, is declared the winner.
2. In a match or event, all techniques – punches, kicks, strikes, have to be donewith control. The distance required to do the techniques should be closeenough to be able to be effective. There should be no damage done to the
opponent. A light touch to the target is permitted.

Item 20 – Definition of Team Kumite Event
1. A team consists of an odd number of competitors.
2. As a general rule, all team members have to be present at the first round of amatch or event. The team that is seeded or placed in order to not face eachother in the first round, have to be present at the second round of a match or
event. Subsequently, if the team is missing a member or members, that missed
person or persons must be placed last in the sequencing of competitors of thatmatch.
3. Prior to the event, the order in which the competitors will perform must bereported by the Head Coach or Team Leader. This must be done for eachround of a match.
4. The winning team is determined by the number of individual performances thatare won.
5. There are two kinds of team competition.
The first one is when an equal amount of competitors from each team face eachother, determining a number of wins.
a) Match by Elimination: Each team member has one performing bout each.
The individual results are then added up to determine which team has

9won. If there is a draw, the highest score determines the win, as per
the following:
1 point or Ippon, disqualification or Hansoku, absolute disqualification or
Shikkaku, withdrawal by disqualification or Kiken, out of bounds or Jogai
Hansoku, volunteer non defending or Muboubi Hansoku, 2 half points,
decision by Judges.
b) If there is still a draw, a match is held with a competitor chosen by eachteam, in order to determine the win. This is called a Decision Match byTeam Choice or Daihyosha Ketteisen. This match continues until there isa winner. In this case, a team member that has performed before maycompete, but no more than twice.
Decision Match by Team Choice or Daihyosha Ketteisen, is conducted thesame as an Individual Match or Kojinsen, thus following the order of
Re-Match (Sai-Shiai) and Second Re-Match (Sai-Sai-Shiai) with
Sudden Death.
The second kind of team competition is when an equal amount of competitors fromeach team face each other, the winner of a match remains to fight each competitorof the opposing team in turn, until a loss. The competitor who loses a match iseliminated from this process. No mixed team of males and females are allowed.
c) Round Robin Elimination Match: The winner of the first match stays in
the court and keeps fighting until he loses. The loser steps out and thenext team member steps in. When all members of the team have lost,
the team itself loses.

Item 21 – Definition & Criteria for Scoring Points
1. The areas of attacks are defined as follow:a) head and neck area or Jodanb) stomach, sides of the abdomen and back, in this case Chudan
2. Criteria for scoring points are as follow:a) proper execution and power of the techniqueb) proper distance and timingc) correct posture and proper frame of mindd) concentrated mind and spirite) execution to the proper target
3. If all the criteria mentioned above have been reached in the execution ofeither a punch, a kick or a strike, this constitute what is scored as 1 point or
Ippon.

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4. A 1 point or Ippon can be scored even if some of the above mentioned criteria
are not reached, in the following situations:a) successfully evading an attack while executing a effective counterattack
or Deaib) knocking the opponent off balance and executing an effective attackc) a consecutive series of attacks that all reach their targetd) the opponent is without any defense
5. A technique that is well executed but does not qualify as a 1 point or Ippon, isdefined as a half point or Waza-Ari.
6. 2 half points become 1 point or Ippon.
7. If both competitors move and execute a technique at the same time and withsimilar intensity, this is called Aiuchi. In this instance, the attacks cancel eachother and no points are scored.

Item 22 – Criteria for Reaching an Outcome in a Match
1. If none of the two competitors reach the full score within the allotted time,each Judge indicate their decision as to the outcome of the match or event.
The outcome of the match or event is determined by the decision of all the
Judges together. See Item 11 of the Tournament Rules & Regulations for
Officials. The Head Judge will then decide the outcome of the match or event.
2. If both competitors get injured or for other reasons cannot continue thematch, the Judges will indicate their decision as to the outcome of the matchor event. The Head Judge will then decide the outcome of the match or event.
3. The following elements help to determine the outcome of a match:
First elements of decisiona) if any points are scored
Second elements of decisionb) if there are warnings or Hansoku Chui that have been givenc) if there are out of bounds warnings or Jogai Chui that have been givend) if there are volunteer non defending warnings or Muboubi Chui that havebeen given
Third elements of decisione) if one competitor has dominated more in that matchf) skill and strength of the techniques displayedg) fighting spirit and effort shown by a competitor; if there has been any
caution or Keikoku givenh) proper frame of mind shown by a competitor

11i) the amount of attacks performed by one competitor as compared to theother
4. The Judges must carefully take into consideration all the elements if acompetitor who has a half-point orWaza-Ari , as well as has more than one
warning that are of different categories of warning.

Item 23 – Re-Match (Sai-Shiai) & Second Re-Match (Sai-Sai-Shiai)
If the outcome of the match or event cannot be decided, a draw or Hikiwake is thendeclared.
The Host Organization decides prior to the Tournament if there should be a “sudden
death” match within a second re-match situation.
1. If there is a draw, another match will be held. This re-match is called
Sai-Shiai. If this re-match ends up in a draw, a second re-match called
Sai-Sai-Shiai will be held. However, the Head Judge may order that thissecond re-match is a “sudden death” match meaning that the competitor thatscores first is declared the winner.
2. After a second re-match the Judges must determine a winner.
3. In a World Championships as well as a National Championships, the final matchof that event will have as many re-matches as needed in order to determine awinner.

Item 24 – Criteria Leading to Disqualification (Hansoku)
1. The following elements are forbidden:a) excessive contact, going beyond the target, “wild” swinging techniquesb) performing or intent to perform dangerous throwsc) grabbing, holding on, or wasting time by not attackingd) using provocative language and attitude, verbal taunting or not following
the orders of a Judgee) continuing to attach after stop (Yame) or out of bounds (Jogai) is calledf) head butt attack or intent to use head butt attackg) spear hand or Nukite attack to the eyesh) purposely attacking the groin area or the joints
2. If there has been any of the above that have been perpetrated, the following
decisions will be made:12a) If an element has been identified but not severe as to cause injury or
damage to a competitor, a caution or Keikoku is then given. This caution
does not affect judging decision but if a second caution is given, called
warning or Hansoku Chui, in the same match, this could result in
disqualification (Hansoku) of the perpetrator and the other competitor isdeclared the winner.
b) If an element has been identified as severe and there is obvious
malicious intent or if a competitor is seriously injured or damaged, awarning (Hansoku Chui ) or a disqualification (Hansoku ) can be given to
the perpetrator and the other competitor is declared the winner.
3. Any competitor who has received a disqualification or Hansoku twice during a
tournament, is not allowed to continue to compete in Individual or Team Kumite.
However, participation in Kata Events is possible.
The competitor who has received a first disqualification or Hansoku is to be
identified by the marking of a red tape, placed on the upper arm on one side.
4. When a Hansoku is announced by the Head Judge, the scorekeeper will record
this on a specific document that is submitted to the Master Chief Judge.

Item 25 – Out of Bounds (Jogai)
If a competitor touches the ground outside the borders of the court with any part ofthe body, a caution indicative of out of bounds or Jogai Keikoku is then announced. If
this happens a second time, an out of bounds warning or Jogai Chui is given. If thishappens a third time, a disqualification by out of bounds or Jogai Hansoku is given to
the perpetrator and the other competitor is declared the winner.
If a competitor scored before being out of bounds, his score will prevail.

Item 26 – Criteria for Volunteer Non Defending (Muboubi)
1. A caution for volunteer non defending called Muboubi Keikoku, a warning forvolunteer non defending called Muboubi Chui and a disqualification for volunteer
non defending called Muboubi Hansoku can be given in the following situations:a) if it is obvious that a competitor does not provide any defensive effort
and gets hit, then that competitor receives the appropriate level ofvolunteer non defending and the other competitor the appropriate levelof reprimand or Hansokub) if it is identified that a competitor shows no fighting effort

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2. Although not necessarily hit, a competitor can receive a non defending
reprimand, either caution, warning or disqualification as the referee may judge
the present situation dangerous. In that case the other competitor is declared
the winner.

Item 27 – Absolute Disqualification (Shikkaku)
1. An absolute disqualification or Shikkaku is given in the following situations thatthe Head Judge and the Judges have already discussed, and therefore theother competitor is declared the winner:a) non compliance to the orders of the Head Judgeb) display of poor and unacceptable attitude and frame of mind and use of
unacceptable verbal or body language as a Karate competitorc) if it is deemed inappropriate for the match to continue
An absolute disqualification or Shikkaku can be given without any priorwarnings and to any person within the tournament site.
2. After absolute disqualification has been given to a competitor, that competitor
cannot continue to participate in that tournament, whether Kumite or Kata.
3. The details of an absolute disqualification must be discussed by the involved
Judges and given to the pertinent scorekeepers who enter these specified
details on the appropriate form which is given to the Master Chief Judge.
4. If a team has perpetrated a serious offense, the whole team is given an
absolute disqualification and the other team is declared the winner.
5. An absolute disqualification also can be given in a Kata match or event.

Item 28 – Withdrawal (Kiken)
1. Withdrawal or Kiken is given by the Head Judge in the following situations:a) failing to report when the match or event is being calledb) volunteer withdrawalc) competitor cannot continue a match
2. If a competitor or team withdraws, the other competitor or team is declared
the winner.
3. A competitor who voluntarily withdraws with no obvious physical reasons,cannot compete in any other matches or events.
4. Withdrawal or Kiken also can be given in a Kata match or event.

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Item 29 – In the Case of an Injury
1. If a competitor is injured, the Head Judge will consult with the doctor and will
await a diagnosis of the injury. The match is thus stopped until the doctor has
finished the care of the injured competitor. If a competitor in unable tocontinue a match due to that injury, the Judges will decide if a withdrawal or
Kiken is to be given. If that is the case, without calling a disqualification or
Hansoku, then the other competitor is declared the winner. If bothcompetitors are injured and there are no disqualifications or Hansoku issued,
then the match is stopped and a decision as to the outcome of the match will becalled.
2. If a competitor is unable to continue a match due to an injury, then awithdrawal or Kiken will be given and the other competitor has been issued adisqualification or Hansoku, the injured competitor is declared the winner.
This decision prevails even if the disqualified competitor has scored a half
point or Waza-Ari.
3. In case of an injury, the doctor will discuss the injury with the Master Chief
Judge and can request that the injured or incapacitated competitor withdraw
from Kumite events. That competitor could participate in Kata events at thedoctor’s recommendation.

Item 30 – Required Judges & Arbitrators
The following officials are required per court:a) 1 Arbitratorb) 1 Head Judgec) 4 Judges

Item 31 – Time of the Event
1. The allotted time for a match or event is 2 minutes.
At a World Championships or National Championships, the adult male final
Kumite match is 5 minutes. However, the Host Organization can decide
otherwise.
2. The Head Judge starts the match with a verbal cue that ends with the word:
begin or Hajime at which time the countdown is started. Countdown isinterrupted when stop (Yame) or out of bounds (Jogai) is called. Countdown
resumes when the verbal cue: resume or Tsuzukete Hajime is pronounced. If

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the allotted time for the match has elapsed, the timekeeper will announce thisto the Head Judge and the match is thus finished.

Item 32 – Required Equipment
1. Whistles – one per official
2. Red and white flags – a pair for each Judge
3. A stopwatch
4. A bell
5. A number board indicating scored points and various warnings
6. Official forms for scorekeepers including a copy for the Arbitrator
7. Red bands of cloth to differentiate the competitors – the dimensions of thisred band of cloth worn around the waist should not hinder the match in any way
8. Red and white tape to prepare the court
9. Red tape to identify a competitor that has received a disqualification or
Hansoku

Item 33 – Safety Equipment
1. Gloves for the hands
2. A transparent mouth guard
3. A chest protector* as recognized by the JKA

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CHAPTER 4 KATA EVENTS

Item 34 – Definition & Guidelines for Kata Event
1. In a Kata Event, a Kata is performed in a court. The Judges make a decision inorder to declare a winner. The different types of Kata Events or Matches are
as follow:a) Red and White Flag System: 2 competitors simultaneously perform thesame Kata that is chosen by the Head Judge and a winner is declared.
The competitors must clearly repeat back to the Head Judge the nameof the chosen Kata. The Head Judge will acknowledge this and the matchor event begins.
b) Point System: 1 competitor at a time perform a Kata and each Judge
gives points on the performance of that competitor. The points areadded up for a total score and a winner is declared.
c) Team Kata: 3 competitors perform the same Kata and start by facing
the Front or Shomen, at a starting position of their choice. The team isgiven a total score according to the Point System. The 3 competitors
have a choice to form a triangle or a reversed triangle.
A competitor on reserve may be substituted at any match but must be
registered as a participant prior to the start of the tournament.
2. Each competitor or team chooses a Kata from the following list that has been
approved by the Masters Committee or Shihan-Kai:
Heian Shodan . Heian Nidan . Heian Sandan . Heian Yondan,
Heian Godan . Tekki Shodan . Tekki Nidan . Tekki Sandan,
Bassai Dai . Kanku Dai . Enpi, Jion . Jitte, Hangetsu, Gankaku, Bassai Sho,
Kanku Sho, Chinte, Unsu, Meikyo, Wankan, Sochin, Nijushiho, Gojushiho Dai,
Gojushiho Sho.
3. The types of Kata matches are as follow:a) Matches by Designated Basic Kata or Shitei Kata - the Head Judgechooses at random one of the Kata from the following list and the winneris declared by Red and White Flag System:
Heian Nidan . Heian Sandan . Heian Yondan
Heian Godan . Tekki Shodan17b) Matches by Designated Intermediate Kata or Sentei Kata – the Head
Judge chooses at random one of the Kata from the following list and thewinner is declared by Red and White Flag System:
Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, Enpi, Jionc) Match by Designated Intermediate Kata or Sentei Kata in the Point
System – the competitor chooses one Kata from the DesignatedIntermediate Kata list to perform and the winner is declared by point
system:Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, Enpi, Jiond) Match by Favorite Kata or Tokui Kata – The competitor chooses a Kata
from the list as seen in the above #2 with exception of all the Kata in
the Designated Basic Kata list, and the winner is declared by point
system.

Item 35 – Required Judges
The following Judges are required per court:a) 1 Head Judgeb) 4 Judges for the Red and White Flag System events&
6 or 4 Judges for the Point System events

Item 36 – Criteria for Judging Kata
1. Criteria for judging a Kata Event are as follow:a) proper sequence of movementb) observing the 3 key elements of Kata: levels of strength, contraction andexpansion of the body and change in the speed of the techniquesc) power and accuracy in performance of basic techniques; posture, balance,
stance and accuracy in reaching the point of targetd) following the proper course of direction and accuracy in returning to thestarting position or Embusene) overall performance and illustrating the essential characteristics of thechosen Kataf) displaying courtesy in attitude, fighting spirit and effort, and correct
eye contact or Chakugang) proper use of stance and posture or Kamae and the ability to focus themind or Zanshin18h) accuracy in transforming the body parts into “weapons” of attack anddefensei) if there are any exaggerated movements or intentional change to the set
flow of the Kataj) synchronization of performance in Team Kata
2. For Point System, 10 is the highest score. The Master Chief Judge decides
what the average or median score will be. The Judges and the Head Judgedecide and indicate their scores on their respective score boards. The highest
and the lowest scores are dropped and the rest is added up, forming the total
score.

Item 37 – Criteria for Point Deduction & for Disqualification
1. Points are deducted as per the following situations:a) the competitor makes a mishap, but continues to smoothly performb) the competitor pauses for no apparent reason but continues afterwardsc) execution of a movement in the wrong order, or a wrong movement but
the competitor continues to performd) the competitor makes breathing sounds or creates sound with theuniform while executing the Katae) the competitor is outside the 1 step allowance for coming back to thestarting position (Embusen). This can represent 0.1 to 0.3 deduction inscoring.
f) In Team Kata, from the moment the court is entered and exited, thename of the Kata, Ready or Yoi, Start or Hajime and Recover or Naore,
are the only spoken words allowed. At anytime, verbal or non verbal cues
to encourage synchronization are subject to deduction.
2. The competitor is disqualified as per the following situations:a) the competitor does not finish the Katab) the competitor does a different Kata from the one announced

Item 38 – Re-Match (Sai-Shiai) & Second Re-match (Sai-Sai-Shiai)
1. If there is a draw in a Red and White Flag System match or event, the Head
Judge will choose another Kata to be performed by the 2 competitors. This iscalled re-match or Sai-Shiai. The outcome of this re-match must be decided.
2. If there is a draw in a Point System match or event, the competitors will
perform the same Kata again. This is called re-match or Sai-Shiai. If there is19still a draw, the lowest score that was dropped is now added up for a total
score. If there is still a draw, the highest score that was dropped is now added
up as well for a total score. If finally there is still a draw, the competitors will
perform a different Kata. This is now called second re-match or Sai-Sai-Shiai.
The outcome of this second re-match must be decided by different scoring
points by each Judge.

Item 39 – Required Equipment
1. Whistles – one per Judge
2. Red and white flags – a pair for each Judge
3. Score boards or score cards – a set per Judge
4. Record keeping forms
5. Kata cards: a set of Designated Basic Kata and a set of DesignatedIntermediate Kata – a set of the appropriate ones for the Head Judge
6. Red bands of cloth to differentiate the competitors – the dimensions of thisred band of cloth worn around the waist should not hinder the match in any way
7. Red and white tape to prepare the court

20CHAPTER 5 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Item 40 – Boys & Girls Tournaments and Adult Female Tournaments
1. The Boys & Girls Divisions are as follow:
Elementary School – 7 to 12 years old
Junior High School – 13 to 15 years oldHigh School – 16 to 18 years old
The Host Organization may make variations of the divisions.
2. Adult Females are considered so after high school graduation. The Host
Organization may decide on variations of the divisions.
3. Boys & Girls and Adult Females tournament events are as follow:a) 1 step basic fighting (Kihon Ippon Kumite)b) semi-free fighting (Jiyu Ippon Kumite)c) free fighting (Jiyu Kumite) from Elementary school level, 9 years old and upd) Kata

Item 41 – Seniors Tournaments
This tournament is to follow the Tournament Rules & Regulations guidelines. The Host
Organization may make varying decisions regarding these tournaments.

Item 42 – Revision of Document
The revision of this document is done by the Masters Committee also called ShihanKai with a majority of two thirds of the members present.

Additional Clause
Date of Revision: May 11 1996
Date of revision: August 14 2004
Date of revision: May 29 2011
Last date of revision: August 31 201521

TOURNAMENT RULES & REGULATIONSFOR OFFICIALS

CHAPTER 1 GENERAL RULES
Item 1 – Goal and Objective
1. The goal of establishing these rules and regulations for officials is to promote
standardized guidelines to ensure a fairness and smoothness flow in decisionmaking.
2. This document is to be used as a supplement to the Tournament Rules &Regulations document.

Item 2 – Guide for Use
All official tournaments sponsored by The Japan Karate Association are to follow
these rules and regulations.

Item 3 – Rules of Conduct for Officials
1. All judging officials are to be neutral and fair.
2. All judging officials should make their decisions freely and based on the
Tournament Rules & Regulations documents.
3. All judging officials are to behave in a dignified and professional manner.
4. All judging officials give their decisions promptly and accurately.

Item 4 – Additional Information
If there arises a situation undefined by this present document, the decision shall begiven by the Master Chief Judge.

22

CHAPTER 2 PROCEDURES FOR JUDGING

Item 5 – Procedures for Kumite Tournaments
1. The Head Judge calls the competitors to line up. Then to bow to the Front or
Shomen Ni Rei and to each other or Otagai Ni Rei.
2. Two competitors move to their respective designated positions and bow to eachother.
3. At the end of the match or event, the Head Judge calls the competitors to line
up, then will tell them to bow to each other and to the Front.
4. When the Head Judge gives the signal to start the match, the countdown
starts. When the Head Judge calls the match to stop or Yame, as well as in thecase of out of bounds or Jogai, the countdown stops and will resume when the
Head Judge gives the signal to resume or Tsuzukete Hajime.
The Head Judge will call the match to stop, Yame or out of bounds, Jogai andinterrupt the match, in the following situations:a) if there is a 1 point or Ippon or a half point or Waza-Arib) if the competitors need to fix their uniform or if the Head Judge needs
to give them advicec) if there are any elements that can lead to disqualificationd) an injury or accidente) if the Arbitrator is indicating to interrupt the match or eventf) at a Judge’s indication and the Head Judge considers it necessaryg) if a match or the surroundings of a match is considered dangeroush) if too much closeness in such that a proper technique cannot be executedi) if a competitor touches the ground outside the borders of the court withany part of the bodyj) when the allotted time for a match or event has elapsed
5. During the match or event if any of the above is identified, the Judges will
signal the identified element by whistle and a corresponding flag gesture to the
Head Judge.
6. If necessary, the Head Judge will confer with the Judges to discuss an element
and make appropriate recommendations or corrections. This takes place within
the presence of the Arbitrator. If the Judges are not agreeing, then adecision is taken with a majority rule and the Head Judge will declare the final
decision. Conferring should be kept to a minimum.

23

7. The Head Judge then gives the command to resume the match or Tsuzukete
Hajime and the match is thus pursued.
8. A competitor may request to have the match interrupted by calling a time-out
for the following situations that may not have been noticed by the Head Judge:
accident, injury or sickness. However, the match is not interrupted until the
Head Judge chooses to call the interruption, saying stop or Yame.
9. When it is time to decide the outcome of the match or event, the Head Judge
will use either voice command or whistle command to indicate that it is decisiontime or Hantei. The Judges will then indicate their decision by using a flag or
flags.
10. After taking notice of the decision of each of the Judges, the Head Judge will
indicate by whistle to the Judges to lower their flag or flags and thenannounces the outcome of the match or event. The Head Judge will use step 9
and 10 in the occurrence that all allotted time has elapsed.
11. The timekeeper is seated at a designated location and monitors with astopwatch the elapsing time during a match and uses a bell to indicate to theJudges by ringing once and announcing that 30 seconds are remaining, as well as
by ringing twice, and announcing that all allotted time has elapsed. The
announcement of this always prevails.
12. The scorekeepers use the pertinent official forms to keep records of all scoresand outcome of all matches or events, following the Head Judge’s
announcements.

Item 6 – Procedures for Kata Tournaments
1. The Head Judge calls the competitors to line up. Then to bow to the Front or
Shomen Ni Rei and to each other or Otagai Ni Rei.
2. Two competitors move to their respective designated positions and bow to eachother.
3. For a Red and White Flag System match or event, both competitors before
entering their designated positions in the court, bow to the Front or Shomen,
then each competitor moves to their respective starting positions and bow toeach other or Otagai Ni Rei. The Head Judge then chooses at random a Kataand announces the name of the Kata to the competitors. The red side repeats
the name of that Kata first then the white side does the same. The Head
Judge will confirm the name of the Kata, and creates a pause. Bothcompetitors will then begin their performance at the Head Judge’s command to
start either by using the voice command “ready.. start” (Yoi.. Hajime) or bywhistle. For Designated Basic Kata or Shitei Kata, the Head Judge chooses at24

random a Kata from the set of Designated Basic Kata cards then announces thename of that Kata to the 2 competitors. The red side repeats the name of thatkata first then the white side does the same. The 2 competitors begin at the
Head Judge’s voice or whistle command to start.
4. For Point System match or event, for either Designated Intermediate Kata
(Sentei Kata ) or Favorite Kata (Tokui Kata), the competitor before entering
the Kata designated starting point in the court, bows to the Front or Shomen,
then moves to the Kata starting position, and announces the name of thechosen Kata, in a loud and clear voice. The Head Judge will repeat the name ofthat Kata and the competitor will then start their performance at their own
timing. In Team Kata, only 1 of the team competitors announces the Kata.
The scorekeepers use the pertinent official forms to keep records of all
the names of the Kata chosen by each competitor.
5. For a Red and White Flag System, when the performance is finished, thecompetitors return to the starting position following a voice command from theHead Judge to recover or Naore, and wait for the decision of all the Judges.
After the final decision is announced, both competitors bow to each other orOtagai Ni Rei, exit the court, then bow to the Front or Shomen.
For Point System match or event, after the final decision, the competitor bows
to the Front, exits the court, and bows to the Front again. Team Kata
competitors follow this procedure as well.
6. If necessary, the Head Judge will confer with the Judges to discuss and makeappropriate recommendations as well as decisions arising from Judges vote if
there is a disagreement, as per the following:a) making a mistake, improper behavior leading to disqualification(Hansoku)b) injury or accidentc) questionable issue prior to scoringd) at a Judge’s indication and the Head Judge considers it necessary
7. If any of the above have been identified, the Judges will indicate it to the
Head Judge by whistle command.
8. For a Red and White Flag System, when it is time to decide the outcome of
the match or event, the Head Judge will use either voice command or whistlecommand to indicate that it is decision time or Hantei. The Judges will thenindicate their decision by using a flag or flags.
For Point System match or event, when it is time to decide the outcome of thematch or event, the Head Judge will use whistle command to indicate that it is25

decision time orHantei. The Judges will then raise their score boards or scorecards with their choice of score.
One of the scorekeepers reads in a loud and clear voice, each score, startingfrom the Head Judge and moving clockwise. The other scorekeepers write
the announced scores on the appropriate official forms, make the necessary
calculations for a total score.
A scorekeeper will announce the final score to the Head Judge, in a loud andand clear voice and the Head Judge repeats this score to the competitors.
The Head Judge will then use whistle command to indicate to the Judges tolower their score boards or score cards.

Item 7 – Voice Commands for the Head Judge
1. The following commands are to be used by the Head Judge:

Senshu – calling competitors or asking to line up
Seiretsu – line-up, at beginning or end of the match or event
Shomen Ni Rei – asking a competitor or competitors to bow to the Front
Otagai Ni Rei – asking competitors to bow to each other
Shobu Ippon or Shobu Sanbon – identifying 1 Point or 3 Point Match
Hajime – begin
Yoi..Hajime – for a Flag System, ready..begin
Naore – in a Flag System Kata match, at the end of performance, to recover andreturn to the starting position
Yame – stop, to interrupt or end a match or event
Moto No Ichi – return to your exact position, in a Kumite match before resuming,
prompting competitors to return to their exact starting positions
Tsuzukete Hajime – to resume the match
Tsuzukete – continue, when a competitor or competitors spontaneously stop, tocontinue the match
Ato Shibaraku – letting the competitors know that there is 30 seconds timeremaining
Aka / Shiro – indicating red or white
Jodan – to indicate a face level attack
Chudan – to indicate a chest level attack
Tsuki – to indicate a punch
Keri – to indicate a kick26

Uchi – to indicate a strike
Waza-Ari – to indicate a half point
Ippon – to indicate a full point or 1 point
Awasete Ippon – to indicate that score added together making a full point
Torimasen – indicating no points
Hayai – indicating faster attack
Aiuchi – indicating simultaneous attacks
Maai – indicating distance not sufficient
Ukete-Masu – indicating a blocked attack
Nukete-Masu – indicating an off target attack
Yowai – indicating a weak attack
Keikoku – indicating a caution
Chui – indicating a warning
Hansoku – indicating to disqualify
Muboubi – indicating a non defending
Jogai – indicating out of bounds
Hantei – indicating decision time
Aka /Shiro No Kachi – indicating red or white is the winner
Hikiwake – indicating a draw
Sai-Shiai – indicating a re-match
Sai-Sai-Shiai – indicating a second re-match
Sakidori – indicating a “sudden death” match, in a second re-match situation
Shobu Hajime – to begin a “sudden death” match
Shugo – indicating a call to confer
Kiken – to indicate a withdrawal of competitor/competitors
Shikkaku – to indicate an absolute disqualification

2. For the following verbal commands, the Head Judge clearly announces to which
competitor, either the red or the white one, the command is addressed to.
*When announcing a score, the announcement is as follow:
Red or White (Aka/Shiro), Area of Attack, Technique Used, Points Awarded*When issuing a warning or a disqualification, the announcement is as follow:
Red or White (Aka/Shiro), Type of Warning, Severity of Warning*When issuing a withdrawal of competitor(s) or an absolute disqualification,
the announcement is as follow:
Red or White (Aka/Shiro), Identify the Command
3. If a competitor scores with consecutive techniques called Renzoku Waza, theHead Judge announces the target area and the kind of attack as well as27

announces either a half point by consecutive techniques or Renzoku Waza
Waza-Ari, or a 1 point by consecutive techniques or Renzoku Waza Ippon given.

Item 8 Whistle Commands______ indicates the length of whistling
1. The following are the whistle commands used by the Head Judge:a) ______ __ start – Hajimeb) __ __ stop – Yamec) __ __ __ call to confer - Shugod) ______ __ decision time - Hanteie) __ lower flags or score boards
2. The following are the whistle commands used by the Arbitrator:a) __ __ __ __ __ stop the match
3. The following are the whistle commands used by the Judges:a) ______ 1 point or Ippon has been scoredb) __ half point or Waza-Ari has been scoredc) __ __ __ __ __ attention call to Head Judge

Item 9 – Hand & Flag Signals for Court Officials
The Judges use specific gestures when expressing their judgments and decisions.
See Appendix 6 for illustrated table.

28

CHAPTER 3 TO JUDGE KUMITE
Item 10 – Location of Court Officials
1. The Head Judge during a match or event is positioned as seen below and moves
according to the competitors.
2. The Judges hold a whistle in their mouth and a red and white flag in each hand.
They are positioned as seen below.

Judge

Front

□

□

Head Judge

□

Judge

Judge

□

Arbitrator

O
O
O
O
O
O
O

Red competitors

□

Judge

Note: For a Red and White Flag System, please see above diagram. The redcompetitors are situated at the right side of the Head Judge while the white
competitors area at the left side.
For the Head Judge and the Judges, please follow the arrows to see where thecompetitors are positioned after initial bowing and when the match or event isover, to see them come back to their original positions for the final bowing.
The Arbitrator sits facing the Front or Shomen, for observation of the match or
event.

29

Item 11 – Criteria for Decisions
The Head Judge decides the outcome of the match following the indications of all the
Judges. Please see the table below for all possible decisions in a Red and White Flag
System both for Kumite or Kata Events.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

Decisions by the Judges
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
X
O
O
X
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
X
O
O
X
O
X
X
X
X
O
X
X
O
O
X
X
X
X
X
X
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
X
X
X
X
O
O

Decisions by the Head Judge
White is the winnerWhite is the winnerWhite is the winnerWhite is the winner / Draw
Red is the winner
Red is the winner
Red is the winner
Red is the winner / Draw
Draw
Draw
Draw
Draw
Draw / Red is the winner / White is the winnerWhite is the winner / Draw
Red is the winner / Draw

Symbols: O Red is the winner
O White is the winner
X Draw30

CHAPTER 4 TO JUDGE KATA

Item 12 – Location of Court Officials
Please see the diagrams below for the location of the Head Judge and the Judges aspart of a Red and White Flag System as seen on the left hand side and a Point system
as seen on the right hand side.
For the Head Judge and the Judges, please follow the arrows to see where they are
positioned after initial bowing and after the match or event is over, to see them comeback to their original positions for the final bowing.
The Arbitrator sits facing the Front or Shomen, for observation of the match of
event.

Front
Judge

□

Judge

Head Judge

□

Front
Judge

□

O
O
O
O Red competitors
O
O

Judge

Judge

□

□
Judge

Judge

Head Judge

□

Judge

□

□
Judge

□

Judge

31

Item 13 – Criteria for Decisions
Points are awarded according to the following elements as seen below:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Frame of mind, spirit and eye contact
Perfection overall
Levels of strength
Contraction and expansion of the body
Change in the speed of the techniques
Line of performance or Embusen
Smoothness of feet movements
Understanding of the meaning of techniques
Illustrating the essential characteristics of the chosen Kata
Overall smoothness of movements

1
2
3
4
5
6

Elements as Part of Kata Sequence
Did not return to the starting point
Mistake is made, but immediately corrected and Kata is resumed
Movement is missed, but Kata is continued
Major mistake is made and several movements are missed
Stopped in the middle of the performance
Being interrupted by the Head Judge

Fundamental Criteria for Decisions
1
2
3

4

PostureBalanceStancesa) Width and lengthb) Adherence of the feet to the floorc) Position of the hipsd) Rotation of the hips
Basics or Kihona) Transforming the body parts into “weapons”b) Strength and focus of techniquesc) Aiming for the proper targetd) Proper course of techniques32CHAPTER 5 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Item 14 – Boys & Girls Tournaments / Adult Female Tournaments
Regarding the rules and regulations that concern these tournaments, please refer tothe previous document.

Item 15 – Seniors Tournaments
Regarding the rules and regulations that concern these tournaments, please refer tothe previous document.

Item 16 – Revision of Document
The revision of this document is done by the Masters Committee also called ShihanKai with a majority of two thirds of the members present.

Additional Clause
Date of Revision: May 11 1996
Date of revision: August 14 2004
Date of revision: May 29 2011
Last date of revision: August 31 201533

SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR 1 POINT BASIC FIGHTINGORKIHON-IPPON KUMITETO START A MATCH OR EVENT
1. When called, the 2 selected competitors move forward to their designatedstarting positions and bow to each other.
2. The Head Judge starts the match with the vocal command: begin or Hajime.
Note: Red side always starts first. Then, the attacks alternate between each
side.

ATTACKING TECHNIQUES
1. Punch to the face or Jodan Oi-Zuki – aiming for either just below the nose andin this particular situation, as well for the lower part of the chin.
2. Punch to the stomach or Chudan Oi-Zuki – aiming for the solar plexus.
3. Front kick to the stomach or Chudan Mae-Geri – using the back leg, aiming forthe solar plexus.
Note: The above techniques are done with the right hand and the right foot. If
there is a draw, the above techniques are repeated but with the left hand and theleft foot.
4. There must be appropriate distance to attack. The attacking competitor steps
the leg back and forms a downward block or Gedan-Barai. Each attack must be
clearly announced before execution.
Note: For the execution of front kick or Mae-Geri, both arms are extended
and kept on each side of the body.
5. After the completion or an attack and defense sequence, both competitors
simultaneously return to the natural position or Shizentai. The attacking
competitor takes a step back to return to the natural position while thedefending competitor takes a step forward to do the same.
Note: If the distance between the competitors is not appropriate, the Head
Judge or the Judges will tell the competitors to adjust their distanceappropriately.

34

DEFENSIVE TECHNIQUES
1. Any kind of blocking techniques and body shifting can be used.
2. Any kind of counterattack to the target areas as mentioned above, can be used
but only a single counterattack is allowed.

ADDITIONAL POINTS
1. An attack or defense technique can only be used one time.
2. There is to be one sudden vocal release of energy or Kiai per attack and per
counterattack.

OUTCOME OF A MATCH OR EVENT
1. The outcome of the match or event is decided by the Head Judge and 4 Judges.
2. If there is a draw, the same attacks are done with the left side initiating theattacks. Following this, a decision to declare a winner must be reached.

PROHIBITED ELEMENTS
Pertinent to Attack

1. Faking a movement in order to have the opponent move, and then attack that
opponent.
2. Lunging the body towards the opponent or taking more than one basic step
forward to attack.
3. From the natural position or Shizentai, the attack must follow a straight line
forward and not follow the opponent who may have moved prior to completion of
the attack.
Attention: The foot of the attacking competitor that has stepped forward,
should end up positioned between the opponent’s legs. Fundamental basic
technique must be applied during execution.
4. Face level and stomach level attacks that are executed with forceful motions
such as pressing the arm downward while the opponent is executing a blocking
technique.
5. Withdrawing too quickly the hand that is executing an attack.

Pertinent to Defense35

1. Contact or hitting the attacking competitor other than the blocking techniquethat should be executed.
Attention: There is no contact to the other competitor except to execute theblocking technique.
2. Any combination techniques; sweeping the attacking competitor – Ashi-Barai;
any projection techniques or holds involving the joints.
3. During the execution of a blocking technique to the stomach, to be blocking at
the other competitor’s elbow.
Attention: Proper blocking is done at the wrist of the attacking competitor.
4. During the execution of a blocking technique to the face, any forceful motions
that may cause a loss of balance of the attacking competitor.
5. During the execution of a blocking technique to the stomach, to be using any
forceful downward motions.
6. Withdrawing too quickly the hand that is executing a counterattack.

REGARDING CRITERIA LEADING TO DISQUALIFICATION
1. When a prohibited element has been identified, the Head Judge and theJudges will confer and indicate their decision regarding the degree of severity
and give the appropriate reprimand, either a caution or Keikoku, a warning or
Chui, a disqualification or Hansoku, and pronounce absolute disqualification or
Shikkaku.
2. Please refer to the section Criteria Leading to Disqualification (HANSOKU) as partof the Tournament Rules & Regulations document for additional information.

SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR SEMI-FREE FIGHTING36OR
JIYU-IPPON KUMITETO START A MATCH OR EVENT
1. When called, the 2 selected competitors move forward to their designatedstarting positions and bow to each other.
2. The Head Judge starts the match with the vocal command: begin or Hajime. As
both competitors step forward in their ready to fight positions or Kamae, thered side always starts first. After each attack, block and counterattack
sequence is completed, the competitors pause in ready to fight positions or
Kamae at a proper distance or Maai, then return to their starting points, still inready to fight positions or Kamae. The 2 competitors then wait for the Head
Judge’s command to resume fighting, either the red side or the white side
initiating.
3. The competitors may choose their ready to fight positions or Kamae. However
it is recommended that in a Junior Tournament the competitors hold their arms
in front of their body.
4. After all attacks are executed from both sides, the competitors return totheir designated starting positions and wait for decision of the Judges.
5. Both competitors must wear guards for the hands as per the Tournament Rules& Regulations document.

ATTACKING TECHNIQUES
1. Punch to the face or Jodan Oi-Zuki – aiming for either just below the nose andin this particular situation, as well for the lower part of the chin.
2. Punch to the stomach or Chudan Oi-Zuki – aiming for the solar plexus.
3. Front kick to the stomach or Chudan Mae-Geri – using the back leg, aiming forthe solar plexus.
Note: The above techniques are done with the right hand and therightfoot. If there is a draw, the above techniques are repeated but with the left hand
and the left foot.
4. There must be appropriate distance to attack and each attack must be clearly
announced before execution.

37

Note: If the distance between the competitors is not appropriate, the Head
Judge or the Judges will tell the competitors to adjust their distanceappropriately.

DEFENSIVE TECHNIQUES
1. Any kind of blocking techniques and body shifting can be used.
2. Any kind of counterattack to the target areas as mentioned above, can be used
but only a single counterattack is allowed.

ADDITIONAL POINTS
1. An attack or defense technique can only be used one time.
2. There is to be one sudden vocal release of energy or Kiai per attack and per
counterattack.
3. When there is proper distance or Maai to attack, the competitor must initiatethat attack. It has been seen that proper distance or Maai has been reachedand no attack is initiated. This must not be done.
4. The defending competitor must not back away creating a longer distance fromthe attacking competitor.
5. Faking a movement or Kensei is not allowed.

PROHIBITED ELEMENTS
Pertinent to Attack

1. Distance is too short, and lunging the body towards the opponent.
2. Withdrawing too quickly the hand that is executing an attack.
3. Contact or hitting the opponent.
4. Blocking or shifting the body during the counterattack.
5. Grabbing or holding the opponent.

38Pertinent to Defense

1. Stepping out of the court for 3 times. A caution or Keikoku is given for the
first time, a warning or Chui is given for the second time and a disqualification
or Hansoku is given for the third time.
2. Blocking and counterattacking at the same time.
Note: Please refer to the section Criteria leading to Disqualification (HANSOKU) as
part of the Tournament Rules & Regulations document for additional information.

39

SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR JUDGING
1 POINT BASIC FIGHTING OR KIHON-IPPON KUMITEAND
SEMI-FREE FIGHTING OR JIYU-IPPON KUMITE

FRAME OF MIND OF COMPETITORS
1. Proper manners
2. Fighting spirit and effort
3. Eye contact
4. Poise and readiness

DISTANCE OR MAAI
1. Proper distance and angle of the techniques towards the target area.
2. Proper timing when blocking and if the attacks are properly blocked at the wrist andankle of the opponent as well as the attack being properly diverted and the body
moved from the line of attack.
3. If the blocking technique is practical and body shifting is done according to the
opponent.
4. Proper choice of counterattack from the defending position and according to
distance and the rapidity of execution of this element.
5. Motionless of supporting leg when initiating a blocking or attacking sequence.

FOCUS OF POWER
1. Degree of use of the body to generate this focus of power.
2. Hip rotation and feet movement are smooth and proper direction of body andtechniques.
3. Proper stance and posture and the degree of transforming the body parts into
“weapons” of attack and defense.
4. Proper sudden vocal release of energy or Kiai, spirit and power as a unit.

40

SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR FREE FIGHTINGORJIYU KUMITE
FOR BOYS & GIRLS TOURNAMENTS
1. Free fighting (Jiyu Kumite) can be done from Elementary school level, 9 years old
and up.
2. Tournament Rules & Regulations as per previous document is to be followed or as
decided by the Host Organization.
3. Boys and girls are not permitted to participate together in Team Events.
4. Large age gaps between young and older competitors are not permitted.
5. During all Kumite matches or events, touching the face area or Jodan is not
permitted.
6. Criteria of decision regarding techniques is based essentially on safety as
well as timing and distance.
7. During all Kumite matches, delivering a kick, or showing an intent to kick acompetitor who is on the ground is not permitted and will be sanctioned by
Absolute Disqualification or Shikkaku. That competitor cannot continue toparticipate in that tournament, whether it be Kumite or Kata.
8. Boys and girls are required to wear a transparent mouth guard, gloves and achest protector.

41

SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR KATA TOURNAMENTS
FOR BOYS & GIRLS TOURNAMENTS

This applies to children and youths up to 18 years old:
1. The Red and White Flag System will be used up to the best 8 competitors, using
this Designated Basic Kata list or Shitei Kata:
Heian Shodan . Heian Nidan . Heian Sandan . Heian Yondan
Heian Godan . Tekki Shodan
The competitor who finishes the Kata earlier than the other, must wait until
the Head Judge indicates the competitors to recover or Naore.
2. Boys and girls are not permitted to participate together in Team Events.
3. Large age gaps between young and older competitors are not permitted.
4. For all other pertinent items, please refer to the Tournament Rules &Regulations.

42