Karate-Competition Rules
WILLIE K’S MARTIAL ARTS FESTIVAL 2011
Karate-Competition Rules by International Karate Federation
(Revised 4/11)
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KOBUDO:
1. Only the following weapons will be allowed in the “Traditional Weapons” division: Bo, Sai, Kai-bo, Eku, Tonfa, Kama, and Nunchaku. Weapons need to be of adequate length, size, and weight in relation to each contestant. If the weapon is deemed inadequate for competition, competitors will be allowed 1-minute to return to division with the proper equipment. If competitor does not return within the allotted time period, he or she may be disqualified from participating in the division.
2. A panel of either 3 or 5 judges will score the division using scorecards with a 20 point scoring range. For example, the beginner division will have a scoring range of 5.0 to 7.0, the intermediate division will be 6.0 to 8.0, and the advanced division will be 7.0 to 9.0.
3. If a 3-judge panel is used to score the division, the total score is the result of the sum of all 3 judges. For example, Judge-1: 6.2, Judge-2: 6.5, Judge-3: 6.3. Total score is: 19.0
4. If a 5-panel is used to score the division, the total score is the result of the highest and lowest scores being dropped permanently and then adding the sum of the 3 remaining scores. If a tie continues, then the highest score of the remaining 3 scores is incorporated. In the event of a continuing tie, the contestants must perform a kata. Intermediate and Advanced divisions must perform a different kata
KATA:
1. The Red and Blue “Flag” system will be used for all Kata divisions. There will be a panel of 3 judges only. Each judge will hold a red and blue flag in his or her hands. 2 competitors will enter the ring at the same time and perform their kata. At the end of the performance, the chief judge will signal with a whistle to raise either red or blue up. Winner is decided by the majority vote. Judges must pick either Red or Blue and must not pick a draw. All kata divisions are single-eliminations only.
2. Contestants may choose to do the same kata round after round or even choose to change the kata after each round.
3. Judging Criteria for all Kata division:
1) The Kata must be performed with competence and must demonstrate a clear understanding of the principles it contains.
2) The Kata performance must have demonstrated:
A. Correct breathing, good demonstration of power, speed, timing, balance and Kime
B. Consistency and correctness of stances.
a) Correct weight distribution according to the Kihon being demonstrated.
b) Smooth and even transition (Hara remaining “weighted down”) between stances
c) Correct tension in stances.
d) Feet edges firmly on floor.
3) Techniques demonstrates:
A. Accuracy.
B. Correct and consistent Kihon with the style being demonstrated.
C. Correct tension, focus, Kime.
D. Show proper understanding of the KATA Bunkai
4) Kata uniformly demonstrates:
A. Unwavering concentration.
B. Contrast in tension, breathing and movement.
C. An understanding of those techniques being demonstrated.
D. A realistic, rather than “theatrical” demonstration of Kata meaning.
KUMITE:
1. Kumite divisions will be Modified-WKF rules.
2. Each match will be 1 ½ minute long. Only the Women’s Black Belt division (18-34yr) will be 2 minutes. Men’s Black Belt division (18-34yr) will be 3 minutes.
3. The winner is declared to the competitor who first reaches a total of 6 pts or whoever is leading at the end of the bout. Only exception is the Women’s and Men’s Black Belt Division (18-34yr); competitors can accumulate unlimited amount of points unless there is a deficit of 8pts. Matches will be of single-elimination only.
4. Mandatory equipment include: headgear, mouth piece, groin protector (male), and white hand pads. If using red/blue hand pads, they must correspond to the correct side.
5. Attacks are limited to the following target areas: Head, Face, Abdomen, Chest, Back (but excluding top of shoulders), and Side. There is absolutely NO CONTACT allowed to the head, face, and neck area in the beginner, novice and intermediate divisions.
6. Point System:
1) Ippon/1-pt.-Includes all punches and back fists to the target area. No open-hand techniques, (haito-uchi, teisho, and nukite) will be allowed and will result in penalty depending on severity.
2) Nihon/-pts.-Includes all kicks delivered to the body area (chest, abdomen, side and back).
3) Sanborn/3-pts.-Includes all kicks to the head area. Skin touch to the face or headgear area is allowed in the Advanced Divisions ONLY. Also includes takedowns to the floor followed by an effective strike. 2-second rule applies for the takedowns and then match will be stopped for re-continuation.
7. Penalties will be given for excessive contact to any of the target areas, opponent’s limbs and groin area. Head referee has the discretion to impose any of the penalties at any time of the match. He or she does not have to follow the hierarchy of infractions. If a penalty is excessive enough, a competitor may be disqualifies even if it’s the 1st infraction.
1) Chukoku: 1st infraction and a “Warning” given to the offensor.
2) Keikoku: 2nd infraction and 1 pt. is given to the opposing side.
3) Hansoku Chui: 3rd infraction and 2 pts. Given to opposing side.
4) Hansoku: 4th infraction results in disqualification and match is awarded to opposing side.
8. Out-of-bounds Penalties will be given to competitors who step out of the mat area or if any part of the foot touches the line. If a competitor is pushed out-of-bounds, this will not result in a penalty. Head referee must follow the hierarchy of infractions.
1) Chukoku: 1st infraction and a “Warning” given to the offensor.
2) Keikoku: 2nd infraction and 1 pt. is given to opposing side.
3) Hansoku Chui: 3rd infraction and 2 pts. Given to opposing side.
4) Hansoku: 4th infraction results in disqualification and match is awarded to opposing side.