Article 1 General Rules
1. The minimum age for contestants is 16 years. The maximum age will be left to the discretion of the Tournament Doctor, who will examine all contestants before the eliminations begin.
2. The weight classes are:-
Lightweight
under 60kg
Middleweight
under 70kg
Light Heavyweight under 80kg
Heavyweight
over 80kg
NB. The minimum weight in the lightweight category will be decided by the Tournament organisers in consultation with the Tournament Doctor.
3. Each contestant must have at least 2nd kyu or have practised karate for at least two years.
4. Neither Ashihara Karate nor the officers of the Association will
be in any way responsible for any injury or accident
which may occur during the Tournament. If insurance is wished, then
it is up to the individual contestant to secure and make
his own arrangement for that cover. This is the total responsibility of
the contestants.
Article 2: Uniform
A. Referees
1. Referees and judges must wear the official uniform designated by the referee council. This uniform must be worn at all tournaments and courses.
2. The official uniform will be worn as follows:-
A black blazer.
A white shirt
(long or short sleeved)
An official
tie.
Plain light
grey trousers/skirts.
Unpatterned
dark blue or black socks.
B. Contestants
1. The contestants will wear white Karate Gi's that are clean and in good condition. Style badges may be worn at provincial events. At national events only provincial badges may be worn.
2. One contestant will wear a white belt and one will wear a red belt.
3. Groin protection is compulsory and gum shields are recommended. Depending on the venue of the Tournament, shin and instep protection may or may not be worn. In the event of an injury to a contestant, the wearing of bandages or other protective materials will be at the discretion of the Head Referee or the Head Arbitrator in consultation with the Tournament Doctor. Their decision is binding. Otherwise no protective clothing, bandages or guards than the aforementioned will be allowed.
4. Finger and toe nails must be clean and cut short. No jewellery or other objects may be worn.
5. Spectacles may not be worn. Contact lenses may be worn at the contestant's own risk and responsibility.
6. The wearing of other unauthorised clothing or equipment
is forbidden and may result in the disqualification of the contestant.
Article 3: Match Area
1. The fighting area shall be 8 metres square.
2. There shall be a 1 metre neutral zone surrounding the fighting area.
3. The marking out of the officials and match areas shall be as per Appendix 3.
4. The official coach of a contestant shall be provided with a chair which is placed 2 metres from the neutral area, directly behind their fighter. The coach is not allowed to leave this chair during the fighting.
5. When possible the fighting area should be covered with
Tatami. The neutral zone shall be of another colour than that of the fighting
area, or clearly indicated in some other manner.
Article 4: Officials
1. Each fighting area shall have the following officials:
A co-ordinator, a protocol secretary,
a announcer, a time keeper, a arbitrator, a referee and 1, 2 or 4 judges.
2. In a decision upon the outcome of a contest, each judge and the referee shall have one vote.
3. The arbitrator is appointed to ensure the fairness of
the conduct of matches and judgements rendered thereon.
Article 5: Duration of a match
1. Each preliminary match shall last for one 3 minute round. In the event of a draw, one 1 minute extension (encho-sen) will be allowed. At the end of this period the referee and the judge(s) will make a positive decision.
2. Semi-final and Final matches will consist of two 2 minute rounds with a 1 minute rest between rounds.
3. In the semi-final and final matches the referee and judge(s) will be allowed to give a draw after the first period of 2 rounds and 2 minutes. If this should result in a draw then one extension (encho-sen) of 2 minutes shall be permitted. At the end of this extension the referee and judge(s) must give a positive decision.
4. The timing of the match begins when the referee gives a signal to start, and stops each time the referee calls "Yame".
5. The time-keeper shall give signals by a clearly audible gong, or buzzer indicating that time is up. The contestants are to stop fighting on the signal of the referee only. A clearly discernable signal shall indicate when 15 seconds of the rest period between rounds is left, at which time the contestants are to return to the fighting area.
6. An technique delivered at the same time that the end of the round or match is signalled is considered valid. An attack, even if effective, delivered after an order to suspend or stop the match shall not be scored and may result in a penalty being imposed on the offender.
7. No technique, will be scored if it is delivered when one contestant
is outside the fighting and neutral zone. If both fighters are in the neutral
zone and the referee has not called "yame", then all techniques score as
normal
Article 6: Organisation of Competitions
1. A karate tournament may comprise kumite competition and/or kata competition. The kumite competition may be further divided into the team match and the individual match. The individual match may be further divided into weight divisions. Weight division are divided ultimately into bouts. The term "bout" also describes the individual kumite competitions between opposing pairs of team members.
2. In team matches, each team must have an odd number of contestants. The number of contestants can be divided by the agreement of the organisers.
3. The contestants are all members of the team. There are no fixed reserves.
4. Before each match, a team representative must hand onto the official table, an official form defining the name and fighting order of the team members. The fighting order can be changed for each round but once notified, it cannot be changed.
5. A team will be disqualified if any of its members or its coach changes the team's composition without submitting the written fighting order. Use of a reserve constitutes a change in fighting order.
6. In a team match, a participating team will be allowed to participate only when it comprises more than half the precised number of members.
7. No contestant may be replaced by another in an individual title match.
8. Individual contestants or teams that do not arrive at the competition venue before the tournament is declared open may be disqualified from participation in that tournament.
9. Should individual contestants or teams that have applied for participation, either fail to attend a match without good reason; or without notifying in advance the match-conducting authorities, quit the match and leave, a disciplinary measure to be applied will be decided upon by the referee council following a recommendation from the chief referee.
10. A "round" is a stage in a competition leading to the eventual identification of the finalists. In an elimination competition, a round eliminates fifty percent of the contestants within it, counting byes as contests. In this context, the round can apply equally to a stage in either primary elimination or repechage.
11. The use of contestant's names can cause problems of pronunciation and identification, therefore it is recommended that tournament numbers be allotted and used.
12. If, through a error in charting, the wrong contestants compete,
then regardless of the outcome, the match is declared null and void.
Article 7: Criteria for a decision
1. Ippon:-
(a) With the exception of techniques which are fouls and not allowed by the contest rules, any contestant who knocks his opponent down and the opponent is unable to continue within 10 seconds, scores an Ippon. This automatically terminates the match.
(b) When a contestant informs the referee that he is beaten, as the result of techniques allowed within the contest rules, his opponent shall be awarded an Ippon. This automatically terminates the match.
(c) Two Waza-ari are the equivalent of an Ippon.
2. Waza-ari:-
(a) Where a contestant is knocked down by a technique allowed within the contest rules and is able to continue to fight within 10 seconds, a Waza-ari will be awarded. Any contestant who is clearly not in a condition to continue will not be allowed to do so by the referee. The referee may consult with the Tournament Doctor if he sees fit. In a case where the contestant is stopped from continuing, the opponent will be awarded a Ippon.
(b) A contestant who clearly shakes his opponent with a technique allowed within the contest rules and the opponent is able to continue within 10 seconds, shall be awarded a Waza-ari.
(c) A sweep or takedown technique followed by a well focussed but non-contact technique,delivered within 2 seconds of the sweep, shall be awarded a Waza-ari.
A contestant who has gained a Waza-ari, over an opponent who has not
scored a Waza-ari will normally, but not necessarily be awarded the victory
at the time of the referee's and judge's decision.
3. Points:-
Where a contestant clearly hurts his opponent with a technique which is allowed within the rules of the contest, he shall be awarded one-sixth point. If a successful throw or sweep is executed and is not followed by a controlled punch or kick, a one-sixth point will be awarded. The referee will indicate that he has a awarded one-sixth point to a contestant, by pointing at the contestant with one hand and raising the other hand straight above his head, with his index finger extended.
The awarding of 3 one-sixth points constitutes a Waza-ari.
4. Superiority:-
The referee and judges may award a decision on the basis of superior
technique, technical skill and fighting spirit.
5. Genten:-
A public warning, Genten, shall be considered to have the approximate
value of a Waza-ari for the opponent.
Article 8: Target Area
A. The following are the legitimate targets for punches:-
-The shoulders and arms
-the chest
-the abdomen
-the ribs
B. The following are the legitimate targets for kicks:-
-the head
-the face
-the shoulders and arms
-the chest
-the abdomen
-the ribs
-the thighs
Article 9: Prohibited Acts and Techniques
The following matters may merit disqualification at the entire and absolute discretion of the referee of the contest. The contestant disqualified may give notice through his coach to the contest arbitrator, of his wish to appeal to the Chief Referee who, after consultation with the referee and judge(s), may reinstate the disqualified contestant or endorse and confirm the match referee's decision. The Tournament Chief Referee's decision is final.
A. The following techniques are forbidden and shall be punished in accordance with their severity:-
- attacks to the opponent's head, face,
throat or neck with the open hand, fist or any part of the arm.
- kicks to the groin.
- head thrusts or butts
- kicks to any part of the knee joint.
- elbow strikes to any part of the opponent's
back.
- making an attack from the floor after
having been downed by an opponent.(NB competitors are allowed to defend
themselves)
- striking or kicking an opponent who
has been downed, unless the attack follows a sweep or downing technique.
In which case it is not allowed to make contact.
- any other techniques or practises
that the referee of the match decides is improper or unfair.
B. The following behaviour is forbidden and shall be punished in accordance with its severity:-
- failing to obey the referee's instructions during a match.
- frequently leaving the fighting area.(Jogai)
- deliberately wasting time.
- discourteous behaviour.
- persistent bad behaviour or violence.
- hair pulling, biting, gouging, etc.
- grabbing without following immediately with a technique.
C. The contestants are allowed to grab and hold their opponents for
no longer than 2 seconds or while performing a total of 2 techniques. The
grab must be followed immediately by a technique. Persistent grabbing and
holding without following up with a technique will be punished by an official
warning.
D. The coach of a competitor, shall at all times during the operation
of the match, remain in the coaches's official seat. The coach must not
by word or deed, interrupt or cause to interrupt the smooth operation of
the match. In the event that the coach contravenes this rule, then his/her
contestant will be penalised according to the provisions of the article
on Penalties.
E. Contestants who arrive late for bouts or who fail to appear * can
merit automatic disqualification.
* (The contestant will be called a maximum three times,
with a 30 seconds between each call and 1 minute after the last call.)
Article 10: Penalties
Chui:- Each time a competitor is penalised with an official warning, the opponent is automatically awarded one-sixth point.
Genten:- A Genten is equivalent to two Chui’s. A competitor is penalised with a Genten warning for serious infringements of the rules, and the opponent is automatically awarded Waza-ari.
Jogai Chui:- Each time a competitor is penalised with an official Jogai warning, the opponent is automatically awarded one-sixth point.
The order of warnings are as follows:-
Warning
= private warning
Chui Ichi = 1st official warning
Chui Ni = Genten Ichi (1st public warning)
Genten Ichi
= approximately Waza-ari
Chui San
= 3rd official warning
Chui Yon
= Genten Ni (2nd public warning)
Genten Ni
= Shikkaku (disqualification)
NB A contestant cannot be saved from disqualification by the act of the injured/fouled opponent "throwing in the towel". In such a case, the injured/fouled contestant automatically withdraws from any further participation in the tournament and the perpetrator is disqualified.
An example of the different levels of warning is as follows:-
(a) Any deliberate attack to the opponent's head, face, throat or neck with the open hand, fist or any part of the arm, which shakes the opponent or worse shall merit an automatic disqualification (Shikkaku).
(b) Any deliberate attack to the opponents head, face, throat or neck with the open hand, fist or any part of the arm, which clearly hurts the opponent shall normally merit an automatic public warning (Genten).
(c) Any accidental contact to the opponent's head, face, throat or neck with the open hand, fist or any part of the arm, which shakes the opponent or worse shall normally merit an automatic public warning (Genten).
(d) Any accidental contact to the opponent's head, face, throat or neck with the open hand, fist or any part of the arm, which clearly hurts the opponent shall normally merit an automatic official warning (Chui).
Jogai:-
Jogai relates to a situation where a contestant's foot move outside
of the fighting area. An exception is when the contestant is actually propelled
from the area by his opponent. (The rule is devised to prevent contestants
from deliberately stepping out of the area in order to avoid an opponents
attack. It also applies to competitors who passively allow themselves to
be propelled out of the area.) ( NB Jogai warnings do not cross accumulate
with other warnings.)
Article 11: Power and Duties
A. The Chief Referee's powers and duties shall be as follows:-
1. To ensure the correct preparation for each given tournament in consultation with the tournament organising committee, w.r.t. competition area arrangement, the provision and deployment of all equipment and necessary facilities, match operation and supervision, safety precautions, etc.
2. To decide in advance, the allocation and appointment of arbitrators, referees and judge(s) and to arrange for the operation of a referee commission to oversee the performance of the refereeing officials.
3. To nominate substitute officials where such are required. The composition of a panel of officials may not be changed at the sole discretion of the arbitrator, referee or judge(s).
4. To pass the final judgement on matters of a technical nature which
may arise during a given match and for which there are no stipulations
in the rules.
B. The arbitrator's (Kansa) powers shall be as follows:-
1. An arbitrator (Kansa) shall be appointed for each match. He/she shall oversee the operation of the match and actions of the referee and judge(s), and when requested, he/she may express his/her opinion to the referee.
2. Only when taking part in consultation with the referee and judge(s) or when referred to for an opinion, shall the arbitrator be entitled to cast a vote.
3. When the referee and judge(s) consult, the arbitrator, if requested shall take part. When the arbitrator has an opinion to express, it must be done through the intermediary of the referee who will consequently, summon the judge(s). The full procedure may, however, be omitted when the referee simply refers to the arbitrator for an opinion.
4. The arbitrator can request the referee to halt a match if there has been an infraction of the rules, or if an administrator wishes the referee to halt the bout, he/she will blow his/her whistle.
5. The power of the arbitrator will include supervision and direction of the time-keeper.
6. The arbitrator will assist the referee by making note of the points
and penalties awarded.
C. The Referee's (Shushin) powers shall be the following:-
1. The referee (Shushin) shall have the power to conduct matches, including the start, the suspension and the end of a match. He/she has the power to:-
a. To award an Ippon, Waza-ari or Points.
b. To impose penalties and to issue warnings, before, after or during a match.
c. To terminate a match if one competitor is clearly inferior to the other and in risk of serious injury.
d. To obtain the opinion(s) of the judge(s) and arbitrator when required.
e. To explain, if necessary, the basis for giving a judgement.
f. To announce extensions.
2. The authority of the referee is not confined solely to the competition area, but also to all of it's immediate perimeter.
3. The referee need not halt a match when a judge signals, if the former is convinced the signal is incorrect. The referee's judgement in this instance is made "on the move". Before over -ruling the judge's signal, the referee must consider if the judge was better sighted.
4. When explaining the basis for a judgement, the referee may speak
to the arbitrator, Chief Referee or referee committee. The referee shall
explain to no one else.
D. The Judge's (Fukushin) powers shall be as follows:-
1. a. To assist the referee.
b. To take part in a consultation with the referee and arbitrator when invited.
c. The judge must only score what he/she actually
sees. When signalling a score, the judge should use signals which may be
clearly seen, yet which are not overly
obtrusive. The object
is to inform the referee of an opinion - not to seek to impose it.
d. To exercise a right to vote on a decision to be taken.
2. The judge shall speak only if summoned by the referee.
3. The judge shall carefully observe the actions of the contestants and signal to the referee an opinion in the following cases:-
a. When an Ippon or Waza-ari is observed.
b. When a contestant appears about to commit, or has committed a prohibited act and/or techniques.
c. When an injury or illness of a contestant is noted.
d. When one or both of the contestants have moved out of the competition area.
e. In other cases when it is deemed necessary to call the attention
of the referee.
E. The following general points must be noted:
1. The appointed arbitrators, referees and judges may not occupy other positions during the tournament.
2. All consultations between the referee panel must be kept as brief
as possible. Whenever possible, discussions should be strenuously avoided
and reliance placed upon the prescribed gestures as given in Appendix 4,
to communicate views.
ARTICLE 1: COMPETITION
1. The competition area must be flat and devoid of hazard. In principle, the floor should be wooden.
2. The competition area has no fixed size. though it must be large enough
to permit the correct performance of kata.
ARTICLE 2: OFFICIAL DRESS
1. Contestants, referees and judges must wear the official uniform as defined in article 2 of the kumite rules.
2. Any person who does not comply with this regulation may be debarred.
ARTICLE 3: ORGANISATION OF COMPETITION
1. Kata competition takes the form of team and individual match. Team matches consist of competition between 3 person teams. Each team is exclusively male or female. The Individual Kata match consists of individual performance in separate male and female divisions.
2. The contestants will be expected to perform both compulsory (SHITEI)
and free selection (TOKUI) katas during the competition. The referee council
will define the list of compulsory katas prior to the competition. A schedule
of the compulsory katas is given in Appendix 1.
ARTICLE 4: THE REFEREE PANEL
1. The panel of 5 judges for each match will be designated by the referee council before the match.
2. In addition, for the purpose of facilitating the operation of kata
competitions, score-keepers and caller/announcers will be appointed.
ARTICLE 5: SCORING
1. The result of a kata match is determined by the summation of points accumulated by contestants during the final round of that match.
2. The kata competition is organised into three rounds. The first round selects sixteen contestants, the second round selects eight contestants and the third round selects the winner and final placings.
3. Each kata judge displays the score by means of points. The cards bearing the points are held in the right hand.
4. When the score-keeper summate the score for each contestant
in a round, the maximum and minimum scores are deletes. In the event
of a tie in any round, the minimum score is then incorporates into
the total for that round. If the tie persists, then the maximum score
for that round is incorporated. In the event of a continuing tie,
the contestants must perform a further kata of their choice.
ARTICLE 6: CRITERIA FOR DECISION
1. In assessing the performance of a contestant or team, the following criteria must be adopted:
a. The kata must be performed with competence and must demonstrate a clear understanding of the principles it contains.
b. The kata performance must have demonstrated correct focus of attention (CHAKUGAN) use of power, good balance and proper breathing.
c. The performance should also be evaluated with a view
to discerning other points.
2. A contestant is disqualified if he/she interrupts or varies
the kata, or if he/she performs a kata different from that drawn
or announced. If the performance is brought to a halt, or if the
kata is varied, the contestant(s) will be disqualified.
ARTICLE 7: OPERATION OF MATCHES
1. The contestant or head of team will respond to the calling of his/her name by going directly to the competition area. He/she will stand on a designated line and bow to the panel. He/she will announce the name of the kata which is to be performed and then start it. On completion of the kata, the contestant will return to the designated line and await an award from the panel.
2. The referee will call for a decision (HANTEI) and blow a sharp blast on the whistle. The judges will, in unison, raise their scorecards such that they are clearly visible to the scorekeeper.
3. The caller/announcer will announce the scores awarded and when these have been registered, the referee will blow a further sharp blast on the whistle, hereupon the cards will be lowered.
4. In the first round, the contestants must perform a scheduled
kata. The choice must be announce in advance so as to be included
in the drawsheet for that round. In the second round a different
choice, similarly notified, must be made from the schedule. In the
third round, the contestants may perform any kata. The name of the
free kata must be entered into the draw sheet prior to the commencement
of the third round.
OFFICIAL SCHEDULE OF KATAS
| 10th - 4th Kyu | 3rd Kyu - Black Belt | |
| Ashihara Karate | Shoshin 1, 2 | Shoshin 3 |
| Kihon 1, 2 | Kihon 3 | |
| Kumite 1, 2 | Kumite 3, 4, 5 | |
| Enshin Karate | Obi no kata 1, 2, 3 | Obi no kata 4, 5, 6 |
| Kogeki no kata | ||
| Karma Karate | Taeguek 1, 2, 3, 4 | Taeguek 5, 6, 7, 8 |
| Koryo, Keumgang, Taebaek | ||
| Kenpo Karate | ||
| Kyokushin Karate | Taikyoku 1, 2, 3 | Pinan 3, 4, 5 |
| Pinan 1, 2 | Yantsu, Saiha | |
| Gekisai-dai | Seienchin, Seipai, Kanku-dai | |
| Shidokan Karate | ||
| U.S. Oyama Karate | Kihon 1, 2, 3, 4 | Kihon 5, 6, 7, 8 |
TERMINOLOGY
TERMINOLOGY USED BY REFEREES AT KARATE TOURNAMENTS
(OPENING THE BOUT)
1. MANAKA NI HAITE Enter the ring/fighting area.
2. REI Cross the arms in front of the chest and say "Osu".
3. SHOMEN Face the official seats.
4. SHUSHIN Face the main judge.
5. OTAGAI NI Face each other.
6. KAMAETE Take fighting stance.
7. HAJIME Start the bout.
(DURING THE BOUT)
8. YAME Stop the bout immediately.
9. KAMAETE After stopping the bout, take fighting stance again.
10. ZOKKO Start again the bout.
11. ZOKKO / FIGHT Attack. (When the competitors do not fight because of looking at each other).
12. SHIRO (White) First competitor entering the arena.
13. AKA (Red) Second competitor entering the arena.
(FOULS-NAMES)
14. GANMEN-KOGEKI Attacking the face with the hand or elbow.
15. TSUKAMI Grasping the dogi.
16. SHOTEI-OSHI Pushing the opponent with the open hands.
17. KINTEKI-KOGEKI Kick to the groin.
18. ZUTSUKI Head thrust.
OTHERS Attack from the back, attacking an opponent
who is already down, etc.
(FOULS - CLASSIFICATION)
19. CHUI-ICHI First warning.
20. CHUI-NI Second warning. This constitutes a penalty.
21. GENTEN-ICHI First penalty.
22. GENTEN-NI Second penalty. This actually constitutes
disqualification. Main-judge says "Genten-ni, Shikkaku".
(DECLARATION OF FOULS)
The main judge designates the competitor who made the foul
as Aka or Shiro and he declares the foul, and its nature eg."Aka,
tsukami, chui-ichi". The competitor who committed the foul has to say "Osu"
when hearing the main judge's declaration.
(FULL POINT & HALF POINT)
23. IPPON The declaration of ippon entails the victory.
The main judge designates the competitor as Aka or Shiro and declares "Ippon"
and its nature.
eg. "Aka, migi-mae-geri, Ippon".
24. WAZA-ARI Effective attack which damages the opponent, but to the same extent as an ippon. Two declarations of waza-ari constitute a full-point. Waza-ari is declared in the same way as Ippon. eg. "Aka, migi-mae-geri, Waza-ari."
25. AWASE-IPPON Ippon by two Waza-ari is declared in the
same way as Ippon.
eg." Aka, migi-jodan-mawashi, Waza-ari, Awasete-ippon.
(DECISION)
When no clear full-point has been scored, the victory is awarded by decision. The procedure of decision is as follows:
26. SHOMEN-MAWATE Face the front
27. HANTEI-O-ONEGAI SHIMASU The main judge asks the decision of the assistant judges.
28. HANTEI When hearing this, the assistant judge must use the flags to show their decision.
29. SHIRO (White) The mirror referee
raises the flag having the same colour as the
30. AKA (Red)
competitor whom they consider to be the winner.
31. HIKIWAKE Draw.
(DECLARATION OF DECISION)
Main judge counts the number of flags, and says his own
decision. At the same time he points obliquely with his hand to the
winner. In case of a draw, he crosses obliquely downwards his hands. (Then
an extension is allowed).
(END OF THE BOUT)
The main judge declares the victory. This is the end of the bout.
32. ICHI One flag.
33. NI Two flags.
34. SAN Three flags.
35. SHI Four flags.
36. SHUSHIN, AKA )
Decision of the main judge counts the
SHUSHIN, SHIRO
) number of flags and says his decision.
SHUSHIN, HIKIWAKE )
eg.1) "Hikiwake ichi,
Shiro, ichi, ni, san, Shushin, Shiro"
In this case "Shiro" wins
by 4 to 0.
eg. 2) "Hikiwake ichi, ni, Shiro,
ichi, ni, Shushin, Shiro"
In this case "Shiro" wins 3 to
0.
eg. 3) "Shiro, ichi, ni, Hikiwake, ichi,
ni, Shushin, Hikiwake"
In this case there is a draw.
37. SHOMEN-NI-REI )
38. SHUSHIN-NI-REI) The same as the opening of the bout.
39. OTAGAI-NI-REI )
After bowing to each other, competitors shake hands and
leave arena from their corner.
(TAMESHIWARI) - When Performed!!
40. SHOMEN-NI-REI The same as the opening of the bout.
41. MAWATE-REI Turn around and say "Osu".
42. ICHINI-TSUITE Stand by.
43. HAJIME Break the boards.
(DECLARATION OF RESULTS)
44. KANSUI All the boards have been broken.
45. SHIPPAI The breaking test failed.
46. In case of "Kansui"; competitor's number, the number of the broken boards, Kansui.
47. In case of "Shippai"; competitor's number, Shippai.
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