25/02/2021
World Karate Federation (WKF) - Kumite Rules
Kumite (組手) is a form of sparring in the sport of karate. The word kumite means, “the meeting of hands”. Sport kumite in international competitions come under the World Karate Federation and consists of light or semi contact, where points are awarded by a referee.
Scores are as follows:
* IPPON - Three points
* WAZA-ARI - Two points
* YUKO - One point
How you will score:
A score is awarded when a technique is performed according to the following criteria to a scoring area:
* Good form
* Sporting attitude
* Vigorous application
* Awareness (ZANSHIN)
* Good timing
* Correct distance
How points will be awarded:
IPPON is awarded for:
* Jodan kicks. Jodan being defined as the face, head and neck.
* Any scoring technique which is delivered on an opponent who has been thrown, has fallen of their own accord, or is otherwise off their feet.
WAZA-ARI is awarded for:
* Chudan kicks. Chudan being defined as the abdomen, chest, back and side.
YUKO is awarded for:
* Chudan or Jodan Tsuki.
* Jodan or Chudan Uchi.
* Any punch (Tsuki) delivered to any of the seven scoring areas.
* Any strike (Uchi) delivered to any of the seven scoring areas.
How penalties will be given:
Attacks are limited to the following areas:
* Head
* Face
* Neck
* Abdomen
* Chest
* Back
* Side
* Techniques which make excessive contact, having regard to the scoring area attacked, and techniques which make contact with the throat.
* Attacks to the arms or legs, groin, joints, or instep.
* Attacks to the face with open hand techniques.
* Dangerous or forbidden throwing techniques.
