27/11/2025
Karate rules dictate that opponents compete for points in matches called kumite by scoring with clean, controlled, and powerful strikes to specific target areas.
A kick to the head is worth three points, a kick to the body is two, and a punch to the body or head is one. Points are also awarded for striking a downed opponent, with a maximum of three points for a follow-up attack after a sweep or takedown. Matches end when a competitor reaches an eight-point lead or has the most points when time runs out.
SCORING
🥋One point (Yuko): A punch to the head, face, neck, chest, abdomen, side, or back.
🥋Two points (Waza-ari): A kick to the body, back, or side.
🥋Three points (Ippon): A kick to the head or a strike on a downed opponent who has been swept or fallen.
WINNING THE MATCH
🥋A competitor wins by achieving an eight-point lead at any time.
🥋If no one reaches an eight-point lead, the competitor with the most points when the time runs out wins.
🥋If the score is tied, the winner is determined by the first point scored (Senshu).
If the match is a draw with no points scored, judges decide the winner.
🥋Fouls and penalties
Kicking the knee, spine, or back of the head is a foul.
🥋Striking or grabbing the throat is forbidden.
No contact is allowed with a grounded opponent, which includes stepping on, jumping on, or kicking them.
🥋Other rules
Competitors must wear protective gear, including a chest protector for females.
🥋The fight is overseen by a referee who stops the bout after a scoring technique is signaled.
🥋Judges, who are positioned around the ring, signal their agreement to award a point.
🥋After the match, competitors bow to show respect to the opponent, officials, and spectators.
🥋The match is stopped if a competitor is knocked down and cannot continue.