Northern California Karate League

General | Kata Competition | Kumite Competition

Kumite Competition Rules

1. Individual Kumite
   
   • Matches will be two (2) minutes in length, with time only stopped at the request of the referee.
   • Mudansha level (10th - 1st kyu) matches will be "Ippon Shobu", or two (2) waza-ari to win.
   • Black belt matches will be Ippon Shobu for the semi-finals and "Sanbon Shobu", or three (3) waza-ari for the final matches.
   • In the case of a tie, one (1) minute a "sudden death" match will be held, with the first competitor to score a point emerging as the winner. If a tie remains after this match, the judges will determine the winner by decision.
2. Team Kumite
   
   • Teams will consist of three (3) members, with the highest-ranking team member determining division placement.
   • For team kumite all individual matches will be "Ippon Shobu", or two (2) waza-ari to win.
   • Teams must register the order in which the members will fight.
   • All team members must be present at the first round. After the first round, teams lacking a member may continue competing, but must fight in the registered order.
   • Matches will be held in the registered order, and individual results (win/lose) are compared to determine the winning team.
   • There are no extensions in team kumite. In case of "Hikiwake" (draw), the draw is split between the two teams.
   • If at this point there is a tie, then the individual scores (match points) are taken into account. If there is still a draw, then one more match is held with each team's chosen representative fighting to decide the winner.
3. Hansoku (rules violations)
   

   The following actions are prohibited and may result in a warning, loss of match or "Shikkaku" (expulsion from event).

   • Excessive contact, intentional or not
   • Biting or (intentional) scratching
   • Excessive grabbing and holding
   • Using dangerous throws, joint locks or uncontrolled techniques
   • Un-sportsman like conduct (foul language or gestures)
   • Intentionally attacking after "yame" has been called
   • Attacking legs, or vital areas such as the groin and eyes

   In an obvious case of rules violation a competitor may be given "hansoku chui" (warning). Two hansoku chui in one match results in a defeat and the opponent is declared the winner. For minor infractions "keikoku" (advisory warning) may be given, however two keikoku in a single match will be an automatic hansoku chui. For a serious infraction and/or if the opponent is injured, hansoku is given immediately and the opponent is declared the winner.

4. Jogai (out of bounds)
   

   If a competitor touches the ground outside of the enclosed ring with any part of his or her body, a "jogai keikoku" is given. A second jogai infraction in the same match results in "jogai chui" being given, and waza-ari will be awarded to the opponent. If it happens a third time during the match, "jogai hansoku" is given, and the opponent is declared the winner.

5. Shikkaku (expulsion)
   

   Serious rules violation may result in an immediate Shikkaku, and the competitor is immediately expelled and may not continue in the tournament.

6. Kiken (withdrawal)
   
   • If a competitor withdraws, the opponent is declared the winner.
   • A competitor who withdraws may not continue in any matches in the same division.
   • If the match is stopped due to an injury, then kiken is given and the opponent is declared the winner. It is at the medical personnel's discretion if the competitor may continue in the following matches, if applicable.