Cardiff Higashi Karate Club
COMPETITIONS
All competitions are run using the WKF approved rules, a full version of which can be found on their website here. Competitions are split into Kata and Kumite (semi-contact); both have individual and team categories.
KATA
Competitors (individual and team) wear either a red (AKA) or blue (AO) belt and perform their Kata’s consecutively in front of 5 Judges. Red always performs their Kata first, followed by blue. At the conclusion of the katas the judges show their decision, when signalled to do so, by raising a flag of the corresponding colour. The majority wins and moves through to the next round where they must perform a different Kata.
KUMITE
Competitors (individual and team) wear either a red (AKA) or blue (AO) belt plus mitts, shin and instep protectors in the same colour. Bouts vary in time depending on male, female, teams, cadets etc from 2 - 4 mins. Competitors are awarded up to 3 points for techniques that have all 6 of the scoring criteria to 1 of the seven scoring areas. The winner is the competitor with a clear lead of 8 points or with the most amount of points at the time-up bell. There are 4 judges who signal scores and one referee who gives all commands and awards points and penalties.
SCORING
IPPON (3 points) is awarded for:
1. Jodan kicks. Jodan being defined as the face, head and neck.
2. 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 (2 points) is awarded for:
Chudan kicks. Chudan being defined as the abdomen, chest, back and side.
YUKO (1 point) is awarded for:
1. Any punch (Tsuki) delivered to any of the seven scoring areas.
2. Any strike (Uchi) delivered to any of the seven scoring areas.
Scoring criteria
a) Good form
b) Sporting attitude
c) Vigorous application
d) Awareness (ZANSHIN)
e) Good timing
f) Correct distance
Scoring areas
a) Head
b) Face
c) Neck
d) Abdomen
e) Chest
f) Back
g) Side
