Koshiki Karate has 3 categories of competition – Kumite Competition, Kata Contest and Bunkai Kumite Contest.
WKKF OFFICIAL RULE BOOK UPDATE
Kumite competition (Shiai)
Protective equipment:
Super Safe protective equipment must be worn on the face and body.
Match Area (Shiai-jo)
9.0 square meters of anzen tatami (or safety mat equivalent).
Referee (Shinpan)
The Shiai shall be judged by one referee, two corner judges and one arbitrator.
Ippon (One Full Point)
Ippon – a full point refers to an attack with a powerful, controlled, and well executed technique(s) that automatically wins the match. An “Ippon” may be declared if one of the following criteria are met:
- An excellent and controlled punch, kick or strike technique executed after controlling the opponent through ashi-barai (leg sweep) or throwing techniques.
- As a result of a well executed technique on the protective equipment, the opponent is knocked down, stunned or mentally defeated through the loss of fighting spirit and will to continue.
- When a sequence of three or more effective combination techniques in an unbroken sequence hit their target perfectly, and the opponent cannot adequately counter.
Effective techniques slightly less powerful, which do not score an Ippon, are awarded points (Wazaari). All contestants should aim to achieve victory through “Ippon”. If no “Ippon” is scored within match time, the victory is awarded to the contestant who has accumulated the most points through Wazaari.
An “Accumulation of Points” Competition System
Scoring of points (Wazaari) following the basic scoring system
When controlled techniques are executed slightly less powerfully but successfully hit the Super Safe face or body protector, a punch is awarded 1 point Wazaari and a kick awarded 2 points Wazaari. For example, a kick to the body protector immediately followed by a punch to the face protector would be awarded a total of 3 points.
If a contestant turns around and exposes one’s back, the opponent can score 1 point for each controlled punch and kick executed on a non-contact (Sundome) basis to the back.
As sen-no-waza (first technique or premeditated attack), tai-no-waza (mutual attack or simultaneous attack), and go-no-waza (following technique or counter attack) are all accepted, points are awarded for attacks made at the same time, counter techniques and combination techniques based on the scoring system described above.
Examples of points:
When the red contestant successfully attacks with a punch and kick combination, and the white contestant immediately counterattacks with a kick, the red contestant gets 3 points (1 point for the punch and 2 points for the kick), and the white contestant gets 2 points for the kick.
A key feature of Koshiki Karatedo is therefore the accumulation-of-points system, which gives points to both contestants for combinations and counterattacks, as well as for the initial attack.
Criteria for Decision (Hantei)
In the absence of an Ippon, the contestant with the greatest number of Wazaari points shall be awarded the victory.
Hikiwake (Draw) – if no decision is reached due to an equal number of Wazaari points or none for both contestants, an Encho-sen (first extension) of one minute shall take place.
If no conclusion is reached after the Encho-sen, a Sai Encho-sen (final extention) shall take place in the form of “Sakidori”. In this case, the first point scored (Ippon or Wazaari, either from a technique or through a foul) shall determine the winner.
Weight & Age Ranking System
A weight and age classification system is used to help ensure safe and fair matches, which are enjoyed and appreciated by large audiences. The categories are as follows:
| Adult Man(KUMITE) | Light Weight | ~ 63.5kg |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Weight | 63.5kg ~ 73.0kg- | |
| Cruiser Weight | 73.0kg ~ 82.0kg- | |
| Heavy Weight | 82.0kg+ |
| Adult Woman(KUMITE) | Light Weight | ~ 54.0kg |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Weight | 54.0kg ~ 61.0kg- | |
| Cruiser Weight | 61.0kg+ |
| Boy & Girls(KUMITE) | Low grades: 1st, 2nd, 3rd graders—age 6 ,7 ,8 years |
|---|---|
| Upper classes: 4th, 5th, 6th graders—age 9, 10, 11 years | |
| Junior high school students: 1st, 2nd, 3rd graders—age of 12, 13, 14 years | |
| High school students: 1st, 2nd, 3rd graders—age of 15, 16, 17 years |
Match times (Shiai jikan)
| Adult Man | 3 minutes |
|---|---|
| Adult Woman | 2 minutes |
| Junior high, High school | 2 minutes |
| Elementary School | 1 minute and 30 seconds |
Kata Contest Rules
- The contestant must enter after one’s name is called and perform the proper salutation.
- In the middle of the contestant area, one must call the name of Kata and then start the performance.
- Referees should consist of 4 people – each person marks out of 50 points, so the total score is out of 200. Contest winners are determined based on the points scored by each contestant.
- The 50 points break down into 10 items.
- The Kata Contest scoring system is based on power control, body control and speed control. Proper salutation, manners, eye movement, breathing, power of punches, height of kicks and total training level are scored from 1 to 5 for each item.
- After the performance, the contestant must wait for the announcement of their score in a natural stance.
- After the score announcement, perform the proper salutation and leave the contestant area.
Bunkai Kumite Contest Rules
3 people with Bo (6-foot stick) and Bokken (wooden sword)
- Contestants must enter after their names are called and perform the proper salutation.
- In the middle of contestant area, call the name of Kata and start the Bunkai Kumite performance.
- Bunkai Kumite involves demonstrating the application of the Kata in Goho form (punching, striking and kicking), Juho form (Throwing, Locking and Choking) and Bukiho form (weapon).
- Bunkai Kumite is scored based on the intelligibility and proficiency of the Kata.
- After the performance, the contestants must wait for the announcement of their score in a natural stance.
- After the score announcement, perform the proper salutation and leave the contestant area.