Apart from Koshiki Karatedo, there are three main forms of contemporary Karatedo competition systems:

Non-contact: where techniques are stopped just before hitting and opponents are penalized for making contact

Light-contact: light hitting is allowed

Full-contact: hitting with full power is allowed, although generally contestants are not allowed to execute hand techniques to the head

Currently in Japan, most karate matches are performed in non-contact form. However, since competitors stop attacking just before making contact, the power and sharpness of techniques are lost and audiences cannot recognize the real results of matches. For example, in non-contact karate it is hard to detect if opponents are using wrong distances or ineffective directions of attacks. Since true Karatedo is a system of fighting and protection using bare hands and feet, in order to maintain the true spirit of Karate it is better to use light contact or full contact as this more closely approximates real combat.

However, from the safety point of view, matches must be conducted in a way to avoid injury. Therefore, to spread Karate internationally as a traditional martial art and a safe modern sport combining the soul of traditional Bushido with highly developed techniques, the use of safety protectors is essential.

Many martial styles have researched and tried to develop safety protectors. The founder of Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo Kaiso Masayoshi Kori Hisataka, Kensei 10th dan, researched and experimented with safety protectors for 40 years. Building on the founder's experiences, Masayuki Kukan Hisataka, Hanshi 9th dan and Head Professor of the Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo Headquarters and a member of Technical committee for the All Japan Karatedo Federation, has continued to development of safety protectors for the past 25 years. In 1979, the revolutionary “Super Safe” safety protector was developed and introduced following the agreement on the Congress of the 4th World Karatedo Championship on Nippon Budokan in Tokyo , 1977.

Although safety is of the utmost importance, it is also important that there is a certain amount of "itami” (pain) for both contestants on the attacking and receiving sides. A certain amount of pain means that contestants focus on controlling techniques with the right speed, power, distancing and timing, rather than just attacking by brute force. This also helps participants learn the proper way to avoid painful contact and helps keep the contestants in the proper frame of mind to practice a combat art and sport.

By using Super Safe protective equipment, Koshiki Karatedo participants can safely use a variety of techniques in a friendly and competitive atmosphere, developing the mind, body and spirit to the highest level.