Rules

General Rules

• All competitions follow World Karate Federation (WKF) rules and regulations

• Competitors must be registered members of their national karate federation

• Valid passport and age proof documents are mandatory for international participants

• All participants must undergo medical examination and present fitness certificates

• Insurance coverage is mandatory for all competitors

Kata Rules

• Competitors must perform kata from the official WKF list

• Each kata can be performed only once during the competition

• Judging is based on technical performance (70%) and athletic performance (30%)

• Team kata must be synchronized with identical techniques

• Time limit: 3-5 minutes for individual kata

Kumite Rules

• Match duration: 3 minutes for Senior, 2 minutes for Junior categories

• Scoring: Ippon (3 points), Waza-ari (2 points), Yuko (1 point)

• Victory by 8-point lead or highest score at time expiry

• Prohibited techniques include excessive contact, dangerous throws, and attacks to prohibited areas

Prohibited Actions

• Excessive contact causing injury

• Attacks to throat, joints, instep, groin

• Open-hand techniques to the face

• Dangerous or uncontrolled attacks

• Unsportsmanlike conduct or disrespect

Dress Code & Safety Equipment

Karate Gi (Uniform)

• Red & Blue strips according to the corner / Plain white karate gi without stripes

• Jacket length must cover hips, sleeves must reach wrists

• Trousers must cover at least two-thirds of shin

• Blue or red belt as assigned by officials

• Gi must be clean and in good condition

Mandatory Safety Equipment (Kumite)

• WKF / KIO-approved body protector (red or blue as assigned)

• Gum shield (mouth guard)

• Shin guards and instep protectors

• Forearm protectors

• Groin guard (male competitors)

• Chest protector (female competitors)

• Hand mitts (red or blue as assigned)

Prohibited Items

• Jewelry, watches, or any metallic objects

• Hard or sharp hair accessories

• Bandages or supports without medical approval

• Any equipment not approved by WKF standards