MARTIAL ARTS: KARATE: RULES OF KARATE

The Rules of Karate

Assalamualaikum and Hi there,

In this blog, we will explain you guys about the important rules that should be obey by players or contestants in Karate games and competition. There is three kind of karate style which is Kumite, Kata and Kihon. We will share the rules in Kumite and Kata style.

Before that, let us tell about the differences among three types of Karate. First, Kihon is about to the basics that master teach the students to get their foot in the door for almost all Japanese martial arts. It is the fundamental techniques that they must practice and perfect to move up the ladder of training, into higher, more advanced levels. Secondly, Kata is a set of movements executed to exemplify one’s understanding to the techniques. Usually performed as a solo, students performing kata have to practice these pre-arranged kihon techniques with fluidity and precision. Master in Karate will teach them in stages, guide them from the basics to more advanced, difficult levels overtime. Yet, even as one progresses to a higher stage, they still repeat previously learned kata to illustrate a more effective way to execute. Finally, Kumite is refers to student has a proficient understanding and experience in kihon and kata, they can move onto kumite. Or they can move onto the sparring element of Karate.

KUMITE

Ø The competition area

must be flat and devoid of hazard and should be on a matted square, of a WKF approved type, with sides of eight metres (measured from the outside) with an additional one metre on all sides as a safety area. There will be a clear safety area of two metres on each side.

Ø The organisation

The Kumite competition may be further divided into the team match and the individual match. The individual match may be further divided into age and weight divisions. Male teams comprise seven members with five competing in a round. Female teams comprise four members with three competing in a round.

Ø The duration

The duration in Kumite rule is define as three minutes for Senior Male and Senior Female is about two minutes (both teams and individuals). Therefore, under 21 years is 3 minutes for the Male category and 2 minutes for the Female category. Indeed for Cadet and Junior is about two minutes.

Ø Scoring

In order to score, a technique must be applied to a scoring area. The scores are as follows IPPON (three point), WAZA-ARI (two point) and YUKO (one point). IPPON is awarded for Jodan kicks and any scoring technique delivered on a thrown or fallen opponent. Jodan being defined as the face, head and neck. 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 is awarded for Chudan kicks which being defined as the abdomen, chest, back and side. Lastly, YUKO is awarded for Chudan or Jodan Tsuki and Jodan or Chudan Uchi. It means any punch (Tsuki) delivered to any of the seven scoring areas and any strike (Uchi) delivered to any of the seven scoring areas. The technique must be appropriately controlled with regard to the area being attacked and must satisfy all six scoring criteria which is good form, sporting attitude, vigorous application, awareness (ZANSHIN), good timing and correct distance. Attacks are limited to the following areas which are head, face, neck, abdomen, chest, back, side.

Ø The prohibit behaviour among players

There are two categories of prohibited behaviour among players which is Category 1 and Category 2. The prohibited behaviour in category 1 is about techniques which make excessive contact, having regard to the scoring area attacked, and techniques which make contact with the throat. Secondly about attacks to the arms or legs, groin, joints, or instep. Thirdly is about attacks to the face with open hand techniques. Lastly is about dangerous or forbidden throwing techniques. In category 2 this prohibited behaviour will explain in feigning, or exaggerating injury. Secondly, exit from the competition area (JOGAI) not caused by the opponent. Thirdly, is about self-endangerment by indulging in behaviour, which exposes the contestant to injury by the opponent, or failing to take adequate measures for self-protection, (MUBOBI). Fourthly is avoiding combat as a means of preventing the opponent having the opportunity to score. Fifthly, about passivity – not attempting to engage in combat. (Cannot be given after less than the last 10 seconds of the match.). Next in clinching, wrestling, pushing, or standing chest to chest without attempting a a scoring technique or takedown. Then, grabbing the opponent with both hands for any other reasons than executing a take down upon catching the opponents kicking leg. Again in grabbing the opponents arm or karate with one hand without immediately attempting a scoring technique or takedown. After that, the techniques, which by their nature, cannot be controlled for the safety of the opponent and dangerous and uncontrolled attacks. Furthermore, in emulate attacks with the head, knees, or elbows. Last but not least, talking to, or goading the opponent, failing to obey the orders of the Referee, discourteous behaviour towards the Refereeing officials, or other breaches of etiquette.

Ø Warning and penalties

There is also warnings and penalties in Karate such as CHUKOKU, KEIKOKU, HANSOKU-CHUI, HANSOKU, SHIKKAKU. CHUKOKU is imposed for the first instance of a minor infraction for the applicable category. KEIKOKU is imposed for the second instance of a minor infraction for that category, or for infractions not sufficiently serious to merit HANSOKU-CHUI. HANSOKU-CHUI is a warning of disqualification usually imposed for infractions for which a KEIKOKU has previously been given in that bout although it may be imposed directly for serious infringements, which do not merit HANSOKU. HANSOKU is the penalty of disqualification following a very serious infraction or when a HANSOKU CHUI has already been given. In team matches the fouled competitor’s score will be set at eight points and the offender’s score will be zeroed. SHIKKAKU is a disqualification from the actual tournament, competition, or match In order to define the limit of SHIKKAKU, the Referee Commission, must be consulted. SHIKKAKU may be invoked when a contestant fails to obey the orders of the Referee, acts maliciously, or commits an act which harms the prestige and honour of Karate-do, or when other actions are considered to violate the rules and spirit of the tournament. In team matches the fouled competitor’s score will be set at eight points and the offender’s score will be zeroed.

KATA

Ø The competition area

The competition area in Kata rules just same with Kumite rules which is be flat and devoid of hazard. There is sufficient size to permit the uninterrupted performance of Kata.

Ø The organisation

The organisation of Kata competition takes the form of Team and Individual matches. Team matches consist of competition between three person teams. Each Team is exclusively male, or exclusively female. The Individual Kata match consists of individual performance in separate male and female divisions.

Ø The assessment

In assessing the performance of a contestant or team the Judges will evaluate the performance based on equal weight of each of the three main criteria. The performance is evaluated from the bow starting the kata until the bow ending the kata with the exception of team medal matches, where the performance, as well as the time keeping starts at the bow in the beginning of the kata and ends when the performers bow after completing the Bunkai. All of the three major criteria are to be given equal importance in the evaluation of the performance. Bunkai are to be given equal importance as the kata itself. The three of important criteria in Kata and Bunkai performance is provided conformance, technical performance and athletic performance. The conformance in Kata is to form itself and standards of the applicable style (ryu-ha). The technical performance is including the stances, techniques, transitional movements, timing, correct breathing, focus (kime) and technical difficulty. The athletic performance is needed strength, speed, balance, and rhthm. Beside that, in Bunkai performance is using the actual movements as performed in the kata and have medals. Then in technical performance is include the stances, techniques, transitional movements, timing control, focus (kime), and difficulty of techniques performed. The athletic performance is about strength, speed, balance and timing.

Ø Disqualification

There is also have disqualification in karate. A competitor or a team of competitors may be disqualified for any of the following reasons such as performing the wrong kata or announcing the wrong kata. Then, in failing to bow at the beginning and completion of the kata performance. A distinct pause or stop in the performance. After that, in interference with the function of the judges (such as the judge having to move for safety reasons or making physical contact with a judge). Then, in belt falling off during the performance. Exceeding the total time limit of 6 minutes duration for Kata and Bunkai. Lastly in, failure to follow the instructions of the Chief Judge or other misconduct.

Ø Fouls

Indeed in Kata rules there is fouls which is considered in evaluation according in karate tournament. First in the criteria of fouls is minor loss of balance. Secondly, about performing a movement in an incorrect or incomplete manner such as failure to fully execute a block or punching off target. Thirdly in asynchronous movement, such as delivering a technique before the body transition is completed, or in the case of team kata is, failing to do a movement in unison. Then in, use of audible cues (from any other person, including other team members) or theatrics such as stamping the feet, slapping the chest, arms, or karate-gi, or inappropriate exhalation, will automatically be penalized by the judges deducting the total portion of the score for the technical performance of the kata (and thus losing one third of the total score for the performance). Followed by belt coming loose to the extent that it is coming off the hips during the performance. After that, the time wasting, including prolonged marching, excessive bowing or prolonged pause before starting the performance. Lastly the causing injury by lack of controlled technique during Bunkai.

Ø The operation of matches

The operation of matches karate in Kata rules is starting when of each answer to their names, the two contestants, or teams, one wearing a red belt (AKA), and the other wearing a blue belt (AO), will line up at the match area perimeter facing the Chief Kata Judge