The object of Karate is to defeat your opponent by utilizing punches, kicks and throws to score points. At the end of a Karate k.u.mite, the compet.i.tor with the most points is declared the winner (or before the end if they reach an eight-point lead over their opponent). As well as being a combative physical activity, Karate is highly skilled and tactical, and all compet.i.tors are required to have a high level of skill, experience, speed and dexterity to be successful in Karate compet.i.tion.Players & Equipment
Compet.i.tors are placed into categories according to their weight and maybe their age in the case of junior compet.i.tions. All compet.i.tors in Karate k.u.mite compet.i.tions are required to wear a traditional Karate suit known as a gi and this should be plain and without stripes or embroidery. Instead of wearing the belt colour that signifies their rank, one contestant wears a red belt and the other a blue belt to help distinguish them. Other prescribed pieces of equipment are:
A gum shield
Body protection (and extra chest protection for females)
Shin pads
Foot protectors
Groin guards can be worn but are not mandatory.
Karate k.u.mite matches take place on a matted square of 8m x 8m with an additional 1m on all sides that is called the safety area.
Once the referee and judges have taken their places, compet.i.tors should exchange bows.
The fight starts when the referee shouts "SHOBU HAJIME!"
Both fighters should attempt scoring techniques (punches, kicks and throws) on their opponent. These are cla.s.sified as Yuko, Wazari and Ippon and are one, two and three points respectively.
If the referee deems a scoring technique may have been used, the referee shouts YAME and the contestants, judges and referee all resume their original positions.
The judges will then indicate their opinion by means of a signal and if a score is to be awarded, the referee identifies the contents and the area that they attacked and then awards them the relevant socire (Yuko, Wazari or Ippon) and then restarts the bout by shouting "TSUZUKETE HAJIME!"
If one compet.i.tor establishes a clear lead of eight points during a match, then the referee calls a halt to the bout and declares them the winner.
If no compet.i.tor establishes a clear lead of eight points during the fight, then the fighter who has the most points is declared the winner.
In the event of the points being level, the referee and the judges will decide who is the winner of the bout.
Fights can end earlier if one compet.i.tor is knocked down and is not in a position to carry on or if one fighter is disqualified
A Karate match can be won in a number of ways:
By having more points than your opponent at the end of the fight.
By extending a lead of eight points immediately ends the match
If you render your opponent unable to carry on
If your opponent is disqualified.
Scoring in Karate compet.i.tions is relatively simple. Scoring is limited to the following areas of the opponent"s body:
Head
Face
Neck
Chest
Abdomen
Side
Back
A score is awarded when one fighter performs a technique that conforms to the following criteria and the blow lands on a relevant scoring area of their opponent"s body:
Good form
Vigorous application
Good timing
Accurate distance
Awareness
Sporting att.i.tude
Fighters can score one, two or three points for attacking techniques:
Ippon (three points) is awarded for:
A jodan kick (kick to upper level)
Any scoring technique performed on a fallen or thrown opponent
Wazari (two points) is awarded for:
Chudan (mid level) kicks
Yuko (one point) is awarded for:
Chudan or Jodan Tsuki (mid or upper level punch)
Jodan or Chudan Uchi (mid or upper level punch).