WKF Kumite Competition Rules
Kumite
A sparring competition in karate.
WKF
World Karate Federation, governing body for karate.
Competition Area
Matted square for kumite matches, 8m sides.
Safety Area
2m matted space around competition area.
Referee
Official overseeing the kumite match.
Judges
Officials assessing performance from corners.
Match Supervisor
Official managing match logistics at the table.
Score Supervisor
Official managing scoring and timing.
Coaches
Support personnel positioned outside safety area.
Attire
Official uniform for referees and judges.
,Navy-blue Blazer
Part of official uniform, single-breasted.
Light-grey Trousers
Plain trousers without turn-ups for officials.
White Shirt
Short-sleeved shirt worn by officials.
Black Whistle
Used by referees to signal during matches.
Prohibited Attire
Smart-watches and personal electronic devices.
Kiken
Failure to appear at the tatami.
Duration of Bout
Length of time a kumite match lasts.
Scoring
System for awarding points in kumite.
Warnings & Penalties
Consequences for rule violations during matches.
Injuries
Accidents occurring during kumite competitions.
Official Protest
Formal objection against match decisions.
, Video Review
Process for reviewing match footage for decisions.
Eligibility
Criteria determining who can compete.
Two Judge System
Judging method applicable to youth league.
Tie Resolution
Criteria for determining winners in ties.
Gestures and Flag Signals
Visual communication methods used by officials.
Tatami
Matted surface used for kumite competitions.
Competitors
Participants engaged in kumite matches.
Referee Panel
Group of officials overseeing match conduct.
WKF Approved Karategi
White uniform without piping or personal embroidery.
Embroidered Brands
Red or blue brands on shoulders for events.
National Emblem Placement
Worn on left breast, max 12cm by 8cm.
Kumite
A sparring competition in karate.
WKF
World Karate Federation, governing body for karate.
Competition Area
Matted square for kumite matches, 8m sides.
Safety Area
2m matted space around competition area.
Referee
Official overseeing the kumite match.
Judges
Officials assessing performance from corners.
Match Supervisor
Official managing match logistics at the table.
Score Supervisor
Official managing scoring and timing.
Coaches
Support personnel positioned outside safety area.
Attire
Official uniform for referees and judges.
,Navy-blue Blazer
Part of official uniform, single-breasted.
Light-grey Trousers
Plain trousers without turn-ups for officials.
White Shirt
Short-sleeved shirt worn by officials.
Black Whistle
Used by referees to signal during matches.
Prohibited Attire
Smart-watches and personal electronic devices.
Kiken
Failure to appear at the tatami.
Duration of Bout
Length of time a kumite match lasts.
Scoring
System for awarding points in kumite.
Warnings & Penalties
Consequences for rule violations during matches.
Injuries
Accidents occurring during kumite competitions.
Official Protest
Formal objection against match decisions.
, Video Review
Process for reviewing match footage for decisions.
Eligibility
Criteria determining who can compete.
Two Judge System
Judging method applicable to youth league.
Tie Resolution
Criteria for determining winners in ties.
Gestures and Flag Signals
Visual communication methods used by officials.
Tatami
Matted surface used for kumite competitions.
Competitors
Participants engaged in kumite matches.
Referee Panel
Group of officials overseeing match conduct.
WKF Approved Karategi
White uniform without piping or personal embroidery.
Embroidered Brands
Red or blue brands on shoulders for events.
National Emblem Placement
Worn on left breast, max 12cm by 8cm.
