Karate kumite

Kumite

In kumite there is no pre-arrangement of techniques and the competitors are allowed to make free use of their mental, emotional and physical powers. However, opponents must strictly control their punches, strikes and kicks.

The timing of the bout starts when the Referee gives the signal to start and stops each time he calls ”YAME”. The time-keeper gives signals by a clearly audible gong, or buzzer indicating, ”30 seconds to go” or ”time-up”. The ”time-up” signals marks the end of the bout. There are a number of weight divisions in individual KUMITE. Team matches consist of competition between five persons teams.

Scoring

The result of a bout is determined by either contestant scoring six points, which means 3 ippon and/or 6 waza-ari, or a combination of both. It must be noted that an ippon is worth two waza-ari.

Attacks are limited to following areas:

  • head
  • face
  • neck
  • abdomen
  • chest
  • back (excluding shoulders)
  • side

Click to download new WKF kumite competition rules (PDF file)