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Match Rules

The translation is based on the original Japanese text. In the case of any discrepancies the original Japanese supercedes the English translation.

  1. Match Time
    1. The sparring duration of a match will be two minutes.
    2. In a match where neither competitor has scored a point, the judges will decide the match. If the judges determine it was a draw, the match will be extended.
    3. Match extensions are one minute in length, but the match will end as soon as one of the competitors scores a point to break the tie. However, beginning with the quarterfinals (with 8 competitors remaining), match extensions will be two minutes long.
    4. There are no additional match extensions if, at the end of the extension, neither competitor has scored. The judges will decide the match. However, in the case of a particularly well-fought match, or beginning with the quarterfinals, there is no such limit on the number of match extensions.
  2. Judges
    1. There will be one chief judge and two assistant judges.
    2. In rendering a decision, the chief judge's decision carries a two-point weight and each assistant judge's decision carries a one-point weight.
  3. Match Decision
    1. In the case where the chief judge deems a full-point victory ("ippon katchi") has occurred, the match will be interrupted, the winner will be pointed out, and the match will be stopped.
    2. When a point difference between competitor scores exists at the end of the match, upon confirming the point difference with the scoreboard, the chief judge will award the winner a "point advantage" victory ("yuusei katchi") and the match will end.
    3. When a point difference between competitors does not exist at the end of the match, the chief judge will confer with the assistant judges and award a "victory by decision" to the competitor deemed the winner.
  4. Full-Point Decision
    Full-point decisions are awarded in the following cases:
    1. Excluding foul techniques, hand techniques (thrusts, elbow strike, etc.) or leg techniques that result in downing the opponent (excludes opponent slipping), or making the opponent temporarily lose the will to fight.
    2. In the course of a match, when the difference in competitors' strength is so great that one of competitors shows a complete lack of will to fight.
    3. A competitor gets a total of three points or the equivalent. (For instance, after a competitor gets two points, the opponent gets a one-point deduction.)
  5. Point Decision
    Point decisions are awarded in the following cases:
    1. An attack insufficient to award a full-point, but effective enough that the opponent is thrown off-balance as a result.
    2. A decisive strike (combining timing, speed, power, and "kiai") to an open vital area of the chest or abdominal region with a hand or leg technique.
    3. A decisive strike (combining timing, speed, power, and "kiai") to an open area of the face with a leg technique.
    4. Facing an opponent who has fallen as a result of an attack, and delivering a decisive low attack (ex: low roundhouse kick or leg sweep followed by a low strike).
    5. When three points have been recieved, a "full-point" is awarded and the match is stopped.
  6. Fouls and Deductions
    • Foul attacks to the face and groin
      1. Direct attack using a hand technique or head butt to the face (from the neck up). However, competitors are free to feign such attacks.
      2. Attacks to the groin
      3. In the case where the judges conclude that, as a result of a hard blow to the face via hand techniques, etc, or a groin attack, the match cannot continue, the chief judge will pronounce upon the competitor who made the foul attack a "loss by foul" ("hansokumake") and stop the match.
      4. In the case where the judges conclude that the damage is such that, after a brief rest the competitor can recover, the chief judge will pronounce upon the competitor who made the foul attack a "score deduction" (one-point or two-point deduction based on the severity of the foul), and the match will be interrupted, to be resumed later (in such cases, after a one- or two-minute interval).
      5. In cases where the damage from a foul attack to the face or groin is light, and when the severity of the foul is also minimal, depending on the circumstances, the chief judge may simply issue a warning.
    • Grabbing
      1. Grabbing the body or uniform ("dogi") of an opponent is generally forbidden.
      2. In the case of a knee kick attack, however, momentarily restraining the opponent with your hands is allowed. However, trapping an opponent's neck between the arms is not allowed.
    • Throwing Techniques
      1. Throwing techniques are generally forbidden.
      2. However, when the opponent is downed by a throw that is a follow-up to a parry of the opponent's attack, immediately followed by a decisive lower attack, a point will be awarded.
    • Persistent Low Attacks (Low Kick)
      However, a low attack (low kick) as one part of an attack sequence is not considered a foul.
    • Intentional, direct hit to the opponent's back
    • Direct hit to a fallen opponent
    • Intentionally leaving the ring
    • During a match, senseless utterences, speech or behavior meant to harass the opponent, etc -- any behavior unfitting of a martial artist ("budoka")
    • Failure to follow the judges instructions
    When the fouls listed above are committed, depending on the severity of the foul, the chief judge will issue a warning or a point deduction. When a competitor has received two warnings, a one-point deduction will be assessed. When a one-point deduction has been assessed, it has the same effect as when the opponent gains one point. A disqualification results upon acquiring a three-point deduction.
  7. Opponent Injured by a Valid Attack
    When an opponent has been injured as a result of a valid attack, and the match cannot continue, the competitor who made the attack will be declared the winner.
Important Points:
  • For competitors' bodily protection, it is vital that they wear a cup protector.
  • At the competitor's discretion, use of mouthpiece and knee joint protectors are allowed. Use of supporters, bandages, etc in all other areas of the body are not permitted.
  • Regarding "close-quarters" fighting:
    When "close-quarters" fighting has continued for a long time, at the judge's discretion, he may separate both competitors (continuing the match after a brief time). This is meant to guard against diluting the original "one blow, one kill" ideal of karate and turning these competitions into something more like a boxing match.