Karate (WKF) - Kumite (sparring)

Basic principles:
1) Rules are based on modern «flags» system of refereeing, which is giving the staginess to sports bouts, the dynamism and "transparency" of decisions accepted by judges.
2) There are six criteria for scoring technique.
3) Award of points for technical actions is executed at once after the scoring technique.
4) According to the general tendencies in the international sports community, belts of sportsmen have red or blue color.

Features:
1) In order to score, a technique must be applied to a scoring area.
2) The technique must be appropriately controlled with regard to the area being attacked.
3) Throwing techniques are divided into two types. The established “conventional” karate leg sweeping techniques where the opponent is swept off-balance or thrown without being grabbed and those throws requiring that the opponent be grabbed or held as the throw is executed. The pivotal point of the throw must not be above the thrower’s belt level and the opponent must be held onto throughout, so that a safe landing can be made.
4) The following degree of admissible contact to the face and a head is established:
a. Without contact for Boys and Girls.
b. For Cadet and Junior competitors no touch or contact to the head, face, or neck, (including the face mask) is allowed with hand techniques. High kicks may make the lightest touch (“skin touch”) and still score.
c. For Senior competitors, non-injurious, light, controlled “touch” contact to the face, head, and neck is allowed (but not to the throat).

Compulsory equipment:
Karate-gi, mitts, gum shield, shin pads and foot protectors, female chest protector,
face mask, and body protector for cadets.

Competition Rules: 

 WKF Competition Rules January 2009 (English)  (pdf, 804 kb).

 WKF Competition Rules January 2009 (Russian)  (rar, 1,53 Mb).