Section 1: Introduction
Karate is a striking martial art of Okinawan and Japanese origin, governed internationally by the World Karate Federation. This rulebook is written against the WKF Kumite Competition Rules 2026 (version 12) and the WKF Kata Competition Rules 2026, which are published separately and numbered separately.
WKF Kumite is built on controlled technique: a technique scores only if it would have been effective had it not been controlled, and must satisfy all six scoring criteria (Article 8). Contact that exceeds control is dealt with as prohibited behaviour (Article 9).
The Kumite rules are organised into eighteen numbered Articles, from the competition area (Article 1) through to issues not specifically covered by the rules (Article 18). Kata is governed by its own separate document, and citations to it are marked as such.
Section 2: Equipment
Attire and protective equipment are governed by Article 2. Competitors wear a plain white karategi without stripes or piping, with the national emblem or flag as permitted by that Article (Article 2).
One competitor wears a red belt (Aka) and the other a blue belt (Ao) so officials and spectators can distinguish them (Article 2).
WKF-approved protective equipment is mandatory for Kumite, and the items required are specified in Article 2 together with the approval requirement (Article 2).
Items capable of injuring an opponent — including hard or metal-framed eyewear and jewellery — are not permitted, and compliance is checked before a bout (Article 2).
Equipment that does not comply may result in the competitor being refused permission to compete until it is corrected (Article 2).
Section 3: Playing Area
The competition area is governed by Article 1. It is a flat, unobstructed matted square (tatami), with the dimensions and safety area set out in that Article (Article 1).
Starting positions for the two competitors and for the Referee are marked on the matted area (Article 1). Kata is performed on a comparable area under the WKF Kata Competition Rules (Kata rules, Article 1).
Section 4: Players & Officials
Competitors enter individual or team events organised by gender, age and weight category, with entry and eligibility governed by Article 16 and the organisation of competitions by Article 3 (Article 16).
Each Kumite match is controlled by a Referee panel — Referee, Judges and Match Supervisor — whose composition is set out in Article 4, and whose powers and duties are set out in Article 15 (Article 4).
Kata matches are scored by a panel of judges under the WKF Kata Competition Rules, which are numbered independently of the Kumite Articles cited elsewhere in this rulebook.
Section 5: Rules of Play
Bout duration is governed by Article 5: senior male and female categories are three minutes of effective time (Article 5.1).
Starting, suspending and ending of matches, including the commands used by the Referee, are governed by Article 7. A competitor who fails to appear at the tatami is dealt with under Kiken (Article 6).
The outcome of a bout — win by points difference, by decision, or by the opponent’s penalty or withdrawal — is determined under the criteria for decision (Article 12).
Kata performance requirements, including selection of Kata and the manner of performance, are governed by the WKF Kata Competition Rules rather than by the Kumite Articles.
Section 6: Scoring
Kumite scoring is governed by Article 8. A score is awarded when two or more judges indicate it, or on video review (Article 8.1).
A technique scores only if it would have been effective had it not been controlled, and must fulfil all six scoring criteria — good form and sporting attitude among them (Article 8.5).
The scoring areas are the body above the pelvis up to and including the collarbone, and the head, face and neck (Article 8.4). Only the first correctly executed technique of an exchange scores (Article 8.3).
Kata is scored by its own panel under the WKF Kata Competition Rules, on the scale set out in that separate document.
- Yuko (1 point): Tsuki (punch) or Uchi (strike) delivered to a scoring area (Article 8.6).
- Waza-ari (2 points): Chudan Geri — a kick delivered to the body or trunk (Article 8.6).
- Ippon (3 points): Jodan Geri — a kick to the head, face or neck — and any scoring technique delivered on a thrown or fallen opponent (Article 8.6).
Section 7: Violations & Penalties
Prohibited behaviour is governed by Article 9, which groups violations into two categories and defines what each covers (Article 9).
Warnings and penalties are governed separately by Article 10. There are two degrees of official warning, CHUI and HANSOKU CHUI (Article 10.2.1), escalating to disqualification for repeated or serious offences.
Shikkaku — disqualification for conduct that violates the spirit of the competition — is imposed under the warnings and penalties provisions (Article 10). Official protest against a decision is governed by Article 13, and video review requests by Article 14.
- Category 1 (C1): Techniques displaying excessive or uncontrolled contact, and contact to prohibited targets (Article 9).
- Category 2 (C2): Feigning or exaggerating injury, exiting the competition area, and comparable conduct offences (Article 9).
Section 8: Safety Considerations
Control is the organising safety principle of WKF Kumite: a technique must have the potential to be effective without actually delivering injurious contact (Article 8.5), and contact beyond that is prohibited behaviour (Article 9).
Injuries and accidents in competition are governed by Article 11, which sets out the procedure when a competitor is injured or unable to continue (Article 11).
Mandatory WKF-approved protective equipment for Kumite is specified in Article 2, and its use is a condition of being permitted to compete (Article 2).
Medical oversight at WKF-sanctioned events, including the authority of the appointed doctor, is exercised within the injury provisions (Article 11) and the powers and duties of officials (Article 15).
