The official organization of karate is the World Karate Federation (WKF). Competitions held should follow the rules and regulations of the World Karate Federation (WKF). The tournament can be divided into two. One organized by the World Karate Federation (WKF) and one organized by others. If the tournament is organized by the World Karate Federation (WKF), then they will take care of their rules. If the competition is organized by others then they should follow the major rules if they cannot comply with all of them. If they do not the tournament is worth less than that tournament that follows World Karate Federation (WKF) rules and regulations. Does it matter if the tournament is of lesser value? Yes, it matters because the karateka who participate in the tournaments that follow the World Karate Federation (WKF) rules are favored over the others. It is important to have a good record to advance. All the rules are not important to followed. There are some major rules that must be followed. So what are the World Karate Federation (WKF) rules that must be followed in kata competition?
Let us start with the rules for the competition area. Here, the mats approved by the World Karate Federation are required first and foremost. They should be arranged 8×8. The mats should be of uniform color and the border mats of different color. The Judges sit at the 4 corners and the chief judge at the front.
The most important thing is the clothing, which you will have to buy yourself as the tournament organizers will not provide it. Competitors should wear a WKF- approved gi, coaches their tracksuit and judges their official dress code. Any official or competitor can be expelled if they do not follow the dress code. There are rules regarding appearance.
Kata may be performed individually or as a team. There will be separated divisions for individuals and teams. The team consists of 3 persons. Separate divisions are created for men and women. There is an official list of Kata that can be performed. Kata other than those listed will not be considered. Performed Kata cannot be repeated.
The scoring of Kata is based on technical and athletic performance. The Kata will be judged from the bow starting the kata till the end bow. Technical performance includes stance, timing, conformance, techniques, correct breathing, transition movements. And athletic performance includes strength, speed and balance. Kata is based 70% on technical performance and 30% on athletic performance.
These World Karate Federation (WKF) rules are in brief, the details can be found at https://www.wkf.net/structure-statutes-rules. Check out How to Choose Dojo, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Addictive Workout.
