Karate Kata Rules As Per World Karate Federation (WKF)

Kata Rules

Most of the karateka just perform the kata which they learn but they don't know the real meaning of kata and what are the rule and regulation in tournament? So, here is their answer.

Karate students practice kata to preserve and protect the traditional techniques and styles of karate in their original form. Now it has also found its way into competitive sports.

Usually Karate kata is performed on a non-slip  mat of 8x8 metre with their competitors, who take part in the tournament. The kata is performed by wearing white karate Gi.

A kata competition can be of team of three or individual. And number of groups are formed for the elimination rounds.  

In regular karate kata tournaments, participants perform kata in pairs by tying blue and red blets. After their performance of kata moves five judges make decision based on your performance and use flag system ( Blue or Red flag) to choose the winner.   

The Competitors are not allowed to repeat the same kata twice in the same round or even in a tie-breaker.  They should perform a different kata in different rounds.

“Don't think Kata as a dance or theatrical performance,” say the World Karate Federation (WKF)  established the rules. “Katas should consist of Standard values and priciples. 

“The movements of the katas should be practical in terms of fighting and displaying  power, potential impact, and concentration. Power, strength, speed, grace, rhythm, and balance should be demostrated in the kata.”

The competitors are judged 70 per cent based on the technical performance and 30 per cent based on the athletic display. The winner is decided by flags, one who gets more flag in his favour will win the match.  

Even though there are a lot of  forms of kata in existence in karate but, only 102 katas are approved by the World Karate Federation and are performed at WKF-recognized events.

“The kata's knowledge and understanding should be displayed along with Proper strength, accuracy, and attitude, and these are the basic aspects participants are judged on,”  

“What do you mean by Proper attitude? It means when a player comes into to the playing area his spirit, eye contact, posture and his state of mind are very important.”