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ITKF Competition Rules SynopsisAll the information contained within this text is taken from Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama's official ITKF Competition rule book. This is merely a synopsis of selected sections of that rule book for the advantage of competitors, it is in no way intended to take the place of the rule book itself and is not intended to be complete. It is strongly recommended that all Shotokan ITKF members should obtain a copy of the rule book for themselves in order to elaborate on the following text.KUMITEThe goal of both Shotokan and its tournaments is attaining the often too elusive Todome-waza (finishing blow). This is achieved by destroying an opponent's offensive power with proper physical and mental principles of execution, combining correct timing and Ma-ai (effective distance) delivered to a designated target zone. An Ippon (eight points and win) is denoted as the execution of a technique having met the above requirements with proper Kime (speed, power, and timing) and both physical and mental stability. This technique must also break your opponent's Kyo (mental and/or physical abilities) and momentum must be in the same direction as the technique. A Waza-ari (four points) is denoted as a technique slightly lacking body power, focus, stance, momentum, timing, distance (too close), or mental or physical equilibrium. However, a Waza-ari may be upgraded to Ippon if the opponent's Kyo is broken. Techniques delivered with the front/lead-leg can be awarded Waza-ari only. They cannot be awarded Ippon. Distance is considered correct when the angle and extension is such as to deliver proper Todome. This is listed as Jodan (face) = 5 cm or less for Tsuki (hand techniques) and 10 cm or less for Keri (foot techniques). Chudan (body) = 3 cm or less for Tsuki and 5 cm or less for Keri. No point is awarded for a technique having too much distance (i.e. too far away). Targets are as follows: Jodan = from eyebrow line to top of ears (not including the ears) and around the chin. Chudan = from waistline to armpit line not including the sides of the body. Kizami (jab) is only acceptable as a point if executed to Jodan. In the case of an opponent having his or her back to you, the sides and back are acceptable as Chudan. Acceptable striking techniques and body parts include punching, back-fist, knife-hand, ridge-hand, elbow, ball of foot, side of foot, heel, and knee. Unacceptable techniques include sweeps to knees, grabbing, pushing, dangerous throws, and attacks to the eyes, base of skull, throat, and groin. Timing not only involves delivering the first attack, but also includes the following: in the case of Keri (kicking), timing is considered correct when it does not receive an adequate block. A follow-up technique in the case of a falling opponent must be executed in a continuous and immediate manor. Simultaneous grabbing and technique are acceptable, but holding is not. A jump-kick is only acceptable as a point if executed and delivered during ascent. Uraken is considered acceptable if executed in a strong stance, even if only one foot is in full contact with the floor. A technique delivered with a competitor being Jogai (out of the ring) shall be considered invalid with the exception of it being executed simultaneously with exiting the ring. Two Jogai result in a penalty of Waza-ari awarded to the opponent (i.e. each Jogai = two-point penalty). Tento is a penalty situation used against a competitor who falls and makes contact with the floor with a body part other than hands or feet; the exception being that caused by a technique that makes physical contact (e.g. the kicks in Unsu). If a Jogai happens at the same time as Tento, both penalties shall apply. A Tento penalty results in the fallen competitor placing both heels on the boundary line in Shizen-tai position. The non-penalized competitor then faces the other in the same Shizen-tai stance. Both extend hands at arms length, fingertips touching, and the match resumes from this distance. Upon Hajime, the penalized competitor must wait for the non-penalized competitor to move first (having only 5 seconds to do so). If both competitors fall, then Tento is applied only to the first competitor to touch the ground with more than his or her hands and feet. Hansoku (foul) results in immediate disqualification and may be the result of the commission of a prohibited technique or two Chui (warnings) for the same violation. Moderate contact to an opponent moving away from you or heavy contact can also result in disqualification. Chui results in a four-point penalty for medium violations. Situations resulting in Chui include light contact to an opponent moving away or moderate contact to a stationary opponent. Keikoku is a formal warning for minor violations resulting in a two-point penalty. Situations resulting in Keikoku include light contact to a stationary opponent or moderate contact to an opponent moving into the technique. A verbal or informal warning may be given at any time and does not result in any point-penalty. Penalties for the same violation are cumulative. E.g. if you receive a Chui for contact and then, later, repeat the same offence, the next penalty must be Hansoku. If, however, you receive a Chui for one violation and then a second Chui for a *different* violation, this does not result in Hansoku. The same principle appies to two Keikoku: if they are for the same violation, the second penalty must be Chui. If they are for different violations, then they remain as two Keikoku with 2 penalty points each. And, again, the same principle applies to verbal warnings: a second verbal warning for the *same* violation must be up-graded to a Keikoku. Muno (lacking ability) is given to a competitor who does not exhibit competition ability in either offense or (especially) defense. Continual use of "face-blocks" will certainly result in Muno. This results in Shiikaku: disqualification for the entire tournament. It is simply unsafe for that competitor to continue. In the case of a draw (Hikiwake), the Kettei-sen (Termination-match) begins immediately with no breathing space. It lasts 30 seconds and the first Waza-ari or Ippon decides the competition. If there is no Waza-ari or Ippon, the match is decided by penalty points. If there are no penalty points, the match is decided by the Court Judges. In no circumstances can there be a second Kettei-sen. KATAKata point scoring is based upon body dynamics (degree or rate of power generated with proper breathing), power (including efficiency and focus, speed, and spirit), form (proper technique, balance, stance, posture, coherence, and mental and physical stability), and transition (timing, body-shifting, continuity, and tempo). It also includes mastery of the fine details of a technique and impression (demonstration of understanding of application and display of technical skill, grace, and spirit). The starting and ending position - all Shotokan Kata begin and end on the same spot, though this is not always the case in other schools - must also be the same (within a quarter-step). The twenty-six Shotokan kata are: Heian Shodan |