1) The document outlines the rules and procedures for WKF kata competition. It divides competitors into groups and uses a bracket system to determine the top performers who advance to later rounds and potential medal matches. 2) Technical and athletic performance are separately scored on a scale from 5.0 to 10.0, with technical performance making up 70% of the total score. Fouls and disqualifications are also defined. 3) Depending on the number of competitors, they will be divided into groups and rounds in order to narrow the field down to eventual medal winners through successive kata performances. The top scorers from each group advance at each stage.

1. WKF KATA
COMPETITION RULES
Effective from
1st January 2019
© WKF/J. Escalante, March 2019

2. NEW PARA-KARATE RULES FROM 1ST Jan. 2019

3. TATAMI (SAME DIMENSIONS AS KUMITE)

4. textDiscreet white cord!
BLACK
whistle

5. Seven Judges officiating
Coach
ST
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

6. (ST) SOFTWARE
TECHNICIAN
(TM)TATAMI
MANAGER
(R) RUNNER

7. THE ST (OPERATOR)
AND ANNOUNCER
MAY BE THE SAME
PERSON
MEDAL BOUTS
TEAM KATA
TIME KEEPER
KATA & BUNKAI

8. COACH
J7 J6 J5 J4 J3 J2 J1 ST TM RUNNER

9. 4 Tatami in a row
Coach

10. Tatami back to back

11. Only the tablets
on the table
Nothing else!
Don't keep the
Tablets in your
hands under the
performance!

12. BEHAVE PLEASE!
NO TALKING - NO LAUGHING
DON'T LOOK AT EACH OTHERS TABLETS

13. TYPE
OF
TABLETS

14. JUDGE 3 0.7 TECHNICAL - 0.3 ATHLETIC
MARIA ERIKSSON - SWE KANKU DAI
TEC. 8.2 7.8 ATH.
RESET OK CANCEL
ONE EXAMPLE OF TABLET LAYOUT

15. The same panel must be deployed
for all Competitors in a group

16. When bowing... Don’t do this!!

17. At the start of each round
Competitors/teams, will line up at the
match area perimeter facing the Judges
Following the bows SHOMEN NI REI
and OTAGAI NI REI, the Competitors will
then step back out of the Match Area

18. ANNOUNCING THE COMPETITOR

19. COMPETITORS
Wait for the
results inside
the Tatami

20. COMPETITOR´S RESULTS

21. When the
results are given
the Competitor
bows again and
leaves the Tatami

22. Upon completion of each group,
all athletes will line up
The operator (speaker) will announce the
top four that will pass to the next round
The name of the top four
will be shown on the monitor
The Competitors will then bow and leave the Tatami

23. FOUR BEST TO THE NEXT ROUND

24. After moving in to the starting position
Bow, announce the Kata and begin...
When finishing the kata
Bow again and wait
for the result...
After the result
Bow again and
leave the Tatami!

25. Runners must be familiar
with the WKF Kata list
The TM is responsible for overseeing
the operation of the Runner
Kata list group 2

26. COMPETITORS
TEAMS
Must wear a
plain red or blue
belt, as per
designated pool

27. Only kata from the official
kata list may be performed
Slight variations as taught by
the contestant’s style (Ryu-ha)
of Karate will be permitted

28. KATA
LIST
1 Anan 35 Jiin 69 Passai
2 Anan Dai 36 Jion 70 Pinan Shodan
3 Ananko 37 Jitte 71 Pinan Nidan
4 Aoyagi 38 Juroku 72 Pinan Sandan
5 Bassai 39 Kanchin 73 Pinan Yondan
6 Bassai Dai 40 Kanku Dai 74 Pinan Godan
7 Bassai Sho 41 Kanku Sho 75 Rohai
8 Chatanyara Kusanku 42 Kanshu 76 Saifa
9 Chibana No Kushanku 43 Kishimono No Kushanku 77 Sanchin
10 Chinte 44 Kousoukun 78 Sansai
11 Chinto 45 Kousoukun Dai 79 Sanseiru
12 Enpi 46 Kousoukun Sho 80 Sanseru
13 Fukyugata Ichi 47 Kururunfa 81 Seichin
14 Fukyugata Ni 48 Kusanku 82 Seienchin (Seiyunchin)
15 Gankaku 49 Kyan No Chinto 83 Seipai
16 Garyu 50 Kyan No Wanshu 84 Seiryu
17 Gekisai (Geksai) 1 51 Matsukaze 85 Seishan
18 Gekisai (Geksai) 2 52 Matsumura Bassai 86 Seisan (Sesan)
19 Gojushiho 53 Matsumura Rohai 87 Shiho Kousoukun
20 Gojushiho Dai 54 Meikyo 88 Shinpa
21 Gojushiho Sho 55 Myojo 89 Shinsei
22 Hakusho 56 Naifanchin Shodan 90 Shisochin
23 Hangetsu 57 Naifanchin Nidan 91 Sochin
24 Haufa (Haffa) 58 Naifanchin Sandan 92 Suparinpei
25 Heian Shodan 59 Naihanchi 93 Tekki Shodan
26 Heian Nidan 60 Nijushiho 94 Tekki Nidan
27 Heian Sandan 61 Nipaipo 95 Tekki Sandan
28 Heian Yondan 62 Niseishi 96 Tensho
29 Heian Godan 63 Ohan 97 Tomari Bassai
30 Heiku 64 Ohan Dai 98 Unshu
31 Ishimine Bassai 65 Oyadomari No Passai 99 Unsu
32 Itosu Rohai Shodan 66 Pachu 100 Useishi
33 Itosu Rohai Nidan 67 Paiku 101 Wankan
34 Itosu Rohai Sandan 68 Papuren 102 Wanshu

29. There will be no repechage
Ties will be solved by
performing a new Kata

30. KATA & BUNKAI EVALUATION
1. Technical performance
70%
2. Athletic performance
30%

31. Technical Performance and Athletic
Performance are given separate score
Scale is from 5.0 to 10.0
with increments of .2
7.0 – 7.2 – 7.4 – 7.6 – 7.8 – 8.0

32. 5.0: Lowest score possible
7.0: Average good Kata
10.0: Perfect performance
0.0: Disqualification
SCALE OF SCORES

33. SAMPLE OF RESULT OF ASSESSMENT
JUDGE 1 JUDGE 2 JUDGE 3 JUDGE 4 JUDGE 5 JUDGE 6 JUDGE 7 TOTAL FACTOR RESULT
TECHNICAL 8.0 8.2 7.8 7.8 8.4 8.4 8.2 24.4 0.7 17.10
PERFORMANCE
ATHLETIC 7.8 8.2 7.8 8.2 8.2 8.4 8.4 24.6 0.3 7.38
PERFORMANCE
TOTAL: 24.48

34. RESOLVING DRAWS
SAME NUMBER OF POINTS... NEW KATA
Only to resolve which Competitor go on to
the next round or who wins a medal
The score given for the extra Kata to resolve the
draw cannot be used for changing the order of
other Competitors qualified in the round

35. TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
KATA
Stances
Techniques
Transitional movements
Timing
Correct breathing
Focus (KIME)
Conformance Consistence of the Kihon

36. TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
BUNKAI
Stances
Techniques
Transitional movements
Timing
Control
Focus (KIME)
Conformance to Kata
Using the actual movements
as in the Kata!

37. The total time allowed for KATA & BUNKAI
demonstration is FIVE (5)minutes

38. ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
KATA & BUNKAI
Strength
Speed
Balance

39. POWER
Mass of the body
Acceleration (SPEED)

40. The countdown clock will start when the
team bow upon starting the kata
The countdown clock will stop at the final bow
after the Bunkai performance

41. Playing unconscious while
performing Bunkai is inappropriate!

42. After being downed the competitor should
either raise to one knee or stand up

43. KATA IS NOT A DANCE
OR THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE

44. ONCE PERFORMED A KATA MAY NOT BE REPEATED
EVEN IF USED AS TIE-BREAKER

45. The use of traditional weapons
or other equipment is not allowed

46. It is the responsibility of the Coach
or the competitor(s)
to ensure that the Kata notified to
the Runner is the appropriate
for that particular round!

47. Team Kata, all 3 members must start the
Kata facing in the same direction and
towards the Chief Judge

48. Team not performing the bows: DISQUALIFICATION
Exceeding FIVE minutes Kata/Bunkai DISQUALIFICATION

49. DOUBLE DISQUALIFICATION MATCH FOR MEDAL
NEW KATA
MUST BE
DONE

50. FOULS
Balance
Minor loss of balance
Movements
Performing a movement in an incorrect or incomplete manner
Failure to fully execute a block or technique
Punching off target

51. FOULS
Synchronization
Asynchronous movement
Delivering a technique before
the body transition is completed
Team Kata; failing to do a movement in unison

52. FOULS
Audible cues
Stamping the feet - slapping the chest - arms - Gi
Inappropriate exhalation!!!
Must be considered very serious fouls
by the judges in their evaluation!
Same level as penalization for temporary loss of balance

53. FOULS
Time wasting
Including prolonged marching & excessive bowing
Prolonged pause before starting the performance
Injury
Causing injury by lack of controlled technique during Bunkai

54. Belt coming loose
FOUL
Belt falling off
DISQUALIFICATION

55. DISQUALIFICATION
Performing/announcing the wrong kata
Failing to bow at the beginning and
completion of the performance

56. DISQUALIFICATION
A distinct pause or stop in the
performance for several seconds
Interference with the function of the judges

57. DISQUALIFICATION
Exceeding the time limit of
5 minutes for Kata and Bunkai
Belt falling off during the performance

58. DISQUALIFICATION
Failure to follow the instructions
of the Chief Judge/misconduct

59. DISQUALIFICATION
Jodan
Kani Basami
Leg scissor
takedown

60. TEAM KATA...
ONE MEMBER OF THE TEAM
CHANGES A TECHNIQUE
DISQUALIFICATION!

61. DISQUALIFICATION
JUDGE/JUDGES
0.0
IN THE EVALUATION

62. KIKEN KATA
TATAMI MANAGER
INSTRUCTS THE
SOFTWARE TECHNICIAN
TO PUT 0.0 TO THE COMPETITOR

63. The number of Competitors determines the
number of groups during the elimination rounds
Number of
Competitors
Number of
groups
Number of Kata
performed to win
Competitors in the
second round
2 1 1 Zero (No second round)
3 1 1 Zero (No second round)
4 2 2 Medal Bout (only for gold)
5 to 10 2 2 Medal Bout
11 to 24 2 3 8 Competitors
25 to 48 4 4 16 Competitors
49 to 96 8 4 32 Competitors
97 or more 16 5 64 Competitors

64. Elimination principles
Dividing the Competitors/Teams
in equal number groups of eight
For each round reduce the number of
Competitors/Teams per group to 4
passing on to the next round
until only two groups remain

65. 8x8: 64
12x8: 96
12x16:192

66. MERGING TWO GROUPS INTO ONE
2: 26,6
3: 26,8
6: 27,3
7: 27,4
1: 26,2
4: 27,0
5: 27,0
8: 27,6
POOL 1
BY POINTS
POOL 2
BY POINTS

67. MERGING
SEMI
FINALS
1 2 3 4

68. MERGING IN THE SEMIFINALS
D: 27,5
A: 27,8
H: 27,1
E: 27,4
POOL 1 & 2
POOL 3 & 4
A: 27,8
B: 27,7
C: 27,6
D: 27,5
E: 27,4
F: 27,2
G: 27,2
H: 27,1
TATAMI 1C: 27,6
B: 27,7
F: 27,2
G: 27,2
TATAMI 2
TATAMI 2
TATAMI 1
TATAMI 1
TATAMI 1
TATAMI 2
TATAMI 2
Ranking/
Coin toss

69. The basic number of
Competitors per group is 8
Between 65 and 96 the
Competitors are distributed over
8 groups to a maximum of
12 per group

70. Should the number of Competitors be 97 or
more, the number of groups are doubled to 16
Always select the first four of each
group leaving 8 groups of 8 Competitors
64 Competitors will go
for the second round

71. THE NORMAL PROCEDURE
Highest scoring Competitor of each group
will compete for 1st and 2nd place.
Number 2 will meet number 3 from
the other group and vice versa
3 OR LESS COMPETITORS
A single kata is performed to determine
1st through 3rd place

72. 4 COMPETITORS
2 groups of two are formed for the first round and the
two winners meet to compete for
1st while the two losers are placed 3rd
5 to 10 COMPETITORS
2 groups and the three highest scoring
of each group go on to medal matches

73. ONLY 5 COMPETITORS
The number 2 competitor in the larger
group will win his/her 3rd place on bye
11-24 COMPETITORS
Two groups are formed!
After the first Kata the top 4 competitors in each group
compete against each other within the group (second Kata)
The 3 best Competitors from each group proceed
to compete in the third round for the medals (third Kata)

74. 25-48 COMPETITORS
Four (4) groups are formed!
1. After the first Kata the top 4 competitors from each
group will pass to the second round.
2. In the second round, 16 competitors are divided in 2
groups in 2 Tatami (8 contestant for each group) and
the second Kata will be performed.

75. 25-48 COMPETITORS
Four (4) groups are formed!
3. After the second round the 4 best competitors for
each group (eight in total) will pass to the third round.
In the third round, these 8 contestants are divided into
2 groups (4 contestants for each group) and perform
the third kata.
4. After the third round the 3 best competitors will pass
to the medal bouts, performing the fourth Kata.

76. 12
4
8
4
12
4
4
3
8
4
4
3
12
4
12
4
2nd. Kata
3rd. Kata
4th. Kata
1st. Kata
1 1
2 2
3 3
25 - 48
competitors

77. WHO IS AKA
&
WHO IS AO

78. Tatami 1 Tatami 2 Tatami 3 Tatami 4
Pool 1 R6 Pool 3 R7 Pool 5 R5 Pool 7 R8
1st. KATA 1st. KATA 1st. KATA 1st. KATA
A K A 1st. Round A K A 1st. Round A K A 1st. Round A K A 1st. Round
Pool 2 R3 Pool 4 R2 Pool 6 R4 Pool 8 R1
1st. KATA 1st. KATA 1st. KATA 1st. KATA
A K A 1st. Round A K A 1st. Round A K A 1st. Round A K A 1st. Round
Four (4) Competitors from each Pool

79. Pool 1 + 2 Pool 3+ 4 Pool 5 + 6 Pool 7+ 8
2nd. KATA 2nd. KATA 2nd. KATA 2nd. KATA
A O 2nd. Round A O 2nd. Round A O 2nd. Round A O 2nd. Round
Pool 1 + 2 Pool 5+ 6
Pool 3+ 4 3rd. ROUND - SEMIFINALS Pool 7 + 8
3rd. KATA 3rd. KATA
A K A A K A
3 Competitors 3 Competitors
MEDAL BOUTS

80. 1 1
3 3
Gold & Silver
22 Bronze
Bronze
AKA or AO?
24,2: AKA
24,5: AO
The competitor
with lowest
points begins!
Same points?
Ranking 1st day
registrationCoin toss!

81. AKA or AO?
In the event of only 3 Competitors
either red or blue belts may be assigned
to all the Competitors
In the event of only 2 Competitors
one red and one blue belt
may be assigned using coin toss!

82. RESULTS MEDAL BOUTS
FEMALE KATA R4 GOLD MEDAL
BJERKE MARIA (NOR) 26,4
25.2ERIKSSON EVA (SWE)
1.
2.

83. AFTER MEDAL BOUTS
Judge 1 announces the winner
”AKA (AO) NO KACHI”

84. AFTER THAT…
”OTAGAI NI REI” & ”SHOMEN NI REI”

85. MANUAL ADAPTATION OF THE SYSTEM
Hand-held scoreboards may be used

86. The signal to display the scoreboards
(Hantei) will be given by the Chief Judge
by blowing his/her whistle
A second signal will be given to put down
the scoreboard once the announcer has
announced all the scores

87. TATAMI 2
KATA JUNIOR MALE - POOL2
MATTIAS KARLSSON - ÖRE KARATE CLUB (SWE)
KANKU DAI
8,1 7,9 8,0 8,2 7,8 7,9 8,3
24,0

88. Only one score is given to include both
the technical and athletic performance
The Judges must keep in mind that
70% is for the technical performance
and 30% for the athletic
Any tie will be solve
by performing a new Kata

89. The panel may be reduced to five
Only the highest and lowest scores
are eliminated from the total
FOR COMPETITIONS NOT
COUNTING FOR WKF RANKING

90. The use of the flag system is recognized
as a transitional arrangement up to
31st. December 2019
FOR NATIONAL FEDERATIONS

91. KARATE GI

92. Jacket without marks on the shoulders
GOOD FOR ALL COMPETITIONS
(except for the Grand Winners at PL)
GOOD FOR ALL COMPETITIONS
(except for the Grand Winners at PL)
Jacket with white marks on the shoulders

93. Jacket with Red and Blue marks
MANDATORY FOR GRAND WINNERS!
(PL Grand Winners from the year before)
GOOD ONLY FOR K1 COMPETITIONS
(except for the Grand Winners at PL)
Jacket with Gold marks

94. Jacket with Gold marks
World Champion Ind. Categories
But only at the World Championships
TEAMS World Champions
(National Federation)
All 3 or 5 or nobody!
But only at the
World Championships

95. IT IS NOT…
The name of the competitor
or the National Federation
THAT MATTERS!
It is the competitor’s performance
during the actual bout, nothing else!!

96. OUR FUTURE... Please handle with care!

97. GOOD
LUCK!