The document summarizes changes to the World Karate Federation (WKF) competition rules that take effect on January 1, 2015, with some exceptions. Key changes include allowing reversed mats instead of tape to mark fighter positions, optional religious headgear for referees, removal of the face mask requirement for cadets from 2016 onward, and various updates to prohibited behaviors, scoring criteria, weight categories, and kata rules. The changes aim to simplify and clarify rules across kumite and kata competitions.

1. SUMMARY OF WKF COMPETITION RULES CHANGES FFECTIVE FROM 1.1.2015 *)
*) with the exception of removal of face mask first valid from 1.1.106
Page 1 of 2
Item Change Rule references
01 Using reversed mats instead of tape to mark
positions of fighters.
KUMITE Art.1 Kumite Competition area
APPEDIX 5, second illustration
02 Allowing religiously mandated head-garments
approved by WKF for referees.
KUMITE Art. 2 OFFICIAL DRESS, REFEREES pt.2
03 Removing face mask as compulsory protective
equipment for cadets from 1.1.2016
KUMITE Art. 2 OFFICIAL DRESS, CONTESTANTS pt. 8.6
(First effective from 1.1.16 in consideration of existing
sponsor agreements with equipment vendors.)
04 Jacket ties must be tied. Jackets without ties may
not be used.
KUMITE Art. 2 OFFICIAL DRESS, CONTESTANTS pt. 2
05 Requiring formal wear for coaches during finals. KUMITE Art. 2 OFFICIAL DRESS, COACHES pt. 1
06 Rewording of requirement for not changing
names of competitors after official drawing in
individual matches.
KUMITE Art. 3 ORGINSATION OF KUMITE
COMPETITION, pt. 2
07 Removal of additional time for medal bouts.
(There will no longer be added one minute)
KUMITE Art. 5 DURATION OF BOUT, pt. 1
08 All fighters will be allowed a rest and change
period equal to standard match time between
bouts – and a full 5 minutes where change of the
color of the equipment is required.
KUMITE Art. 6.4 (added)
09 Follow up after takedown changed from “2
seconds” to “immediate”
KUMITE Article 6, Explanation I
10 Simplification of definition of Zanshin. KUMITE Article 6, Explanation VI
11 Reference to face mask removed in anticipation
of change delayed to 1.1.16 (elimination of face
mask). No change in practice per 1.1.15
KUMITE Article 6, Explanation IX
12 How to handle double disqualifications in
eliminations versus medal matches.
KUMITE Art 7. CRITERIA FOR DECITION , (new) pt. 5
KATA Art. 6.6
13 Prohibits grasping with both hands. Grasping
with one hand allowed only when immediately
following on with a scoring technique, a
takedown – or holding on in breaking a fall.
Grabbing with both hands only allowed in
executing a takedown upon catching a kick.
KUMITE Art. 8 PROHIBITED BEHAVIOUR, CATEGORY 2,
pt. 6 & 7 and Explanation XII
14 Passivity cannot be penalized after less than 10
seconds left of the match.
KUMITE Art. 8 PROHIBITED BEHAVIOUR, CATEGORY 2
15 Reference to face mask removed in anticipation
of change delayed to 1.1.16 (elimination of face
mask). No change in practice per 1.1.15
KUMITE Art. 8 PROHIBITED BEHAVIOUR, CATEGORY 2
Explanations III
16 Special provision for use of video review. Panel
will be two persons appointed by Tatami
Manager. Change of verdict only if both panel
judges agree.
Voting procedures requiring both video panel
members to agree in order to change a decision
in favor of a point claimed by coach.
KUMITE Art. 11, OFFICIAL PROTEST, (new) pt. 13 &
APPENDIX 3 OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR REFEREE
AND JUDGES, VOTING PROCEDURES
17 Division of work where Referee will handle
penalties and judges will handle points and jogai.
KUMITE Art. 12, POWERS AND DUTIES
18 Explanation for signal for holding etc. changed
from 2 seconds to immediate
APPENDIX 2, GESTURES AND FLAG SIGNALS

2. SUMMARY OF WKF COMPETITION RULES CHANGES FFECTIVE FROM 1.1.2015 *)
*) with the exception of removal of face mask first valid from 1.1.106
Page 2 of 2
Item Change Rule references
19 Adjusted to term “immediate” rather than 2
seconds and to reflect that judges only indicate
scores and jogai before match is stopped by
referee.
Article 13, STARTING , SUSPENDING AND ENEDING OF
MATCHES, Point 8
20 Article governing who can change the rules
removed in accordance with current practaice.
ARTICLE 14: MODIFICATIONS
21 Additional sentence to include video review APPENDIX 3, OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES, VOTING
PROCEDURES
22 Change of weight categories APPENDIX 8
23 Time for scoring after throw changed to
immediate rather than 2 seconds.
KUMITE Art. 13, STARTING, SUSPENDING AND ENDING
OF MATCHES, Pt .8
24 Article taken out as rules are approved by EC. KUMITE Art. 14, MODIFICATIONS
25 Re-instatement and updating of kata list KATA Art. 5, CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION
26 “School” changed to “style (ryu-ha)” KATA Art. 5, CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION
27 Evaluation criteria changed from 4 to 3.
(Difficulty is now part of Technical Performance )
KATA Art. 5, CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION
28 Change of bowing procedure. Bow before and
after kata. Failing to bow before and after kata
are grounds for disqualification.
KATA Art. 5, CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION
KATA Art. 6, OPERATION OF MATCHES Pt. II
29 Penalty for loosening of belt. Disqualification for
loss of belt.
KATA Art. 5, CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION,
Disqualification
30 “..stop in the performance for several seconds.”
changed to “..stop in the performance.”
KATA Art. 5, CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION,
Disqualification / Fouls
31 Use of audible signals, inappropriate exhalation
or slapping of the gi will give an automatic
reduction of 1/3 of the score.
KATA Art. 5, CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION,
Disqualification / Fouls
32 Judges responsible for evaluation of
conformance to kata list.
KATA Art. 5, CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION, Explanation,
(new) Pt. II
33 Shugo for purpose of recommending
disqualification.
KATA Art. 6, OPERATION OF MATCHES, Pt. 6.3
34 Re-use of same kata in next round possible if
opponent withdraws.
KATA Art. 6, OPERATIONS OF MATCHES
35 Removed last paragraph as no longer applicable. APPENDIX 3
THROWING AND INJURIES
Note: This summary is issued for reference only, and may mat be interpreted as an addition or formal explanation to the rules adopted.