1. Kata competition takes the form of Team and Individual matches. Team matches consist of competition between three person teams. Each Team is exclusively male, or exclusively female. The Individual Kata match consists of individual performance in separate male and female divisions.

2. The elimination system with repechage will be applied.

3. Variations as taught by the contestant’s style (ryu-ha) of Karate will be permitted.

4. The score table will be notified of the choice of Kata prior to each round.

5. Contestants must perform a different Kata in each round. Once performed a Kata may not be repeated.

6. In the bouts for medals of Team Kata Competition, the Teams will perform their chosen Kata in the usual way. They will then perform a demonstration of the meaning of the Kata (BUNKAI). The total time allowed for the KATA & BUNKAI demonstration combined, is six minutes. The official timekeeper will start the countdown clock as the team members perform the bow upon starting the kata and will stop the clock at the final bow after the BUNKAI performance. A team which does not perform the bow at the beginning and completion of the performance, or which exceeds the six minute period allowed will be disqualified. The use of traditional weapons, ancillary equipment or additional apparel is not allowed.