ARTICLE 5: CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION
5.1 Official kata list
Only kata from the official kata list may be performed:
Note: Names of some kata are duplicated due to the variations customary in spelling in Romanization. In several instances a kata may be known under a different name from style (Ryuha) to style, — and in exceptional instances an identical name may in fact be a different kata from style to style.
5.2 Assessment
In assessing the performance of a Competitor or team, the Judges will evaluate the performance based on the two major criteria (technical performance and athletic performance).
The performance is evaluated from the bow starting the kata until the bow ending the kata with the exception of team medal matches, where the performance, as well as the timekeeping starts at the bow in the beginning of the kata and ends when the performers bow after completing the Bunkai.
Slight variation as taught by the Competitor’s style (Ryu- Ha) of Karate will be permitted.
Competitors must perform a different Kata in each round. Once performed a Kata may not be repeated — even if used as tie-breaker. Only kata listed in the above kata list are permitted.
5.3 Point system
Technical Performance and Athletic Performance are given separate score using the same scale from 5.0 to 10.0 in increments of .2 — where 5.0 represents the lowest score possible for a kata that is accepted as performed and 10.0 represents a perfect performance. A disqualification is indicated by a 0.0 score.
The system will eliminate the two highest and two lowest scores for respectively technical performance and athletic performance and calculate the total score which is weighed 70% for technical performance and 30% for athletic performance.
Bunkai are to be given equal importance as the kata itself.
5.4 Resolving draws
In the event that Competitor obtain the same number of poire only resolved when it is required to determine which Competitor will go on to the next round – or to determine the result of a medal contest.
Although scores in the match to determine the result of draw, the original score is retained in the record. The score given for the extra kata performed to resolve the draw is not used for changing the order of other Competitors qualified in the round,
5.5 Criteria for evaluation
Kata Performance | Bunkai Performance (applicable to team bouts for medals) |
|---|---|
1. Technical performance | 1. Technical performance |
2. Athletic performance | 2. Athletic performance |
5.6 Disqualification
A Competitor or a team of Competitors may be disqualified for any of the following reasons:
1. Performing the wrong kata or announcing the wrong kata.
2. Failing to bow at the beginning and completion of the kata performance.
3. A distinct pause or stop in the performance.
4. Interference with the function of the Judges (such as the Judge having to move for safety reasons or making physical contact with a Judge).
5. Belt falling off during the performance.
6. Exceeding the total time limit of 5 minutes duration for Kata and Bunkai.
7. Performing a scissor takedown technique to the neck area in Bunkai (Jodan Kani Basami)
8. Failure to follow the instructions of the Chief Judge or other misconduct.
5.7 Fouls
The following fouls, if apparent, must be considered:
a) Minor loss of balance.
b) Performing a movement in an incorrect or incomplete manner such as failure to fully execute a block or punching off target.
c) Asynchronous movement, such as delivering a technique before the body transition is completed, or in the case of team kata; failing to do a movement in unison.
d) Use of audible cues (from any other person, including other team members) or theatrics such as stamping the feet, slapping the chest, arms, or karategi, or inappropriate exhalation, must be considered very serious fouls by the Judges in their evaluation of the performance of the kata – on the same level as one would penalize a temporary loss of balance.
e) Belt coming loose to the extent that it is coming off the hips during the performance.
f) Time wasting, including prolonged marching, excessive bowing or prolonged pause before starting the performance.
g) Causing injury by lack of controlled technique during Bunkai.
EXPLANATION:
I. Kata is not a dance or theatrical performance. It must adhere to the traditional values and principles. It must be realistic in fighting terms and display concentration, power, and potential impact in its techniques. It must demonstrate strength, power, and speed — as well as grace, rhythm, and balance.
II. Playing unconscious while performing Bunkai is inappropriate: After being downed the competitor should either raise to one knee or stand up.
III. In Team Kata, all three team members must start the Kata facing in the same direction and towards the Judges.
IV. The members of the team must demonstrate competence in all aspects of the Kata performance, as well as synchronisation.
V. It is the sole responsibility of the Coach or in the absence of a Coach, the Competitor, to ensure that the Kata as notified to the Runner is appropriate for that particular round.
VI. Although performing a scissor takedown technique to the neck (Kani Basami) area in performing Bunkai is prohibited, a scissor takedown to the body is permitted.
VII. When resolving draws the Competitors original score is retained. Considerations of other scores for determining the winner between equally scoring Competitors does not change the official score.
VIII. Sample of result of assessment:
IX. For competitions not counting for WKF World Ranking or Olympic standing, the number of judges may be reduced to 5 — in which case only the highest and lowest score of a Competitor is eliminated instead of the two highest and two lowest.