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 (ryu-ha) to style, — and in exceptional instances an identical name may in fact be a different kata from style to style.

In assessing the performance of a contestant or team the Judges will evaluate the performance based on equal weight of each of the main criteria.

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.

All of the three major criteria are to be given equal importance in the evaluation of the performance.

Bunkai are to be given equal importance as the kata itself.

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 6 minutes duration for Kata and Bunkai.

7) Failure to follow the instructions of the Chief Judge or other misconduct.

The following fouls, if apparent, must be considered in the evaluation according to above criteria.

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 karate-gi, or inappropriate exhalation, will automatically be penalized by the judges deducting the total portion of the score for the technical performance of the kata (and thus losing one third of the total score for the performance)

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.

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. The individual judge must evaluate if, in his or her opinion, that the kata performed can be accepted as a variation of traditional kata in accordance with kata listed in the WKF official kata list.

III. In Team Kata, all three team members must start the Kata facing in the same direction and towards the Chief Judge.

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 the competitor to ensure that the Kata as notified to the score table is appropriate for that particular round.