1. Duration of the Kumite bout is defined as 3 minutes for Senior Male and Female Kumite (both teams and individuals). Under 21 years is 3 minutes for both the Male and the Female categories. Cadet and Junior bouts will be 2 minutes for both genders.

2. The timing of the bout starts when the Referee gives the signal to start, and stops each time the Referee calls “YAME”.

3. The timekeeper shall give signals by a clearly audible bell, or buzzer, indicating “15 seconds to go” and “time up”. The “time up” signal marks the end of the bout.

4. Competitors are entitled to a rest period between bouts, equal to the standard duration time of the bout. The exception is in the case of change of equipment colour, where this time is extended to five minutes.