Please note that this is a guide. USKFI are the organisation responsible for organising and running competitions. The methods for grouping, dividing and officiating events is the sole responsibility of USKFI. The information below is our effort to summarise competition, but under no circumstances should you consider it as official.
At various times throughout the year, our parent organisation USKFI holds competitions for affiliated clubs. Competitions are only for Orange belt and above. There are two categories of events that can be held within a competition.
Kata Event
All students are encouraged to enter the kata event at competition.
The kata event is comprised of elimination rounds and a final. Entrants are grouped by gender, age and grade. Events for competitors under 10 years old are generally mixed, with both boys and girls competing. Events for older competitors will be grouped by gender.
In elimination rounds two students will perform the same kata together. The kata to be performed is selected by the referee when the competitors are called forward. When the kata is complete, a panel of judges will signify the winner by raising their flags. In the event of a draw, they competitors will be asked to perform either the same or a different kata, after which a winner will be selected. The winner proceeds to the next round and eventually to the final, which is usually held later in the day.
In the kata final, competitors are called forward one at a time and they choose which kata they wish to perform. When the competitor has finished their kata, the judges award them a score. The competitor with the highest score wins.
Kumite Event
The kumite is comprised of elimination rounds and a final. The event is divided into 3 categories based on the gender, age and grade of the competitor. Competitors in all kumite events must wear mitts. Generally, prescription glasses are not allowed to be worn in kumite, competitors must wear sports eye protection.
Sanbon Kumite (like Grading)
For all students aged under 10 years old, Orange to Yellow Belt.
Eligible students under 10 should consider entering this event, as it closely reflects partner work performed in a grading and during class.
Two competitors take turns to perform a prescribed set of attacks and a prescribed set of blocks. This is similar to basic partner work performed at nearly every class in the dojo. The attacks are:
- Jodan oi tsuki
- Chudan oi tsuki
The blocks are:
- Age uke
- Soto uke
After both sides have performed the attacks / blocks, the judges signal the winner with flags.
Kihon Ippon Jumite (like Grading)
For all students aged under 10 years old, Green to Black belt.
Eligible students under 10 should consider entering this event, as it closely reflects partner work performed in a grading and exercises during class.
Two competitors take turns to perform a prescribed set of attacks / defence. This is similar to basic partner work performed at nearly every class in the dojo. The attacks are:
- Johan oi tsuki
- Chudan oi tsuki
- Chudan mae geri
- Chudan yoko geri
The defender can choose from a prescribed list of blocks in order to counter each attack. After both sides have performed the attacks / blocks, the judges signal the winner with flags.
All eligible students under 10 should consider entering this event, as it closely reflects partner work performed during class and at grading.
Jiyu Kumite (Sparring)
For all students aged 10 or over, regardless of grade.
Eligible students who have never been at competition before should not enter kumite events until they are familiar and confident with full sparing kumite.
Two competitors face each other in a full sparring match with mitts and gumshields. The competitors are grouped on gender, age and height. In all cases boys only compete against boys, and girls only compete against girls.
- Competitors aged 10 to 11 years old, regardless of height compete against each other.
- Competitors aged 12 to 15 years old, and under 5’3″, compete against each other
- Competitors aged 12 to 15 years old, and 5’3″ or over, compete against each other.
The referee or judges award points for successful attacks during the match. The winner is announced by the referee after the 2 minute match time has elapsed, or when one competitor reaches the required points.
The following breakdown of events, taken from a 2023 competition will give you some idea of the breakdown by gender, age and grade.
Kata Events
- Children’s Kata 10yrs and under orange – purple belt mixed
- Girls’ Kata 11-15yrs orange – purple belt
- Boys’ Kata 11-15yrs orange – purple belt
- Girls’ Kata under 16yrs brown – black belt
- Girls’ Kata under 16yrs brown – black belt
- Senior Kata 16yrs and over orange – purple belt, mixed
- Senior Male Kata 16yrs and over brown – black belt
- Senior Female Kata 16yrs and over brown – black belt
- Childrens’ Team Kata (Under 16 years)
- Adults’ Team Kata (16 years and over)
Kumite Events
- Children’s Sambon Kumite orange – yellow belts 6 – 9years
- Children’s Ippon Kumite green – black belts 6 – 9 years
- Boys’ Ind. Kumite 10 – 11yrs 5’3” and under
- Boys’ Ind. Kumite 12–15yrs 5’3” and under
- Boys’ Ind. Kumite 10–15yrs over 5’3
- Junior Male Ind. Kumite 16 – 20 yrs
- Girl’s Ind. Kumite 10 – 11yrs 5’3” and under
- Girl’s Ind. Kumite 12– 15yrs 5’3” and under
- Girl’s Ind. Kumite 10–15yrs over 5’3 Junior Female Ind. Kumite
We encourage all orange belts and above to enter a kata event at competition. Students under 10 should also try kumite, as it is just like the partner exercises performed at a grading. Students over 10 years of age and who gave little or no experience of kumite at competition should discuss kumite participation with Sensei.
Images courtesy of USKFI