Kumite

NON-CONTACT KUMITE DIVISIONS

DURATION

Matches vary in length but are usually limited from one to one and a half minutes. Please note there are no draws in the continuous non-contact divisions.

SCORING

Though no "points" are actually called during a match, the number of CLEAN DECISIVE TECHNIQUES scored during the match is usually the main determining factor in the decision of the continuous non-contact matches. To be a CLEAN DECISIVE TECHNIQUE the following conditions must apply:

• An accurate effective and powerful punch, strike or kick must be delivered to a recognized target area. The target areas simply are kicks above the belt level (excluding the back) and strikes with the hands to the body level (excluding the back)
• The attack must have good form, good attitude, strong vigor, proper timing and adequate distance (usually within 15 - 25 cm) and must have KIai incorporated with it
• Both competitors must be in the ring
• The technique must occur during the duration of the match, no techniques will be recognized after Yame is announced
• The use of Zanshin after a clean decisive technique is encouraged

ILLEGAL TECHNIQUES

Fouls will be given when any prohibited technique is performed. These techniques are:

KNOCKDOWN

DURATIONS

• Children's Divisions
• 1- 1.5 min
• Youth Divisions
• 1.5 - 2 min, No extension
• Senior Divisions
• 2 min, No extension
• Open
• 2 min, 2 extensions allowed (2 min each); 3 min in Semi-final and Final rounds. If still no decision then decision goes to weight; the lighter participant is given the victory, (if closer than 3 kg) then greatest number of boards broken

SCORING

• Excluding the techniques listed as fouls, a thrust, kick, or strike which downs the opponent for less than three seconds or results in the opponent's loss of will to fight, after which time they stands up and resumes the match, scores one half-point
• Excluding the techniques listed as fouls, a thrust, kick, or strike which downs the opponent for three seconds or longer, or results in the opponent's loss of will to fight scores one full-point
• Any legal technique that causes the opponent to loose balance enough that they must put both hands on the mat, followed by a reverse punch towards the downed opponent and an immediate proper position that displays ones zanshin may score one half-point
• In the Senior and Adult divisions:
  • Any clean landing kick to the head (Light contact for Senior) followed by a reverse punch towards the opponent along with a proper Zanshin position and kiai may score one half-point.
  • A clean sweep (opponent must land on back) followed by a reverse punch towards the downed opponent and an immediate proper Zanshin position and kiai may score one half-point
  • A clean sweep (opponent must land on back) followed by a reverse punch that makes contact to the downed opponents body and an immediate proper Zanshin position and kiai may score one full-point
  • *Clean landing kicks and sweeps are at the sole  judgement of the officials
  • Attacking with kick after being swept down is allowed

 ILLEGAL TECHNIQUES

• Touching the opponent's neck and face even slightly with a hand or elbow. However, faking to the face is allowed. (Ganmen Ouda)
• Groin kicks (Kinteki-eno-kogeki)
• Head thrusts (Zu-tsuki)
• Attacking the knee joint from the front. (Kensetsu-eno-kogeki)
• Attacking an opponent who is already down. (taoreta-aite-eno-kogeki)
• Attacking an opponent back. (Sebone-eno-kogeki)
• Grabbing or hooking the opponent's neck.(Kake)
• Grabbing or holding the opponent's uniform (Do-gi), arms, legs or hair. (It must be noted that in the youth, senior and adult divisions, specific hooking of the opponents legs is allowed for sweeping techniques)
• Repeated intentional pushing of the opponent. (It must be noted that in the youth, senior and adult divisions one push with one hand/elbow/forearm or with both hands is allowed) (Renzoku-shiteno-oshi)
• Such repeated actions as falling down excessively after throwing a technique or otherwise obvious no-contact techniques suggesting the fighter has lost the will or strength to participate.
• Being inactive and not throwing any techniques.
• Displaying manners that would be considered as having a poor attitude towards competition such as spitting, using foul language, and untying the belt or intentionally disrobing.
• Any other actions that the referees may regard as foul.
• Stepping out of bounds while not engaged in match (ie fighting back)*
• Not bowing properly (in and out of the ring, during referee commands, or when given an official warning/minus point)* (Fujuubun-na-rei)
• Untidy attire, for example, Having belt come loose and fall off* (Chakui-no-midare)

 MODIFIED RULES

• Children's Divisions
• No contact with kicks to the head
• No collar bone strikes.
• The use of Zanshin is encouraged after an opponent is knocked down or loses the will to fight.
• Individuals risk immediate disqualification with any kick that makes contact to the head.
• Youth Divisions (13 - 17)
• No contact with kicks to the head (individuals risk disqualification with kicks that make contact to the head).No contact with kicks to the head
• No collar bone strikes
• No contact with any technique on or below the knee.
• The use of Zanshin is encouraged after an opponent is knocked down or loses the will to fight. 
• ​Sweeping (above the knee) is allowed, one push is allowed with either one or both hands.
• Defending from ground after being swept is allowed with kick (only to legal areas of body)
• Senior Divisions
• No contact with any technique on or below the knee
• Light touch to the head may score half point if followed with Zanshin while excessive contact to the head may result in an immediate disqualification, one push allowed, sweeping allowed, no forward roll kick
• Open
• The IKOKC does not allow forward roll kick in competition