Karate as a Sport

Since its introduction to Japan, karate has been adapted for practice as a competitive sport, although unlike other martial arts such as taekwondo or judo it does not possess Olympic status as an "Olympic Sport". The World Karate Federation (WKF) is the only recognised International Sport Federation by International Olympic Committee (IOC) for Karate and represents the major uniform rules among all styles.

All the countries are organised through one national karate federation, recognised by each official national sports governing body and National Olympic Committee. Each continent had one federation for continental karate activities. Each country organises their own karate championships following WKF (World Karate Federation) rules.

Competition can be in three disciplines: kumite, kata or kobudo (weapons); competitors may enter either as individuals or as part of a team.

Kumite

In Kumite there are two fighters paired in a timed fight (three or five minutes). Scores (Ipon, Nihon and Sanbon - 1, 2 and 3 points) are awarded by evaluation of the punch or kicking technique depending from target location and tactical situation (a simple punch to chest or face is ipon - 1 point - but if delivered after an allowed throwing is sanbon - 3 points - for instance).

Speed, timing and tremendous accuracy are highly required for kumite competitors to score. Each punch or kick must be delivered with absolute control of the final contact regarding the target area. Scores are awarded by the kumite refereeing panel (one referee and tree or five judges) only if there are no injuries on the target area. Penalties also are given to control fault on contact and forbidden behaviour.

Kata

In Kata, there are two contestants on each bout (Aka - red belt - and Ao - Blue belt), and final evaluation for the best performance between two contestants is done by a panel of Kata judges. In team Kata (3 members each team), and only at the final contest, they must perform also a bunkai (application) demonstration.

Kobudo

In Kobudo, competitors generally compete individually. Like kata, final evaluation among contestants is done by a panel of judges. Traditional karate weapons, (ie. bo, sai, tonfa, kama, nunchaku, etc) are manipulated in a prearranged pattern similar to empty-hand kata. In traditional tournaments, the weapons kata is more functional and less flashy than at open tournaments. The competitor must maintain control of their weapon. Dropping the weapon results in a major point deduction at minimum, however, disqualification is usually the end result.

Ethical behaviour is very important in karate competitions and the required initial and final traditional bow in kata and kumite disciplines is a symbol that links the foundation of the past to the modernity of actual competition.