The last revision of the WKF Competition Rules were issued 1.1.2020. Over the years thecompetition rules have grown organically to become somewhat of a patchwork. The next version will be an attempt to simplify the language for non-English speakers, eliminate cross references, and integrate appendices in the actual text. We will also eliminate the confusing differentiation between rules and explanations. A rule should be self-explanatory or rewritten. The next revision 1.1.2023 will have three independent competition rules documents for respectively kumite, kata, and para-karate without cross references to each other.In the meantime, we have decided to do a number of tests in our effort to make further improvements that can be integrated in the revision 1.1.2023. This bulletin is issued to give you a summary of the tests we intend to carry out up to the next revision asapproved by the Executive Committee.
New Premier League Format with Round-Robin eliminations – Applicable for all Premier League 2022From the beginning of 2022 the EC has adopted a new Premier League Format where the number of participants has been reduced to 32 per category. These will be divided in 8 round-robin groups of 4 competitors. Seeding will be for the eight highest world ranking competitors present at the event. The format is the same for kumite and kata. The outcome in each robin group will be decided by number of points obtained as follows: 3 points for wins, 1 point for draws where points are scored, but zero points to both competitors where no points are scored. (Not to be confused by ranking points). The initial round-robin will replace the customary cup elimination system selecting the 8 remaining competitors going to the quarter finals. This will guarantee the competitors at least three bouts/performances. In kata a maximum of five katas will be required. One kata may be repeated provided it is not in immediate succession or within the elimination round. Premier League medals will be gold, silver and two bronze medals.
Electronic judging for kumite – Partly applicable for Youth League in Venice 9-12 December on one tatami only during eliminations, and subsequent Youth Leaque and /or Karate Series A events as needed Judges will have electronic devises for input of 1, 2 or 3 Points and the public display will light up if two or more judges indicate point(s) for the same competitor within the same 2 seconds. The signal from the judges will light up at the score panel and initiate a sound signal. The referee will have full authority and to give warnings and penalties. In the event of any doubt pertaining to a disqualification he may call one or all judges for a short consultation. Judges called may not give any signal indicating waring or disqualification.
Wakarete without stopping time – Applicable to all WKF events and starting immediatelyTo stop competitors from hanging on to each other and avoid needless official warnings, the Referee will make a hand gesture separating the hands with palms outward while ordering “Wakarete”. The competitors will immediately cease action and separate from each other. The referee will leave the hands apart until satisfied that the competitors have parted and will then bring the hands together and order ‘Tsuzukete” as a signal to resume combat. The clock is not stopped for Wakarete.
Passivity cannot be given to a competitor that is leading on points or SENSHU – Applicable to all WKF events and starting immediately.When leading on points or SENSHU the competitor may for tactical reason prefer to defend rather than attack.