The World Karate Federation (WKF) has released its official bulletin outlining the changes to competition rules that will come into effect on January 1st, 2026. These updates cover Kumite, Kata, and Para-Karate, with a focus on clarifying, harmonizing, and modernizing key aspects of the ruleset.
Download the Official 2026 Summary of Changes:
WKF Competition Rules Bulletin 2026 (PDF)
Kata: Back to the Essence
New Judging System:
Kata bouts will now be decided solely by majority vote from the referees. While points will still guide each judge internally, they will no longer be totaled or displayed. This is designed to eliminate inconsistencies caused by judges scoring too high or too low.
Curbing Over-Performance:
To protect the traditional spirit of kata, new limits are in place to avoid excessive theatrics:
- Striking the floor or body/clothing is prohibited.
- A proper kiai is mandatory.
- Clear announcement of the kata name is required.
- Repeated exaggerations may result in disqualification.
Read the full Kata Rules 2026:
Kumite: Safer, Clearer, Smarter
Striking a Fallen Opponent:
It is now forbidden to kick a fallen opponent. Only hand techniques are allowed in such cases—this is a strong move to reinforce safety.
Focus and Attitude:
Fighters must now maintain zanshin (focus) after executing a technique. Turning your back or falling after scoring may invalidate the point.
Light Contact Allowed:
The “skin touch” concept—light contact without transferring energy—is now allowed in all categories, under strict conditions:
- 5 cm range for hand techniques
- 10 cm range for kicksHeadgear is now mandatory for competitors under 14.
Jogai Rule Simplified:
- No Jogai penalty if a point is scored before stepping out.
- No double penalty (Jogai + point) if the opponent scores during your exit.
Video Review Upgrade:
Coaches can now request video review via dedicated buttons for 1, 2, or 3 points—this simplifies and clarifies the process.
Read the full Kumite Rules 2026:
Equipment and Uniforms: Clean and Consistent
- Altering the karate-gi shape (e.g., puffed up or pinched with emblems) is not allowed.
- Sports medical glasses are now permitted in kata competitions.
Para-Karate: Minor Yet Crucial Updates
While changes are minimal, two key clarifications were made:
- In K10 (visual impairment): if the blindfold moves and reveals one or both eyes, disqualification may result.
- Clearer definitions were added for loss of balance vs falling, which could lead to exclusion.
📘 Read the full Para-Karate Rules 2026:
📄 WKF Para-Karate Rules 2026 (PDF)
Mixed Kumite Team Guidelines
Although not an official WKF event yet, many national federations are organizing mixed gender team kumite events. The rules now offer a framework:
- Teams must consist of equal numbers of male and female athletes
- Matches alternate genders
- A draw decides which gender fights first
- Format: 2+2 (no weight categories) or 3+3 (with weight divisions)
Conclusion
The WKF 2026 rule changes aim to:
- Improve clarity and consistency
- Protect the technical essence of karate
- Strengthen safety protocols
- Promote fair and efficient arbitration
These updates take effect January 1st, 2026, so it’s essential for athletes, coaches, and referees to familiarize themselves with the new guidelines now.
📥 All official WKF documents are available here: