KUMITE RULES

1.1 These rules are for both men’s and women’s tournaments.

1.2 The minimum age for adult competitors must be 18 years on the day of competition. Members of the EKO must be at least 4th Kyu grade to be eligible to compete. For the other age categories see articles 18, 19 and 20.

1.3 The maximum age will be left to the discretion of the tournament doctors who will examine all competitors before the eliminations begin.

1.4 It will also be up to the discretion of the examining doctors as to the minimum weight permitted in the lightweight category.

1.5 If a fighter loses by K.O. to the head and is declared unconscious by the tournament Doctor it must be recorded in their European passport and they can’t compete again for at least 3 months or decision by the tournament doctor. The competitors will be judge according to the EKO Medical Tournament Rules.

1.6 All competitors of the European Karate Organization must have a valid EKO membership.

1.7 If the competition is open for competitors from other full contact karate organization´s they must provide a document that they were engaged in martial arts for at least 2 years.

2.1 Each contestant must enter the competition wearing a clean and white but not ragged karate-gi. For the unification of the do-gi see appendix 11 & 12. When competing one competitor will wear his/her own belt plus an extra red belt or string around his/her waist. The other competitor will only wear his/ her own belt. Badges and advertising will be allowable after EKO board decision. See appendix 11 & 12.

2.2 Finger and toe nails must be cut short. No protective clothing, bandages or guards must be worn other than a genital guard for men under the do-gi. Women must also wear white breast (Cups), shin and foot protectors and a genital guard. Female competitors may wear a white T-shirt under their dogi. Teeth protectors are optional. All protectors must be approved by the judges responsible for weight control.

2.3 Competitors with long hair should tie up their hair with a rubber band, etc. Accessories such as pierced earrings are not allowed for safety.

2.4 Only sport hijab with no neck covering is possible to use (black or white).

2.5 Is not allowed to fight with glasses; the use of contact lenses is optional.

2.6 In case of injury to a competitor, the wearing of bandages or other protective materials is at the absolute discretion of the tournament doctor and the head referee, whose decision shall be final and binding upon the competitor. In principle no support, bandages or tape shall be worn in the first round and thereafter at the discretion of the doctor in a no padding like way.

2.7 The competitors shall enter the competition area from opposite sides and stand by two lines, red and white, respectively in the center of the fighting area, taking posture of “FUDODACHI”, facing the front. See appendix 7.

2.8 Looking at them from the front (official seats), the competitor for “AKA” – Red – should stand on the left side (the one whose entry number is smaller) and the competitor for “SHIRO” – White – should be on the right side (the one whose entry number is larger).

2.9 Coaches should wear their official national tracksuit during the competition.

2.10 Any change of these rules for tournaments, because of any particular reason (Country Laws, or others), must be written down in the formal invitation for a tournament.

2.11 The Tournament schedule is to be strictly followed, but in case of an unavoidable situation, the Tournament Executive Committee Chairman may, after consultation with the Head Judge, decide to change the tournament schedule.

2.12 Neither the European Karate Organization, nor the officers of the Organization will be in any way responsible for any injury or accident that may occur during the tournament.

2.13 If insurance is wished, then it is upon the individual competitor to secure and make his own arrangements for the cover. This is the total responsibility of the individual contestant.

6.1 European Championship for weight categories will not use scale and tameshiwari to make a decision for the outcome of the match except for Open weight category where it will be used. It can also be used for weight categories in international or national championship on the choice of the organizer. European Championship by Weight Categories. Duration of a match with no scale and tameshiwari.

6.2 Elimination matches: 1 Main bout 3 minutes. 2 Extension 2 minutes Enchosen. 3 Final extension 2 minutes Saishu enchosen.

6.3 Quarter final, Semi-final and Final: 1 Main bout 3 minutes. 2 Extension 2 minutes Enchosen. 3 Re-extension 2 minutes Sai enchosen. 4 Final extension 2 minutes Saishu enchosen. Duration of a match with no decision by scale and tameshiwari.

6.4 The main bout shall last three minutes.

6.5 If no decision in favor of either opponent is made by the 4 judges and the referee, and then the referee will authorize an extension, such extension to be limited to two minutes duration, ¨ENCHOSEN¨.

6.6 If after the first extension there is still no decision a final two minutes extension, ¨SAISHU ENCHOSEN¨ is given. Duration of a Quarter-, Semi- and Final matches with no decision by scale and tameshiwari.

6.7 The main bout shall last three minutes.

6.8 If no decision in favor of either opponent is made by the 4 judges and the referee, and then the referee will authorize an extension, such extension to be limited to two minutes duration, ¨ENCHOSEN¨.

6.9 If after the first extension there is still no decision one more two minutes extension, ¨SAI ENCHOSEN¨ is given.

6.10 If after the second extension there is still no decision a final two minutes extension, ¨SAISHU ENCHOSEN¨ is given. European Championship with Open Weight Category. Duration of a match with scale and tameshiwari.

6.11 Elimination matches: 1 Main bout 3 minutes. 2 Extension 2 minutes Enchosen. 3 Scale. 4 Final extension 2 minutes Saishu enchosen. Quarter final, Semi-final and Final: 1 Main bout 3 minutes. 2 Extension 2 minutes Enchosen. 3 Re-extension 2 minutes Sai enchosen. 4 Scale and Tameshiwari. 5 Final extension 2 minutes Saishu enchosen. Duration of a match with decision by scale and tameshiwari.

6.12 The main bout shall last three minutes.

6.13 If no decision in favor of either opponent is made by the 4 judges and the referee, and then the referee will authorize an extension, such extension to be limited to two minutes duration, ¨ENCHOSEN¨.

6.15 If after this first extension a draw is given the contestants must be weighed. If one of the competitors is lighter than the other for a value described below, such will be declared a winner.

6.16 If after the weighting there is still no decision a final two minutes extension, ¨SAISHU ENCHOSEN¨ is given. Duration of a Quarter-, Semi- and Final matches with decision by scale and tameshiwari.

6.17 The main bout shall last three minutes.

6.18 If no decision in favor of either opponent is made by the 4 judges and the referee, and then the referee will authorize an extension, such extension to be limited to two minutes duration, ¨ENCHOSEN¨.

6.19 If after the first extension there is still no decision one more two minute’s extension, ¨SAI ENCHOSEN¨ is given.

6.20 If in the case of the second extension is being equal the contestant must be weighed. If one of the competitors is lighter than the other for a value described below, such will be declared a winner. 6.21 For men’s tournaments, the contestant who has broken the greater amount of boards will be declared the winner.

6.22 For women, at the moment there is no tameshiwari test.

6.23 If after the decision by scale and tameshiwari there is still no decision a final two minutes extension, ¨SAISHU ENCHOSEN¨ is given.

6.24 In all matches for men the following weight differences shall apply for decision with the scale: Category-1 Lightweight 5 kg or more. Category-2 Middleweight 5 kg or more. Category-3 Light heavyweight 5 kg or more. Category-4 Heavyweight 5 kg or more. Category-5 Super heavyweight 10 kg and more. Category-6 Open Weight 10 kg or more.

6.25 In all matches for women the following weight differences shall apply for decision with the scale: Category-1 Lightweight 3 kg or more. Category-2 Middleweight 3 kg or more. Category-3 Light Heavyweight 3 kg or more. Category-4 Heavyweight 3 kg or more. Category-5 Super Heavyweight 6 kg and more. Category-6 Open Weight 8 kg or more. Examples (for men): 1) Aka 75,0 kilos, Shiro 80,0 (difference = 5 kilos) → Aka wins; 2) Aka 75,0 kilos, Shiro 79,9 (difference = 4,9 kilos) → Hikiwake (difference in weight is not sufficient).

6.26 The weighing must be done in do-gi and compulsory protectors used during the bouts.

7.1 The time of a match shall be taken from when the referee signals the start of a match with the referee command
HAJIME. The match clock is only stopped when the referee commands it (Time-stop/JIKAN), or when the time is
up.
7.2 A red beanbag will be used to signal the end of the contest when the time-up bell rings by throwing the bag into the
fighting area at the end of each match.
7.3 In case of any accident during the fight, the Referee may stop the bout and the timekeeping.
7.4 The main judge of the competition and the chief tatami judge can stop the fight at any time if necessary.

Full point win (IPPON-GACHI):

The following cases will be judged as IPPON-GACHI (full point victory).

8.1 With the exception of techniques which are fouls and not allowed by the contest rules, any technique that connects and instantaneously downs the opponent for 3 seconds or longer, scores a full point (Counting one thousand and one, one thousand and two, one thousand and three.).

8.2 If the opponent has loss of his will to fight for more than three seconds. When a contestant informs the referee or judges that he is beaten as the result of techniques allowed within the contest rules, his opponent shall be awarded a full point and the match.

8.3 When having obtained two WAZA-ARI (half-points), which results in one IPPON (full-point) Half point win (WAZA-ARI): The following cases will be judged as WAZA-ARI (half-point).

8.4 Where a contestant is knocked down by a technique allowed within the contest rules and regains a standing position within 3 seconds, a half point will be awarded to his opponent. The (downed) opponent will be allowed to continue with the contest, only if in opinion of the referee and in case of a score to the head the advice of the doctor.

8.5 If the opponent has lost his will to fight but resumes the fight within three seconds;

8.6 If the opponent has received so much damage that he loses his balance, but not that he falls down.

8.7 When an opponent is downed with any allowed technique including foot sweeps (ASHI-BARAI) or dodging the opponent’s DOMAWASHI-KAITEN-GERI (rolling kick) which are followed up by a well-focused non-contact technique to the body, WAZA-ARI is awarded.

8.8 The referee can always consult with the doctor if so required, who can on medical grounds stop the continuation of the match. See “EKO Guidelines handbook for tournament doctors”. Decision win (HANTEI):

8.9 In case there is no IPPON nor disqualification, the decision supported by three or more out of the five referees (one referee, four corner judges) is valid.

8.10 In case of one of the competitors having a WAZA-ARI, the WAZA-ARI will be the first priority in a decision.

8.11 In case of no WAZA-ARI, the amount of damage will be the first priority in a decision.

8.12 In case of no damages, the amount of techniques (punches, kicks), including YUKO-WAZA (point-giving techniques, but not enough for being a WAZA-ARI), will be the criteria for decision.

8.13 In case of same amount of techniques, including YUKO-WAZA, the referees shall give victory to the competitor who is more active or more offensive in fighting. (This applies to the final extension where a winner has to be decided.)

8.14 If CHUI (warning) or GENTEN (penalty) has been given to either of the competitors, the referees shall follow the criteria stated in “DECISION CRITERIA”. JOGAI (Step outside competition area)

8.15 If either of the competitors has stepped outside the area line completely with his both feet, it will be judged as JOGAI.

8.16 “JOGAI” will be concluded upon the referee’s command “YAME”. MITOMEZU (No count)

8.17 When IPPON (one full point), WAZAARI (one half point), HANSOKU (fouls), etc. is not approved of, it will be judged as MITOMEZU (No count). CHUI (warning) & GENTEN (Penalty)

8.18 A foul is charged with one warning “CHUI ICHI”.

8.19 When any action is considered as a deliberate or malicious foul, or when a severe damage has been caused by a foul, a GENTEN ICHI (first penalty) may be given at the first time.

8.20 CHUI ICHI (one warning for the second time) results in GENTEN ICHI (first penalty), and GENTEN NI (second penalty) results in SHIKKAKU (disqualification).

The following actions are considered as HANSOKU (fouls).

The following matters depending on a foul gravity may merit Chui, Genten or disqualification at the entire and absolute discretion of the referee and judges of the contest.

9.1 Attacks with techniques using hands or elbows to the opponent’s head, face or neck. (Even a slight touch may result in HANSOKU. However, making faints to the face is allowed.).

9.2 KINTEKI-KOGEKI (groin kicks including any kind of the attack to the groin).

9.3 ZU-TSUKI (head thrusts).

9.4 TSUKAMI (grappling). (For whatever reason, to grapple the opponent’s dogi is not allowed, neither to clinch hands with each other.)

9.5 KAKE (hooking). To grapple or hook the opponent’s neck, head, shoulders, etc.

9.6 OSHI (pushing). (Pushing with open hands, closed hands or with the body is not allowed. Basically it will be considered as HANSOKU even if you push only with one hand.)

9.7 To Attack whilst leaning the head or body against the opponent.

9.8 KAKAEKOMI (hugging and holding). The person who puts his arms around the other one first will be given a foul.

9.9 Any attacks to the frontal part of the knee joints.

9.10 Any intentioned attack to any part of the opponent’s spine from behind.

9.11 To attack an opponent who is already down except a non-contact tsuki aimed to the body.

9.12 Making an attack from the floor after having been downed by the opponent.

9.13 KAKENIGE (run-away attack). Pretend to attack whilst actually running away from the opponent.

9.14 Running away repeatedly doing JOGAI. Step outside area.

9.15 Failing to obey the referee’s instructions during the bout or making comments to the referee.

9.16 Any action that may be considered as bad attitudes towards the competition.

9.17 Any other actions that the referees may regard as fouls.

The following matter may merit a warning. at the discretion of the contest referee:

10.1 Contestants who refuse to fight for more than 30 seconds shall be regarded as lacking the will to fight and both contestants can be warned with a Chui.

The following matters can merit automatic disqualification (SHIKKAKU):

11.1 Contestants who arrive late (the maximum time is 1 minute) for bouts or who fail to appear at all.

11.2 Contestants who refuse to engage in kumite during a match after 3 calls by the referee.

11.3 Failing to obey the referee’s instructions during the bout.

11.4 Facing each other for more than one minute without engaging in fight. This shall be regarded as lack of will to fight and both competitors shall be disqualified.

11.5 Any actions considered as sheer violence, seriously deliberate fouls or deliberate bad attitude towards the competition.

11.6 In case of GENTEN-NI (second penalty) = SHIKKAKU 11.7 When the total number of broken boards at TAMESHIWARI is 0 (zero), or when TAMESHIWARI is deliberately given up.

11.8 In case the draw that was done in advance before the arrival to the competition, if there is a weight difference of more than 7.0 kg between the weight in the application and the weight checked before the competition, the competitor will be disqualified.

11.9 The disqualification of a contestant will automatically give the other contestant the win.

16.1 For EC there is no Tameshiwari in weight categories. It will be used for Open Weight categories for the best 16

16.2 Normally the Tameshiwari will not commence before the 1/8. Finals (16 best fighters) in European Championship Open weight category championship. In other championships in weights categories Tameshiwari can be used before 1/4 (8 best fighters) or before 1/2 (4 best fighters).

16.3 The materials used for the breaking test shall be boards of pine and the size shall be 33 centimeters (13 inches) long, 21 centimeters (8 inches) wide and 24 millimeters (0,9 inches) thick. The tournament Chief Referee shall check whether the materials correspond to the standards set by the European Karate Organization.

16.4 Points are awarded on the basis of the number of boards broken. The winner of the Tameshiwari competition need not be the same as the tournament winner but shall be the person completing all four required breaking tests who has gained the highest number of points.

16.5 Each contestant must break a minimum of 2 boards in all categories with each of four different Oroshi techniques: 1) SEIKEN (Forefist); blocks are installed horizontally; 2) SOKUTO (Knife foot); blocks are installed horizontally; 3) HIJI (Elbow); blocks are installed vertically; 4) SHUTO (Knife hand); blocks are installed vertically. The total number of broken boards will be the base on which “Decision by TAMESHIWARI” will be made.

16.6 The Boards for the breaking test must be placed across the top of two stable blocks set at designated place.

16.7 A contestant may attempt to break the minimum requirement or in excess of this minimum up to any number in the first attempt. If he fails to break any the boards, he shall have one more attempt at the minimum requirement. If after this second strike the contestant fails to break the minimum requirement’s he will then be given 0 points.

16.8 Only support apparatus supplied by the tournament organizers and approved by the EKO, will be used, i.e. stands or blocks.

16.9 Contestants are not allowed to touch or move the boards or the supporting blocks. This can only be done by one of the Tameshiwari officials.

16.10 Towels or other materials may be placed on the top of boards to be used as protection, subject to the permission of the tournament Tameshiwari Head Referee.

16.11 The time allowed to complete each break in the Tameshiwari event is 1 minutes, all contestants will be warned 30 seconds before the expiration of the time limit. Overtime is considered a failure to break the boards.

16.12 In the case of successfully break the contestants sit down in Seiza position, after Seiza contestants may sit in Agura position. In the case of failure to break the contestants keep standing.

16.13 Tameshiwari is performed on 4 sides of the platform that after each breaking, the competitors shall move up two settings counter-clockwise.

16.14 No way, a contestant can refuse to break. If he refuses, he must be disqualified.

16.15 In the case of two or more competitors breaking the same number boards during the competition the lighter competitor wins.

20.1. Amendments for the Junior EKO rules

All basic principles of the adult EKO rules apply for the juniors, referee commands etc. There is no tameshiwari for the
Juniors.

20.2. Definition of a Junior
A competitor is considered as a Junior from the 1st of January in the year he/she will be 17 years old to the 1st of January
in the year he/she will be 19 years old. The Junior, who has turned 18 years old and has the right to participate in a
tournament according to the year of birth pointed out in a corresponding invitation, shall not have the right to take part in
Adults competitions as well in the same tournament, if the tournament is of a joint character (Adults and Juniors together
for several days). If a tournament is separate, such participant shall have the right to participate as a junior or Adults
respectively.

20.3. Criteria for competing
All competitors under the age of 18 must have written permission from their parents to compete in the Junior tournament.
A competitor can be asked for proof of age by producing an ID card or country passport.
Competition system
– Kumite for Junior-men and Junior-women.

20.4. Grade
Members of the E.K.O. must be at least 6-th Kyu grade to be eligible to compete.
If members of other Associations and styles wish to compete in the (Shin) Kyokushinkai Open Tournaments, any grade
will be allowed to enter. Providing they sign a disclaimer stating that they have practiced a Martial Art for at least two
years.

20.5. Fighting time
For European Championship
Fighting time for both Junior-boys and Junior-girls will be:
Main bout shall last two minutes in running time.
In case of draw (hikiwake) there will be an extension (Enchosen) lasting for two minutes in running time.
If no decision can be made a further two minutes in running time extension is awarded (Saishu enchosen). At the end of
this final extension a decision must be made to declare the winner.
Duration of Junior bouts all true the competition (elimination as well as finals)
1. 1 Main bout 2 minutes.
2. Extension 2 minutes Enchosen.
3. Final extension 2 minutes Saishu enchosen.
For other national or international championships on the coise of the organizer.
Fighting time for both Junior-boys and Girls-girls will be:
Main bout shall last two minutes in running time
In case of draw (Hikiwake) there will be extension (Enchosen) lasting for two minutes in running time.
In case of no decision in favor of either opponent is made then the competitors must be weighed with all the equipment
he wore during the bout. In case the weight difference is 3.0 kg and more for junior-men and for junior-women in all
weight categories, save for heavyweights, for whom the difference must be 5.0 kg and more.
If no decision can be made after the weighing then a further two minute in running time extension is awarded (Saishu
Enchosen). At the end of this final extension a decision must be made to declare the winner.
Duration of Junior bouts all true the competition (elimination as well as finals)
1. Main bout 2 minutes.
2. Extension 2 minutes Enchosen.
3. Scale.
4. Final extension 2 minutes Saishu enchosen.

20.6. Weight categories
All weights are kilograms.
Weight categories for Junior-men: under 60, 60-65, 65-70, 70-75, 75-80, 80 and more.
Weight categories for Junior-women: under 50, 50-55, 55-60, 60-65, 65 and more.

20.7. Protection for Junior-men
White Shin with instep protection covering the full foot, knee and groin protection are compulsory. A compulsory EKO
unified helmet to protect the chin, most of the face, top and back of the head, helmets to be provided by hosts. Teeth
protectors are optional but recommended.

20.8. Protection for Junior-women
White Shin with instep protection covering the full foot, knee and groin protection are compulsory. A compulsory EKO
unified helmet to protect the chin, most of the face, top and back of the head, helmets to be provided by hosts. Teeth
protectors are optional but recommended. Women must also wear white breast (Cups) protectors. Women competitors
may wear a white T-shirt under their dogi.

20.9. Prohibited acts and techniques (Hansoku waza)
The following actions are added as prohibited to those set for Adults:
– any attack to the spine;
– kicking an opponent’s head (helmet) or neck uncontrolled or with full strength; only controlled contact with no
injure is allowed
– frontal kick (mae-geri / ushiro geri) to the head (helmet) or neck;
– side kick (yoko-geri) to the head (helmet) or neck;
– downfall kick (oroshi-geri) to the head (helmet) or neck;
– rolling kick (do mawashi kaiten-geri) to the head (helmet) or neck;
– knee kick (hiza-geri) to the head (helmet) or neck;

20.10. Ippon See Articel 8 in adult rules
Full point win (IPPON-GACHI):
The following cases will be judged as IPPON-GACHI (full point victory).
– With the exception of techniques which are fouls and not allowed by the contest rules, any technique that
connects and instantaneously downs the opponent for 3 seconds or longer, scores a full point (Counting one
thousand and one, one thousand and two, one thousand and three.).
– If the opponent has loss of his will to fight for more than three seconds.
– When a contestant informs the referee or judges that he is beaten as the result of techniques allowed within the
contest rules, his opponent shall be awarded a full point and the match.
– When having obtained two WAZA-ARI (half-points), which results in one IPPON (full-point)

20.11. Waza-ari See Articel 8 in adult rules
Half point – WAZA-ARI.
– When a contestant is knocked down by one or more effective techniques allowed within the contest rules and
regains a standing position within 3 seconds, a half point will be awarded to his/her opponent.
– When a contestant is not knocked down yet by techniques but is staggered, a half point can be awarded to the
opponent.
– If the opponent has lost his will to fight but resumes the fight within three seconds.
– When an opponent is downed with any allowed technique including foot sweeps which are followed up by a
well-focused non-contact technique to the body, a half point is awarded.
– Clap kick to the helmet. Only control kicks with clap on the helmet is acceptable such as mawashi-geri,
haisoku uchi mawashi-geri and kake-geri are allowed.
– After a half point gained by a contestant only the referee can give the permission to continue the bout.
– The referee can always consult with the doctor if so required, who can on medical grounds stop the
continuation of the match. See “EKO Guidelines handbook for tournament doctors”.

20.12. Victory by decision win (HANTEI) See Articl 8 in adult rules
– In case there is no IPPON nor disqualification, the decision supported by three or more out of the five referees
(one referee, four corner judges) is valid.
– In case of one of the competitors having a WAZA-ARI, the WAZA-ARI will be the first priority in a decision
– In case of no WAZA-ARI, the amount of damage will be the first priority in a decision.
– In case of no damages, the amount of techniques (punches, kicks), including YUKO-WAZA (point-giving
techniques, but not enough for being a WAZA-ARI), will be the criteria for decision.
– In case of same amount of techniques, including YUKO-WAZA, the referees shall give victory to the competitor
who is more active or more offensive in fighting. (This applies to the final extension where a winner has to be
decided.)
– If CHUI (warning) or GENTEN (penalty) has been given to either of the competitors, the referees shall follow
the criteria stated in “DECISION CRITERIA”.

20.13. Disqualification
– In addition to the rules set for Adults.
– In case of a to hard kick to the head, the participant who used a prohibited technique will be disqualified
(SHIKKAKU). Disqualification is automatically ruled when there is any kick to the head resulting in knockdown
3 sec and longer (NO uncontrolled kick is allowed).
FINAL.
Any matter not contemplated in this Kumite rules, and that could happen in a tournament, will be discussed between The
Referees, the Fighting area Chief Referee and the Tournament Chief Referee.