Competition Court
Article 1
The competition court shall be a matted square or a wooden flat square with sides of 8 meters in length.
Official Uniform
Article 2
Competitors, coaches, referees, and judges must wear the official uniform as prescribed in each of the following items.
(1) Competitors must wear a plain white karate-gi, however kobudo competitors are also allowed to wear black or brown karate-gi. Wearing hakama (divided skirt used in other martial arts) is not permitted.
(2) It is permitted to have ryuha/kaiha emblems, country flags (excluding the Prefectural Emblem of Okinawa), and national emblems on only left chest of the karate-gi. Any other letters, emblems, labels, etc., are not allowed to be attached on any other parts. However, trademark labels of manufactures already processed on the karate-gi and one’s name on the hem of the karate-gi, are allowed.
(3) A competitor number issued by The 2nd Okinawa Karate World Tournament Executive Committee (hereinafter referred to as “Executive Committee”) must be attached on the back of the karate-gi.
(4) Men are not allowed to wear a T-shirt etc., under their karate-gi. However, women must wear a plain white or plain t-shirt or inner wear (e.g. tank top or sports bra) of the same color as the karate-gi jacket.
(5) The jacket, when tightened around the waist with the belt, must be no longer than mid-thigh length.
(6) The maximum length of the jacket sleeves shall be no longer than up to the wrist and shall not be shorter than up to half-way between the elbow and the wrist. The sleeves must not be folded to the outside. If they need to be folded, they must be folded and sewn to the inside of the sleeve.
(7) Length of trousers shall be long enough to cover at least two-thirds of the shins and should not cover the ankles. The trousers must not be folded to the outside. If they need to be folded, they must be folded and sewn to the inside.
(8) Red / red and white belts are not allowed (white belts are allowed). In single-elimination tournament matches, a red or white sash prepared by the Executive Committee will be used as an identifying sign.
(9) If you wear glasses, you must take measures to prevent them from falling.
(10) Wearing accessories (hachimaki, hair clips, bracelets, earrings, etc.) is prohibited. However, non-distracting hair ties are allowed.
(11) The use of bandages or metal elastic clips etc., because of injuries must be approved by the Executive Committee with the diagnosis of the doctor.
(12) The coach shall, at all times during the tournament, wear a karate-gi and arm band on his/her left or right bicep.
(13) Referees shall wear a black or dark blue blazer, black indoor shoes and socks, gray pants, and a short-sleeved white shirt with a tie designated by the Executive Committee.
2. Those who fail to comply with the regulations up to the preceding paragraph may be disqualified from entry qualifications.
Organization of the Competition
Article 3
1. The competition consists of four individual Kata segments separated by male and female into Juniors, Adults I, Adults II, and Seniors respectively.
2. The competition will be carried out in five categories consisting of Shuri-te kei/Tomari-te kei, Naha-te kei, Uechi-ryu kei, Kobudo (Bo), and Kobudo (Sai).
The Referee Panel
Article 4
1. The panel of six judges (1 referee, 4 judges, and 1 auditor) or eight judges (1 referee, 6 judges, 1 auditor) for each match will be designated by the Chief Referee before the match.
2. The Chief Referee may appoint several score-keepers, callers and announcers to facilitate the smooth operation of the competition.
Competition Procedure
Article 5
The competition will be conducted by a scoring system.
2. In the scoring system, each competitor performs Kata and the ranking is determined according to the score indicated by the referee panel.
3. The preliminary rounds for Okinawa will be implemented as follows.
(1) In the first round, the ranking is decided by a scoring system, and separately specified number of the highest-ranking competitors can advance to the second round.
(2) From the second round onward, a group tournament system, conducted by a scoring system, will be adopted. Separately specified number of the highest-ranking competitors can advance to the main tournament.
4. The preliminary rounds for mainland Japan/overseas will be implemented as follows.
(1) In the first round, the ranking is decided by a scoring system, and separately specified number of the highest-ranking competitors can advance to the second round.
(2) From the second round onward, a group tournament system, conducted by a scoring system, will be adopted. Separately specified number of the highest-ranking competitors can advance to the main tournament.
5. The main tournament will be a single-elimination tournament conducted by a scoring system.
Scoring System
Article 6
In the scoring system, the scores and rankings of each competitor will be determined according to the following items.
(1) The score of each competitor shall be the total of scores indicated by the referee and the judges, excluding the highest and lowest scores.
(2) In the case that several competitors are tied with the same score on the entry line of the next round advancement, the lowest score excluded in the previous issue is added to the score of the competitor and the ranking shall be determined based on this total score. If further several competitors are still tied with the same score, the highest score excluded in the previous issue shall be further added and the ranking shall be determined based on this total score.
(3) Regarding the previous issue, if further several competitors are still tied with same score, the competitors will perform play-off, and the ranking will be decided based on the rules up to the 2nd issue. In this case, it is not allowed to select the same Kata as the ones previously performed.
(4) Nevertheless, if several competitors are still tied with the same score according to the method up to the previous issue, the ranking shall be decided by consultation of the referee panel.
2. The procedures of the competition in the scoring system are as follows.
(1) The competitor stands at the boundary line of the competition court, bows to the front, and then advances to the starting position.
(2) Reaching the starting position, the competitor bows, then gives the name of Kata to be performed, and starts the performance. After the performance ends, the competitor bows, turns over and exits the court, stands at the boundary line of the court, then waits for judgment by the judges.
(3) The referee and the judges shall simultaneously show the scoring boards based on the whistle signal of the referee.
(4) After the caller announces the score and confirms that it was recorded, the referee and the judges raise down the scoring boards based on the whistle signal of the referee.
Kata Selection
Article 7
1. The Kata to be performed in each event shall be the traditional Okinawa karate and kobudo Kata acknowledged by the Executive Committee and selected from the following.
(1) Shuri-te kei/Tomari-te kei: Appendix 1
(2) Naha-te kei: Appendix 2
(3) Uechi-ryu kei: Appendix 3
(4) Kobudo (Bo): Appendix 4
(5) Kobudo (Sai): Appendix 5
2. In the tournament, a competitor must not repeat the same Kata continuously. However, in the preliminary rounds for Okinawa, a competitor is allowed to select the same Kata performed in the first round in the first round of the following group tournament as well. Furthermore, Kata performed as the last Kata in the preliminary rounds for Okinawa and mainland Japan/overseas, can be selected in the first round of the single-elimination matches of the main tournament.
Criteria for Judgment
Article 8
The referee makes an evaluation based on the judgment criteria prescribed separately.
Others
Article 9
1. The Bo used in kobudo must be made of hardwood such as oak and ebony, have the length of 180cm or more, weight at least 900g for male and 800g for female, round in shape.
2. The Sai used in kobudo must be made of iron (plating is also possible) or stainless steel, have a longer length than the length of the elbow of the performer, weight at least 650g each for male and 550g each for female. Also, the shape should be a traditional Okinawa Sai shape.
3. The action of throwing a Sai or piercing the floor with a Sai during the performance is prohibited.
4. No modifications are permitted for Bo and Sai, such as engraving for slip prevention and embedding the iron core for gravitational movement.
5. Competitors must go through an inspection of Bo and Sai to be used beforehand; once they pass the inspection, a seal indicating the inspection will be stuck on the weapons.
Supplementary Rules
Article 10
In addition to what is specified in these Competition Rules and Regulations, the Executive Committee sets necessary matters separately.
Appendix 1 Shuri-te kei/Tomari-te kei
| No. | Kata Name | Juniors | Adults I | Adults II | Seniors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PINAN Sho Dan | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 2 | PINAN Ni Dan | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 3 | PINAN San Dan | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 4 | PINAN Yon Dan | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 5 | PINAN Go Dan | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 6 | NAIHANCHI Sho Dan | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 7 | NAIHANCHI Ni Dan | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 8 | NAIHANCHI San Dan | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 9 | ANANKU | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 10 | SESAN | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 11 | WANKAN | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 12 | WANSU (WANSHU) | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 13 | ROHAI | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 14 | PASSAI | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 15 | PASSAI DAI (MATSUMURA) | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 16 | PASSAI SHO (ITOSU) | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 17 | CHINTI | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 18 | JITTI (JITTE) | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 19 | SOCHIN | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 20 | NISESHI (NISESHI) | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 21 | SUNSU | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 22 | JION | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 23 | UNSU | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 24 | GOJUSHIHO（USESHI） | × | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 25 | CHINTO | × | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 26 | KUSANKU | × | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 27 | KUSANKU DAI | × | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 28 | KUSANKU SHO | × | ○ | ○ | ○ |
* “○” indicates a selectable Kata, and “×” indicates an unselectable Kata.
Appendix 2 Naha-te kei
| No. | Kata Name | Juniors | Adults I | Adults II | Seniors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEKISAI I | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 2 | GEKISAI II | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 3 | SAIFA | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 4 | SEYUNCHIN (SEENCHIN) | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 5 | SHISOCHIN | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 6 | SANSERU | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 7 | SEPAI | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 8 | KURURUNFA | × | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 9 | SESAN | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 10 | SUPARINPE（PETTURIN） | × | ○ | ○ | ○ |
* “○” indicates a selectable Kata, and “×” indicates an unselectable Kata.
Appendix 3 Uechi ryu-kei
| No. | Kata Name | Juniors | Adults I | Adults II | Seniors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KANSHIWA | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 2 | KANSHU | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 3 | SECHIN | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 4 | SESAN | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 5 | SERYU | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 6 | KANCHIN | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 7 | SANSERYU | × | ○ | ○ | ○ |
* “○” indicates a selectable Kata, and “×” indicates an unselectable Kata.
*Performing DAINI SESAN is not allowed in this tournament.
Appendix 4 Kobudo (Bo)
| No. | Kata Name | Juniors | Adults I | Adults II | Seniors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UFUGUSHIKU NU KUN | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 2 | CHOUN NU KUN (朝雲) | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 3 | SHUSHI NU KUN | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 4 | SHUSHI NU KUN (SHO) | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 5 | SHUSHI NU KUN (DAI) | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 6 | SAKUGAWA NU KUN | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 7 | SAKUGAWA NU KUN (SHO) | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 8 | SAKUGAWA NU KUN (DAI) | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 9 | TOKUMINE NU KUN | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 10 | CHIKIN NU KUN | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 11 | SHIISHI NU KUN | × | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 12 | SHIROMATSU NU KUN | × | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 13 | SHIROTARO NU KUN | × | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 14 | KUBO NU KUN | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 15 | KATIN NU KUN | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 16 | UFUTUN BO | × | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 17 | KASSHIN BO | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
* “○” indicates a selectable Kata, and “×” indicates an unselectable Kata.
*Performing YONEGAWA NU KUN, CHINEN SHIKIYANAKA NU KUN, SHIRATARU NU KUN, UEHARA NU KUN, SESOKO NU KUN, SHUKUMINE NU KUN, CHIKIN SUNAKAKE NU KUN, CHIKIN UFUKUN, RUFA NO KON, HASSO NU KUN, CHOSHI NU KUN, URASHI NU KUN, CHIKIN BO, CHATAN YARA NU KUN, CHOUN NU KUN is not allowed in this tournament.
Appendix 5 Kobudo (Sai)
| No. | Kata Name | Juniors | Adults I | Adults II | Seniors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CHIKIN SHITAHAKU NU SAI | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 2 | CHATAN YARA NU SAI | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 3 | HAMAHIGA NU SAI | × | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 4 | TAWATA NU SAI | × | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 5 | SAI Ⅰ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 6 | SAI Ⅱ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 7 | SAI Ⅲ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 8 | ISHIKAWAGWA NU SAI | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 9 | NICHO SAI | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 10 | SANCHO SAI | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 11 | SHINBARU NU SAI | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
* “○” indicates a selectable Kata, and “×” indicates an unselectable Kata.
*Performing KUGUSHIKU NU SAI, YAKAA NU SAI, UFUCHIKU NO SAI, TOKUYAMA NU SAI, HANTAGAWA KORAGWA NU SAI is not allowed in this tournament.