Sport Karate : Kumite

 Kumite (Fighting / Sparring)

Kumite is the fighting element in karate competition and is normally divided into a number of official weight classes & age classes. In Kumite you can compete both individually and as part of a team. In individual kumite one fights against another one & in team matches several individual rounds are played. 
In Kumite, points are given for well-executed techniques and it goes quickly when they arrive. High kicking techniques and throws give three points, kicks to the body two points and percussion techniques one point, which is signaled by the 4 judges through flag signals & awarded by the referee. Winners are chosen when someone leads by 8 points, a competitor gives up, is disqualified or when the match time is over.

The techniques and hits must be realistic but you must be able to show control, knockout is not allowed in competition karate and warnings can be handed out if you have too bad control. Since each technique must be so well executed that in a real self-defense situation alone it can neutralize an opponent, the match is stopped symbolically when the referee distributes points and the opponents then restart. For the safety of the players, the rules are modifying & updating day by day & there are also guards e.g. chest, shin, gloves, teeth etc. Effect, power, good form, focus and sporting attitude are some of the criteria that must be met for a technique to give points.