All Isshinryu National Championship and Masters Symposium

2023 Rules

ISSHINRYU INTERNATIONAL RULES OF COMPETITION
(OFFICIALS, COACHES AND SENSEI) 

PROCEDURE FOR KATA:

  1. The first three kata competitors will perform their kata before being scored. After the 3rd competitor, each competitor will be called back into the ring individually for their scores. Thereafter, each competitor will be scored immediately after their performance.  
  2. Competitors are only to announce their kata. They are NOT to announce their name, their dojo or request permission to perform.
  3. Advanced and Black Belt divisions will be required to perform a different kata to break a tie.
  4. Weapon Kata procedure will be the same as the empty hand divisions.
    1. Kyu ranks may compete with Bo or Sai only.
    2. Black Belts may compete with Bo, Sai, and Tonfa.
    3. Weapons must be of traditional design and properly sized.
    4. Weapons will be subject for inspection for proper size, weight and safety.
    5. Toothpick Bo and undersized weapons will not be permitted.
EMPTY HAND KATA LIST   WEAPONS KATA LIST
Seisan   Kyan no Sai
Seiuchin   Kusanku no Sai
Wansu   Chatanyara no Sai
Naihanchi   Tokumine no kun
Chinto   Urashi no kun
Kusanku   Shishi no kun
Sanchin   Chei Fa
Sunsu   Hamahiga no Tonfa

NOTE : Novice children, 8yrs and under, who have trained less than 3 months may perform Seisan kata up to the first break and be scored OR perform a Kihon Kata using Isshinryu Techniques.

KATA AND KOBUDO SCORING RANGES
       Beginner and Novice:                      5.0 - 7.0  where 6.0 is the average
       Intermediate:                                   6.0 - 8.0  where 7.0 is the average
       Advanced and Black Belt:               7.0 - 9.0  where 8.0 is the average

EXPLANATION:

  • The performance should be evaluated with consideration for the difficulty of the kata presented, along with the age and rank of the competitor.
  • With 5 judges, the highest score and the lowest score will be discarded and never used again. The total of the remaining 3 scores will be added for a final score.
  • In the event of a tie, with 5 judges, use only the remaining three scores to break the tie.
    1. The lowest score shall be added into the final score to break the tie.
    2. If a tie persists, add in the highest score of the remaining scores.
    3. If a tie still exists, the competitors must perform again. Advanced and Black Belt must perform another kata.
    4. After the competitors perform, the Judges will then score the competitors with a show of hands.

    KATA:

    The Kata must be performed with competence, and must demonstrate a clear understanding of the traditional principles of the Kata.


    Criteria for assessing the performance of a Kata contestant.

    1. A realistic demonstration of the Kata meaning.
    2. Understanding of the practical application of techniques being used (BUNKAI)
    3. Good timing, rhythm, speed, balance, and focus of power (KIME)
    4. Correct and proper use of breathing as an aid to KIME.
    5. Correct focus of attention and concentration.
    6. Correct stances with proper tension in the legs, and feet flat on the floor.
    7. Proper tension in the abdomen and no bobbing up and down of the hips when moving.
    8. Correct basic and proper form (KIHON) of ISSHINRYU KARATE.
    9. The performance should also be evaluated with a view to discerning other points such as the difficulty of the Kata presented.

    Other Criteria Includes:

    1. A good demonstration of power, speed, timing, balance and focus.(Kime)
    2. Correct and proper use of breathing to aid Kime.
      In addition:
      1. No more than 3 kiais per kata
      2. No hissing
    3. Consistency and correctness of stances.
      1. Correct weight distribution according to Kihon.
      2. Smooth and even transition (Hara remaining " weight down ") between stances.
      3. Correct tension in stances.
      4. Feet edges firmly on the floor.
    4. Technique demonstrate
      1. Accuracy
      2. Correct and consistent form of Isshinryu Karate. (Kihon)
      3. Correct tension, focus and power. (Kime)
      4. Show proper understanding of techniques being used. (Bunkai)
      5. Proper tension in abdomen timed with techniques.
    5. Kata and Kobudo uniformly demonstrate
      1. Unwavering concentration.
      2. Rhythm: contrast in tension, breathing and movement.
      3. An understanding of those techniques being demonstrated.
      4. A realistic rather than "theatrical" demonstration of the Kata's meaning.
    6. Kobudo competition consists of
      1. Kyu rank may compete with Bo and Sai only
      2. Black Belts may compete with Bo, Sai, and Tonfa.
      3. Weapons must be of traditional design and properly sized.
      4. Weapons will be subject to inspection for proper size, weight and safety.
      5. Toothpick Bo and undersized weapons will not be permitted.
      6. Proper footwork to extend the power (energy) into the weapon.
      7. Control of the weapon must always be maintained.

    KATA/ WEAPONS PENALTIES:

    When assessing how many points should be deducted for a fault, the following is recommended.

    • 0.1 Point Deduction
      • For a momentary hesitation in the smooth performance of the Kata, quickly remedied.
      • Momentary imbalance, with barely a wobble, quickly remedied.
    • 0.2 Point Deduction
      • Momentary but discernible pause.
      • Actual instability where there is a distinct but recoverable loss of balance.
      • Momentarily loses grip of the weapon, quickly remedied.
    • 0.3 Point Deduction
      • A distinct halt of Kata performance.
      • If the contestant loses balance completely and / or falls.
      • Weapon touches the floor anytime during the performance (unless the touch is called for by the kata, as in some Sai kata.
      • Beginner, Novice and Intermediate division restart of the Kata.
      • Actual loss of grip of weapon requiring a halt in the kata performance.  
      DISQUALIFICATION:
      • Advance and Black Belts who completely halt a kata. (requiring a restart)
      • Advance and Black Belts who drop a weapon.
      • Advance and Black Belts who lose balance completely and/or falls.
      • Dangerous techniques that jeopardize the safety of the Judges and competitors.
      • Un-Sportsman like behavior toward others or other breaches of karate etiquette.
      • Actions that are considered to violate the rules and spirit of the tournament.

     

    Note: Competitors that are disqualified in Kata and Kobudo will be given the lowest score within the range appropriate for the division.

    KOBUDO:

    • Kobudo competition consists of Bo competition and short-weapons competition of the Sai and Tonfa.
    • Weapons must be of traditional design and any decision as to a weapon's eligibility will be made by the Chief Referee and / or Tournament Director.
    • In Kobudo competition the contestants must perform a traditional Isshin-ryu kobudo kata.

               
    ISSHIN-RYU KOBUDO KATA LIST

    1. Kyan no Sai
    2. Kusanku no Sai
    3. Chatanyara no Sai
    4. Tokumine no Kun
    5. Urashi no Kun
    6. Shishi no kun
    7. Hamahiga no Tonfa (Black Belts Only)
    8. Chie Fa (Black Belts Only)

    Criteria for assessing the performance of Kobudo Kata.

    1. The kata must be performed with competence and must demonstrate a clear understanding of the principles it contains.
    2. The Kata performed must have demonstrated correct focus of attention, use of power, good balance and proper breathing.
    3. The contestant must properly use the body and foot work to extend the power (energy) into the weapon.
    4. The performance must also be evaluated with a view to discerning other points.
    5. The contestant must always maintain control of the weapons during the performance. A contestant shall be disqualified if he / she drops a weapon during the performance.
    6. A contestant shall be disqualified if he / she interrupts or varies the Kata or performs a different kata than announced. The contestant shall also be disqualified if the performance is brought to a halt.
    7. A contestant shall be disqualified if he /she uses a dangerous technique that jeopardizes the safety of the Judges or other contestants.

    Other Criteria Includes:

    1. Correct breathing, good demonstration of power, speed, timing, balance and Kime.  (focus)
    2. Consistency and correctness of stances.
      1. Correct weight distribution according to Kihon.
      2. Smooth and even transition ( Hara remaining "weight down") between stances.
      3. Correct tension in stances.
      4. Feet edges firmly on the floor.
    3. Techniques demonstrate:
      1. Accuracy
      2. Correct and consistent Kihon within the style.
      3. Correct tension, focus (Kime)
      4. Show proper understanding of Kata Bunkai.
    4. Kata uniformly demonstrates:
      1. Unwavering concentration
      2. Contrast in tension, breathing and movement.
      3. An understanding of those techniques being demonstrated.
      4. A realistic rather than "theatrical" demonstration of the Kata's meaning.
    5. Proper use of the weapon:
      1. Positioning on the hands and proper grip.
      2. Proper use of the weapon for blocking and striking.
      3. Correct method of hand changes.

    KUMITE MATCHES

    1. Kumite matches will be for two (2) minutes running time and/or 3 points
         The Referee/Judge may stop time if needed.
    2. Matches are three (3) point matches.
      1. The first competitor to gain three points or the competitor with the most points at the end of time will be the winner of that match.
      2. If a tie exists after the two minutes, then the match is extended to a sudden death match to break the tie.  The first competitor to score a point is the winner.  All match penalties are brought forward.
      3. Grand Championship Matches will be five (5) points. 
    3. To reduce injury,  the 4” halo around the head will be scored.
      1. No contact to the head or helmet is permitted.   (Skin Touch is permitted except to the throat)
    4. If a competitor is disqualified, they lose the match but may continue in the division. (Hansoku)

    Clarification and types of Disqualification

    A non-malicious disqualification will disqualify the competitor from the match but may permit the competitor to continue in the division.  (Hansoku)
    Once a competitor is disqualified for a malicious technique/behavior they may no longer participate in the tournament.  (Shikaku)

     

    REQUIRED KUMITE EQUIPMENT
    ALL EQUIPMENT MUST CONFORM TO THESE REQUIREMENTS

    1. All competitors must wear a clean, white gi to compete.
    2. Safety Gear Required
      1. Foam head gear (all competitors)
      2. Safety punch
      3. Safety feet
      4. Mouth guard
      5. Groin cups – (male competitors)
      6. Shin and instep guards will not be permitted in place of safety feet.
    3. No Ring Star or other shoes will be permitted.
    4. No grappling, MMA, or bag gloves will be permitted.
    5. Any safety gear deemed unsafe by the Officials will need to be replaced.
    6. No duct tape on safety gear will be allowed.

     

    TARGET AREAS

    • Attacks are limited to the following areas.
      • Head
      • Face
      • Neck
      • Abdomen
      • Chest
      • Side
      • Back (not the spine area)

    NO CONTACT PERMITTED TO HEAD, FACE, NECK, GROIN, SPINE

    • Techniques within 4-inch halo will be scored to the head, face, and neck.
    • Skin Touch techniques to the head, face & neck will be scored (except for the throat).

    SKIN TOUCH VERSES CONTACT

    Skin Touch (non-injurious touch without causing impact) Exception:  No Skin Touch to throat.

    Contact (impacted movement of the target area; injurious impact) 

    1. Rocking movement of the head from a kick or punch will be considered a penalty.
    2. Excessive body contact
    3. Blood, immediate redness or swelling

    Contact will be considered a penalty to head, face,  neck, groin, and spine areas.

    SCORING CRITERIA

    • A score is awarded when a technique is performed according to the following criteria:
      1. Good Form
      2. Sporting Attitude
      3. Vigorous Application
      4. Awareness (Zanshin)
      5. Good Timing
      6. Correct Distance

    EXPLANATION OF SCORING CRITERIA

    1. GOOD FORM - A technique with good form is said to have characteristics conferring. probable effectiveness within the framework of traditional karate concepts.
    2. SPORTING ATTITUDE – Sporting attitude is a component of good form and refers to a non-malicious attitude of great concentration obvious during the delivery of the scoring technique.
    3. VIGOROUS APPLICATION – Vigorous application defines the power and speed of the technique and the will for it to succeed.
    4. AWARENESS (ZANSHIN) – Awareness is that criteria most often missed when a score is assessed. It is the state of continued commitment in which the contestant maintains total concentration, observation, and the awareness of the opponent’s potentiality to counterattack. He/she does not turn their face away during delivery of the technique and remains facing the opponent afterwards.
    5. GOOD TIMING – Good timing means delivering a technique when it will have the greatest potential effect.
    6. CORRECT DISTANCE – Correct distance similarly means delivering a technique at the precise distance where it will have the greatest potential effect. Thus, if the technique is delivered on an opponent who is rapidly moving away, the potential effect of that blow is reduced.
      7.

    PROHIBITED BEHAVIOR

    1. NO contact to the head, face, neck, groin, or spine.
    2. NO excessive body contact is permitted.
    3. NO  takedowns. Leg checks/Sweeps are permitted to the back of the leg only.
    4. NO kicking a person on the ground, however you have (2 seconds)  to score using hand techniques  if the competitor is on the ground. Competitors on the ground may score using hands or feet techniques.
    5. NO holding. Competitors may grab and strike immediately (2 seconds) to score a point.
    6. Running out of bounds under one's own power. The ring line is out of bounds.
    7. Avoiding combat as a means of preventing  the opponent having the opportunity to score.
    8. NO blind techniques.
    9. NO attacks to arms, legs, or joints.
    10. NO coaching of competitors is permitted.
    11. NO attacks with head, knees or elbows.
    12. Techniques by their nature that cannot be controlled for the safety of the opponent and dangerous and/or uncontrolled attacks.
    13. Failing to obey the orders of the Referee/ Judges, discourteous behavior towards the Officials, or other breaches of karate etiquette.
    14. Exaggeration of injury.
    15. Mubobi – defenseless attitude.
      16.

    PENALTIES
    All Contact penalties include:

    1. No contact to the head, face, neck, groin, or spine.  No physical skin touch or contact to the  throat.
    2. No excessive body contact
    3. No attacks to the arms, legs, or joints
      4.

    Non-Contact penalties include:

    1. No takedowns.
    2. No kicking a person on the ground.
    3. No holding. (2 second grab to score)
    4. No blind techniques.
    5. No attacks with the head, knees, or elbows.
    6. Running out of bounds under one's own power.
    7. Avoiding combat as a means of preventing the opponent from having the opportunity to score.
    8. Techniques by their nature that cannot be controlled for the safety of the opponent. Dangerous and uncontrolled attacks)
    9. Mubobi (defenseless attitude) – allowing or running into a technique without protecting oneself.
    10. Exaggeration of Injury - Overreaction to light contact. (e.g. – staggering about, falling unnecessarily to make the injury appear greater)
    11. Failing to obey the orders of the Referee / judges, discourteous behavior towards the Officials, or other breaches of Karate etiquette.

    Contact Penalties
    When contact is deemed too strong, the referee/judges will issue a
    warning, penalty point, or disqualification (Hansoku). 

    Blood, immediate redness, or swelling result in immediate disqualification unless Mubobi is called.

    1.  After two warnings, or if a penalty was given, the penalties shall escalate. 
    2.  A penalty point will be awarded each time to the opponent after two warnings, or a penalty point has previously been awarded.           
    3. All warnings and penalties remain active in a sudden death match.
    4. Each competitor will be permitted 2 warnings before a penalty is issued with the loss of 1 point.
      1. Contact fouls can escalate directly to a penalty and loss of point or disqualification.

    • Note:  Skin Touch: Non-injurious, controlled “touch” to head, face and neck area excluding throat) is allowed.

    • Any technique that results in injury must be penalized.

    • The 4-inch halo around the head should be encouraged to reduce injury.
      •

    RULE EXPLANATIONS

    1. The referee (center judge) may not award a point without the majority of support from the corner judges.
    2. The referee (center judge) may choose not to award a point if he/she clearly sees that the technique did not meet the scoring criteria “even if outvoted” by the corner judges.
    3. The referee (center judge) may award a foul if he/she has the support of at least one (1) corner judge.
    4. The referee (center judge) may not center for his/her own students.  Request a corner judge to take your place. If none of the corner judges are willing to take your place, then you may center your own student.
    5. Competitors cannot score from out-of-bounds but may be scored upon. Note:  The ring line is out-of-bounds.

    REFEREE (CENTER JUDGE) RESPONSIBILITIES

    1.    Bow in and out the divisions.
    2.    Review rules with judges and ensure that the judges use the flags properly.
    3.    Ensure everyone has the proper equipment.
    4.    Start and stop the matches.
    5.    Ensure the scoring is accurate.
    6.    Ensure that the rules are being followed and applied fairly.
    7.    Issue points, warnings, and penalties.
    8.    Ensure corner judges are meeting their responsibilities.
    9.    Replace judges if necessary.
    10.   Penalize or disqualify competitors for rules violations.
    11.   Make sure the ring is running smoothly and functioning according to the rules.
    12.   Announce the place winners in the division.
    13.   Have winners report to score keeper to verify name of the winner.
      14.

     CORNER JUDGES RESPONSIBILITIES

    1. Observe the actions of the contestants and call to the Referee (Center Judge) for a point or foul.
    2. Aid in the calling of points, warnings, and penalties.
      1. To indicate a point verbally calling “Ippon” or “Point”.
      2. Do not use your flag to signal a point until the referee signals you to do this by saying:   “call for point”.
      3. To call a foul, verbally signal by calling “Foul” and at the same time circle your flag overhead. When the referee calls for foul, signal contact or non-contact category with the color of flag of the offender.
    3. Assist in fair application of the rules.
    4. Assist in the functioning of the ring.
    5. Call attention to the Referee (Center Judge) in cases you deem necessary.
      6.

    COACHING IS NOT PERMITTED

          Coaching shall result in the following penalties.

          First infraction – a warning to the individual or individuals coaching and a general statement to all at ringside.

          Second infraction - the individual (s) coaching will be removed from ringside. Persistent coaching will result in ejection from the event.

    Procedure for Disqualification of a Competitor

    If a competitor is injured according to the rules, the Referee will determine the extent of the injury after inspecting the injured competitor. The Referee will then return to their place in the ring and ask for confirmation of the situation.
               
    The Referee may determine that the injury warrants a

    1. Warning – Call for warning
    2. Penalty – Call for contact (penalty)
    3. Hansoku - Call for Hansoku (disqualification)
    4. Shikaku – Call for Shikaku (removed from competition)

    In a Hansoku situation, the nature of the injury will dictate the need for the offender to be disqualified and thus lose the match.

    The Referee only needs confirmation from one of the judges to proceed with the call.
    The Referee will call for disqualification. 
    The referee will then announce Hansoku and award the match to the opponent. 
    The competitor may return for subsequent matches.

    In the case of a Shikaku:

    1. Malicious contact
    2. Purposely disobeys the orders of the Officials
    3. Commits an act which harms the prestige of Karate – Do
    4. Actions that are considered to violate the rules and spirit of the tournament.
    5. The Referee will call the judges into a Council to discuss his reasons for the Shikaku and to get confirmation from the Judges.
    6. Once the decision has been made, the Judges will return to their corners and the Referee will call for disqualification.
    7. The Referee needs a majority of the Judges to agree on the decision.
    8. The referee will then announce Shikaku and award the match to the opponent.
    9. The Referee will also instruct the competitor that they must leave the arena.

     

    COMPETITORS RESPONSIBILITIES

    1. Competitors are expected to display good sportsmanship and proper karate etiquette at all times.
    2. Prior to a division starting, please ask any questions you may have.
    3. During your division, please respect your fellow competitors. You will sit on the side of the ring; do not talk excessively or loudly.
    4. You need to listen for your name to be called. When on deck, stand at the corner of the ring and wait to be recognized by the competitor bowing out of  the ring.
    5. Once you have competed, you are to stay at your ring until the division is bowed out by the Referee / Center judge.
    6. Kata, weapons and kumite will be assigned to the same ring. Competitors are to bring any weapons and fighting gear to the ring assigned.
    7. The first three kata competitors will perform their katas before being scored. After the 3rd competitor, each competitor will be called up individually for their score. There after each competitor will be scored after their performance.
    8. Weapon katas procedure will be the same as the kata divisions.
    9. Listen for your name to be called "up to perform" and "on deck ". Be ready.
      10.

     

    KUMITE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS (ALL STYLES)
    First place winners in Adult Black belt kumite events, all styles, will be eligible to compete in Kumite Grand Championships division.

    ISSHINRYU KATA/WEAPONS GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS
    First place winners in ISSHINRYU Adult Black belt
    KATA & WEAPONS events will be eligible to compete in
    ISSHINRYU KATA Grand Championships division.