Kata

KATA Meaning

The kata is an artistic presentation in which all movement is defense and counter attack, and put together in a refined manner with no wasted effort. Karate is and concentrates on defense.

MAIN FEATURES OF KATA

Good for all ages.
Builds the body and helps the practice of self defense in areas such as speed, mental concentration, spirit, focus, and stamina.

KATA HITETRU SANNEN

Means kata requires three to four years of practice to understand and perform properly.

SU HARI

SU - indicates that the beginner must copy ALL karate techniques from his instructor correctly. HA - means that after a number of years of training, when a karateka has reached a high degree of black belt, he is allowed to develop new techniques, provided they are improvements. This applies to all movements ACCEPT basic techniques. RI - is the highest form. It means that after even a longer period of time, the karateka must be able to perform ALL forms of karate automatically, not stopping to think of or about the moves.

FORMS COMPETITION

CONTESTANTS

All contestants must present themselves suitably attired and ready to compete. They should be divided into separate divisions based on style, or the origin of the form to be executed.

THE FORM

Each contestant shall perform one fight choreographed routine.

NUMBER OF OFFICIALS

One head official, and four judges (5 total) shall be used to evaluate each routine.

SCORING

The officials shall each award scores on the basis of 10.0 for a perfect routine, with the use of decimal intervals. The 10.0 points are awarded as follows: Showmanship 2.0 - Difficulty 3.0 - Execution 5.0.
The scorekeeper shall carefully record the scores dictated to him by an assistant.
After marking down scores, the highest and lowest marks are eliminated, using the sum of the remaining evaluations for the grading of the performance. e.g.. if the marks of the officials on one routine are 7.0, 7.0, 7.5, 6.0, 8.0, the highest mark (8.0) and the lowest mark (6.0) are discarded. The three intermediate marks of 7.0, 7.0 and 7.5 are added together to make the value of the routine 21.5.
When there are two or more identical high marks, only one will be discarded. The same applies for the low marks.
In the case of more than one kata, the "total points" score of each kata will be added together to give an "overall score". This overall score will be used to rank the placings.
When a tie occurs, the high and low marks discarded are added back in. If a tie still occurs, a show of hands by the judges will decide.
Average scores may vary from region to region. It is up to the tournament organizers to explain to the judges what the scoring normals are.

PROCEDURE

All judges and competitors line up and bow in.
Competitors proceed to the designated waiting area and sit down.
Judges assume appointed positions - sitting correctly with feet flat on the floor, back straight, and hands resting on thighs.
There will be one center/head judge who will sit opposite the scorekeeper's table, and four judges on each corner of the ring.
The scorekeeper or timekeeper will call the name of the contestant out after having sorted and shuffled the contestants cards.
Competitors approach the ring from the center judges LEFT, always at a walk, and bows into the ring. A second competitor will be called "on deck" where they may warm up or stretch only.
The competitor assumes an appropriate spot to begin, bows to the center judge, and states the name of the kata.
The center judge calls back the name of the kata, the Competitor bows, and commences with the kata.
Upon completion. the competitor bows, and waits for his scores.
Center judge calls "scores up", judge's show scores to the scorekeeper who calls out the marks and records them.
The competitor bows to the center judge, and if applicable, calls the name of the second mandatory kata. The same bowing and scoring process is completed.
After the last mark has been rendered, the center judge will thank the contestant, who will then bow, and leave the ring walking.
The contestant will bow out of the ring once the boundary has been reached. The contestant on deck will be the next into the ring.
Scores will be between 0 and 10.
No score is given to an incomplete kata in the black belt division.
Kyu belts may retry their kata at the discretion of the judges.
In the case of a tie, the center judge will select a kata that the contestants must perform.
Adult division kata will be judged bearing in mind two qualities.

Artistic Impression and Technical Merit. One score shall be given only. Technical merit will examine the fundamental concepts of the Kata, and artistic impression will examine the effort and spirit of the competitor.

JUDGING OF KATA

Judges must show proper form when sitting down. Sit straight, feet flat on, the floor, back straight,, hold marks properly.
Look for form, speed, power, proper sequence, fast turns, proper extension technique, presentation.,
Be attentive, give 110%, judge for yourself.
Do not show indecisiveness in giving a mark.
Give what you think is a fair mark based on your knowledge of the kata. Do not give a low mark just because you do not like the competitor. Be fair and unbiased.
If you do not know the kata, judge it on stance, power, speed. and crispness.
Remember, each student, no matter how low in rank, is trying their best in the way they know the kata. Take this into consideration, but always keep in mind the proper way you have been taught. Give each student the benefit of their knowledge. REMEMBER your feelings when you perform and apply them to the competitor.
If you are center judge, give your fellow judges time to consider the kata performed and to reach a fair and equitable mark before calling "scores up".
Maintain a serious attitude at ALL times when judging. Do not talk, laugh, or make remarks. People are watching YOU as well as the competitor.
If two people tie in kata, the scorekeeper will add up the total scores. If total scores are tied, they will be asked to do the kata again. A show of hands will break the tie.