UK Karate Federation Open Championships

🇬🇧 UK Karate Championships – Rules & Information 🇬🇧

Welcome to the UK Karate Federation Open Championships.
This event is designed as a friendly and supportive competition, ideal for beginners experiencing their first karate tournament, as well as those who have competed before.
Our focus is on learning, gaining experience, building confidence, and enjoying the spirit of karate not pressure.
Please remember this is your chance to challenge yourself, have fun, and proudly show your karate spirit in a positive environment.

🥋 General Rules
• Etiquette and respect must be shown at all times — to referees, officials, and fellow competitors.
Lack of etiquette or poor behaviour may result in points being deducted.
• Arrive on time. If you are more than 3 minutes late to your category, you may be disqualified.
• Uniform: You must wear your club’s agreed uniform. It should be clean, tidy, and properly presented.
Points may be deducted for untidy appearance.
• No flips, cartwheels, or music in any category.
• Categories may be adjusted on the day if entry numbers are too low.
• If you have a question about scoring, only your coach should speak to the admin team, who will refer it to the Head Judge.
• Refunds are not given so if can't commit please do not book in.
• Doors open: 9:00 AM
Competition starts: 9:45 AM

🥇 Kata / Weapons / Team Kata
• Each kata division is one round.
• Judge 1 – Hand techniques
• Judge 2 – Kicks and stances
• Judge 3 – Performance, power, and etiquette
• Each judge scores between 9.0 and 9.9.
Scores are added together for your final total.

Enter from the back of the area, walk on confidently, announce your kata, and begin.
After your performance, wait for your score, then leave the area calmly.

🥊 Kumite
• Round time: 1 minute 30 seconds.
• Children (under 18): First to 6 points.
• Adults: First to 8 points or highest score at the end of the round.
• Protective equipment: WKF-style gloves, shin and foot guards, and gum shield.
Chest, groin, and head guards are optional but recommended.
• Nails: Must be cut short.

Scoring:
• 1 point – Punch to body or head
• 1 point – Kick to body
• 2 points – Kick to head
• 3 points – Takedown with finish
• All kicks must be above the belt
• Control and respect are essential – excessive contact will not be allowed.

Warnings:
1. First warning – Verbal
2. Second warning – Verbal
3. Third warning – Lose 1 point
4. Fourth warning – Disqualification

If unsure about anything, please ask the referee before your match begins.

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💬 Final Message

This event is designed to introduce new karateka to competition in a relaxed, encouraging way.
Our referees and judges want every student to leave feeling proud, confident, and motivated for future events.
The next UK Karate Championships will be a more advanced and competitive event — but today is all about learning, enjoyment, and respect.

Good luck to everyone — and thank you for taking part! 🥋🇬🇧