Kata in competition

Seven criteria: accuracy (stances, posture, eye line, punches, blocks, kicks, target areas); stability (weight shifts, turns, footwork, jumps, prone positions); dynamism (contraction of the body, extension, power); control of strength (sharp techniques without wasted force, explosive power in the finishing techniques); tempo (speed and rhythm without monotony); breathing control (harmony between movement and breath, fierce kiai); zanshin (readiness after the technique and at the close of the kata). Judging is based on the Shinkyokushinkai instructional kata collection (DVD).

Two grounds: a mistake in the kata (movements, etc.) and a temporary stop. With one penalty, the decision may still be reversed according to superiority in the criteria; with two penalties, the competitor loses the decision if the opponent has none; with no penalty on either side, the criteria decide.

Under the WKO 2026 rules: forgetting the kata or a mistake that prevents continuing; being late for the match; not following the referee's instructions; violent behaviour; performing a kata other than the designated one.

At the Karate Dream Festival 2026, five referees judge; three votes out of five make the decision and there is no draw. From the first round to the semi-finals, both competitors perform the kata at the same time after the bows; the main referee calls the name of the kata, “hajime”, “naore” and “yasume”, then asks for the decision (“hantei o torimasu”, “hantei”). In the final, white (shiro) waits seated outside the area while red (aka) announces and performs the kata, then the roles are reversed; the referee no longer calls the commands.

Individually, no limit: WKO members and members of other organisations. In teams, no restriction of grade, age or gender, but the three members must come from the same dojo or branch.