WKF Competition Rules – Highlight of changes To 2023

While the final document of the WKF Competition Rules is underway for soon publication, we would hereby like to send you a summary of the major changes that will be implemented as of 1^st January 2023. Please consider these important amendments as they will come into effect very soon.

Kumite

                 1. WKF Approved Helmet

From 1^st January 2023 the use of the protective “WKF Helmet” or “WKF Face Mask” will be COMPULSORY in U14 categories.

From 1^st January 2024 exclusively the use of the “WKF Helmet” will be allowed for the U14 categories.

2. Penalties

The two existing lines of penalties will be unified in single tier system, through their unification and reduction in number. The Referee will take care of all warnings and penalties.

3. Electronic scoring system

The flags currently used by the corner judges, will be replaced with joysticks, which automatically combine the result immediately. The flags currently used by the corner judges, will for official WKF events, except for Youth League, be replaced with joysticks, where the points given by judges will be instantly indicated on the monitors and the referee will stop the bout to signal the points given.  The rules are now written to accommodate both flags and joysticks.

Kata

                 4. Number of Judges

In Kata competition the number of Judges counted towards the final score will be 5 o 7 (instead of 3 of 7). Only the highest and lowest scores obtained will be eliminated. Also, the guidelines for giving scores and the system for resolution of ties have been simplified, through the elimination of the different weighs of scores in athletic (30%) and technical (70%) as was the case until now.

General

                 5. Attire for competitors – Karategi

From 1^st January 2023 the use of “WKF Approved Karategi” with embroidered brands on the shoulders in RED or BLUE will be COMPULSORY in all the categories of Kata and Kumite, for all official WKF events (World Championships and Karate 1 – Premier League, Series A and Youth League).

For the current Senior World Champions and Karate 1 – Premier League Grand Winners the use of “WKF Approved Karategi” with embroidered brands on the shoulders in GOLD will be COMPULSORY.

This is already applicable and compulsory after the transition period ending 31^st December 2022.