K.U.A. Competition & Tournaments

As of 2004, all K.U.A. States, and the National body, operate all tournaments in accordance with World Karate Federation Rules. For a PDF Copy of those rules (388 Kb), Click Here.

Competition is promoted as a friendly and social event with spirited competition and camaraderie in the true nature of Karate-Do.

The combat rules are strictly non-contact for safety and we use world-class safety equipment for that reason. Referees and judges are all experienced competitors in their own right and are fully trained in all aspects of competition rules and methodology.

For many, the annual, or bi-annual tournament is the pinnacle of their Karate Training, and the most enjoyable event on their social calendar.

Event Descriptions

Individual Kata

Only traditional Shotokan Kata relevant to grade allowed in Kyu Grade divisions. Advanced divisions require "Shi-Te" Kata on opening round (Jion or Kanku-Dai), followed by "Tokui" Kata on subsequent rounds (Favourite) Senior divisions may perform Kata more than once, but not consecutively. Judged on flag system and conducted by elimination 2 competitors at a time.

Grade categories: 10th Kyu to 4th Kyu, 3rd Kyu - and above, Veterans aged 35-44, Veterans aged 45 and above. Age divisions apply under 18 years.

3 members per team of either the same or mixed gender. Only traditional kata relevant to lowest grade allowed if a team member is below 3rd Kyu. Judged on flag system and conducted by elimination 2 teams at a time. Competitors may not be a member of more than one kata team. Senior divisions must perform "Bunkai" demonstration for final rounds (Application of techniques).

San-Bon Kumite (see Kumite page for detailed description)

3 Step structured attack & defence combinations. Competitors judged and eliminated by flag system.

Kihon-Ippon Kumite (see Kumite page for detailed description)

1 Step structured attack & defence combinations. Competitors judged and eliminated by flag system. 1st attack must be defended with "basic" technique, 2nd similar attack must be defended by "non-basic" technique.

Jiyu-Ippon Kumite (see Kumite page for detailed description)

1 Step free-style attack & defence combinations. Competitors judged and eliminated by flag system. Attacks must be "basic" techniques, defences and counter-attacks must be "non-basic" techniques that are judged to be effective in a real-life situation.

Jiyu Kumite (see Kumite page for detailed description)

Free-style attack & defence sparring. Competitors judged and eliminated by flag system upon each suspected point score. Attacks and counter-attacks must be "perfect form" techniques and must be judged to be controlled and permitted anatomy strikes.

Team Kumite

3 members per team and is open to all grades. One member from each team spars at a time as with individual Kumite. Jiyu-Kumite rules apply and best of 3 wins per team determines the winning team of each round.