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Shiai
In recent years, with the development of freestyle sparring, it became possible to hold actual karate matches. Shiai used to be actual fights to the death between two opponents challenging each other. At that time, there were no rules to govern such fights. Any technique could be used - even attacks to the groin and vital points on the body are permitted.
As shiai became more tightly governed, it has subsequently evolved into a sporting competition administered by strict rules to prevent unecessary injuries, conducted in a fair atmosphere of true sportsmanship. The World Union of Karate Organisations (WUKO) is the international governing body in control of World Championships. There are both kumite (freestyle sparring) and kata competitions.
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The shiai kumite is perhaps the competition most familiar to the general public as it is visually exciting and for that reason, recieves media exposure. The contestants spar in an 8m by 8m square of polished wood or canvas-covered mat with each match lasting 3 minutes for men and 2 minutes for women. A contestant scores when a effective controlled punch or kick focused on either the face, neck or mid-section.
 Illustrations of Referee Gestures for Shiai Kumite
World Karate-do Federation Kumite Regulations
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The attacker using a jodan mawashi-geri (upper roundhouse kick) against his opponent |
Two female contestants watching each other intently during a kumite bout. |
| There are 2 categories of shiai kata, one being the team Kata event where each team is made up of 3 exclusively male or female contestants, and the other, individual kata. In the team kata event, 3 contestants are to perform the same kata. This is especially interesting to watch as the team would execute each movement in synchronized timing and accuracy. The judges would look for timed co-ordination among team members and the accuracy of the kata being performed. |
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In the individual kata event, each of the contestants are to perform a kata of their choice from the Official Schedule (list) of WKF Shitei Kata and are evaluated by a panel of judges. The kata performance must have demonstrated correct focus of attention ( Chakugan ), use of power, good balance and proper breathing. The contestant must also demonstrate a clear understanding of the principles the kata contains.
OFFICIAL SCHEDULE OF WKF SHITEI KATA
- Bassai (Bassai Dai)
- Chinto (Gankaku)
- Gojushiho
- Gojushiho-Dai
- Gojushiho-Sho
- Jion
- Kosokun-Sho
- Kurunfa
- Kushanku (Kosokun-Dai, Kanku-Dai)
- Niseishi (Nijushiho)
- Nipaipo
- Rohai (Meikyo)
- Saifa
- Seienchin
- Sepai
- Seisan
- Seishan (Hangetsu)
- Shiho Kosokun
- Shisochin
- Superimpei
- Unshu (Unsu)
- Wanshu (Empi)
World Karate-do Federation Kata Regulations |
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