WKF karate competition has two disciplines: sparring (kumite) and forms (kata). Both competition areas are flat and devoid of hazards. Competitors may enter either as individuals or as part of a team.
The competition area is an 8m square with an additional 2m on all sides as a safety area. A line half a metre long must be drawn 2m from the centre of the competition area for positioning the Referee.Two parallel lines each one metre long and at right angles to the Referee’s line, are drawn at a distance of 1.5m from the centre of the competition area for positioning the competitors.Each judge is seated at the corners on the mat in the safety area.The Match Supervisor is seated just outside the safety area, behind, and to the left or right of the Referee.The score supervisor is seated at the official score table, between the scorekeeper and the timekeeper.
The competition area for Kumite is used for Kata.
The Chief Judge sits in the centre position facing the contestants and the other four Judges are seated at the corners of the competition area.
World Karate Federation. Kata And Kumite Competition Rules. Revision 9.0. 1 January 2015. http://www.wkf.net/
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