SKO Competition Rules
Table of Contents
General Rules
Article 1: Playing Area and Referees
Article 2: Kumite Competition Organization
Article 3: Official Attire
Article 4: Refereeing Team
Article 5: Match Duration, Weights, and Age Categories
Article 6: Scoring
Article 7: Decision Criteria
Article 8: Prohibited Acts
Article 9: Penalties
Article 10: Injuries and Accidents During Matches
Article 11: Protests
Competition Rules Kata
Article 1: Competition Area and Referees
Article 2: Official Uniform
Article 3: Organization of KATA Competitions
Article 4: Referees and Officials
Article 5: Scoring Criteria
Article 6: Decision-Making Criteria
General Terms and Conditions of the SKO International Organization:
Article 1: Liability
Article 2: Approvals (Media) and Publication
Article 3: Fees and Subscriptions
Article 4: Membership Revocation
Ages and weights
27 Kata
Illustrative images

Competition Rules Kumite

Article 1: Playing Area and Referees
1. Playing Area:
The karate match must take place on a square mat with a competition area
measuring 8×8 meters, with an additional 1-meter safety area on each side,
making the total area 10×10 meters (Tatami).
The competitors standing positions must be clearly marked.
2. Referees Positions:
The four judges sit outside the 8-meter competition area in the safety zone,
each holding a red flag (AKA) and a blue flag (AO).
The scoring table is located outside the safety area, behind the main referee
position.
3. Refereeing Panel:
A minimum of five officials is required, including:
One center referee (SHUSHIN) and four corner judges (FUKUSHIN) equipped
with red and blue flags and whistles.
One match supervisor (KANSA).
Scorekeeper and timekeeper.
A scoreboard must be provided, showing each competitor points in their
respective colors (red for AKA and blue for AO).

Article 2: Kumite Competition Organization
1. Competition Categories:
Karate competitions consist of KATA and KUMITE, with KUMITE events divided
into individual and team categories.
Individual matches may be further classified by age, weight, or open weight
categories.
Team matches involve a sequence where each player competes against their
opponent based on the lineup submitted by the coach to the referee panel.
2. Rules of Participation:
Substitutions are not allowed in individual or team matches.
Competitors or teams absent when called will forfeit their participation and be
deemed disqualified under the KIKEN (withdrawal) rule.
Teams must consist of an odd number of competitors:
Men teams: Three competitors.
Women teams: Three competitors.
Before each match, the team coach must submit the lineup form to the referee
table, indicating the order of competitors.
The order may change for subsequent matches, but prior notification must be
given.
Teams will be disqualified if a competitor order is altered without prior notice.
3. Referees as Competitors:
Referees are allowed to participate in competitions as competitors in KATA or
KUMITE, provided they wear sports attire instead of refereeing uniforms.
When organizing a championship that includes a match for masters aged 40
and above in KATA or KUMITE, referees are allowed to participate as players
under the following conditions:
A- Participation as a Player Only During Their Match:
Referees who wish to compete must register as both a player and a referee
prior to the start of the championship. During their participation in the
masters’ match, they are considered players only and are not allowed to
perform any refereeing duties.
2- Return to Refereeing Role After Match Completion:
Once their participation in the masters’ match is concluded, and the masters’
event is officially finished, they may resume their duties as a referee or coach,
adhering to the standard regulations.
3- Proper Attire for Each Role:
During their participation as players, referees must wear the designated player
uniform. Upon completing their match and returning to their refereeing role,
they must wear the appropriate referee attire.
4- Transparency and Fairness:
To ensure integrity and avoid conflicts of interest, referees who compete as
players must not officiate in any matches within the same category or division
they participated in.
5- Pre-Registration Requirements:
Referees intending to compete must complete the registration process
indicating their dual role as both a referee and a player before the
championship begins.
This framework ensures that referees can participate as players while
maintaining fairness, professionalism, and the integrity of the championship.

Article 3: Official Attire
1. Referees:
Referees and judges must wear the uniform designated by the referee
committee:
Dark blue jacket with the SKO logo and referee grade (A, B, C) on the left
chest.
White shirt and SKO logo tie.
Dark gray trousers, dark socks, and slip-on shoes suitable for the Tatami.
Female referees may wear headscarves or hair ties, provided they do not
hinder movement.
2. Competitors:
Competitors must wear a white karate gi with no decorations or stripes.
The SKO logo or the country flag may be worn on the left chest, not exceeding
10 cm (100mm x 100mm).
Red belt (AKA) and blue belt (AO) must be worn by the respective competitors.
Female competitors may wear a white T-shirt under the gi.
The sleeves of the jacket must not exceed wrist length or be shorter than half
the forearm, and rolling up sleeves is prohibited.
Trousers must cover at least two-thirds of the shin, and rolling them up is not
allowed.
Hair must be clean, neat, and trimmed to avoid obstructing performance. Hair
accessories and metal pins are not allowed in KUMITE, but permitted in KATA.
Competitors must keep their nails short and refrain from wearing jewelry or
sharp objects.
Gum shields (mouthguards) and protective gear, including hand, shin, and
chest protectors, are mandatory.
3. Coaches:
Coaches must wear long-sleeved and long-legged sports attire and display
their official identification badge.

Article 4: Refereeing Team
1. Composition:
The refereeing team for each match consists of:
One center referee (SHUSHIN).
Four corner judges (FUKUSHIN).
One match supervisor (KANSA).
Additional support staff may include timekeepers, announcers, recorders, and
point tally supervisors.
2. Protocol:
Before the match begins, the judges stand at the outer edge of the playing
area, with the center referee in the middle.
After the formal exchange of bows between competitors and officials, the
judges enter the playing area and take their positions after bowing.
3. Referee licenses will be given out for three levels
a. A – SHUSHIN / KOTO-CHO
b. B – SHUSHIN
C. C – FUKUSHIN

Article 5: Match Duration, Weights, and Age Categories
1. Duration:
The KUMITE match duration is:
Three minutes for senior male competitors in both team and individual events.
Two minutes for female, junior, and cadet competitors.
2. Time Management:
Time starts when the referee signals SHOBU HAJIME (start the match).
Time stops whenever the referee calls YAME (stop).
The timekeeper must provide clear signals using a bell or buzzer to indicate:
30 seconds remaining in the match.
End of time, marking the conclusion of the match.
These rules ensure fair competition and emphasize safety, discipline, and
professionalism in KUMITE matches.

Article 6: Scoring
1. Types of Points:
IPPON (1 Point):
Awarded for punches directed at the CHUDAN (trunk area) or JODAN (head
and neck area). Uraken Uchi / Haito Uchi
Awarded for strikes executed using UCHI WAZA techniques.
NIHON (2 Points):
Awarded for kicks directed at the CHUDAN area. Chudan Mawashi Geri / Mae
Geri / Yoko Geri / Ushiro Geri
SANBON (3 Points):
Awarded for kicks directed at the JODAN area.
Awarded for throwing or sweeping the opponent leg (ASHI BARAI) followed by
a valid technical strike.
2. Criteria for Awarding Points:
Points are granted when the following technical standards are met:
A-Proper execution according to technical standards.
B-Sporting behavior and respect for the spirit of competition.
C-Effective and dynamic application of the technique.
D-Awareness, concentration, and readiness (ZANSHIN).
E-Proper timing.
F-Correct distance.
3. Additional Scoring Rules:
1. Points are awarded only for strikes targeting the permitted areas: the head,
face, neck, abdomen, chest, back, and sides.
2. Strikes executed after the end of the match or outside the competition area
are not scored.
3. Simultaneous techniques (AIUCHI) depend on the decision of the referee.
4. Gripping and throwing techniques are permitted only if followed by a
subsequent valid strike. They are also allowed as a counterattack after
defending against the opponent technique.
5. Dangerous throws, or those where the pivot point is above the waist, are
prohibited and result in a warning or penalty. Exceptions include techniques
such as ASHI BARAI, which do not require gripping the opponent. After
executing a throw, the competitor is allowed three seconds to attempt a
scoring technique.
6. Proper distance is critical; a punch or kick executed within a range of 2-3 cm
from the face may be considered valid if it meets other technical criteria.
JODAN punches within reasonable proximity to the target are also valid if the
opponent makes no attempt to block or evade them.
4. Guidelines for Scoring and Target Areas:
1. Strikes below the belt may be valid if they target the area above the pubic
bone.
2. The neck is a valid target, but contact with the throat is strictly prohibited.
However, a precisely controlled technique directed at the throat may be scored
if no contact occurs.
3. Strikes to the shoulder blade area may be scored. However, strikes to the
shoulder joint, the upper arm, or the collarbone are prohibited.
4. Poorly executed techniques, regardless of where they are performed, are
not awarded points. Weak or improperly executed techniques are invalid.
5. End-of-Match Procedures:
Points are counted only up to the moment the timekeeper signals the end of
the match. Any penalty actions can still be enforced after the match ends but
must be issued by the referee panel.
If competitors achieve a tie, the decision is left to the referee and judges.

Article 7: Decision Criteria
Determining the Match Result:
The winner of a match is determined by one of the following:
1. Scoring six points before the end of the match.
2. Having the highest score when the match time ends.
3. Winning by the judges decision (HANTEI).
4. The opponent being penalized through HANSOKU, SHIKKAKU, or KIKEN.
HANTEI Decision:
If the match ends in a tie or no points are scored, the winner is determined
based on:
A: Behavior, fighting spirit, and power demonstrated by the competitors.
B: Superiority in techniques and skills.
C: Initiating the majority of offensive actions.
HANTEI Procedure:
The referee moves to the outer boundary of the competition area and calls
HANTEI, followed by two whistle blows.
The four judges simultaneously raise their flags, and the referee also raises
their flag toward the declared winner.
The referee blows a short whistle to signal the return of the flags and then
announces the winner.

Article 8: Prohibited Acts
Category 1:
1. Excessive contact with scoring areas, considering the targeted zone, or
contact with the throat.
2. Attacks to the arms, legs, groin, joints, or insteps.
3. Attacks to the face using fingers.
4. Dangerous or prohibited throws that result in injury.
Category 2:
1. Feigning injury or exaggerating its severity.
2. Repeatedly exiting the competition area (JOGAI).
3. Engaging in behavior that exposes the competitor to injury (MUBOBI) or
failing to take adequate personal safety measures.
4. Avoiding combat to waste time or prevent the opponent from scoring.
5. Throwing when the central axis is above the hip level.
6. Unnecessary holding, clinching, pushing, or grabbing without attempting a
proper technique.
7. Techniques that cannot be controlled safely or dangerous attacks,
regardless of whether they hit the target.
8. Attacks using the head, knees, or elbows.
9. Talking to, provoking, or behaving improperly towards the opponent,
officials, or judges.
10. Any disrespectful conduct by a member of the official delegation, which
may lead to the competitor, the entire team, or the delegation being
disqualified from the competition.
Warnings and Penalties in KUMITE
1. CHUI 1: First warning (no points awarded).
2. CHUI 2: Second warning (no points awarded).
3. CHUI 3: Penalty awarding IPPON (1 point) to the opponent.
4. HANSOKU CHUI: Penalty awarding NIHON (2 points) to the opponent.
5. HANSOKU: Penalty awarding SANBON (3 points) to the opponent. or
Disqualification

Article 9: Penalties
1. A penalty may be applied to a competitor who commits a minor infraction or
for the first instance of a minor infraction.
Warning (CHUI 1, CHUI 2):
The first and second warnings are given without awarding a point to the
opponent.
Further Penalties:
2. The third penalty (CHUI 3) may be issued directly without the need for prior
warnings (CHUI 1 and CHUI 2) due to the nature of the competitor infractions.
3. The penalty of HANSOKU CHUI may be applied directly depending on the
competitor infractions.
4. HANSOKU ( Disqualification ) can be issued either for cumulative penalties
or directly for severe violations of the rules.
5. Any competitor receiving a HANSOKU penalty for causing an injury, deemed
by the Refereeing Committee and Match Supervisor as reckless, dangerous, or
lacking the necessary skills for SKO international competitions, will be
reported to the Refereeing Council. The council will decide whether the
competitor should be suspended from future competitions.
6. The penalty of SHIKKAKU may be applied directly without prior warnings.
This does not require the competitor to commit an actionable violation. It is
sufficient if the coach or any team member behaves in a manner that affects
the respect and honor of the karate sport. If the referee believes the competitor
acted recklessly, regardless of actual physical injury, SHIKKAKU is the correct
penalty to apply rather than HANSOKU.

Article 10: Injuries and Accidents During Matches
1. KIKEN is the decision taken when a competitor fails to present themselves
when called, is unable to continue, shows unwillingness to compete, or
withdraws on the referee order. Reasons for withdrawal may include injuries
not caused by the opponent.
2. If both competitors are injured or suffer from pre-existing injuries and the
official doctor declares that they cannot continue, the competitor with the
higher score wins. If the scores are tied, a HANTEI decision is made to
determine the result.
3- A competitor who is deemed unfit to compete by the doctor due to injury
shall not be allowed to participate further in the tournament.
4- A competitor who wins a match as a result of their opponent’s injury or
disqualification shall not continue to compete in the tournament without the
doctor’s approval. If the doctor permits, the competitor may participate in the
next KUMITE match.
5. When a competitor is injured, the referee stops the match and calls the
doctor. The doctor is allowed only to diagnose and treat the injury.
6. An injured competitor receiving medical treatment is allowed three minutes
for recovery. If treatment is not completed within this time, the referee will
decide whether the competitor is unfit to fight or grant an extension for
treatment.
7. Any competitor who falls, is thrown, or is knocked down and fails to stand
on their feet within 10 seconds is deemed unfit to continue fighting and will be
withdrawn from all KUMITE competitions in that tournament. When a
competitor falls, is thrown, or is knocked down, and cannot immediately stand
up, the referee signals the timekeeper to start the 10-second countdown using
a whistle while calling for the doctor if necessary. The timekeeper stops the
clock when the referee raises their hand.
Explanations:
1. If the doctor declares a competitor medically unfit, the appropriate decision
must be made by the referee and judges.
2. A competitor may win due to the opponent disqualification for cumulative
penalties under categories C1 and C2.
3. The referee must call the doctor if a competitor requires medical attention.
4. The doctor must adhere to safety regulations as specified in the medical
guidelines for the injured competitor.
5. The 10-second rule is enforced by the designated timekeeper. A warning is
given after seven seconds, followed by a final signal at 10 seconds. The
timekeeper begins the countdown only upon the referee signal and stops the
clock when the competitor stands fully upright and the referee raises their
arm.
6. The Refereeing Committee decides the winner based on the penalty
received by the opponent (HANSOKU, KIKEN, or SHIKKAKU) as applicable.
7. In team matches, if a competitor receives a KIKEN penalty, the opponent
team is awarded six additional points.

Article 11: Protests
1. No individual is permitted to raise objections to refereeing decisions with
any member of the referee panel.
2. If an arbitration procedure conflicts with the regulations, only the
organization president or the official representative has the right to file a
protest.
3. The protest must be submitted as a written report immediately after the
match in question. The only exception is if the protest concerns administrative
misconduct, which must be reported to the match supervisor immediately and
addressed accordingly.
4. The protest must be submitted to the Appeals Committee representative,
which will review the circumstances leading to the protest and consider all
available facts. The committee will issue a report authorizing appropriate
actions as deemed necessary.
5. The protest must pertain to the application of the regulations in accordance
with the complaint procedures defined by the SKO International Organization.
The protest must be submitted in writing and signed by the official
representative of the team or competitors. 

Explanation:
A fee must be paid when submitting an objection, accompanied by clear evidence—such as video recordings—to ensure the legality and objectivity of the appeal. If the Appeals Committee upholds the objection, appropriate measures will be taken, along with necessary precautions to prevent recurrence in future competitions. Additionally, the deposited fee will be refunded to the appellant.
The refereeing committee overseeing the competition is responsible for ensuring that matches proceed without delays while objections are being reviewed.

Competition Rules Kata

Article 1: Competition Area and Referees
1. The KATA competition must be conducted on a square mat measuring 8×8
meters, with an additional safety area of 1 meter on each side, making the total
competition area 10×10 meters (TATAMI).
2. The starting positions for competitors must be clearly designated.
3. Judges are seated outside the 8-meter competition area, each equipped with
blue and red flags (AO-AKA).
4. The referee table is positioned outside the safety area, behind the central
referee.
5. The refereeing panel consists of at least five officials, including:
a. One central referee and four corner judges, each equipped with a blue flag, a
red flag (AO-AKA), and a whistle.
b. A scorekeeper.
c. An official responsible for verifying the competitors names, numbers, and
other administrative details.

Article 2: Official Uniform
1. The official uniform shall be identical to that specified in the KUMITE rules.
2. Any individual not adhering to this code will be disqualified.
3. Competitors are not allowed to remove their karate uniform during the KATA
performance.
4. Competitors wearing incorrect uniforms will be given one minute to rectify
the issue.
5. Female competitors are allowed to wear a hijab, provided it is plain and free
from logos or designs, except for the SKO logo.

Article 3: Organization of KATA Competitions
1. KATA competitions may be individual or team-based. Teams consist of three
members of the same gender. Competitors must not wear accessories.
Individual KATA competitions are also divided into male and female
categories, without accessories.
2. The KATA competition system includes:
The first stage: mandatory KATA (SHITEI KATA).
Subsequent stages: optional KATA (TOKUI KATA).
Competitors may not repeat a KATA already performed in previous rounds.
In the first round, competitors must select one mandatory KATA from the
approved list. No variations are allowed. After the first round, competitors are
free to choose their KATA.
3. KATA must be selected from the official KATA list set by the SKO
International Organization.
4. In team KATA finals, after completing the KATA performance, teams must
present an explanation (BUNKAI) within 3 minutes.

Article 4: Referees and Officials
1. The refereeing panel consists of one central referee and four corner judges.
2. The table staff must include at least two individuals responsible for
recording winners, losers, and managing administrative matters.
3. The chief referee is seated outside the mat in the center, while the four
judges are positioned in the corners, each equipped with blue and red flags
(AO-AKA) The match commissioner sits behind the referee outside the field
TATAMI of play

Article 5: Scoring Criteria
1. KATA should be assessed based on its fundamental principles and the
philosophical and technical beliefs behind it. Judges must evaluate
participants or teams using the following key criteria:
Realistic interpretation of KATA (BUNKAI).
Timing, speed, balance, and power concentration (KIME).
Correct stances (DACHI).
Core strength and posture (HARA).
Proper bowing to referees and competitors.
2. Explanation:
a. KATA is not a dance or theatrical performance. It must adhere to the values,
spiritual meaning, and technical aspects of the art. Competitors must
realistically display combat scenarios, showcasing strength, speed, agility,
rhythm, and balance.
b. In team KATA, all three members must face the same direction toward the
chief referee at the beginning.
c. Teams must demonstrate synchronization, harmony, and power throughout
the performance.
d. External cues, such as commands to start or stop, stomping, chest or arm
slapping, excessive breathing, or unnecessary gestures, will result in a
deduction. Coaches, competitors, and referees must be vigilant in avoiding
such issues.

Article 6: Decision-Making Criteria
1. At the beginning of each round, the competitors are called by name, one
wearing a red belt (AKA) and the other a blue belt (AO).
The competitor in the blue belt (AO) steps back to wait for their turn, while the
competitor in the red belt (AKA) steps onto the competition mat and bows to
the referees before starting their performance.
2. Once both competitors (red and blue) have completed their KATA
performances, they return to the mat and await the decision. The chief referee
announces HANTEI (decision), followed by two whistle blows, at which point
all five judges simultaneously raise their flags to indicate the winner.
After the winner is announced, both competitors bow to the referees and step
back.
3. If a KATA performance does not conform to the rules or there are other
discrepancies, the chief referee has the right to call the judges to decide on
the appropriate action.
4. If a competitor fails to appear after being called, the referee may declare a
penalty (KIKEN), awarding the victory to the opponent without performing the
KATA.

General Terms and Conditions of the SKO International Organization

Article 1: Liability
a. The organization shall not, under any circumstances, be held liable for any
material or non-material damages resulting from any accident or injury
involving members or third parties in any form.
b. The organization cannot be held responsible for any damages incurred by
you in general.

Article 2: Approvals (Media) and Publication
Members, affiliated karate schools, karate associations, individuals, or
participants in SKO events and activities grant permission for the use of their
names, images, or videos for the promotion of the organization. This approval
is considered granted upon their membership or participation in SKO
international events and activities without requiring further consent.

Article 3: Fees and Subscriptions
Financial matters, including rights, fees, and subscriptions, are determined by
the head of the SKO branch in each country, based on the local currency and
its value. The branch head has the authority to make appropriate decisions,
provided they do not harm the overall structure of the organization. Failure to
comply may result in accountability by the central organization.

Article 4: Membership Revocation
The SKO main governing body reserves the right to revoke the membership of
individuals, karate schools, or karate associations affiliated with the main
organization in the event of any violation, misconduct, or harm caused to the
organization.

Compulsory Kata
1-Heian Shodan
2-Heian Nidan
3-Heian Sandan
4-Heian Yondan
5-Heian Godan
6-Tekki Shodan
7-Bassai Dai
8-Jion
9-Kanku Dai
10-Empi-Enpi
11-Tekki Nidan
12-Hangetsu
13-Sochin
14-Kanku Sho
15-Bassai Sho
16-Nijushiho
17-Tekki Sandan
18-Ji’In
19-Jitte
20-Chinte
21-Meikyo
22-Gankaku
23-Wankan
24-Unsu
25-Gojushiho Dai
26-Gojushiho Sho
27-Yari Kata 2019 Spear, Created by SKO Founder Walid S.R.

Females-Males
Ages of participants
7 > 10 years
11 > 13 years
14 > 15 years
16 > 17 years
18 > 40 years
Weights
-55 > 59 Kg
-60 > 65 Kg
66 > 70 Kg
71 > 75 Kg
76 > 80 Kg
+80 Kg
Kumite time
-18 Yr =2 Min
+18 Yr =3 Min
Masters-Kata&Kumite
41 > 50 years
51 > 55 years
+56 Yr