Combat Karate

Freestyle Karate Rules

All Divisions Basics

Contests consist of 2 rounds of continuous action fighting, with a break between rounds. Scoring techniques include strikes and kicks, as well as legally authorized throwing techniques, reversals, and ground strikes.

In the event of a tie after the 2rd round; additional 1 minute rounds will be held and scored until a winner is determined.

Scoring

Order of merit for technique, lower to upper tiers.

Notes:

• No score for uncontrolled or “scruffy techniques”
• Takedowns and head kicks are the same value as above!

Techniques

• Punches, kicks and strikes to legal target areas
• Sweeps and Base leg sweeping techniques
• Throwing techniques
• Pinning and Control Techniques

Grappling

Once grapping is initiated the competitors have 10 seconds to perform a takedown or throw

Following a successful takedown the competitor has 5 seconds to perform strikes or control (hold down)

Legal Move list

• All hand striking techniques that hit with the padded area of the glove
• All kicking techniques excluding contact with the heel of the foot.
• All sweeps, throws and takedowns excluding slams and dangerous technique (see below for more information)
• All hold downs and pins
• Controlled ground hand strikes.
• Adults only controlled knee strikes to body and legs.
• Please make sure Students can break fall!!

Illegal techniques (can result is yellow card warning or red card DQ)

• Strikes that are thrown with no control or use of excessive force to target.
• Heal kicks to the Face Mask (T-zone) area: Eyes, nose, mouth,
• Knees and Kicks to grounded opponent.
• No jumping knees
• Strikes to throat and neck
• Strikes to the back of head
• Kicks to the groin and knees (Note: Can kick legs)
• Throws that cause a competitor to land on his head and/or neck
• Submission techniques and joint manipulation. Including Chokes.
• Defending takedowns with chokes. Note: You can under hook to arm or chest. No squeeze of the neck.
• No wild punching. Swinging without control. Technical striking.
• Turning your back or running away.
• Taking a timeout with referees consent.

🚫 Strictly Prohibited Striking. Immediate DQ

• No Knees to the Head: Knee strikes are strictly limited to the body and legs
• No Elbows: All elbow strikes are prohibited
• No Headbutting or eye attacks
• No attacks to the knees, throat or back of head.

🚫 Prohibited Grappling & Groundwork. Immediate DQ

• No Submissions.
• Spiking: Any throw that lands an opponent directly on their head or neck (e.g., a “piledriver”).

Safety is of the upmost importance for the competitors; at the discretion of the referee(s), a competitor may be allowed up to 2 minutes to recover from an injury following which the competitor must either continue or the round must be decided

Illegal techniques will cause a warning and could lead to disqualification.

Divisions

More categories may be added with larger numbers of participants. Weighed in on the day 1+ kg over is fine. Will match make weights, experience and age.

Adult Divisions (18 and above)

2 x 90 second (1.5 minute) rounds of continuous action, Semi contact.
60 second (1min) break between rounds

Masters (40+)

2 x 60 second (1 minute) rounds of continuous action, Semi contact.
60 second (1min) break between rounds

Young Adult Division (16 to 18)

2 x 90 second (1.5 minute) rounds of continuous action, Light to Semi contact.
60 second (1min) break between rounds

Junior Divisions

NEW Cadets Points Kumite

KP1 (5 to 8) Cadets Points

Cadets Karate (Ages 5–8)

Official Points Ruleset

This division focuses on precision, control, and sportsmanship. We prioritize a safe environment where young martial artists can showcase their technique without the risk of injury.

Match Format & Scoring

Round Duration: One 90-second (1.5 min) round.

Winning Objective: The first competitor to reach 4 points wins.

• Torso Strikes (1 Point): Clean, controlled strikes delivered to the body.
• Takedown to Strike (2 Points): A legal throw immediately followed by a controlled finishing strike.

Contact & Safety Standards

• Light/Touch Contact Only: All techniques must be pulled. Excessive force is not permitted.
• Strict No Head Contact: Strikes to the head or face are strictly prohibited.
• Only single strike on the ground
• Controlled Throws
• Illegal Strikes: Any strike to an unauthorized area or excessive contact will result in a point deduction and may lead to immediate disqualification at the referee’s discretion.

Mandatory Equipment

To ensure the safety of all participants, the following gear is required:

• Traditional Karate Gi
• Karate or MMA Sparring Gloves
• Shin Protectors

Optional Gear:

While head strikes are prohibited, participants may wear a headguard or gumshield if they prefer extra peace of mind.

Advancement Opportunities

Note: Once a student reaches age 8, they become eligible to transition into our Combat Karate ruleset, which introduces more advanced competitive elements.

Juniors Combat Karate

KA1 (7 to 9)

1 x 90 sec (1.5min) rounds of continuous action, LIGHT CONTACT.

Only single strike on the ground

KA2 (10-12)

2 x 90 sec (1.5min) rounds of continuous action, LIGHT CONTACT.
60 second (1min) break between rounds

Only single strike on the ground

KA3 (13 to 15)

2 x 90sec (1.5min) rounds of continuous action, LIGHT CONTACT
60 second (1min) break between rounds

Only single strike on the ground

Protective equipment

COSTING

£15 per entry or £25 for 2 (example Kumite and Kata or Masters and Open)

Spectators £5

JUDGES SCORING

KARATE bouts will be evaluated by 2 judges using the 10-Point-Must system. The judges will evaluate the relative merits of each fighter’s performance according to the tier scoring system.
If a the bout ends in a tie the referee can decide to either award the winner or continue to a sudden victory round.

Couple Of Past Examples