World of Karate (Page 5)


The fighting area is 8m x 8m (somewhat larger than a boxing or a wrestling ring) with no ropes or guards at the boundaries. The fighters have to keep within this area and more than one exit from the fighting area is penalized, as it shows either lack of courage or lack of control. Improperly controlled attacks which inflict damage on the opponent are also penalized, unless it was caused by the opponents own lack of control. Showing disrespect to the opponent, or showing fear (such as by turning ones face away from the opponent) are also actions that may result in penalties in the form of one or more points to the opponent. Controlled punches generally earn a single point, but two rapid punches one after the other, both of which could have inflicted severe damage on the opponent, can earn two points. A controlled kick to the stomach area earns two points, while a kick to the face earns three, as does disbalancing an opponent, followed by a strong scoring technique.

There is a referee in the ring with the fighters, who stops the fight with a call of `yame’ every time he feels a scoring technique has been made, or when the line judges on three sides of the ring signal him that a score has been made. The referee then decides if the score is valid and signals the scorekeeper accordingly. As he is closer to the fighters, he can overrule two of the judges, with the support of the third judge, but if three judges differ from him, he has to go with them. The scorekeeper records the points and penalties incurred, and he calls for an end to the fight when one of the fighters has a lead of eight points over his opponent. Otherwise the fight continues for three minutes, not counting stoppage time. The fighter with the most points at the end of three minutes wins the fight.

Although a skilled karateka can kill his opponent with a single punch or kick, Sports Karate rules have been devised so that there is minimal danger of injury to the competitors. However, not all good fighters have complete control, and there are instances when a punch that would have grazed the chin smashes into the face! In spite of all precautions, injuries do happen in a Karate competition; However, such occasions are rare. In fact, there is less chance of injury in a National Karate Competition than there is in a football match, let alone a boxing match!