Empty Hand Kata

Judges score kata based on the competitors: power, balance, stances, control, ring presence, breathing, kia, etc.

All scoring is done to two decimal points. For example 8.78.

• Novice competitors are scored using the range of 7.00-8.00 with a median target score of 7.5.
• Advanced competitors are scored using the range of 8.00-9.00 with a median target score of 8.5.
• Black Belt competitors are scored using the the range of 9.00-10.00 with a median target score of 9.50.

5 Judges - When there are 5 judges the low and high scores are dropped and the three remaining scores are added together. The competitor with the highest score wins.

3 Judges - With 3 judges all scores are added together and the highest score wins. 

When there is 5 judges either the low or high score can be added back in as a tie breaker or the competitors can run again and the judges use a show of hands to choose the winner. The competitor receiving the most of the judges votes wins.

Yes with center judge permission providing there is space to safely perform the kata.

Black belts may NOT restart their kata. Under black belt can restart with a point penalty.

Tournament Karate Association Rules supersede anything on this website in the event there are any rule conflicts with rules, events or divisions.