Sparring (Kumite)

Light contact to the face, back of head, kidney, chest or torso, and groin for all divisions. "Rocking" the head in any division will constitute excessive contact and penalties up to disqualification can be issued by the center judge.

Under black belt will be scored by a center judge and 2 corner judges. 2 of the three judges must agree a score was made for a point to be issued. All target areas are worth 1 point. Target ares are listed above in the contact section.

Black belt matches should have 1 center judge and 4 corner judges. 3 of the 5 judges must agree a point was made to issue a point. 

Boot to boot sweeping from the rear of the opponents foot sweeping forward are allowed per the TKA rules. Successful sweeps do NOT earn a point unless followed up by a scoring points. Stomping, or jumping follow up techniques are prohibited. Once a competitor falls or swept the a count of 3 made by the center judge to follow up. After the 3 count the match is stopped and the competitors restart on their feet.

All matches are 2 minutes or 5 points whichever comes first. 

Groin cup, punch and kick pads, headgear and mouthpiece are required for all divisions. Punch or hand pads MUST be foam dipped and cover the knuckles and fingers. Feet pads MUST also foam dipped and cover the toes. Headgear should be foam dipped and fit properly.

Face shields are mandator for all junior divisions. Face shields are optional for adults during sparring but mandatory during chanbara. Kids under the age of 11 MUST wear a chest guard. Chest guards can be borrowed at ringside.

Definition of “Out of Bounds” Both feet

touch outside of the designated ring perimeter (does not

include fighting out) if both feet go out of bounds with no

contact, it becomes a penalty point.

 Coaching from parent/instructor is allowed as long it

is respectful. Parents and Children can be disqualified from

competition for disrespectful behavior.

TKA rules supersede any rules, statements or statements made here. Please contact a TKA coordinator at the event with any questions.