Weapons kata

Any traditional martial arts weapon in good working order maybe used. Live blades are prohibited. Throwing stars, knives, etc are also prohibited.

Judges score kata based on the competitors: power, balance, stances, control, ring presence, weapon manipulation, 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.

Competitors should NOT touch the mats with their weapons during their kata performance. This includes: stabbing, sweeping, scooping, or any other motion.

Black Belt competitors who drop their weapon should bow out immediately. You may not continue your performance and will receive the minim scores allowed. Under the rank of black belt competitors may continue or restart but will be assessed a point penalty.

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.