JULY 2006 - USA Wado Ryu Karate-Do

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WORD OF THE MONTH: Coordination (Working together)
EDISON COMMUNITY JUNIOR KARATE CLASS SMILING FOR THE CAMERA
TOURNAMENT ETIQUETTE Rules and Regulations
To begin, it is important to understand that our organization follows very strict guidelines and rules, which have been set
in place to ensure safety during training and competition. These rules are sanctioned by the USA National Karate-do
Federation (USANKF) and are used in all the competitions that we attend.
Division Category
First and foremost it is important to know your correct division category for competition. These are the divisions according to
USANKF for Kobudo, Kata and Kumite.
Beginner 0-1 year of training
Novice 1-2 years of training
Intermediate 2-3 years of training
Advanced 3+ years of training
Adults Over 18 years old
Once a competitor has declared a particular category, then the competitor shall be deemed to be at that level of experience for all
purposes. For example, an athlete may not compete in a ‘beginner’ Kata division and also enter an ‘advance’ Kumite division.
Dress Code
All contestants must wear a white unmarked Karate Gi without stripes or piping. Only the original manufacturers labels may be
displayed on the gi (bottom right corner of the gi jacket and waist position on the trousers.) A contestant may wear a single patch
or emblem identifying their respective Karate organization, school or system on the left breast pocket of the jacket.
The maximum length of the gi jacket sleeves must be no longer than the bend of the wrist and no shorter than halfway down the
forearm. Jacket sleeves may not be rolled up either on the outside or inside of the sleeve.
Contestants must keep their hair clean and cut to a length that does not obstruct smooth bout conduct or present a safety hazard to
competitors. Hachimaki (head bands) of any kind will not be allowed.
In kumite, scrunchies, and metal hair clips (barrettes) are not allowed, and in kata, hair ribbons and other decorations are prohibited.
Contestants must have short fingernails, and must not wear jewelry or other objects which might injure their opponents. Metallic
teeth braces must be approved by the Referee and the Official Doctor.
Fist Pads, and Gum Shields are compulsory for all competitors, and Groin Protectors are compulsory for all male competitors.
Woman may wear authorized chest protectors
Soft shin pads are allowed as long as they do not cover the instep of the foot.
Glasses are forbidden in all divisions
For Adult, Junior and Senior beginner, novice and intermediate divisions, a competitor may elect to use an approved soft foam
head protector
All the Referees have to abide by these rules, and do so rigidly, so if you forget your mouthpiece, or you think that head
band looks super cool, learn the code and think again, it may save you from that walk of shame…….