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Tournament Rules

Rules for the HCA Karate Open 

Basic Principle

HCA Karate Open is based on the ESKA rules, which are founded on traditional Shotokan karate as described by Masatoshi Nakayama.

The focus is on fairness, control, respect, and fighting spirit (budō) – not on point-chasing or excessive contact.

Disciplines

Kumite: Shobu Ippon
Kata: Traditional Shotokan kata from the fixed ESKA list

Overall Philosophy

ESKA’s competition rules are designed to protect and preserve traditional Shotokan karate.

The rules support:

  • Fair competition
  • Consistent judging
  • Participant safety
  • Respect for karate’s ethical values (dojo-kun)

Judging System

All matches are judged by a panel consisting of:

  • 1 referee
  • 4 corner judges
  • 1 arbitrator (Kansa – ensures correct rule application)

The referee leads the match and announces decisions.
The corner judges signal scoring, infractions, and assessments.
All decisions by the judging panel are final.

Kumite – Rules and Evaluation

Match Format

  • Ippon Shobu (first decisive technique wins)
  • Finals in some categories may be Sanbon Shobu
  • Effective match time (time stops at “Yame”)

Scoring

A technique can only be recognized if it:

  • Strikes an approved target area
  • Is technically correct
  • Is performed with control, kime, and zanshin
  • Has correct distance and timing

Contact is not required – potential is assessed.

Decision Without a Score

If no Ippon is achieved, judges evaluate:

  • Fighting spirit and initiative
  • Number and quality of attacks
  • Technical and attitude superiority
  • Warnings or jogai (ring exits)

Infractions and Discipline

Prohibited actions include:

  • Dangerous or uncontrolled techniques
  • Excessive contact
  • Repeated evasion
  • Unsportsmanlike behavior

Sanctions:

  • Keikoku: warning
  • Hansoku Chui: serious warning
  • Hansoku / Hansoku Make: disqualification

Repeated safety violations may result in exclusion from the rest of the tournament.

Kata – Structure and Judging

Systems

  • Flag system: direct duel, majority decision
  • Point system: 5 judges, highest and lowest scores removed

Criteria

Judging is based on three layers:

  1. Basic requirements: correct kata and structure
  2. Advanced qualities: technique, balance, rhythm, embusen
  3. Errors: deducted proportionally

Wrong kata or major errors → disqualification.

Attire and Equipment

  • Clean white karate gi without advertising
  • Identification belt (red/white) in kumite

Kumite equipment:

  • Mandatory mouthguard
  • ESKA-approved gloves
  • No jewelry, watches, or metal objects

Injuries, Safety, and Medical Authority

  • The tournament doctor has final authority
  • Loss of consciousness → immediate withdrawal from further kumite
  • Repeated wins due to opponent disqualification for contact → athlete may be withdrawn for safety reasons

Protest and Ethics

  • Only the team coach/leader may file a protest
  • Protests must be rule-based, not subjective

The values of karate-do apply to all: competitors, coaches, judges, and spectators.

Conclusion

These rules ensure that the competition remains:

  • Traditional
  • Safe
  • Fair
  • Respectful