TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR KATA

COMPETITION KATA SCORING – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW?

EXPLANATION

Kata is not a dance or theatrical performance. It must adhere to the traditional values and principles. It must be realistic in fighting terms and display concentration, power, strength, and speed, as well as grace, rhythm, and balance.

PERFORMANCE

The performance of a competitor or team (team kata) is judged on two criteria:

TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

These are weighted differently: 70% for technical ability and 30% for athletic performance.

Scoring scales from 5.0 (lowest score) to 10.0 (highest score) in increments of 0.2. Usually, the two highest and two lowest scores are eliminated to give an average score, but this depends on how many judges are present. Grassroots competitions may score more leniently, but take this as a rule of thumb.

The performance is evaluated from the bow at the start of the kata until the bow at the end, with the exception of team matches (at higher levels only).

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION

TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

You will be marked on the following:

• STANCES – Length and width of stances, toes/knees pointing in the right direction, correct height for stance, correct hip position, and center of gravity.

• TECHNIQUES – Example: thumb correctly over knuckle when forming a fist, hip movement for generating power, etc.

• TRANSITIONAL MOVEMENT – Smooth movement between stances, fluid and rhythmical (not jerky).

• TIMING, CORRECT BREATHING – Understanding timing in each kata and when to breathe. (Don’t hold your breath!)

• FOCUS (KIME) – Proper use of kiai points.

• CONFORMANCE/CONSISTENCY IN BASIC MOVEMENTS (KIHON) – Keeping fundamental movements and stances correct.
  

ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

• STRENGTH – Understanding the principles of tension, relaxation, and flexibility. Strong but smooth and fast stances.

• SPEED – Knowing where to be fast and slow without sacrificing technique.

• BALANCE – Maintaining a low center of gravity. Be vertical unless necessary to lean for a grounded movement.
  

TEAM KATA will also be marked on uniformity and synchronization.

Other factors like fighting spirit (KIAI) and understanding each movement will also influence your score.

POTENTIAL POINT DEDUCTIONS

You can lose points for:

• Hesitation

• Omitting a technique

• Loss of balance

• Belt coming loose

• Time-wasting (excessive bowing or prolonged marching)

• Performing an incorrect movement

• In team kata: movements not in unison