Training - Competition Kumite
Kumite events are broken down by gender, age, weight, and belt; as well as an open event which is only broken down by gender. Like kata competition, competitors within an event are paired off, with the winner progressing and the loser being eliminated, with repechage as well. To compete in a WKF kumite competition competitors are required to have WKF approved mitts, shin and instep protectors, mouth guard, groin guard (male), breast guard (female).
Each bout is controlled and judge by a referee panel which contains one referee (SHUSHIN), three Judges (FUKSHIN), and one arbitrator (KANSA). In addition to the referee panel timekeepers, announcers, record keepers and score supervisors are also appointed to ensure the smooth operation of matches. Kumite bouts run for different lengths of time with the longest being three minutes for the senior males. Points are allocated to competitors with the winner being the competitor with the most points at the end of the match, or if one competitor is eight points ahead the match is stopped and that competitor declared the winner.