USA Karate Federation 45th National Championships

Competition Categories

Referee and coaches course information
Specific competition categories for the event will be determined at the site on the day of competition.. Competition will include:
  • Kobudo 
  • Chanbara 
  • Iaido 
  • Kumite 
  • Kata 
  • Tameshiwari 
  • Kihon - for kids who do not know kata
Actual age and experience divisions will be set at the event pending ages and experience enrolled in the competition.
Referee and Coaches Course will be Friday May 24 at the event site. Coaches may leave after discussion of the rules and Ohio Concussion Protocol.
JAPAN KARATE ACADEMY
5232 TRACTOR ROAD
TOLEDO, OHIO 43612

Time: TBA
Cost: TBA
Registration Form: TBA

Rules

The USAKF has been using the rules of the World Karate Federation but with the mirror system of refereeing. We are using World Union of Karate Federation Rules which are available on their website. Essentially, this is a return to the Sanbon Shobu rules for kumite that were used in the past. Please check the WUKF website or contact Chief Referee David Ames kyoshiames@gmail.com with any questions.
Competitor Equipment:
Please note that each competitor is required to bring his/her own competition equipment. The equipment requirement includes all competition gear for kata, weapons kata, kumite and chanbara, tamishiwara or other division. We are not requiring that all competitors bring both red and blue kumite gear.
Rule Clarifications
We make certain modifications to the international rules we use that provide a more positive experience for our competitors. Some of the major changes are as below:
Karate Uniform
We ask that you wear a clean white karate-gi. Patches are permitted on the front or sleeve of the uniform. We discourage designs on the back of the karate-gi. We will enforce the rules on the length of the sleeves and pants. If you have a question on this, ask your instructor. He can review the competition rules on the WUKF website or contact Shihan David Ames as above.
Noticable Rule Changes
We do not stipulate kata to be performed except for our WUKF divisions which follow the WUKF prescribed rules. Judging may be by point system or by flag system.
Food and Drink
We suggest you come prepared with fluids and snacks for your competitors. We will follow the schedule as posted on the internet. That is, events will not start before the posted time, but may start at anytime afterwards. If you review the schedule, this will help you in planning your arrival and meal schedule that day.

Youth Sports OrganizationConcussion Information Sheet
This notice is being provided for you as required under Ohio Law. Please read the information in this link as it pertains to your child.

WUKF Rules Link
Here is the link to the rules for this event. We have modified them to facilitate our competition. Detail will be posted soon.

Tentative tournament Schedule

Line-up will not occur before the appointed time and competition may start immediately at the line-up time. Competitors will only be permitted to be at the set up, lobby and vendor areas only. Spectator areas are for spectators only. For any problems, please see the tournament administration committee. Coaches are not permitted in the competition area. Officials may not coach. If you see an infraction occur, please inform the chief referee immediately.
  • 9 am: Line-up all age groups and divisions for Tameshiwari, Iaido and Chanbara. Note: There is no edged weapons kata, just Iaido - but only Daito permitted.) Chanbara will be first starting with Youth competition with other divisions starting as soon as the age groups complete the Chanbara competition. Younger ages first.
  • 9:45 am: Lineup for all individuals 6-9 years old for Weapons Kata followed by Kihon, Kata and then Kumite right after one another in the same ring.
  • 11:00 am: Line-up for all individuals 10 – 13 years old for Weapons Kata followed by Kihon, Kata and then Kumite right after one another in same ring. 
  • Noon: Line up for ages 14-17 years old for Weapons Kata followed by Kata and then Kumite right after one another in same ring.
  • Noon to 12:30 pm: Weigh in for kilo kumite Divisions 
  • 1 pm: Line-up for all individual 18-20 year old competitors for Weapons Kata followed by Kata and then Kumite right after one another in same ring and WUKF Kata Division (which is advanced only. Note eligibility requirements for WUKF Kata.) 
  • 1:00 pm: Opening Ceremonies and introductions.
  • 1:30 pm: Line-up for all Team Events. 
  • 2:30 pm: Line-up for all individual senior adult (age 35 and over) divisions for Weapons Kata followed by Kata and then Kumite. 
  • 3:00 pm: Line-up for all individual adult divisions (age 21-35) for Weapons Kata followed by Kata and then Kumite.
The above is our attempt to set a firm schedules for the Nationals. We hope it will cut the time that you will be waiting around and will expedite the overall affair. We will not start the divisions before their appointed time so that you do not have to come before then. We do not guaranty that the division will start at its appointed time. We do not want the competition floor or spectator area clogged with competitors waiting for their turn to perform. The Competitor Setup Area up will be in separate.
WUKF Rules - Contact Chief Referee David Ames for USA Karate Federation Modifications and for how the rules will work at our championships.
Contact USA Karate Federation
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