KATAS AND FORMS COMPETITION RULES & REGULATIONS

Featured Event at all Tournaments

Kata is a choreographed pattern of movements practiced either solo or in team competitions.

 

 

 

​

​

Divisions:

1. Open Division

2. Team Division

3. Weapons Division

4. Traditional Division

Note: Divisions may vary by tournament. See the website for division postings. In all tournaments, Kata will take place before sparring.

Dress Code:

• For weapons katas, self-defense divisions, and other events, t-shirts or sweatshirts are permitted. These must feature the competitor's school logo or be plain. This also applies to shirts worn under the uniform.

• Uniform tops may be removed for artistic expression or safety, but only in accordance with tournament regulations.

• Unauthorized apparel or equipment is not allowed.

• Bandages, padding, and supports due to injury must be approved by the Tournament Officials.

• Jacket Sleeves: Must not extend beyond the wrist bend or be shorter than halfway down the forearm. Jacket ties must be securely tied.

• Pants: Must cover at least two-thirds of the shin and should not reach below the anklebone. Pants should not be rolled up.

• The UMA Tournament Official may authorize the display of special sponsor labels or trademarks.

Age Categories:

1. Little Dragons Division (Ages 5-9)

2. Junior Division (Ages 10-13)

3. Young Adults Division (Ages 14-17)

4. Adult Division (Ages 18-35)

5. Senior Division (Ages 36+)

Kata/Form Competition Area:

• Black belt competitors should be prepared to perform within an 18' x 18' area (youth areas may be smaller). Larger spaces may be allowed, but this is not guaranteed.

• Competitors must ensure they are aware of the space limitations and not assume a larger area will be available.

External Aids:

• No external aids (props, weapons, music, etc.) are permitted unless stated otherwise by the tournament rules.

• External aids that may damage, disrupt, or make the competition area unsafe are strictly prohibited.

Time Limits:

• Competitors must be ready when called. The maximum performance time is 3 minutes.

• The time starts when the competitor enters the ring. If the competitor stalls before entering, the timer may start at the judge's discretion.

• If the routine exceeds the 3-minute time limit, the competitor will incur a half-point penalty for every 15 seconds beyond the time limit.

• Grand Championship Routines: Competitors have 4 minutes to perform.

Criteria for Judging Katas & Forms:

1. Proper Technique / Good Form

2. Fluid Motion

3. Power

4. Balance

5. Degree of Technical Difficulty

6. Focus and Intensity

7. Overall Presentation of Kata/Form

8. Head and Eye Movement

Second Attempts:

• First Attempt: If a competitor makes a conscious mistake, they may stop, compose themselves, and restart their kata. There is no loss of points for a first restart.

• Second Attempt: If the competitor fails a second time, they will receive the minimum score for that kata/form.

​

Division-Specific Rules

​

Open Creative Division:

• No music allowed.

• No external aids are allowed.

• Emphasis is on creative empty-hand forms.

Traditional Division:

• Competitors must perform a form that reflects the essence and traditional values of martial arts.

• The form may not deviate significantly from the classical style of the martial art.

• Competitors performing forms that are too "free" or that include elements from other styles or gymnastics may be disqualified or penalized.

Weapons Division:

• Safety Check: Judges must inspect weapons for safety before the performance.

• Prohibited Weapons: Sharp weapons are not allowed in the youth divisions or under-belt categories.

• Weapon Control: The competitor must maintain control of the weapon at all times. If a black belt competitor drops their weapon, they will be disqualified. Under-belt competitors may restart their form if they drop their weapon, but no points will be deducted.

• Reckless Weapon Use: Any careless or unsafe weapon handling may result in a penalty or disqualification.

Criteria for Judging Weapons Division:

• The competitor's control of the weapon is paramount. The weapon must be an extension of the competitor's body, and control should be evident throughout.

• Emphasis on martial arts techniques (e.g., blocking, striking) combined with weapon use.

• The majority of the form should involve weaponry movements rather than non-weapon techniques.

• Safety: Judges must ensure no reckless or unsafe weapon use.

Extreme Forms Division:

• Gymnastic Movements Allowed: Involves techniques that may include spins or inverted moves.

• Judging Criteria: Quality of execution, balance, power, and showmanship are emphasized.

• Music Required: Must correlate with the performance.

• No Stage Props: Only the competitor and their uniform are allowed in the ring.

• Fall or Stumble: Stumbling or incomplete execution may result in a fail or penalty points.

Performance Procedure:

1. Upon Announcement: The competitor moves to the designated starting area.

2. The competitor will bow to the Head Judge, announce their name, school, and kata name.

3. The Head Judge will give the signal to begin. Only at this point may the competitor start their kata.

4. The competitor will bow again before beginning their performance.

General Conduct and Compliance:

• All competitors, instructors, and other agents must adhere to the rules and regulations set forth for the competition.

• Failure to follow these rules can lead to immediate disqualification and forfeiture of awards.

• All UMA competition divisions will be supervised by trained UMA tournament officials.

This version makes the rules clearer, provides a logical flow of competition, and ensures proper enforcement of safety and fairness for all competitors. Let me know if you need further adjustments!