
Basic Description of how officials judge kata.
Kata (form) is judged by its performance within the confines of karate-do. The performance is based on everything from the presentation, skill, and techniques for every style of karate.
All elements, include, but are not limited to, the correctness of stances, eye level, balance, speed, power, focus timing, posture, level of movement, strength, body connection, athletic ability, and overall control are part of judgment of kata.
This is not limited to any sporting organization, style, or organization. It remains the overall performance of the kata itself.
USA Karate Kata List
Link to USA Karate Rules
All Kata Repechage.
Holding the standard and consitancy with USA Karate rules, we will divid all division in Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite. Elite does Not have a seperate seperate point ranking from advanced in Level 2, or 3 level tournaments.
Divisions may be combined, but the division entered will remain for USA Karate Rankings. Therefore, if an athlete is registerd at intermediate kata, and are the only athlete in the intermediate division, they will be take place as first place in intermediate dispite having to compete against Advanced, and Elite Athletes
All divisions will be done by two simultaneous athletes at once and decided with flags. Also Elite.
Ages will be combined: age 5 and under, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11...35-45, 45 +
Beginner: Tikioku, Heian Shodan and Heian Nidan (N)OT Heian Sandan and higher) Penan Nidan, Penasa Shodan, or equivalent on the USA Karate list under beginner will be accepted in this division.
Novice: all novice, including the Novice list, Please see diagram on upper left of the page.
Intermediate division will use the intermediate or lower level katas.
Advanced kata division an athlete can repeat any kata if it is not repeated directly after the same kata.
In the event Intermediate and Advanced Kata are combined, any kata can be used, advanced katas can repeat the same kata directly after the other as in the Intermediate Divisions.
Elite Kata - All Athletes entered in Elite Kate must perform a different kata everytime. Any kata on the USA-Karate Kate list is exepted. NOTICE: if you are requesting a Kata not on the kate list, please submit your kata list so the tourament director and Head Referee can review the request.
Pending the Chief judges approval: Advanced kata divisions must perform a different kata every round as in WKF Divisions.
IV. RANKING POINTS USA Karate uses a National Ranking System (NRS) for all athletes under 18 years of age competing in sanctioned events. Athletes will be ranked using the ranking points for the competitive category they are in. Promoters will be required to report results from each category to USA Karate within 5 days of the competition of the sanctioned event.
Once the results are reported from the promoter, USA Karate will update the NRS and post to the USA Karate websites and social media pages. Athlete Ranking Points are awarded based on event level as follows: *Level 4 events are reserved for USA Karate Signature Events and hold the highest points value . Source: USA Karate Sanctioned Event Policy.
In addition, the folowing will be stated as kata rules for all officials.
· Simultaneous execution for all divisions.
· All Beg. & Nov. can repeat the same Kata
· All intermediates/Advanced can preform any Kata (refer to the list), can repeat the kata all rounds.

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