Scoring Criteria
Scoring Criteria
A score is awarded when a technique is performed according to the following criteria to a scoring area:
- Good form
- Sporting attitude
- Vigorous application
- Awareness (ZANSHIN)
- Good timing
- Correct distance
The above video demonstrates techniques which are deficient in one or more of the scoring criteria and are therefore not awarded a score.
Explanation of Criteria
- A technique with "Good Form" is said to have characteristics conferring probable effectiveness within the framework of traditional Karate concepts.
- Sporting Attitude is a component of good form and refers to a non-malicious attitude of great concentration obvious during delivery of the scoring technique.
- Vigorous Application defines the power and speed of the technique and the palpable will for it to succeed.
- Awareness (ZANSHIN) is that criterion most often missed when a score is assessed. It is the state of continued commitment in which the contestant maintains total concentration, observation, and awareness of the opponent's potentiality to counter-attack. He does not turn his face away during delivery of the technique, and remains facing the opponent afterwards.
- Good Timing means delivering a technique when it will have the greatest potential effect.
- Correct Distance similarly means delivering a technique at the precise distance where it will have the greatest potential effect. Thus if the technique is delivered on an opponent who is rapidly moving away, the potential effect of that blow is reduced.
- Distancing also relates to the point at which the completed technique comes to rest on or near the target. A punch or kick that comes somewhere between skin touch and 2-5 centimetres from the face, may be said to have the correct distance. However, Jodan punches, which come within a reasonable distance of the target and which the opponent makes no attempt to block or avoid will be scored, provided the technique meets the other criteria.
More Kumite Videos
Scoring - Ippon | Nihon | Sanbon | Criteria | Scoring Areas
Warnings and Penalties - Category 1 | Category 2
© Lisa Rogers 2005. This video is licensed under a Creative
Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 UK: Scotland License.
