Scoring in Kumite reflects the effectiveness, control, and spirit of each technique. Here’s how points are awarded and matches are decided:
🥋 1. Ippon (Full Point)
Scenario
Outcome
🧍♂️ Opponent unable to continue after 5 seconds
Ippon awarded — match ends
🗣️ Opponent verbally concedes due to legal techniques
Ippon awarded — match ends
✌️ Two Waza-ari
Equivalent to one Ippon — match ends
🥈 2. Waza-ari (Half Point)
Scenario
Outcome
Knockdown, recovery within 3 seconds
Waza-ari awarded
Opponent clearly shaken but recovers within 3 seconds
Waza-ari awarded
Sweep/takedown followed by focused non-contact technique within 3 seconds
Waza-ari awarded
👶 Controlled kick to the face (children to cadets)
Waza-ari awarded
⚠️ If the referee deems a contestant unfit to continue, they may consult the Tournament Doctor. If the fighter is stopped, the opponent receives an Ippon.
🥉 3. Yuko (One-Sixth Point)
Scenario
Outcome
Successful throw/sweep without follow-up technique
Yuko awarded
3 Yuko
Equivalent to one Waza-ari
2 Half Points vs 0
May result in a win
1 Waza-ari vs 0
May result in a win (not guaranteed)
🧠 4. Superiority
If one fighter demonstrates superior technique, technical skill, and fighting spirit, the referee and judges may award a win by superiority.
⚠️ 5. Genten (Penalty)
A Genten penalty is considered to have the approximate value of a Waza-ari for the opponent.
