Timing in Kumite is crucial for fairness, safety, and competitive integrity. Here’s how match durations and scoring windows are managed:

🥊 1. Match Lengths

Match Type	Duration	Extensions (if Draw)
Preliminary	1 × 2-minute round	Up to 2 × 2-minute extensions (Encho-sen)
Semi-Final & Final	1 × 3-minute round	Up to 2 × 2-minute extensions

🕒 Extensions are only triggered in the event of a draw.

🎬 2. Timing Control

• Match begins when the referee signals to start
• Timing stops at:
  • The end of the allocated time (2 or 3 minutes)
  • A knockdown
• Timing resumes when the referee signals continuation

🔔 3. End-of-Match Signals

• Timekeeper uses a clearly audible gong to indicate time is up
• A beanbag is thrown into the fighting area simultaneously
• Contestants must stop fighting only on the referee’s signal

✅ 4. Valid Techniques

• Techniques delivered at the exact moment the match ends are valid
• Techniques delivered after an order to stop are:
  • ❌ Not scored
  • ⚠️ May result in a penalty

🚫 5. Scoring Boundaries

Scenario	Scoring Validity
One fighter outside fighting/neutral zone	❌ No technique scored
Both fighters in neutral zone & no “Yame”	✅ Techniques score as normal