The outcome of a Kumite bout is determined by scoring, referee judgment, or penalties. Here’s how decisions are made:
🥇 Winning a Bout
A contestant can win by:
| Method | Description |
|---|
| 🟨 Waza-ari Lead | Clear lead in scoring |
| 🗳️ HANTEI | Decision by Referee Panel |
| ❌ Penalty | HANSOKU (foul), SHIKKAKU (disqualification), or KIKEN (withdrawal) against opponent |
🧠 1. Decision by Referee Panel (HANTEI)
If the bout ends with equal or no scores, the winner is chosen based on:
- 💪 Attitude, fighting spirit, and strength
- 🧠 Superiority of tactics and techniques
- 🥋 Majority of techniques performed
⏱️ 2. Individual Bout Tie → ENCHO-SEN
| Rule | Outcome |
|---|
| Tie | Extension bout (max 2 minutes) |
| Penalties | All carry over from initial bout |
| First to score | Declared winner |
| No score | Lighter competitor (by 3kg) wins |
| Still tied | Final vote by Referee Panel (HANTEI) — decision is obligatory |
👥 3. Team Competition Tie
- No ENCHO-SEN for drawn team bouts
🏆 4. Determining the Winning Team
| Scenario | Outcome |
|---|
| Most bout victories | Team wins |
| Equal victories | Team with most total points wins |
| Equal victories & points | Deciding bout held |
| Still tied | 1-minute ENCHO-SEN → First to score wins → If no score, decision by HANTEI |
👊 5. Early Team Victory
| Team Type | Victory Condition |
|---|
| Male Team | Lead of 3 bout victories |
| Female Team | Lead of 2 bout victories |
📣 EXPLANATION: Voting & Tie Resolution
🗳️ HANTEI Procedure
- Referee moves to match area perimeter and calls “HANTEI”
- Two-tone whistle blast
- Judges indicate vote with flags
- Referee raises arm on side of preferred contestant
- Short whistle blast → Referee returns to position and announces decision
⚖️ Tie Declaration
- Referee announces “HIKIWAKE” (draw)
- Starts ENCHO-SEN if applicable
🗳️ Casting Vote in Tied ENCHO-SEN
- Referee places one arm across chest
- Raises bent arm on side of preferred contestant
- Announces winner in the usual way
