Matsushima Challenge  Our Invitation To You  Tournament Details  Rules  Divisions  Entry Forms  Map and Directions   Cliquez ici pour tous les détails du Championnat Matsushima 2008 en français   Matsushima Challenge - The Rules Kata: There will be 3 to 5 judges per tatami (court) judging katas. Each participant must announce the following to the judges prior to performing his/her kata: His/her name His/her dojo or style The name of the kata or form Kata competitors will be judged according to: Strength, movement and balance of stances Knowledge of their kata or form Overall presentation and confidence The judges' scores will be combined to determine the final score for each competitor.   Please note: In the event of a tie for any of the top three places, the relevant competitors will be asked to perform another kata to break the tie. In a tiebreaker, preference will be given to the competitor who performs a higher kata or form that exhibits a greater degree of difficulity for their respective level.   No coaching or instruction will be permitted during the performance of the kata.*  Doing so may result in point deductions or disqualification which is at the sole discretion of the judges.  The judges' decision is final. *With the exception of the 5 and under category.  If requested, the head judge (and only the head judge) is permitted to give timing without penalty to the competitor.   Kumite:  Standard Kyokushin semi-contact rules apply to all matches.  A competitor may win by points (wazari or ippon) or by decision if they show superior technique and/or fighting spirit.  A full explanation and demonstration of the rules will be given to all competitors prior to the commencement of the kumite competition. Kumite matches will have 2 or 4 corner judges with a center referee (the Sushin) who will have the final say in any bout. The Sushin may disqualify any competitor as a result of poor sportsmanship, foul language or disrespectful behavior exhibited by that competitor, their coach or their parent(s).  The judges' decision is final and must be respected.  What is not tolerated in the dojo will not be tolerated at the tournament!   Duration of Matches Ages 5 and Under: 2 minutes with no extensions in the preliminaries.  Maximum of one 1 minute extension (if necessary) only if the bout is to decide a top three placing (semifinal or final). Ages 6-17: 2 minutes with no extensions in the preliminaries.  Maximum of two 1 minute extensions (if necessary) only if the bout is to decide a top three placing (semifinal or final).   Legal Techniques (Allowed) Head (Jodan):      - Round kicks/circular (mawashi) with control - excluding the face. Torso (Chudan):      - Straight or round kicks to the front of the torso.      - Knee kicks to the front of the torso are allowed for ages 13 & up only.      - All punches to the front of the torso. Legs (Gedan):      - Round kicks (mawashi) to the legs, above the knee, on the outside.      - Round kicks to the inside of the legs is allowed for ages 13 & up only.   Illegal Techniques (Not Allowed) Head (Jodan):      - Any hand or arm techniques to the head      - Knee techniques      - Straight kicks (Mae, Yoko, Ushiro Geri) Torso (Chudan):      - Open hand techniques (Shuto, Shotei...)      - Strikes of any kind to the back Legs (Gedan):      - Any straight kicks (Mae, Yoko, Ushiro Geri...)      - Strikes to the side of or below the knees      - Leg sweeps of any kind Striking the groin is illegal. No grabbing, holding, pulling or pushing of any kind is permitted.   Tatamis: Each tatami or court (competing area) will be a minimum of 12 x 12 feet. There will be 4 to 5 tatamis with as many divisions competing simultaneously as possible.