KUMITE - Free Style Fighting Rules
Each match consists of two 2 minute continuous action rounds (all matches under adult black
belt will consist of two 1 minute rounds) with 30 second break between rounds (15 second
for all divisions under adult black belt). Players win by decision or by tap out submission
(submission by referee intervention will result in points awarded). Points can also be achieved
for kicks, punches, throws, take-downs and ground work.
The criteria for grappling allows a player to hold his/her opponent in any legal manner for 5 seconds
while standing and working for a take-down or throw. If a throw or take-down has not
occurred the players are separated and signaled to continue. A full throw (both feet leaving the
mat) scores 3 points. A half throw (one foot leaving the mat) scores 2 points. When a player has
been taken to the ground, his/her opponent has 3 seconds to score with a strike (hand only). The
player taken down can also score from the mat with a counter throw, sweep or strike (hand or
foot). A player who is on the ground because of an illegal technique may not be scored on.
Each time both players end up on the mat following a legal sweep, take-down, or throw, they are
given up to 30 seconds of ground work (all divisions under adult black belt have 10 seconds of
ground work) to achieve mount points or submission. At the end of grappling time the players are
separated, brought back to their feet and resume fighting. Absolutely no chokes or joint locks in
any division under the age of 13. The primary grappling objective of these divisions will be to
achieve throws and the mounted position.
In the case of a draw at the end of two rounds, an additional round will be fought. If it is still a draw,
the three judges will accumulate the points for each fighter, with the most accumulated points
determining the winner.
Points are awarded:
1 Point - is awarded for crisp, clean striking techniques delivered to the body with either hand or
foot. In the adult black belt divisions stiff contact to the body is mandatory to score a point.
2 Points - are awarded for a controlled kick to the head that makes no more than light contact
(no contact to the head is allowed under adult brown & black belt divisions).
2 Points - are awarded for achieving the mounted position during ground work (this position
must be held for 10 seconds as determined by the center referee). All divisions under black belt
must control the mount for five seconds to be awarded points.
2 Points - for a throw or sweep that causes one foot to leave the mat and result in a take-down.
3 Points - for a throw or sweep that causes both feet to leave the mat and results in a take-down.
4 Points - for a submission by referee intervention (Intervention would be to prevent injury)
A player who causes his/her opponent to submit by tapping out gets the win.
Illegal Techniques:
Fouls must be determined by a minimum of three judges. No striking to the face mask area
(nose and eyes), groin, spine, nor against any joint. Absolutely no head contact in any division
under adult brown belt (18 and over). Points will be awarded for crisp clean techniques to the
body and controlled techniques to the head. Strikes can be delivered with only the hand or foot
(No knees, elbows, or head-butts). On the second warning, two points will be given to the
opponent. A third warning results in automatic disqualification. If a fighter is running outside of
the ring simply to avoid engaging with the opponent, one warning will be given. Each additional
time there after, two points will be given to the opponent and fighters will be returned to the center
of the ring by the referee to resume in a grappling (standing lock-up) position. Once fighters are
in a grappling situation with both hands on, there is no striking. If only one hand is on, then fighters
are allowed one strike. When a fighter is taken to the mat, his opponent has three seconds to score.
Only one sensei or coach is allowed in the competition area. All others must be outside of the barrier.