Competition Rules | ICKF

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RULES

Competition Rules

These rules set out the requirements for operating and participating in the “Combat Karate Tournament” hosted by the International Combat Karate Federation (ICKF). They comprise 13 articles plus supplementary provisions, including head-safety standards (compliant with the GRTP protocol) that put participant safety first.
* This is a reference English translation. In the event of any discrepancy, the original Japanese version shall prevail.

Contents

Combat Karate Tournament — Competition Rules

This tournament aims to develop young people and advance martial-arts and combat-sports culture, fostering technical exchange and sportsmanship among participants.

Participants, instructors, guardians and related parties take part on the condition that they accept all of these rules.

We may refuse participation or continued participation where the organizer reasonably determines conduct inconsistent with budo principles, unsportsmanlike behavior, or acts that may harm the order or safety of the event.

Athletes and parties who violate these rules are subject to penalties such as warning, point deduction, disqualification, removal or suspension.

Article 1 (Purpose)

  1. Healthy development of young people
  2. Promotion and development of martial-arts and combat-sports culture
  3. Promotion of technical exchange and mutual improvement
  4. Training of mind and body and the improvement of sportsmanship

Article 2 (Organizer)

  1. The organizer of this tournament is the International Combat Karate Federation (ICKF).
  2. The organizer has final authority over tournament operation and the determination and amendment of these rules.

Article 3 (Eligibility)

① General Conditions for Participation

  1. Those who are healthy in mind and body and not subject to a physician’s exercise restriction.
  2. Minors require the consent of a guardian.
  3. The organizer may refuse participation where it reasonably deems it inappropriate on safety or philosophical grounds.
  4. Participation by organized-crime groups, other antisocial forces, or their associates is not permitted.

② Head-Safety Standards

  1. Recent-bout condition
    The participant must not have competed, within 14 days before the event, in Kudo or any other competition that allows direct head strikes or knockdowns.
  2. Knockdown/loss-of-consciousness/accident condition
    None of the following may apply within 90 days before the event:
    (1) a knockdown from a head strike in competition or training;
    (2) a knockdown with head impact from a throwing technique;
    (3) loss of consciousness from a choke (including momentary);
    (4) an accident involving a head contusion (traffic accident, fall, etc., regardless of cause).
  3. Hospitalization condition
    If hospitalization was required due to a head strike or contusion, the participant must obtain a physician’s examination and approval and submit a medical certificate.
  4. Suspension after multiple knockdowns
    (1) Two or more knockdowns within 180 days: a 120-day competition ban (counted from the last knockdown).
    (2) Three knockdowns within one year: a 150-day competition ban.
    (3) Those wishing to compete after a ban must pass a detailed examination including a head CT scan and submit a medical certificate with the physician’s examination and approval.
  5. Serious pre-existing conditions / infectious diseases
    (1) The participant must not be under treatment for a diagnosed disease, disability or congenital malformation with possible after-effects in critical areas such as the head and neck, brain, spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar) or heart (i.e., no relevant pre-existing condition).
    (2) The participant must not be under treatment for, or suspected of being a carrier of, blood-borne diseases (HIV, viral hepatitis, etc.) or infectious diseases deemed extremely dangerous by the WHO and requiring hospitalization or movement restrictions (Ebola, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, smallpox, South American hemorrhagic fevers, plague, rabies, etc.) — except where fully recovered.
    (3) The participant accepts that the organizer bears no compensation liability for any after-effects to the limbs’ bones, joints, tendons and ligaments, or the body in general including sensory organs, arising from competing under these rules.

Note (definition of knockdown and exceptions): In these rules, a knockdown means a state showing concussion symptoms such as loss of consciousness, memory impairment, headache, dizziness, unsteadiness or vomiting. Even where the above applies, participation may be permitted as an exception if the physician’s GRTP (graduated return-to-play) protocol is completed and a “fit to compete” certificate is submitted and approved by the federation.

Article 4 (Competition Rules & Safety Gear)

  1. The competition rules and safety gear are detailed in the separate “Competition Rules Sheet.”
  2. Weight classes are determined by the sum of height (cm) + weight (kg) (body index).
  3. Bouts include standing, grappling and ground techniques (restrictions vary by division).
  4. The rules for the kickboxing division are also set out in the separate “Competition Rules Sheet.”
  5. Where an unforeseen situation arises, the head referee and tournament headquarters confer and decide appropriately.
  6. Where the competition rules conflict with these rules, these rules prevail.

Article 5 (Athlete Dress & Appearance)

(1) Gi (Uniform)

  • A karate gi must be worn (clean and undamaged).
  • Rolled-up sleeves and short sleeves exposing the elbow are prohibited.
  • T-shirts under the gi: not allowed for men; for women, white only (a small logo is acceptable).
  • Embroidery is limited to dojo name and personal name. Decoration is prohibited.

(2) Tattoos

  • Those with tattoos must wear a white T-shirt and cover exposed areas with skin-tone taping or similar.
  • Designs evoking antisocial forces (e.g., traditional Japanese irezumi) are checked by headquarters, which may restrict participation as needed.
  • Self-declaration is required at check-in.

(3) Hair & Accessories

  • Dyed or bleached hair (brown, blond, etc.) and shaved-in patterns are prohibited.
  • Piercings, accessories, friendship bands, etc. are prohibited.
  • Long hair must be tied with a band; scarves and bandanas are prohibited.
  • Nails must be trimmed short; false nails and gel nails are not allowed.

(4) Taping

  • Taping during bouts (including nasal-dilator strips) is prohibited in principle.
  • Taping for a prior injury requires a physician’s certificate.
  • It may be used only with the certification/stamp of the tournament physician or medical committee.

Article 6 (Referees & Decisions)

  1. The judging panel consists of one head referee and two to four judges.
  2. Decisions are made with fairness and safety as the highest priorities.
  3. Protests against decisions during or immediately after a bout are not accepted.
  4. Dangerous techniques and fouls are met with caution, warning, point deduction or disqualification.
  5. Headquarters may review only matters of serious safety concern.

Article 7 (Safety Management & Medical)

  1. Participants must declare pre-existing conditions and injuries in advance.
  2. The organizer arranges first-aid and provides emergency treatment.
  3. Where the organizer judges it dangerous, it may order a bout stopped or a withdrawal.
  4. Medical and treatment costs after first aid are borne by the participant.

Article 8 (Disclaimer)

  1. The organizer bears no responsibility beyond first aid for injuries or accidents during the event (except in cases of the organizer’s intent or gross negligence).
  2. The organizer bears no responsibility for theft or loss at the venue.
  3. In case of cancellation due to force majeure such as natural disaster or venue circumstances, entry fees are, in principle, non-refundable.

Article 9 (Entry Fee & Application)

  1. Entry fees are set in the event guidelines.
  2. Refunds after application are, in principle, not available.
  3. If a false declaration is found, eligibility is revoked.

Article 10 (Copyright & Portrait Rights)

  1. The organizer may record photos and video during the event and use them for operational, promotional and advertising purposes.
  2. Participants consent, without compensation, to such use by the organizer.
  3. Rights to works, video and photos relating to the event belong to the organizer.

Article 11 (Prohibited Acts & Penalties)

The following acts are prohibited; violators are subject to penalties such as warning, point deduction, disqualification, removal or a participation ban.

  1. Abusive language, insults, provocation, or excessive cheering toward opponents or others.
  2. Excessive scolding or corporal punishment by guardians or instructors.
  3. Excessive pro-show-style performances.
  4. Rule violations inside or outside the venue.
  5. Exposure of tattoos.
  6. Failure to follow the instructions of referees or staff.
  7. Defamation or reputation-damaging acts on social media, etc.

Article 12 (Amendments)

The organizer may amend these rules without prior notice as needed. Material changes are announced by appropriate means.

Article 13 (Governing Law & Jurisdiction)

These rules are governed by the laws of Japan.

In the event of a dispute, the court having jurisdiction over the organizer’s location shall be the exclusive court of first instance.

Supplementary Provisions

These rules apply from the tournament held on March 22, 2025.

* These rules had been used as a guideline for tournament operation before the federation’s establishment (November 14, 2025); since its establishment, the International Combat Karate Federation (ICKF) has succeeded to and applied them.

Inquiries about Participation & Rules

For inquiries about these rules or tournament participation, requests for event guidelines, or instructor/referee seminar applications, please contact the office below.

International Combat Karate Federation (ICKF) Office
101 Domus Ikeda, 5-8 Masumi-cho, Ikeda, Osaka 563-0041, Japan (c/o Seikukai)
E-mail：info@seikukai.co.jp

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