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ASKL Rules
Continuous Sparring, Point Sparring ,  Forms  and  Weapons  Divisions
 

Continuous Sparring

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Overview: Light Contact or continuous sparring is designed to be a skilled event where the goal is to outscore your opponent by throwing and landing controlled techniques. It is not a full contact fighting match. Judges score the fight based on who they feel outscored their opponent. Influencing their decision is ring generalship, defense, fitness level, sportsmanship and technique.

 

The Center referee will stop the match any time a competitor throws a technique that does not have the proper control.

In continuous fighting, fighters must always protect themselves. A match is stopped only if a rule violation occurs, like leaving the ring, equipment is loose or if one fighter is throwing techniques too hard and out of control.

Safety of our competitors is the primary concern for the center referee. If a fighter continues to throw techniques without control, they will be warned and eventually disqualified {see warning system}. On the other hand, if a fighter is out of shape and is avoiding the fight they will also be warned and eventually disqualified.

1. Fighting Area

a) The fighting area must be square. (6 x 6) maximum or (5 x 5) minimum.

b) Around the fighting area, a safety zone of 6 feet must be kept clear, only referee tables are allowed to be placed within this safety zone. The zone can be marked. No spectators are allowed to be within that zone.

c) The Timekeeper and Scorekeeper are located at the referee-table facing the Head Referee.

d) In case there is only one fighting area, sufficient space for the medics and/or emergency personnel must be provided at the referee-table.

e) The referee-table must be equipped with the following items: The draw sheets, score displays, stopwatch, bean bag, paper and pencils.

  1. Rounds: In all divisions the match consists of 2 round of 1 minutes.

  2. The competitor: The competitor must be dressed in a clean and appropriate Team uniform.

  3. The competitor should be wearing a clean t-shirt, traditional uniform or any team uniform. The pants must reach the feet and be open on the bottom. There should be no zip fasteners, pockets, or buttons.

 

REGULATIONS LIGHT CONTACT SPARRING

Competitors cannot wear any metal objects that may cause injuries to the opponent. Piercings, chains, watches, or earrings are not allowed. Eyeglasses are forbidden; soft contact lenses are allowed at the competitor’s own risk. Competitors may wear badges of their respective teams,

associations or sponsors. Names and slogans are permitted if they do not offend public decency. Long hair must be fastened by an elastic band.

  1. Competitor Equipment: The equipment must include Helmet, Mouth guard (gum shield), Sparring gloves, Safety kicks, Groin protector that must be worn under clothes (men), Shin guards that must be worn under clothes. Face shields are allowed but not mandatory. Competitors may additionally wear: Hand bandages, maximum length of 6 feet, Elbow Pads, Breast protector for female kids is recommended but not mandatory. Prescription Sport safety goggles

  2. Scoring Area: Front, back, side, and top of the head. Front and side of the body. Sweeps below mid calves. Every action must be controlled and well-timed. In the event of a downed opponent, the match is stopped immediately. No techniques can be thrown towards downed fighter.

  3. Prohibited Actions: Sweep and kick to knee and thigh (low kick), Kick and punch to the groin, Kick, and punch to the back of the body, Scratching, biting, spitting, verbal attacks to the referees or opponent, Kick and punch after stop called, Uncontrolled actions, Leaving the fighting area or falling down to waste time

The referee will stop time to give a warning or minus point. Only one coach is allowed, and he/she is to stay seated.

If the coach feels there has been an infringement of the rules, he may indicate to the center referee using the sign “T” for time. At no time may the coach enter the fighting area. The referee may give a penalty point.

  1. Scoring System: Three judges score the match. Scores can be affected by penalty points awarded by the center referee. The side judges must declare a winner of the match. They cannot decide on a draw. Even if both fighters win one round each, the judge must decide on an overall match winner.

Point Sparring

ROUND

1 x 2 minutes

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WIN BY SPREAD

10 black belt / 7 underbelts

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RING SIZE

5 x 5 or 6 x 6

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Scoring

Legal scoring action

Points

Hand technique to the head or body

1

Boot-to-boot sweep using the front leg only; no drop sweeps

1

Kick to the body

2

Kick to the head

2

Jumping kick, including a jumping spinning kick

2

Legal Techniques & Target Areas

Hand techniques

Head: jab, reverse punch, backfist, and ridgehand.

Body: jab, reverse punch, and backfist.

Kicks

Legal kicks include combinations of roundhouse, axe, hook, and side kicks.

  IMPORTANT: The groin is not a legal target area.

Match Conduct

Deliberately avoiding engagement or wasting time may result in added time and/or warnings.

Excessive or malicious contact may result in warnings or disqualification (DQ).

Each competitor is allowed one coach. Coaches must remain seated at all times.

Required Equipment

All equipment and clothing must be clean, in good condition, correctly fitted, and approved for point fighting.

Point-fighting gloves only; boxing gloves are not permitted.

Kick boots and shin pads.

Head guard (Top Ten or Century); open-top head guards are not permitted.

Mouth guard.

Groin guard; recommended for female competitors.

Chest guard; recommended for female competitors.

Elbow pads are optional.

  EQUIPMENT STANDARD:  Warnings or disqualification may be issued for poor-quality, damaged, dirty, or improperly fitted equipment.

Traditional Forms/Weapons

1. Eligibility & Divisions

  • Competitors must enter the division matching their age and rank as listed in the tournament registration materials.

  • A competitor may perform only one form in each Traditional Forms division entered.

  • The tournament director may combine or split divisions based on enrollment while maintaining fair age and rank groupings.

  • Competitors are responsible for knowing their form and presenting it without coaching from outside the ring.

2. Permitted Forms

  • The entry must be a recognized traditional form from an established karate system or lineage.

  • The performance should preserve the form's traditional sequence, techniques, stances, rhythm, and intended applications.

  • Reasonable stylistic differences between recognized systems are permitted and must not be penalized solely because they differ from a judge's personal style.

  • A form may be adapted only for safety or available floor space. The competitor must inform the center judge before beginning if a space adjustment is necessary.

  NOT PERMITTED  Music, costumes, theatrical props, lighting or sound cues, synchronized team elements, gymnastics, tricking, weapon releases or acrobatic movements added for entertainment value are not allowed.

3. Uniform & Appearance

  • A clean, properly fitted traditional karate uniform must be worn.

  • The correct belt for the competitor's current rank must be worn and securely tied.

  • Shoes are not permitted unless approved in advance for a documented medical or safety need.

  • Jewelry and unsafe accessories must be removed. Religious or medical items may be secured with the center judge's approval.

4. Ring Procedure

  1. Enter. When called, approach the ring, bow respectfully, and move to the designated starting position.

  2. Present. No Intros are required

  3. Perform. Begin on the center judge's signal. The performance must start and finish inside the competition area.

  4. Conclude. Hold the final position briefly, return to attention, bow to the judges, and remain until scores are announced.

  5. Exit. Bow before leaving the ring and return quietly to the staging area.

5. Judging Criteria

Technique

Accuracy, chambering, alignment, clean execution, and appropriate hand and foot positions

Stances & movement

Correct stance structure, transitions, footwork, posture, and directional control

Power & control

Effective body mechanics, hip use, tension and relaxation, acceleration, and controlled technique

Balance & stability

Stable positions, secure turns, controlled kicks, and recovery without unnecessary adjustment

Timing & rhythm

Appropriate pacing, pauses, combinations, and changes in speed consistent with the form

Focus & intent

Concentration, eye direction, kime, breathing, spirit, and believable martial application

Presentation

Respect, confidence, composure, etiquette, and professional appearance

6. Scoring System

  • Each judge awards one score from 6.0 to 10.0, using tenths of a point.

  • With three judges, all three scores are added. With five judges, the highest and lowest scores are dropped and the remaining three are added.

  • The highest final total determines placement after all competitors in the division have performed.

7. Errors, Penalties & Disqualification

Situation

Ruling

Minor balance break or technical error

Reflected in the judges' performance scores.

Brief pause or hesitation

Reflected in timing, focus, and overall execution scores.

Forgotten sequence / voluntary restart

One restart is permitted, with a 1.0-point deduction from the final total.

Second restart or inability to complete

Disqualification from the division.

Leaving the ring

Up to a 0.5-point deduction unless caused by ring size, safety, or an approved space adjustment.

Unsportsmanlike or disrespectful conduct

Warning, score deduction, or disqualification at the center judge's discretion.

  OFFICIAL INTERRUPTION  A restart caused by judge error, unsafe conditions, equipment failure, or another circumstance outside the competitor's control carries no penalty.

8. Ties

  1. For five-judge panels, restore the previously dropped low score. The higher total advances.

  2. If still tied, restore the previously dropped high score. The higher total advances.

  3. If still tied, the tied competitors perform again. A different form is preferred but not required unless announced before the division begins.

  4. After the tie-break performance, judges select a winner by majority decision. No additional numerical tie is permitted.

9. Judges, Coaches & Protests

  • Judges must evaluate the performance presented, remain impartial, and avoid penalizing legitimate differences among karate systems.

  • Coaches and spectators must remain outside the ring and may not prompt, count, signal, or otherwise assist during a performance.

  • Only a rules-based protest may be submitted. A disagreement with a judge's subjective performance score is not grounds for protest.

  • A protest must be made promptly to the ring coordinator or tournament director before awards are presented. The tournament director's decision is final.

10. Sportsmanship & Final Authority

  • Competitors, coaches, judges, and spectators must demonstrate courtesy, self-control, and respect at all times.

  • Any conduct that threatens safety, disrupts the division, or brings discredit to the event may result in removal or disqualification.

  • The center judge controls the ring. The tournament director has final authority overrule interpretation, division administration, and exceptional circumstances.

  COMPETITOR REMINDER:  Train the form as a martial practice, present it with confidence, and allow clear fundamentals, control, and intent to define the performance.

Creative/Extreme Forms & Weapons

  MUSIC IS ALLOWED  Competitors may perform with or without music in all Creative /Extreme Forms and Weapons divisions. Music supports the performance but does not replace martial technique, control, or safety.

1. Division Definitions​

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Creative/Extreme Forms & Weapons

An original or modified empty-hand routine emphasizing martial technique, combinations, rhythm, and presentation.

An empty-hand routine combining martial technique with advanced acrobatics, tricking, or inverted aerial skills.

A weapons routine emphasizing practical control, manipulation, martial technique, and presentation.

A weapons routine combining weapon control and martial technique with advanced acrobatics, releases, tricking, or inverted aerial skills.

2. Eligibility & General Requirements

  • Competitors must enter the correct age, rank, and event division listed in the tournament materials.

  • The routine must be primarily martial arts based. Dance, theatrics, and acrobatics may enhance—but may not replace—recognizable martial technique.

  • Competitors may use original choreography, modified traditional material, or combinations drawn from multiple martial arts systems.

  • One competitor performs at a time. Team or synchronized routines require a separately announced team division.

  • The tournament director may combine or split divisions based on enrollment while preserving fair age, rank, and event groupings.

3. Time Limit

  • The maximum performance time is 3 minutes, including the opening presentation and closing bow.

  • Timing begins when the competitor enters the performance area or when the music starts, whichever occurs first.

  • A routine exceeding 3 minutes receives a 0.5-point deduction. A routine exceeding 3 minutes 15 seconds may be stopped by the center judge.

4. Music & Audio Procedure

  • Music is optional and permitted in every Creative and Extreme Forms and Weapons division.

  • Competitors must provide a tournament-approved digital audio file or device in the format requested by event staff. Streaming-only links are not accepted unless the tournament specifically authorizes them.

  • The track must be cued and ready before the competitor is called. The competitor or coach must provide a responsible person to operate the music when requested.

  • Lyrics and content must be family appropriate. Profanity, discriminatory language, or explicit content may result in disqualification.

  • Music volume is controlled by tournament staff. Music quality, editing, and synchronization may affect presentation scores.

5. Uniforms, Costumes & Props

  • A clean martial arts uniform or competition uniform suitable for safe movement must be worn.

  • Costumes may be used if they are secure, family appropriate, and do not create a safety hazard or conceal unsafe equipment.

  • Props other than the weapon used in a Weapons division are not permitted unless specifically approved by the tournament director before competition.

  • Jewelry and loose accessories must be removed or securely covered. Shoes require advance approval for performance or medical reasons.

6. Weapons Standards & Inspection

  SAFETY FIRST  The competitor and coach are responsible for the condition, suitability, and safe handling of every weapon. The center judge may reject any weapon or technique judged unsafe.

  • Weapons must be presented for inspection before the division or when directed by tournament staff.

  • Permitted weapons include commonly recognized martial arts competition weapons approved by the tournament director.

  • Live blades, sharpened edges, pointed tips, firearms, projectiles, pyrotechnics, breakable glass, and any weapon prohibited by law or venue policy are not permitted.

  • Weapons must be free of cracks, splinters, loose parts, exposed fasteners, damaged cords or chains, and other defects that could cause injury.

  • A competitor may use more than one approved weapon only if all weapons remain under control and the transitions are performed safely.

  • No weapon may be thrown toward judges, officials, spectators, another ring, or outside the designated safety area.

  • Weapons may not be planted, balanced, or left where they create a trip or impact hazard.

7. Performance Procedure

  1. Stage. Report with music and weapons ready, then wait outside the performance area until called.

  2. Enter. Approach the ring, bow respectfully, and move to the starting position.

  3. Present. No Intros are required

  4. Perform. Begin on the center judge's signal or the start of the music. Remain within the designated performance and safety area.

  5. Conclude. Finish under control, secure all weapons, bow, and remain until the scores are announced.

8. Judging Criteria

What judges evaluate

Martial technique

Stances, strikes, kicks, body alignment, chambering, accuracy, power, and control

Execution

Balance, stability, clean landings, precision, weapon control, and absence of mistakes

Difficulty

Technical challenge appropriate to the division and competitor, successfully completed

Creativity & composition

Originality, use of space, transitions, variety, structure, and logical routine development

Speed, timing & flow

Pacing, rhythm, changes in speed, continuity, and synchronization with music when used

Presentation

Focus, confidence, energy, showmanship, etiquette, and overall impact

Weapons-specific judging

  • In Weapons divisions, weapon control, manipulation, practical handling, releases, catches, and safe distance are evaluated within Martial Technique and Execution.

  • A weapon must remain an active and meaningful part of the routine. Carrying or posing with a weapon without demonstrating control does not meet division intent.

  • Extreme Weapons judges must distinguish planned releases from accidental drops and reward only difficult elements completed safely and cleanly.

9. Scoring

  • Each judge awards one score from 6.0 to 10.0, using tenths of a point.

  • With three judges, all scores are added. With five judges, the highest and lowest scores are dropped and the remaining three are added.

  • Judges score independently. The highest final total determines placement after all competitors have performed.

  • Judges may not reward dangerous attempts merely because they appear difficult.

10. Deductions & Disqualification

Situation

Ruling

Minor stumble, bobble, missed catch, or brief loss of control

Reflected in the judges' Execution score.

Weapon leaves the performance/safety area

Disqualification unless caused by an official or external interference.

Voluntary restart for a forgotten sequence or competitor error

One restart; 1.0-point deduction.

Second restart or inability to complete

Disqualification.

Competitor-caused music failure

One restart; 0.5-point deduction.

Unsafe, prohibited, damaged, or unapproved weapon

Weapon rejected; disqualification if no approved replacement is immediately available.

Reckless action that endangers any person

Immediate disqualification and possible removal from the event.

Outside coaching during the routine or inappropriate music/content

Warning, deduction, or disqualification at the center judge's discretion.

11. Ties

  1. For five-judge panels, restore the dropped low score; the higher total advances.

  2. If still tied, restore the dropped high score; the higher total advances.

  3. If still tied, competitors perform again. The same routine and music may be used.

  4. Judges then select the winner by majority decision; no additional numerical tie is permitted.

12. Coaches, Protests & Final Authority

  • One coach may assist with staging music and weapons but must remain outside the performance area during the routine.

  • Only a rules-based protest may be submitted. A disagreement with a judge's subjective score is not grounds for protest.

  • Protests must be made promptly to the ring coordinator or tournament director before awards are presented.

  • The center judge controls the ring. The tournament director has final authority over safety, division placement, rule interpretation, and exceptional circumstances.

  COMPETITOR REMINDER  Creativity and difficulty matter, but clean martial technique, confident presentation, weapon control, and safety determine championship quality.

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