GENERAL RULES:

I.          LEGAL AGE RULE: All competitors have the option of competing in the same division all year long for

rating purposes, by establishing a legal competition age for the year. For rating purposes, the age that a

competitor is on January 1st of the current competition year is their legal competition age for that year.

They can compete all year at that age so he/she can earn rating points in one age division all year. A

competitor can always choose to compete in his/her chronological age and will be awarded points in that

division when doing so. All points stay in the division the competitor earned them in and do not go with the

competitor if the competitor changes divisions.

II.         PROOF OF AGE RULE: All competitors must be able to provide proof of age. If there is a legitimate

reason to question a competitor's age, he/she must be able to present a proof of age (birth certificate,

driver's license, or other acceptable documents) to prove his/her age.

1. RANK RULE: All competitors have the option of competing in the same division all year long for

rating purposes, by establishing a legal competition rank on January 1st of the current competition year.

If, because of a projected rank promotion during the year, a competitor wants to compete all year in a higher rank division in order to keep their points in one division, then the competitor can move up a rank division and earn rating points in that rank division all year. A competitor can always choose to compete at his/her current rank and will be awarded points in that division when doing so. All points stay in the division the competitor earned them in and do not go with the competitor if the competitor changes divisions. Once a competitor competes as a black belt legally, he/she must always compete as a black belt.

1. COMPETITOR RESPONSIBILITIES: It is the responsibility of the competitor to know the rules and be

ready for competition when called. He/she must be at the appropriate ring when competition begins. Three

calls will be made for competition at ringside. If the competitor is not at his/her ring ready to compete when

competition begins; he/she will not be permitted to enter the division. If a competitor leaves the ring after

the competition begins and is not present when his/her name is called to compete, his/her name will be

called three times at ringside. If he/she is still not present he/she will be disqualified.

1. UNIFORMS: All competitors must wear a complete traditional or professional sport karate uniform. The appropriate color belt or sash must be worn in competition. T-shirts are not allowed (Kung-Fu is the exception). Shoes may be worn in forms and weapons divisions if they do not damage or mark the competition floor. Shoes may be worn for sparring competition (Ringstar shoes only).

1. ORDER OF COMPETITION: Once the final call for a division is made at ringside, competitors will be selected randomly for the order of competition. The first three competitors will perform before any scores are awarded. After the third competitor is finished, the first competitor will be called back up for scoring, followed by the second and third competitors. This provides the judges a sampling of the quality of the competitors. For forms and weapons divisions with 3 or fewer competitors, the judges may choose to score at the end of each performance.

1. LATE ENTRIES: Once a division has started (the first competitor has started or first bout has started) no competitor(s) can be added to that division.

1. FORM AND WEAPON DIVISION SCORING: The GLKC will have two scoring ranges for all form and

weapon divisions.

                        Underbelts:        8.00 to 9

                        Blackbelts:        9.00 to 10

1. RING SIZE/MARKINGS: The size of the fighting and form rings shall be determined by each promoter

with consideration to the venue size and available space.

1. TIED SCORES: If there is a tie for first, second or third place, the competitors must perform and be

scored again to break the tie.

1. WEAPON DIVISIONS: A competitor who drops his/her weapon or whose weapon breaks or comes apart,

or has a gross loss of control will incur the following.

            Underbelt: Can restart with a 0.2 Deduction

            Blackbelt: Automatic Disqualification

1. STARTING A FORM OVER: Under Black Belt competitors may starts his/her form over because of a

memory lapse or any other reason due to his/her own failure, he/she may perform the form again. The following will apply:

            Underbelts: Ages 7 and under who are an intermediate and below no point deduction

                              Ages 8 to 12            0.1 point deduction

            Blackbelt: No Start over

1. PROTEST: A competitor has the right to protest a rules violation or if a possible mistake has been made

(not a judgment call). If a competitor wishes to protest, he/she should first let the center judge know he/she

believes there has been a violation of the rules or a mistake has been made. The center judge will first

attempt to settle the disagreement. If the center judge cannot settle the disagreement, the arbitrator will

make the final call. All protests must be made immediately. Protests are not allowed once competition has

resumed.

1. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT: GLKC approved headgear; hand and foot pads, mouthpiece and groin cups

(for male competitors only) are mandatory for all competitors in sparring divisions. The center judge will

check all competitors equipment. If it is deemed unsafe, he/she will be asked to change the equipment

before he/she can compete. Hand Pads: A soft padded surface must cover the fingers, wrist and any striking surface of the hand. Foot Pads: A soft padded surface must cover the instep, sides, toes, ankle and back of the heel of the foot. The bottom of the foot does not have to be padded. Head Gear: The front, sides and back of the head must be covered by a soft padded surface and must be firmly secured. Insufficiently padded gloves, foot and head gear will not be allowed. Equipment must be in a good state of repair and must be free of heavy taping, tears or any other repairs that may cause injury.

1. ORDER OF COMPETITION (SPARRING): Once the final call for a sparring division has been made at ringside. If byes are needed, they will be picked randomly. Same school competitors may be separated from each other in the first round if possible. (Competitors cannot pick whom they want or do not want to fight.)

1. NUMBER OF JUDGES: Five judges are required in all black belt form and weapon divisions. At least three judges are required in all sparring divisions and under black belt form and weapon divisions.

1. REMOVAL OF JUDGES: If a competitor feels that an official should be removed from division for good reason, he/she must protest before the division begins to the arbitrator. It is totally up to the rules arbitrator to determine if an official should be removed.

1. CENTER JUDGE: Each ring should have a GLKC promoter as a center judge. The center judge is the

head official and is thoroughly versed on the rules and order of competition. He/she promotes the safety of

the competitors, enforces the rules and ensures fair play. He/she starts and stops the match, awards points,

makes penalty decisions, administrates the voting of the other judges, communicates clearly with the

scorekeeper and timekeeper, and announces the winner of each match.

Center Judge Responsibilities:

• Match starts and ends only with his/her command (not the command of the timekeeper, scorekeeper or corner judges);
• Has final decision on any disputes on score;
• Has the ability to issue warnings and award penalties

1· Can overrule a majority call only to issue a warning or a penalty point.

2· Can issue time-outs.

3· The disqualification of a competitor, where disqualification is not automatic, is determined only by a

majority vote of the judges.

4. Can stop matches due to injury

1. CORNER JUDGES: Corner judges call points as they see them. The center judge may consult with a

corner judge to help in determining penalties or warnings, although the center judge alone has the power to issue

them. They will be asked to vote on disqualification rulings. It is the majority vote of the judges that determines a scoring point.

1. NO BLOOD RULE- If any judge sees contact and a competitor is injured and has flowing blood then the

offending competitor is automatically disqualified.

DEFINING DIVISIONS FOR COMPETITON

1. Traditional Forms and Weapons – These forms must capture the essence of classic martial arts

movements, showcasing the traditional techniques, stances, footwork, and weapons. Emphasis is

placed on execution of technique, application of technique, balance, speed, power, solid stances,

and focus. Forms may be unmodified or modified from what a system or school considers being

the original version of the form; however, performance of the following movements will result in

a downgrade of the form, or upon unanimous vote of the judges, a "no score" as a form

inappropriate for the division: more than two kicks with the same leg without putting the foot

down in between; front or back flips; cartwheels; front or side leg splits; releases of the weapon

other than simple hand switches; or any other gymnastic movements or extreme exhibitions of

flexibility or agility with the body or weapon that are deemed in the opinion of the judges to be

inappropriate for the division pursuant to the general guidelines set forth here.

Commentary: There has been a great deal of debate among reputable martial artists regarding

whether a form or series of moves are outside of the bounds of the Traditional Division. Because

GLKC is a tournament circuit open to all styles and schools (across the nation and around the

world) and from which judges are utilized, each competitor must make his or her own decision

regarding whether to include movements, which might be objectionable for the Traditional

Division.

1. Open Forms and Weapons – The Open Divisions allow the competitor to perform any

movements whether they originate from traditional or contemporary martial arts systems or

otherwise. However, (1) at least half of the form must originate from martial arts techniques, and

(2) the competitor must execute at least one technique that involves an inverted move or greater

than 360 degree spin. Emphasis is placed on the quality of execution of techniques and

movements, martial arts skills, balance, speed, power, degree of difficulty, and showmanship. In

addition, only those movements that portray a definite offensive or defensive martial arts purpose,

or are included to illustrate extreme flexibility or agility, are allowed.

Commentary: As martial art evolves from the Traditional to Open, this category

allows for the integration of techniques and movements from all martial art styles, gymnastics,

acrobatics, dance, and athletic disciplines. If a competitor wishes to participate in a division with

moves not permitted in the Traditional Divisions but meeting the guidelines described here, the

competitor should compete in the Open Division.

Music -Is only allowed in the Open Division. Each competitor must provide a music player

of reasonable and non-intrusive size at ringside to play his or her music, and an attendant

at the player who must be present at all times during the performance. As each form begins,

a music volume check must be made, during which time the player attendant will look to

the center judge for a nod of approval or a signal to lower the volume. Once this volume is

set, it may not be increased during the performance of the form.

Commentary. Because such divisions are not Musical Divisions by the above definition,

choreography to the beats or rhythm of the music is not required. Likewise, because the Grand

Championships are not considered Musical Divisions, choreography to the beats or rhythm of the

music is not required. Please note that even though your form does not have to be choreography

to the beats and rhythm of the music in the above circumstances, if a competitor decides to use

music, the music will be judged as part of their form or weapon form performance.

SPARRING RULES

1. LENGTH OF MATCH: Matches will run two minutes or until five points are scored, whichever occurs

first. If no competitor scores five points before time expires, the competitor with the most points during the

two minutes is declared the winner. If a match is tied at the end of two minutes, sudden victory (first person

to score a point) overtime period will determine the winner. The following will also apply:

Blackbelts: (1) two minute round

1. POINT VALUES AND WINNER DETERMINATION: All legal hand techniques that

score to legal target areas will be awarded one (1) point. All legal kicking techniques that

score to legal target areas will be awarded one (1) point, except for kicks to the entire head (including face for Black Belt Division Only) that score will be awarded (2) points. All penalty points awarded will be awarded one (1) point. The competitor who earns five (5) points by the end of the two minutes or whoever is ahead at the end of the two minutes is declared the winner. The following will also apply:

            Blackbelts: Most points in a two minute round.

1. MAJORITY VOTE: Points are awarded by a majority vote of all judges. The majority of

judges do not have to agree on the same technique being scored, only that a point was scored. A

majority of the judges calling the point must call a two (2)-point kick before two points can be

awarded. Otherwise only one point is awarded.

1. WHAT IS A POINT: A point is a controlled legal sport karate technique scored by a

competitor in-bounds and up-right (not considered down) without time being called that strikes a

competitor with the allowable amount of focused touch contact to a legal target area.

1. LEGAL TARGET AREAS: Entire head including face (Black belt division only), ribs, chest,

abdomen, collarbone and kidneys. ILLEGAL TARGET AREAS: Face (Underbelts only), Spine, back of neck, throat, sides of the neck, groin, legs, knees and back. NON-TARGET AREAS: Hips, shoulders, buttocks, arms, and feet. LEGAL TECHNIQUES: Legal techniques are all controlled sport karate techniques, except those listed as illegal. ILLEGAL TECNIQUES: Head butts, hair pulls, bites, scratches, elbows, knees, eye attacks of any kind, take downs, ground fighting, any stomps or kicks to the head of a downed competitor, slapping, grabbing, uncontrolled blind techniques, any throws, sweeps, leg checks and any other uncontrolled dangerous techniques that are deemed unsafe in sport karate.

1. LIGHT TOUCH CONTACT: Means there is no penetration or visible movement of the

competitor as a result of the contact. Light touch is required to all legal target areas in all Under-belt sparring.

1. MODERATE TOUCH CONTACT: Means slight penetration or slight target movement.

Moderate touch contact may be made to all legal target areas except the headgear and face.

VIII.       WARNINGS AND PENALTIES: There are no warnings for breaking the rules. A penalty point is awarded for each and every rules violation. If a competitor receives two penalty points in any one match, he/she will be disqualified. If the severity of the first rules violation is deemed by the referee to be too severe the offender will be disqualified.

1. OTHER PENALTY RULES: A competitor cannot be penalized and still receive a point on the same call. If, in the opinion of the referee and/or the medical personnel, a competitor cannot continue because of an injury caused by an illegal penalized attack executed by his/her competitor, the offending competitor shall be automatically disqualified.

1. CAUSES FOR PENALIZATION: Attacking illegal and non-target areas, using illegal

techniques, running out of the ring to avoid fighting, falling to the floor to avoid fighting,

continuing after being ordered to stop, excessive stalling, blind, negligent or reckless attacks,

uncontrolled techniques, showing unsportsmanlike behavior by the competitor, his/her coaches,

friends, etc., excessive contact, and delay of time are examples of possible penalization.

1. DISQUALIFICATION: Requires a majority vote by all officials, unless it is an automatic

disqualification. Non-Competing Penalty: If, in the majority opinion of the officials, it is

considered that the competitors are not making an obvious attempt to fight in the true spirit of

competition, both competitors will be warned and if it continues, will be disqualified.

1. WRONG DIVISION: If any competitor competes in a division he/she does not qualify to compete

in due toage, weight, rank, gender, style, etc., he/she will be disqualified.

1. COACHING: The luxury of having a coach is something that most competitors do not have

access to. Therefore, it sometimes can become an unfair advantage over a competitor who does

not have a coach. The rules are made and enforced so no one competitor has an advantage or

disadvantage over another competitor. Therefore, coaching is allowed but only under the following guidelines:

1. Never, at any time, can a coach enter the ring without the referee's permission.
2. No abusive, violent, un-sportsmanlike or overzealous coaching. 
3. Competitors cannot ask for a time out (only the coach may ask for a time out).
   1. Underbelts are not allowed timeouts.
   2. Blackebelts are allowed (1) ten second timeout
4. Coaches can never, at any time, interfere with the proper running of the ring or the decisions of the judges.

Commentary: A Coach is defined as anyone who is trying to help one competitor in anyway. A coach

could be but is not limited to an instructor, an instructor from another school, friend, parent, teammate or official coach. The center referee can issue a warning to a competitor for each time his/her coach is interfering with a match or disrupting fair play between contestants. A referee can ask for a disqualification of a contest, but

requires a majority vote of all judges.

1. OUT-OF-BOUNDS: A competitor is out-of-bounds as soon as he/she does not have at least

one foot touches inside or on the boundary line. An out of bounds competitor cannot score a

point while out of bounds. In bounds competitor can score on an out of bounds competitor if the

center referee has not called stop.