competition area

Surface for practicing karate; bouts last a maximum of three minutes.

karateka

Athlete who practices karate; some, but not all, organizations classify karatekas by weight.

arbitration committee

Group of upper-level officials who especially supervise the bout as it unfolds and check that the referee and the judges perform their duties correctly.

timekeeper

Official who monitors the duration of the bout.

scorekeeper

Official who tracks the karatekas’ points and penalties.

corner judge

One of the four officials who assist the referee, give their opinions especially about the referee’s decisions and judge the actions of the karatekas.

referee

Official who enforces the rules, directs the bout on the mat, awards the points and gives out warnings and penalties.

contest area

Mat with an area of 26 ft2 on which the bout takes place; it is surrounded by a safety surface.

competitors’ line

Mark designating the karatekas’ position at the start of the bout and after any interruption.

referee’s line

Mark designating the regulation position of the referee during the bout.