KUMITE TOURNAMENT

HAITO Kumite Tournament (All Ages)

Saturday, 17 October 2026

All clubs and organisations welcome

We are excited to welcome competitors from all clubs, associations and martial arts organisations. HAITO Karate or Kyokushin membership is not required, provided you meet the experience requirements. Our aim is a friendly, well-organised competition where less-experienced fighters gain valuable tatami experience in suitable, fairly matched rounds.

Children’s and junior categories: ages 5 to 16

U8 | U10 | U12 | U14 | U16. Each age category has lighter and heavier weight divisions. An additional middleweight division may be created where participant numbers allow.

Children’s and junior entry requirements

Competitors must have at least three months of martial arts training; white belts are welcome with this experience. The maximum grade is 1st KYU or equivalent. Competitors must have no more than three national or international competition appearances within their current age category.

Matched novice fights for U18 and adults (18+)

For the first time, specially matched novice bouts are available for students who have never competed, have limited competition experience, or have competed previously but are not currently fighting at national or international Kyokushin level. Competitors will be matched as carefully as possible by age, weight, grade, experience and ability. Coaches, instructors and individual competitors should contact Sensei Gabi directly to discuss a suitable match.

Controlled full-contact novice rules

U18 and adult novice bouts use controlled full-contact rules. Head kicks are permitted with appropriate control. Certain techniques, including Keage Geri (axe kicks) to the head, are not allowed.

Competition format

Fights follow Kyokushin Kumite full-contact competition rules with appropriate safety restrictions for each age group. All bouts have three rounds to decide the winner. For example, juniors fight three rounds of 1.5 minutes with 30-second breaks. The decision is made after all rounds finish, and multiple wazaris are allowed. A winner can be announced earlier only if a competitor gives up, or an ippon to the body or leg leaves the opponent unable to continue. Judges may terminate a fight whenever it is unsafe to continue.

Two competition tatamis

One tatami hosts U8 and U10, followed by U18 and 18+ novice fights. The other hosts U12, U14 and U16. Two fighting areas will help the schedule run smoothly, reduce waiting times and provide more continuous action.

Judges needed

Please contact Sensei Gabi if you can help run the tournament smoothly and efficiently on the day. New judges looking to gain experience are also welcome.

Whether this is a young competitor’s first tournament or a novice fight for an older student, we look forward to welcoming you this autumn. OSU!