Benefits of Being a USA Karate Member

Becoming a USA Karate member provides athletes, coaches, and referees with access to the highest standard of karate competition and development in the United States.

For Athletes

• Eligibility for Sanctioned Events – Required to compete in USA Karate–sanctioned tournaments and National Qualifiers.

• Pathway to National & International Competition – Qualification opportunities for the USA Karate National Championships and selection pathways for international events.

• Standardized Rules & Fair Competition – Events governed by USA Karate and WKF rules ensure consistency, safety, and fairness.

• Athlete Insurance Coverage – Membership includes secondary sports accident insurance during sanctioned activities.

• Official Ranking & Records – Recognition of results within the USA Karate system.

For Coaches

• Floor Access at Sanctioned Events – Active membership is required to coach athletes at USA Karate events.

• Professional Recognition – Coaching under nationally recognized standards.

• Education & Development – Access to coaching resources, certifications, and updates to competition rules.

For Referees & Judges

• Licensing & Certification – Eligibility to attend USA Karate Referee Licensing Seminars and officiate sanctioned events.

• National Standards – Training and evaluation aligned with USA Karate and WKF requirements.

• Event Opportunities – Ability to officiate at regional, national, and qualifier-level events.

Why USA Karate?

USA Karate is the national governing body for the sport of karate in the United States, recognized by the World Karate Federation (WKF) and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). Membership ensures participation in a unified, nationally regulated system focused on safety, fairness, and excellence.

Recommended Hotels Near Booker T. Dozier Recreation Center

(The following hotels are suggested for convenience only. Event organizers are not affiliated with these properties.)

🥋 USA KARATE–COMPLIANT EVENT RULES

🛡️ Equipment & Uniform Requirements

Karate Gi

• All competitors must wear a clean, solid white karate gi, in accordance with USA Karate regulations.
• Sleeves and pant legs must meet USA Karate length requirements.
• Belts must be red and blue only for competition.

Kobudo & Iaido Attire (If Applicable)

• Kobudo and Iaido competitors must wear attire approved under the USA Karate Rules of Competition for those disciplines.
• All uniforms must comply with current USA Karate appendices regarding color, style, and presentation.

Mandatory Protective Equipment (Kumite)

All kumite competitors must wear USA Karate–approved equipment, including: 

• Fist Guards: Red (AKA) or Blue (AO) elite only. Or just white for everyone else.
• Shin Guards & Foot Protectors: Red (AKA) or Blue (AO) elite only. Or just white for everyone else.
• Mouth Guard: Mandatory for all kumite competitors
• Groin Protector: Mandatory where required by USA Karate regulations
• Chest/Body Protector: External chest protectors are required for all athletes under 14 years of age.
• Headgear: Mandatory for under 14 years old – approved and free of metal bars or guards. It can be white color.

⚔️ Kumite Rules

General Conduct

• All techniques must be executed with control, proper form, and regard for competitor safety, in accordance with USA Karate and WKF standards.
• Excessive contact, lack of control, or prohibited techniques will be penalized per USA Karate rules.

Contact Levels

Non-injurious light skin touch contact is permitted for punches and kicks.

• All ages. Any technique causing impact or injury will result in a penalty.
• All ages. All techniques to the face, head, and neck must be executed with absolute control

Match Duration

• Kumite bout duration shall follow the official USA Karate Rules of Competition for each age and division.
• No local modifications to match time are permitted for qualifier divisions.

Scoring

• Scoring shall follow the WKF scoring system as adopted by USA Karate, including:

  • Yuko (1 point)
  • Waza-ari (2 points)
  • Ippon (3 points)

• An 8-point ceiling or 8-point spread will be used.

🥇 Kata Competition Rules 

Beginner, Novice, and Intermediate Divisions

• Beginner, Novice, and Intermediate divisions may perform only the kata listed at the bottom of the page.
• Kata repetition: Competitors in Beginner, Novice, and Intermediate divisions may repeat the same kata.
• Judging format flag or points will be consistent with USA Karate standards and will be published in the event bulletin.

Advanced & Elite Divisions

• Advanced competitors will need minimun two different kata during competition.
• Kata shall be judged using the point or flag system in accordance with USA Karate and WKF rules.
• Elite competitors must perform a different kata in each round, as required by Kata listed at the bottom of the page.
• Kata repetition is prohibited where restricted by USA Karate regulations. 

Elite Division

• Competitors must perform a different kata in each round.
• Kata repetition is prohibited where restricted by USA Karate regulations.
• Judging will follow the updated 2026 WKF Kata Rules, including:
  • Evaluation based on technical performance and athletic performance
  • Scoring system that eliminates the highest and lowest scores
  • Greater emphasis on balance, timing, speed, power, and correct breathing
  • Strict standards for pauses, transitions, and rhythm consistency

👨‍⚖️ Officials & Judging

• All referees and judges must be USA Karate–certified or approved for sanctioned competition.
• Match conduct, penalties, protests, and appeals shall follow USA Karate procedures.

📄 Rule Interpretation

• The rules will be presented during our official Referee Seminar on Friday evening. All coaches are welcome to attend:
  https://silveradocup.com/index.php/referee

  All safety-related decisions made by referees are final.

✅ Compliance Statement 

This event is conducted under the USA Karate Rules of Competition (effective January 1, 2026). All sanctioned divisions are intended to meet USA Karate standards for qualification eligibility. 

Booker T. Dozier Recreation Center

2025 Middlebelt Rd, Inkster, MI 48141

Features:

1. Exercise/Weight Room
2. Gymnasium
3. Meeting Rooms
4. Multi Purpose Room w/ kitchen
5. Outdoor Swimming Pool
6. Playground
7. Racquetball Courts
8. Table Games Room
9. Tennis Court