OF REFEREE

S NO K
C NBAN IHON R
I
S HI TE I N
A KI G
B S
KYOKUSHIN KARATE

Alain Breugelmans
Shuseki Shihan
 CONTENT

Introduction blz. 1

Standard blz. 2-3

The refereeing blz. 4-5

Therminology and actions blz. 6 - 14

Standards for refereeing blz. 15 - 17

The match blz. 18 - 22

Tameshiwari blz. 23

Tameshiwari and referees blz. 24

Matches for youngsters blz. 25 - 26

Preliminary talk to a match blz. 27

Dictionary & photographs blz. 28 – 31

 INTRODUCTION

I did not write this manual because I really wanted to write a booklet, but to help
the trainee referees, no matter what Kyokushin organisation they are from. Despite the
small differences that might occur which can be adjusted fairly easy. I know I am put-
ting myself in an awkward position by putting this subject on paper and I know this will
be commented by many, positive and negative, but I will take the risk anyway. To my
knowledge, there aren’t many, if any, manuals in existence. I know that there will be
parts in this booklet that some people would have written differently or to which they do
not agree at all, but my main goal is to educate a new generation of referees and give
them clear directions. I derived my information from many organisations and I put all
that information together and linked that information to my own 25 year experience as
national and international referee, as corner referee or head referee.
I also hope that this manual can be useful to everyone, for education, for reference
work, to learn from, thus, both to a Shihan or Sensei, as new inlightment for referees,
who we need more than ever. If you ask me, the essence of every Kyokushin organisa-
tion is and will always be the same; good quality referees, like we were used to with
Kyokushin karate. If any financial advantages come from the sale of this booklet, they
will be donated to the Belgian Kyokushin Organisation, with the purpose of improving
Kyokushin karate world’wide, but mainly in Belgium.

Alain Breugelmans
Shuseki Shihan

EUROPEAN
OUP
K YO K

GR
US

A
HI

KA U
N

I TEZ

Met dank aan:

Toru Tezuka kancho JA.
Keiko Yoshida sensei JA.
Con Voermans sensei NL.
Sutani dojo BE.

1
STANDARD

The minimum age for any adult participant is 18 years old.

• No protection (bandages or tape) are allowed, unless the approval is given by

a legimate docter and/or the organisation in which the participant is enrolled.
• The sleeves have to be rolled down
• No objects (piercings, coams, pins etc.) are allowed to be sticking out, no
matter what the material might be, in/out and/ or on or attached to the body.
A check up for these objects might be required or requested.
• The wearing of groin protection for men is required and should also be
required for women.
• Women are allowed to wear cups to protect their bosom, the wearing of a so
called body-armor is not allowed.
• The wearing of a bit should be mandatory, but we do insist on wearing one.
• If a participant refuses to wear his/her protection or forgot to bring them,
he/she could be (should be) disqualified, but that reference has to be given
on the subscription form.
• Shin and instep protection should only be worn when this is required by the
rules of the match, there are countries where this kind of protection is
mandatory.
• It is self explanatory that finger and toe nails should be taken car of and
should be cut short, this is also mandatory for total hygiene (body and clothing),
the CR should be looking for anyone who does not respect the rules.
• The participants are only allowed on the mat where they are supposed to be,
so just crossing a mat is not allowed.

This is only the tip of the iceberg of definitions and demands that can occur in the rules
of a particular match, every organisation can either add or change some of these
demands. We do recommend every organisation to send the demands and requirements
with the subscription form, like:

• That which was said above.

• The things that can and cannot be worn as protection, and be specific when
stating your requirements eg: this can be done and all the rest cannot be done.
• The time the match will take (this may be variable) and when enchô-sen.
• The positive and negative refereeing during a match, with a clear image of
the negative, be clear when you state this.
• The amount of coaches allowed, most of the time that is one, near the mat.
• Which techniques are allowed, but even more important, which aren’t.

2
Every organisation would have to do this their own way, as long as it has been clearly
announced before the match .
The mat for the match, shiai-jô has an area of 8x8m with a minimum surrounding area
of 1m in a different colour. If there is a shortage in mats, the organisation can use dif-
ferent measurements, but this is not allowed at big events like National and International
championships. Every mat has its own match-table where a timekeeper and a minutes
secretary can sit. The arbitrator or shinpan takes his place in front of that table.

3
THE REFEREEING

A match is supervised by four referees in each corner of the mat (CR) and a head
referee (R) and a arbitrator.
The four CR and the R have each one vote, the arbitrator has none.
The clothing of the referees ( all of them) is chosen by the organisation in question.

The arbitrator,, shinpan, is responsible for the match to elapse smoothly and in a cor-
rect way and/or if the decision made by the referee agrees with the given points, war-
nings and/or chûi.

He keeps a record of the match on the provided paper. If necessary, the R might nego-
ciate with the referee before asking for hantei, if there is a mistake made by the R, the
arbitrator will correct.

4
 false correct

The referees in the corners, fukushin, are named CR here, are the most important
referees of every tournament. They practically decide about everything and they have to
be trained well, they also have to be alert, honest, accurate and react with a certain
knowledge. We do recommend on changing all referees every 30 minutes or so. Even if
the R is the best in the world, if his CR aren’t doing their job in the correct manner, it
will be an unfair match.

The R, shushin, is like the leader of the referees during the match. A good R makes
sure the match will elapse smoothly, he is part of the party and he has to make sure he
has good contact with his fighters and his CR. It’s logical and expected that the R had a
good education, a lot of experience and a clear view on things during the match. Also,
he has to be alert, honest and accurate. Furthermore, the R has to make sure that his CR
are doing the job they are supposed to be doing and if one of his CR isn’t doing his/her
job properly, he/she needs to get rid of that person and change him/her. Whether some-
one is capable enough of doing all the things listed above, is up to the organisation, it
will be their responsibility. There are very good referees that are 1st Kyû and very bad
ones that are Sandan. There can be circumstances in which organisations might stray
from the referee patern, there are many possible variations, this is decided by the party
that organises the match or tournament. But during National and International matches,
the above named system should be used. To my knowledge, this system is the same for
every Kyokushin organisations.

The length of the bouts depends on the organisation, a bout usually takes about 2
minutes and if necessary one or two more extentions can be granted, each of 2 minutes.
A similar situation occurs at the weight classes, most of the time the difference in
weight is 5 kg at the light weights and the medium weights and to 8 kg at the heavy
weights. This might also be different depending on the organisation and every referee
needs to make that he/she is well informed about the rules and agreements about the
tournament in question.moet zich dan ook goed laten informeren wat de regels en/of
afspraken betreffende het toernooi zijn.

5
 TERMOLOGY AND ACTIONS

Hantei gachi

When a party did not achieve ippon after two minutes, a decision has to be made by the
referees. The voting goes as followed, the R as the four CR have one vote each. In order
to get to a verdict, 3 out of the 5 votes must be the same. In case of a waza ari; the par-
ticipant that has the waza ari wins. In case of no waza ari, the most destructive, and effi-
cient participant wins. Don’t make the mistake of looking at the counter-fighting parti-
cipant as the non-destructive and non-efficient participant.
In case of chûi 1 and/or genten the decision will be made according to the priorities of
the organisation, which might different for some organisations. You are inquired to ask
for those priorities and to inform yourself before the match starts.

For hantei

The CR are sitting with a straight back and are alert,but with a slight-
ly bend head, to show that they cannot make eyecontact with one ano-
ther and are holding to flags next to their knees.

Aka e.g. chûi 1 Shiro e.g.. chûi 1 Hantei

The R puts both participants in fudodachi ( this might be different between organisa-
tions whether the participants are facing each other or facing to the front, shomen ni
muite, in fudodachi ), slowly walks backwards to the edge of the mat and while wal-
king backwards he announces the results, than he asks for hantei by shouting
“ Hantei O torimasu Hantei ” or “ Hantei O onegai shimasu Hantei ”, with some
organisations this might be done by a short blow on the whistle by the R. The flags( at
own choice) go up immediately and in unison, red (aka) or white (shiro) into the air
slanting, or in case of hikiwake (undecided), both flags are crossed to the front (a litt-
le above the knees) together with a short but powerful blow on the whitstle.

6
Ippon gachi

When one of the participants, after a legal action, goes down or is unable to continue the
fight for more than 5 counts or 3 seconds, this is in the broadest sense of the word.

When a participant get his/her second waza ari, waza ari, waza ari awasete ippen,
second waza ari is equal to ippon.

Ippon CR

The CR: with the use of a short but powerful blow on the whistle
and use of the flag (fast and powerful) at the same time, bringing
the colour that belongs to the scoring participant, up, slanting.

Ippon R

If necessary, the R will stop the match by say-

ing “Yame”, he starts counting the flags loud
and clear, including his decision, with his
hand pointing up, slanting to the winner’s side and shouts, with possible performed
technique ( this can be different for every organisation), “Ippon”, if he wants, he may
end it with aka or shiro no gachi. We do advise that you, in case of K.O., direct you
attention to the participant that is K.O., directly call a docter, put the participant on
his side and remove the mouth piece (if present) and you have t make sure that the
tongue does not get stuck in the participant’s throat. In case of K.O. there is always a
danger that the participant might vomit and/or shut off his airways and a danger of
choking might occur.e.

7
Waza ari

When one of the participants, after a legal action, goes down and is not capable of figh-
ting for shorter then 5 counts or 3 seconds. At some organisations, when after eg: a foot
sweep (ashi barai) a perfect gedan tsuki is performed, a waza ari is awarded. Every refe-
ree needs to be well-informed about this before the match.

Waza ari CR

The CR, with one short but powerful blow on the whistle and the flag with the colour
that belongs to a particular participant, which is moved to the side fast and powerful
at about the height of one’s shoulder.

Waza ari R
The R; stops the match by shouting “Yame”,
counts the flags (including his own decision)
and points with a stretched arm (at shoulder
height) with an open hand at the scoring par-
ticipant and shouts “Waza ari” with the
colour. This may also be done with the appro-
priate technique (this may be different
depending on the organisation).

Waza ari / Ippon gachi

Beware: when a second waza ari occurs, it is the R who shows that it’s ippon and not
the CR, the CR only show when a waza ari occurs. The R will anounce the first waza
ari and then the ippon, waza ari, waza ari awasete ippon, with the actions that go with
it (look at the pictures above). If the R forgets, in case there isn’t a arbitrator, to give
the ippon after the second waza ari, the CR have to act immediately, this happens as
if it’s a hansoku.

8
Waza ari / Ippon gachi

When one of the participants goes down and is unable to continue the fight, after a legal
action, the flag that belongs to the scoring participant is directly moved to the side ( see
waza ari) accompanied by a short but powerful blow on the whistle. If the hit partici-
pants does not clearly show the referee after 5 counts or 3 seconds that he is capable of
fighting, the flag that was moved to the side, goes up into the air with a powerful swing
(slanting), accompanied by a powerful blow on the whistle.

Waza ari 1-2-3-4-5 Ippon

3 seconds or counting till 5

Hikiwake

When the CR decide that there is no winner, they indicate hikiwake/undecided,

followed by an extention, which is mostly two minutes.

Hikiwake

The CR crosses both flags with his arms almost stretched at knee-height, accompa-
nied by the short, appropriate blow on the whistle. The R, if the result is hikiwake,
crosses his arms, at about waist-height, with open hands and shouts hikiwake and the
a time extention/honsen/enchô-sen is granted.

9
Enchô-sen

In case that there are less than 3 votes, it is undecided (hikiwake), followed by a one to
2 extentions/Honsen of 2 minutes. If there still hasn’t been a decision by then, a final
and deciding round is anounced. This round is 2 minutes and must occur with the men-
tion of Enchô-sen, the referees have to decide who wins this time, hikiwake is not allo-
wed. The word enchô-sen means extention, encho= extention, sen= again (in this case),
but is only used in Kyokushin for the final and deciding round. The full expression is
ENCHÔ-SEN SHOBU HANTEI and may be used as well.

Mitomezu

When, after a particular action, the referees think nothing has happened.

Mitomezu CR Mitomezu R

Both flags are being waved in a crossing manner at knee-height. The R makes
the same movement with his hand as the flags are doing and shouts “mitomezu”,
nothing has happened, a long blow on the whistle is followed.

Fumei Fumei

When an action occured and the CR did not see it cle-

arly, he anounces this by one short blow on the whistle and
the flags, at eye-height, are crossed, but he has to be able to
get eyecontact with the R. When all of the CR anounce
fumei, the R will ignore that and continue the match.

10
Hansoku

a) Ken, shutô, nukite, to the face or neck. These moves are stricly forbidden
and will be punished immediately by genten, even slight contact with the
face or neck by the use of ken, shutô or nukite is offically chûi. Feint attacks
towards the face or neck are allowed at some organisation, but fortunately,
most organisations aren’t very keen on this. This is made clear to the parti-
cipants and punished with a chûi, if necessary.
b) Kinteki geri or kingeri kick towards the groin.
c) Zutsuki, headpunch towards the face.
d)Tsukami, grabbing, with some organisations is grabbing (about split
seconds) directly followed by a attacking movement is allowed.
e) Hikkake, a hook towards the shoulder, neck or face.
f) Oshi, pushing, in whatever way done.
g) Kakaekomi, clinching, the participant that started it will receive hansoku.
h) Haigo kara no kôgeki, attacking from behind.
i) Taoreta aite ni kôgeki, attacking someone who is lying down on the floor.
j) Jôgai, the frequency of standing off the mat with both legs.
k) The constant avoiding of the fight.
l) The inappropriate behaviour of a participant, in the worst meaning of the word.
m) Actions, others than those named above which are seen as ‘wrong’ by
the R and/or CR.

Hansoku

For all hansoku counts a repeating short and fast, but powerful
blow on the whistle and the right colour on the right side is
moved up and down. This movement mainly comes from the
wrist and the arm has to be moved to the side, almost completely
stretched and almost at shoulder-height.

11
Jôgai

Only when a participant is outside of the shiai-jô ( the match mat) with both feet,
the R shouts “Yame” (stop) and brings both participants back on the mat, to help the
match to go smoothly, the participants do not have to go back to the greeting lines. They
are allowed to continue the match when both of them are on the mat again. If jôgai has
happened several times, sanctions will be distributed to the participant in question, like
chûi and/or after even more repetitions,genten
.
Jôgai

At the side when one’s feet left the mat, one of the flags is moved
up and down short and quick, hitting the floor during the process,
accompanied by a fast, but powerful blow on the whistle.

Chûi and Genten

In case of hansoku, a first warning (chûi) may be given, after more violations a chûi
1 might be given. In case the hansoku looks like it has been done on purpose, or a mean
hansoku, or when the hansoku injures the other participant, a genten 1 is given to the
participant who acted out the hansoku. Chûi 2 is automatically genten 1, this can be dif-
ferent between different organisations, sometimes chûi 2 isn’t mentioned at all and the
participant in question just receives genten 1 , but it is better and clearer towards the
audience and the participants if chûi 2 is used and mention that that is equal to genten
1 directly after that (or when it is the case with genten 2), you should say it as followed,
“chûi (sono) 2 wa genten (sono) 1 to onaji” , but often referees just say chûi 2, genten
1. After genten 1, the counting starts over again or the referees continue counting, chûi
3 etc. Chûi 4/ genten 2 is automatically shikkaku, disqualification. If the R forgets or
no arbitrator is present to anounce genten 2 shikkaku, the CR have to take action imme-
diately, like they act when a hansoku has occured.

Chûi 1en Genten

When chûi 1 or genten happens, the R points at the head of the

particular participant with his index fingen, and shouts “chûi” or
“genten” with the write number, he does this loud and clear.

12
Warnings can be indicated by chûi, but without saying a number. There isn’t an official
limit relating to the amount of chûi allowed and it is completely up to the R to decide
when it’s an official warning/ chûi 1 etc. To avoid confusion, it is important that you
show the difference between the two chûi with you voice and body language.

chûi

When chûi happens, the R points down (slanting) with his index
finger at the participant in question.

Shikkaku

Some examples:
a) In case of constant disobedience during the match
b) In case, when a participant arrives late for a match or when he/she does not
arrive at all.
c) In case of very inappropriate behaviour or a very bad hansoku
d) In case of genten 2.
e) In case that when during the tameshiwari no wooden boards are broken or
when one gives up.

Shikkaku

If necessary, the R can ask the opinion of the the CR, this will hap-
pen by calling the referees together by shouting “Fukushin
Shugo”, after that, for the participants and the audience, the R can
ask for a decision by the use of a blow on the whistle. The CR react with the flags
(which belong to the disobedient participant), the movement from the flags originate
from the wrist, but with a lightly bend arm (which is moving up and down), together
with the fast and short blows on the whistle. During shikkaku, the R points with his
index finger at about head-height , to the end of the mat. While pointing at the parti-
cular participant, he tells him to leave the mat and shouts “shikkaku”, loud and clear,
even sounding mad if necessary.

13
 time out

When the R has to stop the match for a long time, eg: because one of the participants
got injured because of a hansoku, he/she has to ask for a time out.

YUKO (legal techniques)

a) Do not be mistaken by the used technique.

b) Look carefully if the techniques used around the area of the throat and neck
are allowed, it happens a lot that when someone blocks another’s attack, the
attack can slide into the area of the groin or the thoat/neck area, both cases
aren’t chûi, the receiver of this block might give a lot of pretence.
If this happens multiple times, it can happen that he/she receives the chûi.
c) The same goes for the area of the groin.

14
STANDARDS FOR REFEREEING
The first person that is named is known as aka, the second is known as shiro.

1
0 < waza ari, waza ari wint, shiro gachi
0 < waza ari, 2e waza ari, waza ari awesete ippon, shiro gachi

2
In case that no waza ari or no chûi/genten are given and there is no practical difference
between both fighters, in order for the referees to come to, the following things have
to be taken for granted:
a) The damage that has been caused.
b) When there isn’t any damage, decide the amount of combinations and
correctly performed techniques (hands and legs).
c) In case of enchô-sen shobu hantei and there is no difference between the two
participants, go for the participant that showed the most spirit.

3
With all the examples that are given, relating to chûi and genten, it’s expected that chûi
2= genten 1, “chûi (sono) 2 wa genten (sono) 1 to onaji”. If necessary, you can adjust
this to the requirements of your organisation.

Chûi 1 > chûi 2 = genten 1 > chûi 3 > chûi 4 = genten 2 = shikkaku.

Chûi 1 does not have a big effect on the decision of the referees, chûi 1 does make a dif-
ference when it’s enchô-sen shobu hantei, if that happens, the chûi 1 counts, but only
when there isn no difference between the two fighters. Now that we got to some
points that can be discussed over for hours and hours, points that can be very different
between the organisations, even more awkward; points that are different even inside the
organisation itself. That’s only because of the differences in explaining problems, the
best you can do is clearly state these points and get an agreement about them and send
them with the subscription form. This does not happen that often or isn’t done properly,
that is when problems can occur during the tournament. It’s also a good idea to have a
meeting with all the referees and all the coaches, during which you can state those points
again. Genten 1 is actually half of a negative point and that seems to be, because genten
2 is a negative point, even better, genten 2 is the same as shikkaku. This means disqua-
lification and this goes for the whole of the tournament. The only thing that is higher
than genten 1 is waza ari and ippon ofcourse. So never doubt about the fact that some-
one with genten will lose and someone with waza ari will win, but here are a few extra
examples:

Shiro gets a waza ari because of a lucky shot, his opponent is ruling European
Champion. After that, shiro fights in way that you cannot punish him for avoiding the
fight, whatever happens, shiro will win, but everyone thinks that that’s a shame, but
rules are rules.
15
The ruling European Champion gets genten 1 because of a wrongfully used move, but
after that he fights a strong party and shows that he is better than is opponent.
Unfortunately, rules are rules and he has genten 1 so loses the fight. Not everyone
agrees with this, so they try to think of new rules and gossip, but once again, rules are
rules, the champion loses. There is one exception to this rule and that is when a parti-
cipant with genten 1 fights in such a way that his opponent has no chance to block his
moves, even better, his opponent is not knocked out long enough to receive waza ari and
then and only then (you have to be very careful with this) hikiwake can be anounced.

If you took a decision and you know it is the right one, stay with your decision and don’t
let yourself be influenced by coaches and/ or fighters, only when the R asks for fugus-
hin shugo, they explain to you why you are wrong and you understand why you are
wrong, it’s not a sin, but you can/must change your decision. The R needs to ask for the
scored before saying hantei (waza ari, chûi 1,2,3 and genten). The chûi 1 and chûi 3 are
forgotten ever so often, even by myself and the chûi after genten 1 eg: chûi 3 and not the
genten, because people think that the CR can count properly and that they have done
their homework, but it is better and clearer for the audience and the fighters if you give
them the whole picture of what is going on, eg: aka genten 1 chûi 3, this is very clear
for the CR too.

ATTENTION:
With a difference of chûi 3, no matter what the further results are, the one that has
chûi 3 loses. Here are some examples, aka is the first to be mentioned:

Aka Shiro

0 > chûi 1 look at the match and don’t judge that 1 chûi to harsh ,
unless it’s enchô-sen.

0 > chûi 2 (genten 1) aka wint, for the exception, look at the paragraph above.

0 > chûi 3 (genten 1 + chûi 1) aka wint.

0 > waza ari + chûi 1 shiro wins.

0 > waza ari + chûi 2 (genten 1) shiro wins, waza ari is hoger dan genten 1.

0 > waza ari + chûi 3 (genten 1 + chûi 1) aka wins.

0 > waza ari chûi 4 (genten 2) this is without a doubt shikkaku, aka wins.

16
The Whistle
Ippon , waza ari and hantei, each with 1 x short and powerful
Waza ari to ippon, each with 1 x short and powerful and one long
Fumei, done with 1 x short and powerful
Mitomezu, done with 1 x long
Hansoku, done with 1 x short and powerful ( sequence)

17
THE GAME

The start

At the start of the match, the R first checks if the right contestants are on the mat. The
R controls everything that might have been stated by the organisation; piercings, combs,
pens, needles, bandages, tape, shin proctection, breast protection, a cup, mouth
piece,etc. The R has to make sure that aka is always on his right.

Aka / Shiro Nakae

The R calls both contestants onto the mat, aka nakae, he points with his open hand and
stretched arm towards the chest of aka and brings the stretched arm with the open hand
strictly towards the place where aka needs to be and shiro nakae with the same gestures
and lets them stand facing each other in fudo dachi. You have to make sure that you greet
both fighters when they come onto the mat. Other terms can be used for the word nakae,
but I always choose nakae which means “come here”.

Shomen ni rei

The R stands between the two fighters at about one meter distance.
Than he calls, holding both arms stretched out in front him with
opened hands, palms facing each other or facing to the front. The
distance between both hands is about shoulder width ( these have to
be powerful movements), shomen ni rei, the fighters turn around facing the front and
greet with osu.

18
 Shushin ni rei

Than, the R points with both hands towards himself, elbow at about
shoulder height and shouts shushin ni rei, the two fighters turn
towards him and greet him with osu.

Otagai ni rei

The R shouts otagai ni rei, while his hands go up forming fists. The elbows stay at
shoulder height, while the arms are going down with the palms of the hands face down.
The fighters turn to face each other and greet each other with osu.

Kamaete

The R shouts kamaete and positions himself into a fighting posi-

tion. De two fighters also take a fighting position ( preferebly with
a kiai), but they stay behind their measure line.

19
 R / LB R / LF R / RF R / RB Ji-kan

The R asks attention from every CR, this happens very clearly by pointing at every CR
with the index-finger, he may, when he finds it necessary, blow the whistle with it.
Finally, he points at the time-keeper and shouts, ji-kan, this means, in this case,: “time
ready”.

Hajime

After the time-keeper nods his head in agreement, the R makes a

chudan gyaku tsuki and at the same time shouts “hajime” and the
match has begun.

20
The end

The end of a match is announced by the use of a sound; a bel, a

drum, a horn, etc and by the use of a little bag ( preferably red and
Yame
filled with peas) which is thrown to the middle of the mat. The R
immediately reacts by stretching out his right arm to the front, bet-
ween the two fighters and shouts yame, this has to be a very quick
movement with which he will need to use the necessay precaution
the match is stopped and two fighters face each other at the mea-
sure line in fudo dachi, or when the organization wishes in shomen
ni muite, facing the front, but also in fudo dachi.

Slowly, while walking backwards the R reminds his CR (the fighters and the at the
audience) what the results are for each of the two fighters, eg: shiro chûi 1 aka waza ari,
it is a very good thing if you have a steady pattern when you count the scores. I alwa-
ys/usually start with the one about who one cannot say much or the one about who litt-
le is to be said. When the R arrives at the end of the mat, he shouts : “Hantei O tori-
masu, Hantei, or Hantei O onegai shimasu Hantei ( and if you want to, that can be
immediately followed by a short blow on the whistle.

Score Aka Score Shiro Hantei

The CR react immediatly with their flags and the short blow on the whistle that goes
with it. The R counts the results seperately, again pointing at each CR, so eg: hikiwake
ichi, shiro ichi, aka ichi, ni, shushin aka, directly followed by aka no gachi. It is a very
good thing again if you have a steady pattern when you count the scores, you will see it
will not only work very good for yourself, but also for your CR. Take your time to obser-
ve the result shown by the CR, than start the counting process. It can happen frequent-
ly that you will have 2 hikiwake and 2 aka or shiro, unfortunately there are some peo-
ple that think that in this case aka or shiro has won, but this isn’t the case at all. When
the R decides to give hikiwake to, then there are 3 hikiwake and the fighters need to
fight longer. So whenever or whatever, the score is two and two, two hikiwake, two aka
or two shiro, than the decision is up to the R.

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 TAMESHIWARI

1. The material used for the breaking, are wooden boards mae out of Cryptomeria.
The measurements for the boards are 33cm by 21cm by 2,4 cm or 13inch by
8inch b y 0,9 inch. The comitee of referees has to judge whether the boards
agree with the terms of agreement that their particular organisation states, but
there is not supposed to be a difference in general.
2. The breaking tests happen in a certain order, eg; seiken, kakato, shuto and hiji,
or the techniques that were agreed upon by the organisation. The minimum
amount of boards that need to be broken are 2 ( most of the time) and in a ma-
ximum of two minutes. The total amount of broken boards can be decisive for
the eventual final decision.
3. The supporting blocks, on which one places the boards, are required to be made
out of concrete (or something of the same value or strength) and have to be
made out of one piece.
4. If the participant wishes to break more than the minimum amount of boards,
he/she can decide about the amount himself/herself.
5. To show that controlled boards are used for the test, the responsible official will
place a piece of cotton on the boards that need to be broken.
6. It is prohibited for the participants to touch nor the boards, nor the supporting
blocks. The official is the only one who is allowed to touch the boards or the
supporting blocks. The participants are allowed to decide the distance between
the boards and the supporting blocks.
7. If , after the first attempt, all the boards are broken, the breaking test is a
succes (kansui). If the boards aren’t all broken after the first attempt, the
breaking test was unsuccesfull (shippai).
8. In case of shippai, the participant will be granted one more try, but with the mi-
nimum amount of boards, that would be two.
9. If the participant fails again, he/she will receive a zero for this breaking test.
10. During the breaking test, all instructions given by the official need to be respected.
If this does not happen, shippai or even shikkaku can be awarded, the same rule
is applied when the participant exceeds the maximum time of two minutes..
11. When the breaking test si finished, the participants will all move two places
(clockwise) to the next technique.

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TAMESHIWARA AND THE REFEREES

Tameshiwara happens under the supervision of five referees, the R included. The R
checks if every participant is standing in the right spot and will check if every con-
testant has an official (the CR or the ‘by the organisation appointed’ officials), then
he will let all the participants greet, to the shomen as well as to the kôhô side (the
official will greet as well). If an audience is seated around the mat, the participants
could be asked to greet to the four sides of the mat.
The R will announce the first breaking technique and will give a separate starting sig-
nal to every contestant, by shouting kamaete or inchini-tsuite and hajime to end it.
After the breaking test the official, that belongs to the particular contestant, will state
the result by, in case of a succesfull breaking test, pointing his arm in the air (slanting,
like with ippon) and shows the amount of boards broken with his fingers and shouts
kansui, after that he will let his contestant sit in seesa.

Kansui 4 boards Shippai first attempt Shippai second attempt

With the contestants that

were not succesfull, the
official will make a hiki-
wake gesture or he will
point his index finger
down (slanting). Make sure
that you arrange this well,
so that all officials make the same gesture eg; first attempt hikiwake, second attempt
index finger, and shouts shippai and lets the participant stand in fudodachi. The R
shouts the results
(clockwise) one by one, according to the names or the numbers, so that the results can
be recorded. The officials will do this the exact same way as stated above. The con-
testants that failed, will be allowed another chance, but with the minimum amount of
boards, this is two. This will be treated the same way as stated above. After all the
breaking test, the R lets the participants stand up and lets them greet shomen and
kôhô, when you started to greet the four directions of the wind you are obligated to
end that way as well.

When the participants leave the mat, this has to be done in the right Kyokushin-way,
number one goes first. He/she turns to face the edge of the mat and greets with osu,
turns back and leaves the mat. There are more ways of having a breaking test, but this
is the one I have seen the most. Unfortunately, breaking test aren’t held that much any-
more, wood has gotten a very valuable history. That is way why it might be good to
have something on paper as a manual.

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MATCHES FOR YOUNGSTERS

Matches for younsters are the most difficult to referee, because you will carry a heavy
burden as a referee. They are kids, little people of about eight years old, who do not
really know what, where, how, and they really want to fight like they see in the movies
and they don’t keep in mind that they might hurt themselves in that process. It is a
new experience with which you, as a referee, have to help them understand. You are
always there as a referee, but with children from eight to seven-teen, you really have
to be there to help them and to make sure that no bad things happen. The problem that
comes with children is the rule age x height x weight, this is hell for all organisations,
a child that is twelve year of age, sixty-five kg of weight and 1,70 m of height, cannot
be put in the group that’s for twelve year olds, nor can it be put in a group for fifteen
year olds. Compromises will have to be made and not everyone will have peace with
those. That is one of the reasons why small misunderstandings and problems will be
present during matches for youngsters. All the referees will have to keep a close eye
on the matches and save the children from themselves, by:

1. Taking action, when one of the contestants is clearly stronger than the
other.
2. Respecting the rules set by the organisation.
3. Calming the children (who are nervous, even though they do not real-
ly show that,they are), so that they start to trust the referees. Make
sure that you are at the same height of the child in question and speak
their language.
4. Stay strict and just and make sure that the children do not take this in
a wrong way.
5. Clearly show the children, in an understandable language, that the ref-
erees are in charge, and do not have arguments with nor the children,
nor their coaches, just like it is done with the adults.

There might be many more things you have to look out for, but remember this golden
rule: THE REFEREES are there for THE CHILDREN and have to respect the res-
ponsibility and trust that they received from the organisation, the parents and most
important from THE CHILDREN, and they have to show that they are worth that
trust and responsibility.
The youngsters are split up into poules with groups of about five contestants, this
may be more at bigger competitions. Make sure that you always check if the measure-
ments “age x height x weight” are correct, if the corresponding referees do not agree
with that, one should turn to the organistion in question.

24
All contestants in a match for youngsters are obligated to wear the following items:

1. mouth protection
2. a groincup
3. fist protection
4. leg protection
5. head protection
6. girls should be wearing breast protection, but not a breast plate.

Every organisation is allowed to state other measures, as long as it concerned about

the safety of the children. If necessary (this is also valid with adults) two CR can be
used or a shadow-referee may be used. When a different system is in use, rather than
the poule-system, the finals are with four CR.

Poules

The children will fight 1 round, there will be no extensions, so direct decisions are
required. To keep it fun for the children, everyone is awarded some points eg; winner:
three points, hikiwake: two points and the loser: one point, the winners will have to go
to the table of judges and the R has to make sure they do. I strongly advise you to
adjust the time-span of the poules to the age in question, eg:

1. eight to ten year olds = one minutes.

2. eleven to thirteen year olds = one and a half minutes.
3. fourteen to seventeen year olds = two minutes.

Ofcourse, the organisation in question has the right to change that.

For all eight to thirteen year olds, kicks like Mae, Yogko, all kakato geri, to the face
are forbidden and will punished by genten. Kicks like mawasi and ushiro mawasi geri
are allowed. The rest is just Kyokushin Karate. It is advisable you to make the children
greet by poule, so that they only have to do onagai ni rei. All the other Kyokushin
rules apply to the youth as well.

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PRELIMINARY TALK TO A MATCH:

It is sort of mandatory to have a preliminary talk between coaches and referees, before
every match. This can be one big meeting between both, but personally, I feel that two
smaller meetings are more effective. The preliminary talk helps to go through the
point-system and the rules of the match.

Here are the main points:

1. mouth protection
2. a groincup
3. breast protection
4. piercings, combs, etc
5. sleeves that are not rolled down
6. head protection (youth)
7. fist protection (youth)
8. leg protection (youth, or when it is required by the organistion)

What are the penalties for forbidden techniques,

Genten:

1. hitting towards the face

2. aiming one’s hit at the throat
3. aiming one’s hit at the back
4. an aimed technique performed after “YAME” has been said by the R
5. aimed techniques when the opponent is lying on the ground
6. kicking straight at the groin or the knees
7. kicking straight towards the face (youth)

After which chûi it is genten eg: chûi 2 is genten 1. genten always loses, no matter
what, hikiwake Waza ari stands above genten, genten 2 or chûi 4 is always shikkaku.

Ofcourse, every organisation can add or change to their own believes.

26
WOORDENBOEK

Shiai tournament/match
Shiai-jo tournament/match area
Shushin head referee
Fukushin referee
Shinpan arbitrator
Shob u round/bout
Waza ari 1/2 point = 50%
Ippon point = 100%
Chûi warning
Chûi 1 etc. 1st official warning etc.
Genten penalty (-1/2 point = 45%)
Shikkaku disqualification
Hansoku-mak e disqualification for that round/bout
Yuk o allowed technic
Hansoku not allowed technic
Honsen prolongation
Enchô-sen shob u hantei decisive prolongation
Enchô-sen decisive prolongation (kyokushin short version)
Nakae come
Shomen ni rei turn to officials (public), osu
dachi and great osu
Kôhô ni rei turn to the head referee, fudodachi and great osu
Shushin ni rei face each other, fudodachi and great osu
Otag ai ni rei face each other, fudodachi and great osu
kamaeta fighting stance
Hajime begin/start
Yame stop
Ji-kan time
Shinpan ni rei changing referees greeting each other
Maware migi turn right (hidart=left)
Hantei decision
Hantei O torimasu, hantei ask for decision (commanding)
Hantei O onegai shimasu, hantei ask for decision (demanding)
Gachi win
Mak e lose
Kik en issue
Fusenshô g achi winner by not showing up of opponent
Shiro white
Aka red

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Akushu shake hands
Shomen ni muite fighters face officials (public)
Jôg ai outside the tatami (2 egs)
Tsukami grabbing
Kakaek omi clinching
Kôhô backside
Oshi pushing
Fumei not clear, haven’t seen
Mitomezu nothing the matter
Zôkkô go on
Zutsuki headbang
Haigo kara no kôgeki attacking at the back
Taoreta aite to kôgeki attacking a downed opponent
Hikiwak e equal, no decisio
Gammen kôgeki attacks to the face (hands, elbows)
Kinteki kôgeki attacks to the groin
Shotei oshi shotei pushing
Tameshiwari breaking
Ichini-tsuite stand by
Shippai breaking not successfull
Kansui breaking successfull

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 fout goed voor Hantei Score aka Score shiro Hantei

Ippon HR Ippon HSR Waza ari HR Waza ari HSR

Waza ari awasete ippon Waza ari 12345 Ippon 3sec./5sec

Hikiwake HR Hikiwake HSR Mitomezu HR

Mitomezu HSR Fumei Hansoku Chûi1enGenten

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 Chûi shikkaku aka/shiro Nakae Shomen ni rei

shushin ni rei Otagai ni rei Ship pai 1e poging Ship pai 2e poging

HR/LA HR/LV HR/RV HR/RA Ji-kan

Kamaete hajime Yame Kansui 4 planken time-out

Thanks to:
Con Voermans sensei NL.
Keiko Yoshida sensei JA.

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