Which kata can an athlete perform, and can a kata be repeated?
B · Beginner · The competition · 2 of 3An athlete may perform only kata from the federation's official list, and chooses one for each round. A different kata is needed in each round until five have been used. After that a kata may be repeated, but never twice in a row and never more than twice in a competition.
How it works
- Official list only: the list is an appendix to the rule book.
- A different kata each round: up to five.
- No more than five: needed to complete a competition.
- Repeats: a kata cannot be performed twice in a row, or more than twice in one competition.
- Medal round: any kata may be used, unless it has already been performed twice.
- Under 14: four kata are needed, and repeats are allowed from the fifth round.
- Telling the table: before each round the chosen kata is given to a runner, who passes it to the technician.
- Number over name: if the number and name given do not match, the number on the official list counts.
- Style variations: slight variations taught by the athlete's style are permitted.
- Whose job: the coach, or the athlete if there is no coach, must make sure the kata is allowed for that round.
The glossary has the official kata list, kata, the kata faults and disqualification, the team kata, the bout and the kihon.
Tricky cases
Can an athlete perform their best kata in every round?
No. A different kata is needed each round until five have been performed, and no kata may be used more than twice.
An athlete used a kata in the semi-final. Can it be used in the final?
No, if the final is the next round the athlete performs in. A kata cannot be performed twice in a row.
An athlete announces one kata and performs another. What happens?
Disqualification. Performing a kata other than the one notified to the official table is on the list.
Can an athlete make up a kata of their own?
No. Only kata from the official list may be performed, and substantially changing a kata from its original form is a ground for disqualification.
Why the rule exists
A fixed list means judges are comparing kata they know, movement for movement. Asking for five different kata tests breadth and stops an athlete from winning a whole event on one polished routine. Allowing limited repeats keeps the demand realistic in a long competition.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rounds one to five | A different kata each time | WKF Kata 5.2.1 |
| Later rounds | Repeats allowed, not twice running, not more than twice | WKF Kata 5.2.1 |
| Medal round | Any kata not already used twice | WKF Kata 5.2.1 |
| Under 14 | Four kata | WKF Kata 5.2.2 |
| Styles | Slight variations allowed | WKF Kata 5.3.2 |
From the rule book
World Karate Federation, Kata Competition Rules (version 2026.0, valid from 1 January 2026), Articles 5.1, 5.2, 5.3.2, 5.8 and 6.1 to 6.3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the federation's Kata Competition Rules.