How are kata groups decided, and can a result be protested?
A · Advanced · Judging · 3 of 3In round-robin groups a win is worth three victory points and there are no draws. Athletes level on points are separated by the bout between them, then by total judges' votes, then by world ranking, then by an extra kata. A coach may protest a breach of procedure in writing, but not a judge's mark.
How it works
- Formats: elimination with repechage, round-robin groups followed by elimination, or two pools for multisport games.
- Elimination with repechage: those who lost to the two finalists compete for two bronze medals.
- Victory points: three for a win and none for a loss.
- Level on points: the winner of the bout between the tied athletes goes ahead.
- Then: the higher sum of judges' votes across all bouts in the group.
- Then: the higher world ranking, in individual events.
- Then: an extra kata.
- A walkover: when the opponent does not appear, the winner is given four votes for that bout.
- Protests: by the coach or the federation's representative only, in writing with a fee, within five minutes of announcing the intent.
- Appeals jury: three senior referees, whose decision is final.
The glossary has the kiken, the kata scoring, the judges, the disqualification, the bout and the referee.
Tricky cases
Two athletes in a group finish with the same victory points. Who goes through?
The one who won the bout between them. Only if that does not settle it are the total votes counted.
Three athletes are level and each beat one of the others. What then?
The sum of the judges' votes across all their group bouts decides, then world ranking, then an extra kata. After each step the comparison goes back to the head-to-head.
Can a coach protest that the judges marked the wrong athlete higher?
No. Nobody may protest about a judgement. A protest is for a procedure that appears to contravene the rules.
How many bronze medals are there?
Two in individual events, one from each half of the draw. In the team format with groups there is one.
Why the rule exists
Group play gives every athlete several performances, which suits a discipline with no physical toll from an opponent. Because kata has no points for or against, the tie-break uses the next best measure, how many judges voted for the athlete. Protests are limited to procedure because a mark is an opinion.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Round robin | 3 points a win; no draws | WKF Kata 5.5.2 |
| Tie in an individual group | Head-to-head, votes, ranking, extra kata | WKF Kata 5.11 |
| Tie in a team group | Head-to-head, votes, extra kata | WKF Kata 5.12 |
| Opponent absent | Winner given four votes | WKF Kata 5.11 |
| National events | Federations may adapt the rules if no style gains or loses | WKF Kata 9.1 |
From the rule book
World Karate Federation, Kata Competition Rules (version 2026.0, valid from 1 January 2026), Articles 3.3, 3.6, 3.7, 5.5, 5.11 to 5.13, 7 and 9. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the federation's Kata Competition Rules.