Can a karate athlete be penalised for not attacking?
A · Advanced · Fouls and penalties · 2 of 5Passivity is not trying to score, and avoiding combat is running, holding or stepping out to stop the opponent from scoring. Both are fouls. Passivity cannot be given in the first or last 15 seconds, and the referee must first call "Tsuzukete". Avoiding combat in the last 15 seconds brings at least hansoku chui and the loss of senshu.
How it works
- Passivity: neither athlete tries to score, or one does not try despite being behind on points or on senshu.
- Before the foul: the referee must first give the informal order "Tsuzukete".
- When it cannot be given: in the first 15 seconds, in the last 15 seconds or to an athlete who leads on points or senshu.
- Avoiding combat: time-wasting such as retreating all the time without an effective counter, holding, clinching or leaving the area.
- Ato shibaraku: the last 15 seconds, signalled by the buzzer and the referee's call.
- In that period: avoiding combat brings hansoku chui at the least, and senshu is lost.
- Mubobi: a separate foul, for exposing oneself to injury.
The glossary has the passivity and avoiding combat, the ato shibaraku, the senshu, the mubobi, the chui and hansoku chui and the referee's calls.
Tricky cases
An athlete leading 2-0 stands off and waits. Is that passivity?
No. Passivity cannot be given to an athlete who has a lead. If that athlete runs, holds or steps out to deny the opponent a chance, it is avoiding combat.
Both athletes circle for the first ten seconds without attacking. Can the referee penalise them?
No. Passivity cannot be given during the first 15 seconds.
An athlete clinches with eight seconds left to protect a one-point lead. What happens?
At least hansoku chui, for avoiding combat during ato shibaraku. If the athlete holds senshu, it is taken away.
Can passivity be given in the last 15 seconds?
No. In that period the foul to watch for is avoiding combat. A referee who gives passivity then is corrected by the match supervisor.
Why the rule exists
A points sport tempts the leader to stop fighting. These two fouls split that problem. Passivity deals with the athlete who should be chasing and is not. Avoiding combat deals with the athlete who is ahead and will not be caught, and it bites hardest when the clock is nearly out.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| First 15 seconds | No passivity | WKF Kumite 9.1.1; 10.4.15 |
| Middle of the bout | Passivity after "Tsuzukete"; avoiding combat on the ladder | WKF Kumite 10.4.15; 10.4.16 |
| Last 15 seconds | No passivity; avoiding combat is hansoku chui at least | WKF Kumite 10.4.16 |
| Athlete in the lead | Cannot be given passivity | WKF Kumite 9.1.1 |
From the rule book
World Karate Federation, Kumite Competition Rules (version 2026.01, valid from 1 January 2026), Articles 9.1.1, 10.1, 10.4.14 to 10.4.16, 12.2.8 and 15.5.4. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the federation's Kumite Competition Rules.