What is senshu in karate?
I · Intermediate · Scoring · 4 of 10Senshu is the advantage given to the athlete who scores first without the opponent also scoring in the same exchange. It matters only if the bout ends level, when the athlete holding it wins. It can be lost by avoiding combat in the last 15 seconds, and once lost that late it cannot be given again.
How it works
- How it is won: the first score in the bout that is not answered by a score from the opponent before the signal.
- Both score together: no senshu is given, and either athlete can still earn it later.
- The signal: after awarding the point, the referee calls "Aka (or ao) senshu".
- What it does: on equal points at time, the athlete with senshu wins.
- How it is lost: a warning for avoiding combat when under 15 seconds remain. That covers stepping out, running away, clinching, grabbing, wrestling, pushing and standing chest to chest.
- The call: "Senshu torimasen".
- After a late loss: if senshu is withdrawn with under 15 seconds left, no senshu can be given to either athlete.
- Video: senshu is also cancelled if a video review shows the opponent scored too.
The glossary has the senshu, the hantei, the ato shibaraku, the passivity and avoiding combat, the jogai and the video review.
Tricky cases
Red scores first, then blue leads, then red draws level by time. Who wins?
Red, if red still holds senshu. On equal scores the first unopposed score decides.
Both athletes land a punch in the first exchange and both are given a yuko. Who has senshu?
Nobody. No senshu is awarded when both score before the signal, and it remains open to either athlete later.
The athlete with senshu steps out of the area with 10 seconds left. What happens?
Senshu is forfeited. Stepping out when under 15 seconds remain is treated as avoiding combat, and no senshu can then be given to either athlete.
Can the athlete with senshu be penalised for passivity?
No. Passivity cannot be given to an athlete who has a lead by points or by senshu. Avoiding combat is a different foul and can be.
Why the rule exists
Senshu rewards the athlete who took the initiative and gives a level bout a winner without extra time. The risk in such a rule is that the holder then runs for the clock, so the advantage is taken away from an athlete who does exactly that in the closing seconds.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| First unanswered score | Senshu given | WKF Kumite 12.2.2 |
| Both score in the exchange | No senshu | WKF Kumite 12.2.2 |
| Avoiding combat in the last 15 seconds | Senshu lost | WKF Kumite 12.2.8 |
| Lost in the last 15 seconds | None given again | WKF Kumite 12.2.10 |
| Team matches | A bout won by senshu counts as a bout victory | WKF Kumite 12.5.1 |
From the rule book
World Karate Federation, Kumite Competition Rules (version 2026.01, valid from 1 January 2026), Articles 9.1.1, 12.2 and 12.5.1. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the federation's Kumite Competition Rules.