How a kumite bout works

1. Kumite is karate sparring. Two athletes, in red and blue belts, score with controlled punches, strikes and kicks to the body and head. Blows to the head must stop short or barely touch.
2. A punch or strike scores one point, a kick to the body two, and a kick to the head three.
3. A referee runs the bout and four judges at the corners signal scores; a score counts when at least two judges show it.
4. The higher score at time wins, and an eight-point lead ends the bout early. If the scores are level, the athlete who scored first, holding senshu, wins.

How long

A senior bout lasts three minutes of fighting time.