How does video review work in karate?
I · Intermediate · Officials, injuries and teams · 9 of 10A coach can ask for a video review by raising a card when a score by their athlete seems to have been missed or undervalued. A video review judge checks at least the last six seconds and must decide within 30 seconds. If the request fails, the coach loses the card for the rest of the bout.
How it works
- Who asks: the coach, with a card or an electronic button. The athlete may signal discreetly to the coach.
- For what: a possible score by the coach's own athlete that the judges missed, or one given a lower value than the coach thinks right.
- What is checked: always the last six seconds before the stop, at normal speed first. Slow motion and zoom may follow.
- Time limit: 30 seconds of reviewing.
- Valid: the score is shown and the referee awards it.
- Invalid: the coach loses the right to another request in that bout.
- Nothing to see: if the camera angle or a technical fault prevents a decision, the coach keeps the card.
- What it cannot do: overrule the corner judges, except on senshu.
- How many: one card for an individual bout. In the team world championships, three for a men's match and two for a women's.
- Where it is required: world championships, the Premier League and Olympic, continental and other multisport games.
The glossary has the video review, the senshu, the judges, the referee, the yuko and the ippon.
Tricky cases
Can a coach use a review to cancel the opponent's score?
No. The review is for a possible score by the coach's own athlete. The video review judge may not overrule a decision of the corner judges, with the exception of senshu.
The camera did not catch the technique. Does the coach lose the card?
No. The video review judge signals that it could not be seen, and the coach keeps the card.
Both coaches ask for a review of the same exchange. Who gets the point?
Whoever is judged to have scored first. If the techniques were simultaneous, both can be awarded.
The review shows the technique landed, but it was too hard. What happens?
A warning or penalty is applied for the contact, and the coach keeps the card.
Why the rule exists
The fastest techniques are the ones most easily missed, and before video a missed score could not be put right. The review gives the coach one check on that. Losing the card after a failed request keeps reviews for moments the coach is sure about.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Individual bout | One card | WKF Kumite 14.18 |
| Team world championships | Three cards a match for men; two for women | WKF Kumite 14.18 |
| Successful request | Score awarded | WKF Kumite 14.11 |
| Failed request | Card lost for the bout | WKF Kumite 14.11 |
| Events without video | No review; recommended wherever possible | WKF Kumite 14.1 |
From the rule book
World Karate Federation, Kumite Competition Rules (version 2026.01, valid from 1 January 2026), Article 14. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the federation's Kumite Competition Rules.