In competitions, similar rules of courtesy apply. One must bow while entering, as well as exiting. When the competition is about to begin, there will be a line-up of many competitors. After the starting etiquette, and the preparations are complete, they will divide the floor into rectangular sectors.

Each sector will accommodate a specific rank and age group. Lower belts and younger students will usually begin first, followed by the older students. If one's name is not called, they are to practice in a specific sector allocated to them. Be ever vigilant; it is important to observe students of one's age and rank. Otherwise, one may miss their turn when their name is called.

During the competition, all students should be kneeling just outside the sector. When they are called, students should bow and reach their assigned position from the sides. Competitors may be asked to wear 'red' belts to help distinguish them. Do so promptly.

INDIVIDUAL KATA
ontestants, in red/white pairs, first demonstrate a kata within their abilities; four judges will determine the more apt student, while a fifth judge gives the final judgement. In the event of a tie, a second kata is to be performed.

After the elimination round, winners will perform individual katas. Each student will be judged through numbers by the five judges. The highest and lowest scores are removed; the remaining three scores are averaged. After all the scores have been tallied, three final winners will be chosen.

Scoring a kata is based on the following elements :
• Mental concentration
• Correct timing, continuity and smoothness
• Total body power and force
• Balance and confidence
• Returning to the starting point

If a competitor pauses, or hesitates, for more than five seconds, they fail.

TEAM KATA
t several points in the competition, teams will be called forth to certain sectors to begin their 'team' kata. Three competitors, preferably of similar rank, age and height, will perform a perfectly synchronised kata together, as a team.
As before, three winners will be chosen from the tallied scores.

BASIC KUMITE
parring is confined to the square sector; competitors cannot deviate from the field.
When called, both competitors bow and move to the sides from the outside. Then, they bow inside, and move to their starting points. Lower belts will have to perform 'kihon' kumite, while higher belts must engage in 'jiyu' kumite. These are almost identical to the ones given in class.

ADVANCED KUMITE
he highest belts are expected to free spar. Scoring techniques can be tsuki (punch), keri (kick), and uchi (strike). There are two types of scoring given : 'ippon', or full point, and 'waza-ari', or half-point. Competitors will have two minutes to score their points. If, within this time, none of the competitors have scored, judges will make a decision for the winning side. The same applies for ties.

Requirements for an 'ippon' score :
• Timing (opponent could not defend)
• Distance and accuracy
• Effective, yet not causing injury

Requirements for a 'waza-ari' score :
• Successful techniques of lower accuracy and timing

Penalties are given if the competitor steps beyond the sector boundaries, or behaves poorly. Free sparring 'jiyu' kumite can be both individual and in teams.