World Sport
Karate Federation
Safety, Integrity, and Excellence in Martial Arts Competition
(WSKF)
Official Origin Statement – WSKF
The World Sport Karate Federation (WSKF) was created to unify martial artists worldwide under a modern, inclusive, and professional structure. Born from the vision of the Born to Win Athlete Development Pathway, WSKF exists to bring together diverse striking arts — Karate, Taekwondo, Wushu, Kenpo, and more — into one federation that values safety, technical excellence, and long-term athlete development. Unlike fragmented or outdated circuits, WSKF provides a clear pathway for athletes of all ages and levels, offering opportunities in sparring, forms, and weapons divisions. With accessibility, integrity, and innovation at its core, WSKF empowers schools, athletes, and promoters to grow together on a global stage, shaping the future of martial arts competition.
Rules & Regulations
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First to 5 points wins.
Scoring: 2 points = kicks above the waist | 1 point = all hand techniques.
No face contact.
1st offense = warning. 2nd = disqualification.
Automatic DQ if blood is drawn
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First to 5 points wins.
Scoring: 2 points = kicks above the waist | 1 point = all hand techniques | 1 point = groin strike (groin is an open target).
No face contact.
1st offense = warning. 2nd = disqualification.
Automatic DQ if blood is drawn.
Sweeps allowed (1 point per sweep).
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2 rounds × 2 minutes each.
No stop-and-go scoring (judges tally throughout).
Two judge’s score: Judge 1 tracks Competitor A’s points, Judge 2 tracks Competitor B’s points.
Winner = most points after both rounds.
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Duration: 2 minutes.
Winner = most points accumulated.
Scoring:
1 point = hand techniques
2 points = kicks above the waist
3 points = spinning kicks
Face shield required. Light contact to facial/headgear allowed.
7-point spread rule: If one competitor leads by 7, the match ends immediately.
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Judges score between 1 and 10 (1 = lowest, 10 = highest).
The lowest total score is 4, and a perfect score is 40.
Each judge has a dedicated focus area:
Stance Judge – evaluates only stances.
Kick Judge – evaluates only kicks.
Strikes Judge – evaluates only strikes.
Overall Judge – evaluates intensity and overall performance; serves as tiebreaker.
Stances Criteria
Proper hand placement
Direction of feet
Weight distribution
Transition
Fluidity
Kicks Criteria
Height of kicks
Chamber and recoil
Accuracy and direction
Transition
Fluidity
Strikes Criteria
Chambers
Speed
Power
Accuracy and direction
Transition
Fluidity
Overall & Intensity
Judge with the highest knowledge and experience.
Assesses intensity and overall demonstration.
Decides results in case of ties.
