23. LATVIAN OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

23rd LATVIA OPEN KYOKUSHINKAI KARATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Kumite and Kata Regulations

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Organizer: Latvian Kyokushinkai Karate Federation
Venue: Tukums Sports Hall, Pauzera iela 7, Tukums, Latvia
Date: November 28, 2026
Participation fee: €30 per participant, payable on the day of the competition.

PURPOSE OF THE COMPETITION
• Strengthening friendly relations between athletes
• Promoting a healthy lifestyle and sports
• Promoting martial arts and Kyokushinkai karate in Latvia
• Identifying the strongest athletes among children, teenagers, and adults

SCHEDULE
09:00–09:30 – Judges' Seminar
09:45 – Opening Ceremony
10:00–18:00 – Latvian Championship

KUMITE – FULL-CONTACT FIGHTING RULES
Fights will be conducted according to Kyokushinkai karate kumite rules.

Permitted techniques:
• Low kicks (Gedan level) are permitted in all categories.
• For athletes up to and including U18, only controlled kicks to the head (Jodan level) are permitted (semi-contact).
• Hand and elbow strikes to the body (Chudan level) are permitted.

Prohibited techniques:
• For athletes up to and including U18, straight kicks to the head, including Mae Geri and Yoko Geri, uncontrolled kicks, and knee strikes to the head (Hiza Geri) are prohibited.
• Hand and elbow strikes to the head (Jodan level) are prohibited.
• Catching, throwing, and holding the opponent are prohibited.
• Kicks to the groin and back are prohibited. All kicks to the legs are prohibited except permitted low kicks (Gedan level).

COMPETITION PARTICIPANTS AND CATEGORIES
Athletes born in 2018 or earlier may participate in the competition. Participants will be divided by gender and further grouped by age and weight.
The organizer reserves the right to combine or modify categories if the number of participants in a particular category is insufficient.
Age and weight categories will be formed on the day of the competition based on the submitted registration data. The person submitting the application is responsible for the accuracy of the information provided.
If there is reasonable suspicion that the submitted weight is incorrect, the participant may be weighed on site for verification. If the verified weight exceeds the registered weight by more than 2.5 kg, the participant will be disqualified.

PROGRESS OF FIGHTS
The competition will take place on two tatami mats.

U8–U12:
Regular time: 1 minute 30 seconds.
Extra time: 1 minute.

U14–U18:
Regular time: 2 minutes.
Extra time: 2 minutes.
In the event of a draw, the lighter athlete will be declared the winner if the weight difference exceeds 3 kg. If the weight difference is less than 3 kg, an additional 2 minutes will be allowed.

18+:
Regular time: 3 minutes.
Extra time: 2 minutes.
In the event of a draw, the lighter athlete will be declared the winner if the weight difference exceeds 5 kg. If the weight difference is less than 5 kg, an additional 2 minutes will be allowed.

KATA COMPETITION
U8–U10: Taikyoku I, II, III. For first place: Pinan Sono I.
U12–U14: Taikyoku I, II, III, Pinan Sono I. For first place: Pinan Sono Ni.
U16: Pinan I, II, III. For first place: Pinan IV and V.
U18: Pinan II, III, IV. For first place: Pinan V, Tsuki no Kata, Yantsu.

GENERAL RULES
Each athlete must wear a white do-gi and a belt corresponding to their grade. Individual leg protectors, soft hand protectors, and groin protection worn under the do-gi (for boys and men) are required. Girls and women must wear a chest protector that does not cover the solar plexus. Head protection will be provided by the organizers.

PRIZES
1st place – Cup, medal, and certificate.
2nd place – Medal and certificate.
3rd place – Medal and certificate.

SPECIAL AWARDS
Best Technique Award – Cup.
Shortest Fight Award – Cup.
Kyokushinkai Fighting Spirit Award – Cup.

JUDGING
The judging team will be appointed on site. Each club or federation must provide one or more corner judges and a referee.

APPLICATIONS
Applications must be submitted by November 18, 2026.