Para Karate Championships:

These championships offer a structured and inclusive environment for athletes with disabilities to showcase their skills.

1. Disability Categories:

Competitions are divided into specific categories to ensure fair participation:

- ASD -autism spectrum disorder

- ID intellectual disabilities – for athletes with cognitive impairments.

- Wheelchair Users (also electric) – for competitors with lower-limb disabilities.

- Physical disabilities – for competitors with physical problems

- Visual Impairments (VI) – for blind or partially sighted athletes.

2. Competition Methods:

Different formats are used based on the participant’s abilities:

- Kata (Forms) – Individual performance of pre-arranged karate movements.

- Kata in Pairs or Teams – Synchronized performance in duos or teams.

- Kumite (Sparring) – Limited or adapted sparring for specific categories. The kumite we do is not a fight with an opponent but a fight against a big mitt (a very big punching and kicking pad) to show there fighting skills.

- Self-Defence Demonstrations – Practical application of karate techniques.

- Exhibition Matches or demonstrations – non-scored performances to promote inclusion.

3. Tournament Rules & Refereeing:

- Matches are officiated by qualified referees trained in para karate regulations.

- The scoring can be with flags or with points

- Para Budo Federation works with classifications and categories, new categories will be considered in the technical committee. (Look for the classification in our list)

- For every kind of disability, we make 3 levels A/B/C.

- If you don’t have a Par-Budo classification, we will do

- We can divide a category by age, gender or belt grade.

- A category needs to have enough competitors for a competition to be viable.

- Para-Kata and Para-Kumite can be performed

- Scoring criteria for kata will be scored on focus, technique, power, and control, adjusted for disabilities. Because we work with different styles of karate the kata can be different.

- All katas are allowed to perform.

- In the higher categories the competitor cannot do the same kata, he/she performs every round another kata, in the lower categories the participants are free to do one or more kata.

- Adapted movements are allowed to ensure fairness and accessibility.

4. Exciting Goals of Para Karate Tournaments:

- Showcasing talent and promoting equality in martial arts.

- Encouraging personal growth and self-confidence in athletes.

- Fostering international camaraderie and sportsmanship.

- Inspiring more inclusivity in karate and martial arts worldwide.

 

Para Karate championships are not just competitions; they are celebrations of perseverance,

skill, and the limitless potential of martial artists with disabilities.