EXPLANATION:
A score of three Ippons achieved either directly or cumulatively
determines the bout. Therefore if Aka has already scored five Waza-Aris
and goes on to score a further Ippon, his maximum score will not exceed
the three Ippon ceiling. This very basic rule is sometimes overlooked when
scoring a team event that has tied on bout victories.
Though two Waza-Aris equal one Ippon in scoring value, in technical
terms, a Waza-Aris equal to 90% of an Ippon.
A technique with "good form' is said to have characteristics
conferring probable effectiveness within the framework of traditional Karate
concepts. Correct attitude is a component of good form and refers to a
non-malicious attitude of great concentration obvious during delivery of
the scoring technique. Vigorous application definer the power and speed
of the technique and the palpable will for it to succeed; nothing is held
back. Zanshin is that criterion most often mused when a score is assessed.
It is the state of continued commitment which endures after the technique
has landed and the ability to continue with proper form, other continuing
techniques. The contestant with Zanshin maintains total concentration and
awareness of the opponent's potentiality to counter-attack.
Proper timing means delivering a technique when it will have the
greatest potential effect. Proper distancing similarly means delivering
a technique at the precise distance where it will have the greatest potential
effect. Thus if the technique is delivered on an opponent who is rapidly
moving away, the potential effect of that blow is reduced
Distancing also relates to the point at which the completed technique comes to rest on or near the target. To score, the technique must have the potential to penetrate deep into the target, so straight arm punches are seen as having a low potential in this respect and must be evaluated accordingly. For example, a punch which comes somewhere between skin touch and 2-3 centimeters from the face and where the punching arm is not fully straight has the correct distance. However Jodan punches which comes within a reasonable distance of the target and which the opponent makes no attempt to block or avoid will be scored provided the technique meets the other criteria.
A worthless technique is a worthless technique - regardless of where
and how it is delivered. Thus a Jodan kick which is badly deficient in
good form will score nothing, much less an Ippon. However, in order to
encourage technically difficult techniques, the Referee should lean toward
awarding Ippon for them, even if there is a slight deficiency in good form;
as long as it is only slight. As a simple rule-of thumb, techniques which
would normally merit a Waza-Ari are scored as Ippon if they are scheduled
as
"technically difficult ". Deflecting an attack and delivering
a good technique to any unguarded target area of the opponent's body can
be scored as Ippon - not just attacks to his/her unguarded back.
A sweeping technique need not require the contestant to fall to the
floor; to merit Ippon, it is sufficient if he/she is merely unbalanced
as a scoring technique is delivered. Referees must not be too quick in
halting a bout. Many potentially successful sweep and strikes have been
defeated by the Referee calling "Yamei" too early. Two seconds
should elapse after a sweep or throw for it is during this time that the
committed and coordinated attacker will have demonstrated his/her follow-through.
Combination attacks are those sequences of techniques which each
individually merit at least Waza-Ari, occurring in rapid succession.
Techniques which land below the belt may score, as long as they are
above the pubic bone. The neck is a target area and so is the throat. However,
no contact whatsoever to the throat is permitted but a score may be awarded
for a properly controlled technique.
A technique delivered with good form and which lands upon the shoulder
blades may score. The nonscoring pan of the shoulder is the junction of
the upper bone of the arm with the shoulder blades and collar bones.
The time-up bell signals the end of scoring possibilities in that
bout, even though the Referee may inadvertently not halt the bout immediately.
The time up bell does not, however, mean that penalties cannot be imposed.
Penalties can be imposed by the Refereeing Panel up to the point where
the contestants leave that area after the bout's conclusion. Penalties
can be imposed after that, but then only by the Referee Council.
True Aiuchis are rare. Not only must two techniques land simultaneously
but both must be valid scoring techniques - each with good form etc. Two
techniques may well land simultaneously, but seldom are both - if indeed
either - effective scores. The Referee must not dismiss as Aiuchi, a situation
where only one of the simultaneous pair is actually a score. This is not
Aiuchi.