After the competitors and judges line up and bow in, proceed to the designated waiting area and sit down.
Enter the on-deck box (waiting area) when your name is called. Stand quietly in hashiji dachi or you may stretch / warm up quietly.
When your name is called up, assume musibi dachi, and bow 15 degrees to the competitor who preceded you, unless you are first up.
Walk to the edge of the ring and stop at the center line. Assume musubi dachi, and bow 15 degrees to the center judge. Step into the ring with the left foot first and proceed to your starting position and stand in hachiji dachi.
Announce the name of you kata. The center judge will repeat the name.
The kata will begin at this moment with no further bowing until the end.
When you finish the kata, assume hachiji dachi then musibi dachi, bow 15 degrees to the centre judge and the if necessary step aside to allow the scorekeepers so see the scores as they are called. Wait in hachiji dachi. Once all the scores have been called, assume musubi dachi, bow 15 degrees to the center judge, and then step backwards out of the ring, exiting with the left foot first. Turn 90 degrees to your right, bow 15 degrees to the competitor in the on-deck box, turn and leave the ring area.
In the kata competition, here are the most common Japanese terms used:
Hantei - Decision
And here are the less common Japanese terms used:
Fukushin Shugo - Judges conference
Toranai - No points
Judging of Kata
1. Judges must show proper form when sitting down. Sit straight, feet flat on the floor, hold marks properly.
2. Look for form, speed, power, proper sequence, fast turns, proper extension technique, presentation.
3. Be attentive, give 110%, judge for yourself.
4. Do not show indecisiveness in giving a mark.
5. Give what you think is fair mark based on your knowledge of the kata. do not give a low mark just because you do not like the competitor. Be fair and unbiased.
6. If you do not know the kata, judge it on stance, power speed and crispness.
7. Remember, each student, no matter how low in rank, is trying their best in the way they know the kata. Take this into consideration, but always keep in mind the proper way you have been thaught. Give each student the benefit of their knowledge. REMEMBER your feelings when you perform and apply them to the competitor.
8. If you are center judge, give your fellow judges time to consider the kata performed and to reach a fair equitable mark before callaing "Hantei" ("scores up").
9. Maintain a serious attitude at ALL times when judging. Do not talk, laugh, or make remarks. People are watching YOU as well as the competitor.
10. If two people tie a kata, the scorekeeper will add up the total scores. If total scores are tied, they will be asked to do the kata again (or in some cases do an other kata at the discretion of the center judge). a show of hand will break the tie.