Judging kata/forms

[SigungWhite]

First off I would like to commend those that do judge Kata or Forms at a tournment. They can make or break that event very easily.

I have judged many forms and katas in my time frame in the martial arts. I have judged, Karate Kata, Chinese forms, TKD Forms, etc. I have found a common denominator for judging this event.

1. Look for good stances

2. Focus on the technical aspects of the form

3. Look at the power seen and unseen.

4. Look for smooth movement and transition from one tech. to another.

5. Are the into the kata or form. That will make or break for me.

Sigung White

Edited February 17, 2006 by SigungWhite

[aefibird]

Make sure you really "know" the form before performing it - not just know the moves but understand them too. "Become" that form. Make sure that you present yourself with confidence too - if you look confident and look to the judges like you know what you're doing then half the battle is won already!

[Heather Smyth]

I have judged at MANY tournaments and when it comes to Forms I look for a lot of different things.

1. Doing the form correctly

2. Technique

3. Stances

4. Intensity

5. Confidence

6. Presentation

7. Athletic ability

I judge in this order. Hope this is helpful

Heather

[lordtariel]

Speaking on the general apperance end of it as well, a good, pressed gi will really make a difference. I finally invested in a heavy gi for my next tournament and I was amazed as the snap my moves make when I'm wearing it compared to the $35 gi that came with the classes. It's not a replacement for good technique, but it really makes things sharp.

[jaymac]

When I judge, it depends on the age of the competitors in what I look for and of course their rank. Obviously with older teens and adults, I am going to be looking for technique, snapping techniques, are they turning there head to look at the opponent, did they land in the spot they started, did they appear confident? With children, I try to give them the benefit of the doubt. It must be terrifying to stand in front of judges whom you do not know. If they try hard, remember their kata, kiai, and perform their kata at the skill level I would expect for their rank, then they generally get good scores from me.