On the mat

Karate

On a karate mat, in a dojo or a hall.

• Kumite is a sparring match. Kata is a set pattern of moves.
• In kumite, two karateka compete on a mat.
• In kata, judges watch the pattern.
• A referee keeps the match fair.

Score. In kumite, judges award points for clean scoring moves. In kata, judges score the pattern.

Win. The karateka with more points wins kumite. The higher kata score wins that event.

Kata means a form. You perform it alone, like a dance of set moves.