The Karate World Championships, also known as the World Karate Championships, are the highest level of competition for karate organised by the World Karate Federation (WKF). The competition is held in a different city every two years. Some of the most recent championships include Madrid in 2002, Monterrey in 2004, Tampere in 2006, Tokyo in 2008, and Belgrade in 2010. The competition was initially riddled with controversy regarding karate styles and the ruleset.
In 1984, women were first allowed to compete in the championships.
Individual kumite – men and womenTeam kumite – men and womenThe result of a bout is determined by a contestant obtaining a clear lead of eight points, having the highest number of points at time-up, obtaining a decision (hantei ), or by an accumulation of prohibited behaviors imposed against a contestant.
Ippon (three points)Jodan (head, face, neck) kicksAny scoring technique delivered on a thrown or fallen opponentWaza-ari (two points)Chudan (abdomen, chest, back, side) kicksYuko (one point)Tsuki (punch)Uchi (strike)Prohibited behaviorCategory 1Techniques which make excessive contact, in regards to the scoring area attacked, or make contact with the throatAttacks to the arms or legs, groin, joints, or instepAttacks to the face with open hand techniquesDangerous or forbidden throwing techniquesCategory 2Feigning or exaggerating injuryExit from the competition area (jogai ) not caused by the opponentSelf-endangerment by indulging in behavior which exposes the contestant to injury by the opponent, or failing to take adequate measures for self-protection (mubobi )Avoiding combat as a means of preventing the opponent having the opportunity to scorePassivity – not attempting to engage in combat (cannot be given after less than the last 10 seconds of the match)Clinching, wrestling, pushing, or standing chest-to-chest without attempting a scoring technique or takedownGrabbing the opponent with both hands for any other reason than executing a takedown upon catching the opponent's kicking legGrabbing the opponent's arm or karategi (uniform) with one hand without immediately attempting a scoring technique or takedownTechniques which, by their nature, cannot be controlled for the safety of the opponent, and other dangerous and uncontrolled attacksSimulated attacks with the head, knees, or elbowsTalking to or goading the opponentFailing to obey the orders of the refereeWarnings and penaltiesChukoku is imposed for the first instance of a minor infraction in the applicable category.Keikoku is imposed for the second instance of a minor infraction in that category, or for infractions not serious enough to merit hansoku-chui.Hansoku-chui is a warning of disqualification usually imposed for infractions for which a keikoku has previously been given in that bout; it may be imposed directly for serious infringements which do not merit hansoku.Hansoku is the penalty of disqualification following a very serious infraction or when a hansoku-chui has already been given. In team matches, the offender's score will be zeroed and the opponent's score will be set at eight points.Individual kata – men and womenTeam kata (synchronized) – men and womenTeam kata with bunkaiThe following reflects the all-time medal counts as of the 2016 World Karate Championships:
