League Details

The league is currently open to youth ages 6 – 12. Each team will comprise of an equal number of  children grouped into age categories. (6-7, 8-9, 10-11, and 12) These catagories will compete against each other with some adaptation due to size.

Practices

An optional, open, general practice will be scheduled for all league athletes and coaches on Fridays at 5:00pm. All athletes will practice together to learn skills and interface with controlled, mock competition. Once teams are selected, the coach will poll the members and decide if and when any additional practices should be scheduled based upon availability and interest.

Events

There will be three events held during the season.

1. Team-based free sparring: Athletes will be trained on using appropriately controlled karate technique to specific scoring areas with the goal to score points and win a 3-point match in a 2-minute duration. Athletes will be required to wear protective equipment including headgear, handpads, chest protection which will be available at events by the league (approved personal gear may be used) and mouthguards and athletic suppporters (males) which must be optained privately. Each team will provide its match order within the age categories mandated prior to the matches.

2. Team-based Individual Kata (Forms): Each athlete will learn a specified form for the season and compete with this form. Athletes will be scored on best presentation and win points for the team overall.

3. Team Karate (Synchronized Forms): Each team will train and field members (minimum three) to practice and compete for scores based upon synchronized presentation.

League Schedule

All competition events will be held on Saturday mornings from 10-12 noon in the Rochester Shotokan Karate Dojo unless notified of a venue change.

Weeks 1-7 Events: Kumite (free sparring only- all competitors.

Weeks 8 & 9 Events: Top three seeded teams in kumite will continue to compete in kumite; All teams will compete in kata competition and demonstrate Team Kata.

Week 10 Finals: Top three kumite teams will compete for championship kumite; All teams will compete individual kata with top win totals for Weeks 8-10 winning Championship; Each Team will field and compete with their Team Kata. Top score will win Championship. Grand Champion will be the team with best results in all three events.

Alternate Players and Floaters: