DIVISIONS
The VKL will consist of Development and Elite Divisions. Individual events may include further divisions such as Gladiators at the discretion of the event organiser.
Definition of an elite athlete for the purpose of VKL:
An elite athlete is someone who has been a member of the Victorian team in either of the previous two years. Please note this does not include reserves.
Any athlete who meets the above criteria must ONLY enter the Elite Divisions. However this only applies to the discipline in which they have achieved state team selection. Eg. If a competitor is a member of the State team in Kata but not in Kumite they are permitted to enter the development division in Kumite.
Athletes who do not meet the definition of an elite athlete may enter the Development Division’s. These athletes may also choose to enter the Elite divisions however an athlete who has entered both Divisions and places 1st, 2nd or 3rd in the Elite Division cannot participate in the Development division in future events.
Elite Divisions
Age as at 25 August 2023
Equipment Requirements for Elite Divisions
WKF facemask or AKF head protectors are compulsory for children’s divisions.
Body protectors are compulsory for all competitors including seniors.
Blue and Red belts will be used throughout the Championships.
If a contestant comes into the area inappropriately dressed, they will be allowed one minute to remedy matters, otherwise they will be disqualified.
Elite Kata Divisions
13 years & under AKF rules apply: Heian, Pinan, Gekisai, Kanshuwa or Saifa first 2 rounds except if you're straight into final
13 year & under: can repeat kata, but not consecutively
14 years & above WKF rules apply: Tokui Kata (Your choice) cannot repeat kata.
Elite Kumite Divisions
13 years & under: 1½ minutes Stop/Start timer
All other divisions apart from Senior Mens: 2 minutes Stop/Start timer
Senior Mens: 3 minutes Stop/Start timer
Development Divisions
Age on date of tournament
Equipment Requirements for Development Divisions
All athletes entered into the Development Divisions are to provide all their own equipment
AKF or WKF approved gloves. (One colour only is required)
AKF or WKF approved Shin/instep protectors. (One colour only is required)
Red AND blue belts are compulsory
Mouthguard
Groin guard (Male competitors)
Chest guard (14yrs & above Female competitors)
Head guard (white) (13 Years and under) Doesn't have to be AKF/WKF approved
Body protector (Firmly fitted) Doesn't have to be AKF/WKF approved
Note: Tournament organiser will NOT provide ANY protective eqipment
Development Kata Divisions
Every development division (Adults & Children) can perform Taikyoku, Heian, Pinan, Gekisai, Kanshuwa or Saifa in the first two rounds except if you're straight into final.
10th - 7th Kyu can repeat kata consecutively, all other divisions in development can repeat but not consecutively. 10 - 7 Kyu are allowed to perform any basic kata they wish.
Development Kumite Divisions
All divisions in development are 1½ minutes stop/start timer applies