Special announcements and gestures of the Referee

Shomen-ni rei!

At the order of “SHOMEN-NI! ” (“To the Presidium! ”) the Referee extends his right arm with fingers extended forward and palm turned inward to the front.

At the order of “REI! ” (“Bow! ”) the Referee makes the bow (together with the Judges or with the competitors) towards the Presidium.

Shushin-ni rei!

At the order of “SHUSHIN-NI! ” (“To the Referee! ”) the Referee extends his hands with fists clenched palm side up towards the competitors.

At the order of “REI! ” (“Bow! ”) the Referee brings his fists to his chin palm side down and makes the bow towards the Presidium. At the same time the competitors make the bow towards the Referee.

O-tagai-ni rei!

At the order of “O-TAGAI-NI! ” (“To each other! ”) the Referee extends his hands with fists clenched palm side up towards the competitors.

At the order of “REI! ” (“Bow! ”) the Referee brings his fists to each other in front of his chest, and the competitors make the bow towards each other. The Referee shall not make the bow this time.

Chakuseki! (“Judges to take their places! ”)

The Referee extends his hands with fingers extended forward and palms turned upward to the front at the navel level and shows with the circle motion sideways the Judges to take their places.

Shugo! (“Judges called for discussion! ”)

The Referee extends his hands, palms up, toward the judges on the opposite side of the competition area and brings the palms toward his face in circle motion to calls the Judges to gather for discussion on a situation in the bout.

Kamaete! (“Prepare to fight! ” / “Take the fighting positions! ”)

At the order of “Kamaete! ” the Referee imitates the fighting position, raising hands in front of his body.

Hajime! (“Start! ”)

At the order of “Hajime! ” the Referee imitates chudan gyaku-zuki with his right hand in a forward stance. After the announcement, the Referee takes a step back.

Yame! (“Stop! ”)

At the order of “Yame! ” the Referee makes a downward chopping motion with his hand coming in SHUTO position in between the competitors.

Karategi-wo naoshite! (“Re-adjust karategi! ”)

To direct the competitor(s) to re-adjust the karategi the Referee cross left hand over right, palms facing inwards, at belt height.

WAZA-ARI and IPPON signals should start with the arm across the chest, then go sideways to the correct finishing position.

When showing the decision by a gesture, care should be taken to keep the competitors within view.

All gestures should be maintained for 3 to 5 seconds.

SPECIAL SIGNALS OF THE JUDGES