Karate as a sporting competition ranks third after gymnastics and ballet in a list of the most valuable sports compiled by sports scientists. Explosive strength, endurance, reaction ability, agility and posture are all trained and improved through karate. In addition, there is the effect on the inside, because in this sport you develop determination, courage, a healthy self-esteem and at the same time modesty.

The special characteristic in sporting competitions is the intentional refraining from hitting the opponent in order to avoid injuries. The permitted fighting techniques are stopped with full force just before the target.

This stopping requires competitors not only to be able to arrest attack techniques before they hit, but also to have a high degree of technical skill. During a competition, intentionally hitting someone is a rule violation that, depending on the severity, leads to a warning or disqualification. Fighting is based on strict rules. Throws above waist height and strikes to sensitive parts of the body are prohibited. Special protective equipment is used, such as glove, shin, foot and bit protectors.