Three referees decide during the matches, who cut or thrust a valid score (Ippon). At least two of the three referees must judge the score to be valid.

The referees have to decide according to complicated principles. For example, the offender has to attack in time, with correct strength, and he/she has to hit the opponent at the correct part of his/her body. They decide whether the offender presses his/her opponent with a forceful voice (kiai), and that whether he/she is ready to attack again after a successful attack. If these conditions are met, the referees judge the point.

In a match one must obtain two scores. The duration of the matches is generally 5 minutes. There is a possibility for a drop-out or a pool (where the first and the second best can go on) system of competition. In a team competition teams of five members have to fight one after another. Teams can qualify in the proportion of the team members’ winning.