In the karate event kata, a competitor performs a fixed sequence of techniques against an imagined opponent. Before the Tokyo Olympics, nippon.com explained the scoring. Seven judges each rate a performance out of 10 points, in steps of 0.2. They assess the precision of the techniques, power, speed, rhythm and balance.
A performance scores higher when the judges can sense the imagined opponent and see that he has been defeated. Every punch and kick must be strong enough to shatter the opponent’s body if it landed.