There will be 80 athletes competing in the karate event at the 2020 Olympics. There are two men's and women's kata (forms) events and three classes each for the men's and women's kumite (sparring) events.
The kata events demonstrate forms that consist of sequences of offencive and defencive moves "targeting a virtual opponent." Competitors are scored based on the strength, speed, power, rhythm, balance, and power of their kicks and strikes. They're also scored based on the proper meaning and expression of the technique.
In the kumite events, two karateka (a karate practitioner) compete against one another. There are only three offencive techniques allowed: striking, kicking, and punching. The athlete's attacks are judged based on form, power, and control. They can earn one to three points for each attack. "A competitor wins by amassing eight points more than their opponent within the duration of the bout or by gaining more points than their opponent in the allotted time (three minutes)," the official Tokyo 2020 site said.
Male athletes to watch: Ryo Kiyuna, Damian Quintero, Antonio Diaz, Mattia Busato, Darkhan Assadilov, Steven Dacosta, Angelo Crescenzo, Ali Elsawy, and Ali Sofuoglu.
Female athletes to watch: Kiyou Shimzu, Sandra Sánchez, Viviana Bottaro, Mo Sheung Grace Lau, Sakura Kokumai, Maria Dimitrova, Serap Ozcelik, Anzhelika Terliuga, Bettina Plank, Miho Miyahara, and Tzu-Yun Wen.