Senior competitions cater for players from the age of 16 years and upwards.

Often, competitions will be grouped to allow lower graded players (typically up to 2nd Kyu) to compete against each other separately to higher graded players (typically 1st Kyu and Dan grades).

Within these groups (where they are used), players compete in weight categories.  

Weight categories for men are:

• Under 60kg
• Under 66kg
• Under 73kg
• Under 81kg
• Under 90kg
• Under 100kg
• Over 100kg

The weight categories for women are:

• Under 48kg
• Under 52kg
• Under 57kg
• Under 63kg
• Under 70kg
• Under 78kg
• Over 78kg

It is not uncommon (particularly in women's competitions) for weight groups to be combined if there is an insufficient number of entries.

Contests last for a maximum of 5 minutes.