Kumite
Kumite, or "sparring", is an exercise performed between at least two karate practitioners. This broad definition covers not only the typical long-range sparring exercises found in most Shotokan style dojo, but also the practice of close-range forms of kumite such as seen in the practice of kata applications or tegumi drills. Its practice is of particular importance because it highlights the fact that practicing techniques individually is much different than actually interacting with others.
Kumite practice must therefore be considered an indispensable part of any complete karate program. Often misunderstood or misused, its purpose is to expose weaknesses in one's technique. In this sense, "technique" not only refers to the physical techniques of karate, but also to understanding of concepts such as distancing and timing. Therefore, it follows that the purpose of kumite is not to defeat (unless of course it is a tournament match, where winning would obviously be one priority) or injure your opponent. In fact the student who "wins" the encounter is not necessarily considered the superior karate practitioner. The person who has (different from "displays") the least emotion and remains in control of himself/herself, regardless of the situation, is often considered to have a deeper understanding of the activity.
This last point is certainly debatable, but nonetheless students must learn to remain level-headed if injuries are to be avoided. More than anything else, kumite is really a test of wills. It allows the student to develop and improve elements such as (but not limited to): control, distance, form, focus, eye intensity, awareness, reflexes, coordination, and timing. It is an important tool in teaching the student how to apply the basic techniques, stances, and hip motions in a dynamic (rather than static) situation.
Variations
There are many possible variations in the practice of kumite. A basic breakdown of these variations is exercises where one of the participants remains stationary and where both participants are moving. Within each of these classifications, there are different levels of "cooperation" between the students. At one end of the spectrum, movements are entirely prearranged, while at the other the participants are free to use any techniques they wish.
Bridging the gap between these two extremes is one of the tasks that has challenged many instructors over the years. Efforts to address this issue, if only in some small way, are to be included in the soon-to-be updated sections of this web site.
The traditional Shotokan model consisting of five-step, three-step, one-step, semi-free, and free-style sparring often misses several important steps in the development of a complete kumite practitioner. Of particular note are the problems seen in the transition from the basic levels of sparring (i.e. five, three, and one-step) to semi-free and free-style sparring. One of the main problems to date regarding this transition has been the reluctance (or inability) of many instructors to move past the most fundamental forms of the more basic exercises.
In many ways, these deficiencies can be addressed by simply adding variations to the base exercises. Keeping that in mind, each of the revised basic kumite sections of this web site will include a segment on variations that will, hopefully, help provoke thought on the topic of addressing existing gaps in the Shotokan kumite progression.
Points to Keep in Mind
As in the study of kihon and kata, there are many points that must be kept in mind during the practice of any kumite drill. As mentioned previously, the purpose of kumite is not to defeat your partner. The purpose is to improve your own skills while at the same time helping your partner to improve theirs (in an ideal world). Building on that premise, a discussion of some key points to keep in mind during any kumite exercise is included below. Other than the first point, the criteria do not appear in any particular order. The first requirement of engaging in kumite is that one has a proper attitude.
The rules of etiquette should be respected in every instance. Of particular importance is that at all times you maintain respect for the well being of your partner and yourself. You should go into the match with the aim of improving your own technique, not with the intention of brutalizing your partner. Any technique executed with malicious intent is completely unacceptable.Maintaining proper form when engaging in kumite is also a point worth noting. Often, as soon as the match begins, students forget everything that they have learned and resort to street fighting.
While maintaining proper form during an actual confrontation will not be a priority, when engaging in kumite practice during class perform the techniques as you have been taught. Working with a partner is not the best time to start making up new techniques. You should concentrate on improving the areas that you have been studying in class or on your own time. Only techniques that the student has spent time refining during individual practice should be used during kumite.
At all times attack and defend as if it were a real encounter. At first glance, this point certainly seems to contradict the points discussed in the previous paragraph. After all, were it a real encounter outside of class, few would bother to worry too much about their form. In the context of dojo practice, attacking (or defending) as if it were a real encounter implies that holding back does not do yourself or your partner any good. In fact, it does the exact opposite. A weak attack or defense will only serve to create an air of displaced confidence on the part of your partner.
Inevitably, this will ultimately result in a serious letdown. It is therefore important to state that every move should be executed with one hundred percent effort. All attacks and defenses should be executed at full speed and power. Of course, while attacking with full speed and power, one must remember to do so while remaining in control of your distance. "Full-contact" sparring is extremely dangerous and there is no place for it in any responsible dojo.
Timing
is another crucial point in the proper performance of kumite. It has often been said that timing is everything and this saying certainly applies to karate. Obviously one component of proper timing would be to attack at the instant that the most damage could be inflicted on the target. Another the rule of thumb is that one would only attack when there is an opening present or it may be created.
Proper distance
is also extremely important if one hopes to practice kumite with any degree of safety. In the dojo, an attack with perfect distance should be able to lightly touch the intended target area. The attack should have the ability to penetrate into the target. In most cases, within a few centimeters will be considered acceptable as long as the attacking limb has not yet reached its full extension. In a practical sense, outside of the dojo in a real situation, the target should be between two and four inches past the outer wall of the skin.
Lastly, the participants must always be aware of each other and of themselves. This is especially true during and immediately after an attacking action. Frequently, after one person thinks they have "scored" they will let their guard down. This is an extremely dangerous practice. The opponent may not have thought that the technique "scored." Perhaps it did "score" and they didn't even notice, or they just don't care. Both the attacker and defender must continue to remain in a state of readiness at all times. Total concentration is required for the entire exercise. A momentary lapse by either party could result in a serious injury.
This article was reproduced by kind permission of Cory Searcy. visit his website @ Shotokan Karate by clicking here.
The following list of rules will be utilized to protect participants during Kumite/Sparring
- Contact will be limited to specific target areas and control must be utilized at all times
- Participants are required to wear (cotton) hand gear, mouthpiece, groin cup (male)
and headgear (18 and under). Female protective devices (all ages) and headgear (over 18)
are not required but are recommended. - No contact will be made to the neck or groin areas.
- Participants over age 18 will be allowed to make light contact (tag) to face, and head
utilizing good control and protective equipment. - Participants age 18 and under will not be allowed to make contact to the face or head.
- Any participant with an injury / problem prior to class time must report any such injury to any activity. The instructor will make appropriate arrangements to schedule activities to work around injury. (Additional padding or protection, bag work, one or three step sparring etc).
- Participants injured during sparring must inform the instructor immediately after injury
occurs. - Questions regarding approved sparring equipment should be directed to the instructor.
