Kumite (Sparring)

Kumite (sparring) is one of the karate exercises to check whether your striking and blocking techniques are effective and is not a game to decide a winner.

 

Kumite

Ten-no-kata

Ten-no-kata, which consist of omote and ura, are for beginners of kumite.

 

• Omote is an exercise without a partner,
  and consists of basic striking, middle-level blocking and striking, and upper level blocking and striking.
• Ura is an exercise with a partner,
  Both start from hachiji-dachi, The striker takes one step backward and takes the posture of gedan-barai (lower-level blocking). The blocker in hachiji-dachi waits forthe striker to attack. The striker performs a middle-level or upper-level strike as prearranged. The blocker takes one step backward at the same time the striker gives the strike, performs blocking, and gives a winning attack.

It consists of six moves of middle and upper levels.

 

Kihon ippon kumite (Basic Single Engagement Match)

Both start from hachiji-dachi, The striker takes one step backward and takes the posture of gedan-barai (lower-level blocking). The blocker in hachiji-dachi waits for the striker to attack. The striker performs a middle-level or upper-level strike as prearranged.
The blocker takes one step backward or blocks the strike by stepping forward. After blocking, the blocker performs a winning attack.

 

Kihon ippon kumite

 

Ippon kumite (Single Engagement Match)

Both stand in hachiji-dachi with sufficient distance from each other, and take the posture of gedan-barai (lower-level blocking). Both move forward to reduce the distance. The striker perfroms a middle-level or upper-level strike or a kick.
The blocker blocks the attack and performs a winning attack spontaneously.

 

Ippon kumite

 

Blocking techniques in kumite practice