Kumite

Kumite or 'sparring' is practiced with the purpose of teaching the karate practitioner how to apply techniques learned during basics and kata training when facing an opponent. When students begin practicing kumite they are introduced to it gradually in order to ensure that proper technique and focus is learned. Prearranged attacks and defensive counters are practiced with the emphasis on footwork and executing techniques that disable an attacker. Once a student has developed effective technique during prearranged sparring, more random attacks are introduced forcing the karate student to react more reflexively. This is meant to more closely simulate attacks that can occur during an actual confrontation where there is no indication of the type of attack that might occur. During prearranged sparring, 'bunkai', the self defence applications of the kata, are also introduced to the student to teach the principles and techniques that are contained within them. This has the added benefit of improving a student's kata because it provides a context that can be visualized during practice which creates both focus and fighting spirit.

'Kakie', a type of sticky push hands, is also practiced and is meant to teach students sensitivity to an attacker's movements as well as how to trap an attacker's hands and move in with a counter attack. During Kakie it is important to remain relaxed but ready without trying to anticipate your opponents movements. Eventually one begins to feel when an attack is coming and react immediately with little or no conscious effort. Kakie is also designed to teach how to fight in close and control an attacker after moving inside their kicking and punching range.

Eventually a student is introduced to free form sparring against another opponent which brings together all of the elements of attack and defence introduced during earlier types of kumite practice. It is important to understand that we do not practice tournament style kumite in the dojo because it is not consistent with traditional Okinawan karate training. In tournament style kumite fighters must pull their punches and stop fighting after points are scored. These types of practices in a real confrontation could have disastrous results. During free form sparring in the dojo fighters are expected to hit each other to some degree but are also expected to exercise control and caution when attempting techniques that may result in injury. The intent is to get as close as possible to a real life confrontation.

The types of kumite that are practiced within the dojo are: