Kumite in Shotokan Karate is the practice of sparring, where students apply their techniques against a live opponent. It helps develop timing, speed, control, and strategic thinking. There are different types of kumite, ranging from structured drills (such as kihon kumite, which follows set attack and defence patterns) to jiyu kumite (free sparring), where practitioners move and strike more spontaneously. Kumite is an essential part of karate training, teaching students how to apply their skills effectively while maintaining discipline and respect.
Kumite Resources
Gohon Kumite
What is Gohon Kumite?
Gohon Kumite involves a structured sequence where one person attacks five times in a row while the defender steps back and blocks each strike before counterattacking. This drill helps students develop:
Basic distance control
Proper timing and reaction speed
Strong, decisive blocking techniques
Confidence in kumite before moving to more advanced sparring
Who practices Gohon Kumite?
Beginners (white to yellow belt) – Introduced as a fundamental sparring drill.
Lower-intermediate ranks (orange to green belt) – Used to refine technique, movement, and control.
Higher belts may still practise it to sharpen fundamentals but usually transition to more advanced kumite styles like Sanbon Kumite (three-step sparring) and Jiyu Ippon Kumite (semi-free sparring).
Video Resource
Sanbon Kumite
What is Sanbon Kumite?
Sanbon Kumite consists of three consecutive attacks, with the defender stepping back and blocking each one before delivering a counterattack. It helps students develop:
Stronger defensive reactions – Learning to block effectively under pressure.
Better footwork and distancing – Moving efficiently while maintaining balance.
Improved timing and coordination – Synchronising attacks, blocks, and counters.
Confidence in applying techniques – Preparing for more advanced sparring drills.
Video Resources
Kihon Ipon Kumite
What is Kihon Ippon Kumite?
Kihon Ippon Kumite involves one attacker and one defender. The attacker delivers a single, strong attack, and the defender blocks it and counters with a decisive technique. This drill helps students develop:
Accuracy and precision – Executing attacks, blocks, and counters with exactness.
Speed and timing – Learning to react quickly and counter effectively.
Proper distancing – Controlling the space between attacker and defender.
Controlled power – Delivering techniques with focus and control.
Focus and mental discipline – Staying calm and decisive in a high-pressure situation.
Who Practises Kihon Ippon Kumite?
Intermediate students (green to blue belt) – Introduced to develop more realistic defensive and counterattacking skills.
Advanced belts (brown to black belt) – Practised to refine timing, precision, and strategic thinking.
Black belts – Use this drill as a foundation for more dynamic sparring, such as Jiyu Ippon Kumite (semi-free sparring) and Jiyu Kumite (free sparring).
Video Resources
Jiyu Ippon Kumite
What is Jiyu Ippon Kumite?
Jiyu Ippon Kumite involves one attacker and one defender, similar to Kihon Ippon Kumite, but with more freedom in movement. The attacker announces and delivers a single, controlled attack, while the defender responds with a block and counterattack. This drill develops:
Timing and adaptability – Reacting to an attack with precision and control.
Footwork and movement – Moving naturally while maintaining good positioning.
Distance and control – Understanding effective striking range and spacing.
Strategic counterattacks – Choosing the most effective response based on the attack.
Composure under pressure – Training to stay calm, focused, and decisive.
Who Practises Jiyu Ippon Kumite?
Advanced students (brown to black belt) – Preparing for full-contact sparring and real-world applications.
Black belts – Refining technique, speed, and strategy before progressing to Jiyu Kumite (free sparring).
