Types of Kumite
Sanbon Kumite
Also called three-point sparring. Consists of prearranged attacks and
defenses. Attacks are three face punches, then three stomach punches.
Defenses are three up blocks then reverse punch, and then three down
blocks then reverse punch.
Kihon Ippon Kumite
Also called basic one point sparring. Consists of prearranged attacks.
Defenses are prearranged at the beginning level then move to free
techniques at the advanced level. The attacks consist of face punch,
stomach punch, front snap kick and side thrust kick. The basic defense is a
block and reverse punch.
Jiyu Ippon Kumite
One point sparring from sparring stance. Has prearranged attacks.
Defenses are your choice. Stance is like kumite for tournaments, attacks
and defenses should be faster.
Kumite: tournament
Match with no prearranged attacks or defenses. Rules change from
tournament to tournament, the rules should be available at the
tournaments upon request.
KUMITE GOALS TO CONSIDER
Stay off the line of attack. Never step backward. Only step to the side then counter attack as opponent goes
past. Circle and move. Never turn back to escape. Step back one-step maximum.
Increase your stamina.
Keep smaller opponents outside of their range to attack and within your own.
Use your body length and weight to your advantage, pressuring smaller opponents and out-finesse larger ones.
Out finesse all opponents. Sweep smaller opponents continuously with follow up. Smaller opponents should
never sweep you.
When dealing with an opponent who grabs switch to a boxing style.
Have stronger focus and concentration than any other persons in the room.
Smaller opponents should never be allowed to score with a kick.
Keep hands up. Keep knees bent. Turn your body making your torso a smaller target. Keep your hips forward.
Keep eyes open ad aware.
Be overaggressive, using caution, counter attackers can be dangerous.
Make minimal movement with the shoulder while striking; strike with the elbows close to your body. Only motion
your shoulders when fainting or dropping Gyaku Tsuki under opponent.
Watch for openings or set them up. Use your timing to exploit them. Have excellent timing while being patient with
your attacks. Your elbows should not drift away from your body when blocking or striking.
Know the rules before entering the ring.
When defending your should also be attacking. Block and strike at the same time or consecutively.
Keep moving. When you hold still you are a target. When your opponent stops moving he is either setting up for
power attacks, trying to conserve energy and tired or he is thinking of his next movement. In any case this is an
excellent opportunity to attack him.
If you have been taught to “always leave your opponent a way out”, then limit his options to the way out being
either running form the ring or being scored on.
Do not provide your opponent with openings be can exploit (i.e. watch out for that Gyaku Tsuki).
If he pauses to adjust his glove or Gi or anything, attack hard and fast repetitively. Take advantage of his every
error. If he misses on an attack you must counter without hesitation. Force him to make mistakes of this nature
and pay the consequences.
Focus on his center, when he inhales this is the time to attack, when he leaves the ground this is the time to
attack. When he hesitates or faints-exploit them.
Pay attention to your Coaches or Sensei recommendations, they can see thing you cannot from a third person’s
point of view. Use their experience and knowledge to your advantage.
With any attacking combination, step off the counter attacking line immediately
When charging use multiple attacks in combinations to sweeps and kick head strikes and body shots.
Continuous combinations.
Harai, Gyaku Tsuki.
Fake Mae Geri to Mawashi Geri.
Pump fake front Mae Geri, 2 times, lift back knee to Mae Geri and attack Gyaku Tsuki.
Fake Mawashi Geri to Ura Uchi.
Fake Mae Geri to reverse Mawashi Geri (Kake Geri)
Fake Oi (Kizami) Tsuki (lunge punch), while stepping forward and shifting weight use that front hand to knock your
opponents front hand down striking him with you other hand before he has the time to recover.
Gyaku Tsuki low, use trained block / strike method.
Block opponents Gyaku Tsuki with Kaishu Chudan Uchi Uke, Strike Gyaku Tsuki.
Grab opponent’s front hand with your front hand and sweep with the same front foot forward. Gyaku Tsuki
Grab opponent with front hand, sweep with back foot, and let go before striking Gyaku Tsuki.
Do not allow Ashi Barai, visualize it coming, lift you leg, and do not hesitate to punch when the opponent goes by.
Fake a strong Jodan Ura Uchi and follow up with Soto or Mawashi Geri.
Side step with the back foot, sweep with the front, strike Gyaku Tsuki, and continue to follow through.
Fake Jodan Oi (Kizami) Tsuki, followed immediately by Jodan Gyaku Tsuki, follow with a very focused and
deliberate Mae Geri.
Block Mawashi Geri with arm of sidekick is coming then strike with opposite hand.
Kizami, Kizami, Gyaku Tsuki.
Step with front foot to 45 degrees off the line, slap down opponent’s front hand with your front hand, strike Uke
Ken. Prepare and recover quickly for response. Or set up Mawashi Geri with new lead foot.
With back foot step 45 degrees circling your opponent while at the same time to adjust you balance Ashi Barai his
front foot with yours followed by Gyaku Tsuki or Kizami/Gyaku Tsuki.
Dictate your opponent’s next move. Allow him only to move where you want him. Set opponent up 3 moves
beyond your current position.
Notes from Kumite Semiar by Mr. Bernard Edwards, USA, Hakua Kai Association, Feb 21, 2004
