KUMITE

Kumite (or sparring) is the third pillar of a karate-ka’s foundation. It ranges from pre-arranged patterns to long free-style matches. Fortunately our very own Sensei is a kumite specialist, with lots of experience.

Types of Kumite:

Common Techniques

Hands:

Kizami-tsuki (punch from front hand)

Gyaku-tsuki (reverse punch)

Earl tsuki

Haito (ridge hand)

Uraken (back fist)

Teisho (palm heel)

Feet:

Mae-geri or Kizami mae-geri (front kick, with front or back leg)

Yokogeri kekomi (side thrust kick)

Mawashi geri (roundhouse kick)

Earl mawashi geri

Ashi barai (sweeping kick)

Combos:

Kizami-gyaku

Gyaku-gyaku

Kizami-gyaku-mawashi geri

Tai sabaki-uraken-gyaku tsuki

Ashi barai – mae geri/mawashi geri

To score points in a free sparring match (either waza ari or ippon), you need to land a technique on a recognized target area:

It’s also important to know the Japanese terminology the referees will use during the match:

TERM	MEANING
Aka (or Shiro) no kachi	Red (or White) side wins
Hikiwake	Draw
Hajime	Begin
Yame	Stop
Tzuzukete Hajime	Begin again
Ippon	Perfect scoring point
Waza ari	Half point
Torimasen	No point
Chui	Warning

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