Kumite or sparring is an integral part of karate training irrespective of styles. Two things ‘timing’ and ‘distance’ can be considered as the most significant elements of kumite, which defines a winner or a loser. There are basically three types of kumite in Shito ryu, kihon ippon kumite, Jiyu ippon kumite & Jiyu kumite, all other variations are derived from these three. The person who initiates an attack and receives a technique in kumite is called ‘Uke’ and the one who execute a defensive technique is called ‘Tori’.
1. Kihon ippon kumite or Yakusoku ippon kumite ( one step sparring ) - In kihon ippon kumite, uke will initiate an attack from moto dachi chudan gamae and the Tori will move to any defensive stance from soto Hachiji dachi or heiko dachi. One can understand the concept of timing and distance with ease, because this is a totally controlled sparring. Each steps are followed by counting or command of the instructor. Hokei kumite of Pinan katas is an example of kihon ippon kumite. Ippon kumite can be extended to two, three or more steps defence/ offence simulations ( nihon kumite, Sanbon kumite ).
2. Jiyu ippon kumite ( semi free style sparring ) - In Jiyu ippon kumite, uke can decide when to attack and the Tori will defend, but still it is a prearranged sparring, a kind of reflex training.
3. Jiyu Kumite ( free style sparring ) - In Jiyu kumite, one learns to respond to all types of attacks with the focus being on self defence and there is no restrictions like the other two types of kumite. Although there are different types of jiyu kumite like full contact, point sparring etc, the concept is to make one capable to execute both offensive and defensive techniques effectively irrespective of the situation. Modern training involves use of safety gears to avoid injuries while practicing jiyu kumite. Shiai kumite (point sparring) is a type of jiyu kumite for competition training.
Timing and Distance in Karate.
Timing strategies in kumite ‘ Sen’ (initiative) - There are three specific moments of attacks in karate.
1. Go no Sen - ‘Go’ literally means afterwards or something followed by an action. In Go no Sen, uke initiates an attack and the Tori defends and counter attack afterwards. This is the most basic way of defence in karate.
2. Sen no Sen - In Sen no Sen, Tori attacks at the same time when the uke attacks. Timing is crucial in Sen no Sen because the Tori should finish his attack before the uke reaches him and it is bit harder than Go no Sen to learn.
3. Sen - Sen is the hardest of all to learn. It is the ability to intercept an attack before uke even starts his attack. Tori should be able to realise a threat or chances of being attacked by the uke when using this tactic. Distance from the opponent determines which strategy you should use.
‘Maai’ ( distance ) - There are 4 different levels of distances in traditional kumite, the longest one is at a kicking range ( your kick can effectively reach your opponent), second one is distance where you can execute a punch, third one is a distance where you can use elbows or knees effectively and the last one is the closest where you can execute a take down or a locking technique and is less commonly used in many karate schools, but can be seen more often in traditional kata bunkai and in self defence training.
