Literally 'meeting hands', we practice two types of Kumite:

1. IPPON KUMITE:

Defending & countering specific attacks, in this order:

a. Straight attacks to the body e.g. Gyaku Zuki/Mae Geri

b. Straight attacks to the head e.g. Kizami Zuki

c. Round attacks to the head e.g. Ura Ken/haymaker

d. Round attacks to the body e.g. Mawashi Geri

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2. JIYU KUMITE:

Free sparring. We mostly practice CONTINUOUS SPARRING with LIGHT CONTACT - this means striking the target at low impact without stoppages or point counting. Performance is judged on

a. Effective Striking

b. Effective Takedowns (Black Karate-gi only)

c. Fighting Spirit

d. Defence

All students MUST have sparring gloves, and also foot guards if they intend to kick. Body armour, shin guards and forearm guards may be worn and those doing head contact must wear gumshields.

See your Sensei about kit ordering.

All techniques should be performed at 'chudan' (body) with LIGHT CONTACT. Head contact is only permitted in the green belt+ group, where strikes with the lead hand and may be performed with VERY LIGHT CONTACT.

REMEMBER! Jiyu Kumite is NOT real fighting - it is a sport that allows us to develop skills to defend ourselves in a real fight, such as distancing, countering and evasion. In Jiyu Kumite, the objective is to hit and NOT to hurt. Those who hit with excessive contact and do not show control will first be given a warning of disqualification (hansoku chui) before being disqualified (hansoku).