Sparring is a hugely enjoyable part of karate where you can test your skill and fighting spirit with a partner. Sparring by definition is competitive and the aim is to score points and “win”.

Kobukan teaches students to use controlled aggression safely; we operate a strict no-contact policy in all forms of kumite. Sparring is introduced in the following way:

5-step (gohon) kumite
is taught to beginners where the attacking technique (i.e. forward punch) is announced and performed five times stepping forward. The defender knows in advance which block to use and steps back to block each punch. The kumite proceeds to the instructors count and is first performed slowly gradually building up speed. After a few months training 5-step kumite is performed with speed and power and with no count.

3-step (sanpon) kumite
is taught next. The first attack is a punch to the head stepping forward, the next attack is punch to the stomach and the final attack is a front kick to the stomach. There are 3 different blocking techniques used here but the defender again knows in advance, which block to perform. Sanpon kumite is carried out to count and then with no count using speed and power.

1-step (ippon) kumite
One step sparring is performed with one attack forwards and the defender stepping back to block and counter attack. There are 5 different blocking and counter attacking combinations of increasing complexity for punches to the head, punches to the stomach and front kicks to the stomach. There are also 3 different blocking and counter attacking combinations for a side thrust kick to the stomach and a roundhouse kick to the head. This makes a total of 21 different blocking and counter attacking combinations to learn and practice. Ippon kumite takes several months to learn.

Semi-free sparring (jyu ippon kumite)
Semi-free sparring is similar to ippon kumite in that there are 5 different blocking and counter attacking combinations for punches to the head and stomach and kicks to the stomach, 3 blocks and counters for side kick, roundhouse kick and reverse kick and 3 block and counters for jab punch and reverse punch. This makes a total of 30 blocking and counter attacks of increasing complexity and difficulty.

The attacks and counters are executed from a higher stance (free style stance) and the kumite is a much more realistic fighting situation with counter punches being pulled back in readiness for the next attack. Jyu ippon kumite is also performed with out any count, the attacker announces the area for the attack (e.g. jodan; head) and then attacks when he/she is ready. The defender has to anticipate the attack, block, counter and pull back and be ready for the next attack.

Free sparring
This is a karate fight with a free choice of any technique for attacking. Karateka usually develop a range of combinations that they employ to try and outwit their opponents. This could be a front kick followed by a jab punch and reverse punch in quick succession for example. The defender has to anticipate this, block/avoid and launch their own attack. The sparring continues with both sides launching attacks and looking for openings to score points. A point is scored when a technique is perfectly executed and finds its target.

At this level the discipline instilled in the student from earlier kumite training is vitally important as this sparring is still a non-contact discipline. In practice there will be light contact to the front of the body but strictly no contact to the face or groin or back. Skilled practitioners are able to control their technique to within a few centimetres of the target. This would score “ippon” or a full point. If the technique is partially blocked or slightly off target it may warrant “wazari” or half a point. Competition karate is scored in this way with 4 corner judges and a referee.

At Kobukan we teach free sparring combinations in a slow and controlled manner at first, gradually allowing students to speed up as their confidence increases. By this stage, students will have developed their own favourite combinations and will become skilled in their execution.

There are opportunities within the Association (SKKIF) to enter the individual and team kumite competitions at the National Championships held each year.