|
Kumite "Sparring" and Sport Karate  When
karate was originally practiced in Okinawa, the training was
basically limited to kata with a seldom practiced drill called
"Kake Dameshi" (test to withstand punches and blocks). The
Japanese word for sparring is "kumite". A novice form of
kumite was brought to Japan and has become as equal in importance as
kata.
Kumite is divided into two separate yet interrelated categories: 1) Yakusoku Kumite: This type of Kumite entails predetermined techniques and areas of attack that emphasizes is on:
Yakusoku Kumite is also known as "Basic Kihon Kumite" is broken into several categories, but the most commonly practiced are: Five step (Gohon Kumite), Three step (Sanbon Kumite) and One step (Ippon Kumite)
Click here to see some Ippon Kumite Techniques 
2) Jiyu Kumite: (Free Sparring) is essentially the use of attacks and blocks freely without notification to one's partner thus testing their ability to defend themselves and to develop the fighting spirit attained in daily training. This form of kumite is usually practice by more advanced students. 3) Shiai Kumite: Competition "sport" sparring is when two athletes participate in a bout and compete for points. The World Karate Federation rules of competition are used in most arenas around the globe. The matches are determined by who scores 8 points first or who has the most points at the end of the match. There are other rules for competition such as Shobu-Ippon (single point) & Shobu-Sanbon (three point) These rule are still commonly used for competition. Generally, half points (wazari) and Full points (ippon) are awarded for scoring techniques. In modern WKF Rules, the more difficult the technique, the more points are awarded. A maximum of 3 points may be awarded to a competitor when scoring on an opponent in a single sequence of attack.
1 Point is awarded for any punching technique delivered to the upper or mid section of an opponent. 2 Points are awarded for any kicks to the mid section or any two consecutive techniques successfully delivered. 3 Points are awareded for any Kicks delivered successfully to the head level or any successful take down, followed by a finishing punching technique. Points from Infractions Points may also be given to an opposing competitor when a person commits more than one foul during a match and is penalized. Time Duration of matches for Juniors or Cadets are for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Adult matches are two minute matches and black belt are 3 minute matches. You can download a copy of the current rules by on the WKF or USANKF websites.
|
A
Basic understanding of scoring is as follows:
