Shotokan Kumite (Sparring) – Techniques & Drills
This page will help you learn Shotokan kumite (sparring) techniques. Kumite teaches students how to effectively utilize the basic elements of Karate (i.e. kicks, punches and blocks) in self-defense situations. In Shotokan Karate, kumite ranges from basic introductory drills (where students memorize specific attacks and defenses) to free style sparring (where students conduct “live” sparring matches).
Amazon – Shotokan Books
Types of Shotokan Kumite – Videos and/or instructions
Shotokan Kihon Kumite – Introductory one, three or five step sparring drills for junior level students with set attacks and defenses.
- Shotokan Kihon Ippon Kumite – One step sparring
- Shotokan Kihon Ippon Kumite – Chudan – Middle (stomach) level
- Shotokan Kihon Ippon Kumite – Jodan – Upper (head) level
- Shotokan Kaeshi Ippon Kumite – Kumite where the initial counter attack is blocked and countered
- Shotokan Sanbon Kumite – Three step sparring
- Shotokan Gohon Kumite – Five step sparring
Shotokan Jiyu Ippon Kumite – More advanced one step free style sparring. Introduced to students generally when they have reached the level of brown belt.
- Shotokan Jiyu Ippon Kumite – Chudan – Defenses against middle punches
- Shotokan Jiyu Ippon Kumite – Gyaku-Zuki – Defenses against reverse punches
- Shotokan Jiyu Ippon Kumite – Jodan – Defenses against high punches towards your head
- Shotokan Jiyu Ippon Kumite – Mae Geri – Defenses against front kicks
- Shotokan Jiyu Ippon Kumite – Mawashi Geri – Defenses against roundhouse kicks
- Shotokan Jiyu Ippon Kumite – Ushiro Geri – Defenses against back kicks
- Shotokan Jiyu Ippon Kumite – Yoko Geri – Defenses against side kicks
- Shotokan Jiyu Ippon Kumite – Kizami-Zuki – Defenses against jab punches
Other Shotokan Kumite Drills
- Shotokan Okuri Jiyu Ippon Kumite – Kumite where the attacker launches another attack after the initial attack and counter
- Shotokan Jiyu Kumite – Free style sparring