1. Karate Sparring With a Real Opponent
Karate sparring, or kumite, is an opportunity to use all of your training in a practical application. Karate basic training, or kihon, teaches you how to block, punch, strike and kick. Then you learn through karate forms how to put all of the basic karate moves together in a sequence of offensive and defensive moves. However, in both of these training scenarios your opponent is imaginary. That all changes when you engage in karate sparring. Only then do you learn how important all of those hours of basic training and forms are because every opponent is different. Instinctual reaction is necessary for you to be successful at karate sparring.
2. Your Opponent, Your Teacher
The point of sparring in the dojo is not to beat your opponent, but rather to learn from each other. Many students determine through sparring which moves work best for them should they ever need to defend themselves on the street or before they enter a competition. While winning a karate competition is a great achievement, your priority should still be learning and safety. Instructors in the dojo and referees at competitions control karate sparring to avoid serious injury.
3. The Ones, Twos and Threes of Step Sparring
Before your instructor puts you in the ring to free spar, she will start you out with step-sparring against a student of equal or better skill than you. You'll engage in drills that involve anywhere from one to five step-sparring moves. The two of you take turns practicing offense and defense. Let's say that your opponent is the first to attack and you are the defender. After bowing in to each other, he will take a ready position and kiai, or yell. When you are ready, you'll do the same. He'll step forward and attack you with whatever karate move he chooses, but you don't know what's coming. You must protect yourself by stepping back, using a defensive karate move that you've learned. Then you become the attacker and he the defender.
4. Karate Free Sparring: Let the Serious Fun Begin
Karate free sparring, or jiyu-kumite, removes much of the control involved in step-sparring. Your instructor determines the time of rounds and what protective gear you must wear. The more you practice karate sparring, the better you'll become at timing, rhythm and feints, as well as which techniques work better for you. You'll also learn control because sometimes your instructor may not allow full contact. It's harder to pull back when executing a kick or punch than it is to follow through. Free sparring teaches you the importance of overall fitness and breathing correctly for endurance.
5. Local, National and International Competition
Many students enjoy karate free-sparring competition. The rules of competitions. Starting out at a local competition will help prepare a student for the national and international levels. Be sure to check the rules of competition and speak with your instructor about competitions you want to enter.
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