The Practice of Kumite in Shotokan Karate

The Practice of Kumite in Shotokan Karate

Today everybody seems to only be interested in Mixed Martial Arts combat. These battles where anything goes and opponents are left broken and bleeding on the mat are barbaric and hearken to the Roman gladiator fights, and while their spectacle and drama command much of today's public attention, the classic form of kumite as practiced by martial art practioners holds much value and perhaps even more skill. In today's article I am going to look at the principles behind traditional kumite practices, and seek to explain why it is a vital form of any true martial art practice.

The beauty of kumite is that it simulates to ever greater degrees that actual danger and mental states that are inherent in true combat. The student may practice all the kicks and kata's that he wants, but when it comes to implementing them against opponents, then it becomes apparent how much he has truly internalized and turned into instinct, for in those confrontational moments all thought must be banished and the fight can come down to pure reflex. There is no time or room for thought, and instead the practioner must focus on executing that which they have trained at for years.

Beginners will often begin sparring without being allowed to touch each other. This demands great control, and also puts the emphasis on where it should be: control. Any great martial artist will prize control over mind and body, and not being allowed to touch your opponent will force the novice to actively be aware of how they are moving and attacking without hurting their opponent. This awareness translates into greater and greater control until they progress up the belts and are allowed to practice at the intermediate level.

Here the combatants are allowed to tap each other, their blows finding each other's bodies and connecting. Here control is even more crucial, as a momentary loss will result in great injury done to your opponent. You must be able to gauge not only how fast and hard to move, but how your opponent is moving so as to launch a blow that will penetrate his defenses without hurting him. Combat becomes more fluid, leaving behind the stacatto exchange of attacks of the novice and entering the world of combinations and active blocks.

Finally, at the higher levels, trust is complete and the combatants move as fast and as dangerously as possible, launching attacks that would hurt their foes if they were not ready to block or move away.

POST COMMENT

Freeway to Success - Is It Really Possible To Make With A Cheap Program Like Freeway to Success? What is the Social Net Effect? Wanna Hang Out? The Principles Behind Shotokan Karate The 'Rule of Law' Promotes Liberty or Fosters Tyranny. It all Depends The Best Anti-Wrinkle face Cream Is Easier To Find When You Know What To Look For What are the Kata's in Shotokan Karate OV watch ovulation watch Taizhou footwear exports increased the amount of Qi Want to Beat a Speeding Ticket? How to Achieve What You Want with Ease Surprise? Rework rate of sudden rallies individual enterprises K9 Advantix Vs Frontline Plus- Which Is Best?