Karate Kumite

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Let's take a short break from qigong, and revert to our favorite past-time: fisticuffs. Contrary to what some kung fu martial artists might think, traditional karate is more than a match for their 'kung fu'. Old karate is said to be influenced by Fukien martial arts and exhibits some of its combat essentials. Karate has three main training components:

• Kihon - fundamentals
• Kata - forms
• Kumite - sparring

Different types of Kumite:

• Gohon kumite - step back, block, counterattack
• Ippon kumite - one step sparring, typically used for self defense drills
• Sanbon kumite - three step sparring, typically used to develop speed, strength, and technique
• Kiso kumite - structured sparring drawn from a kata
• Jiyu kumite - free sparring

These categorizations may not ring a bell, but they are powerful training tools.  Watch as Shotokan karate practitioners duke it out. No quarter asked, no quarter given.

Hat tip: Kungfu Magazine

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