There are a number of Kumite applications that you will learn and practice through out your Karate training.

ELEMENTARY IPPON KUMITE is practiced at close quarters and the hands and arms are used predominantly in an attacking and defensive exchange from UCHI-HACHI-DACHI.

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INTERMEDIATE IPPON KUMITE is less formalised and can be attempted from HANMI GAMAE. In essence both participants attack with a variety of prearranged techniques. Defensively an effective block or parry is required in conjunction with a controlled but powerful blow to an unguarded and vulnerable area of the attackers body.

JIYU IPPON KUMITE semi-free one-blow sparring. Point and method of attack will be predetermined. Defence should include immediate 'CHI-MEI' (knock out) blow, always with proper control. It is of the utmost importance that, tori (the attacker) has correct attitude and his blows should be relentless with the intention of striking the defender. The defender like MUST NOT under any circumstances show weakness or fright when being attacked. Correct distance, timing and control are essential. Variety in attack to establish the knowledge of techniques is essential.

JIYU KUMITE There are no rules in Jiyu Kumite, every type of strike is allowed with control. Participants are expected to defend themselves at all times. Consideration for others is essential.

SPORT KARATE (TOURNAMENT FIGHTING) is essentially different to the above in that it is subject to strict rules and regulations and only a limited number of techniques are allowed.

Ippon Kumite is taught in a variety of ways within most schools of traditional Karate. Effective development can be achieved provided that both teacher and student are alert to all the subtleties and intricacies involved in practice. The purpose and goal of the techniques is for the practitioner to have the skill, which will allow him or her to use Ippon Kumite in a practical and satisfactory way within the framework of martial arts.

In Bujinkai Karate the emphasis for technique is for self-defence. Those who wish to extract and develop the techniques to suit their own individual capabilities are free to do so provided they are confined to the principal of 'Karate-ni-sentenashi'. Be patient and remember that Ippon Kumite techniques are highly skilled manouvres and require many months and sometimes years of practice before success will be achieved.

In Ippon Kumite it is essential to remember a number of very important factors. The first and most obvious one is practice. Nothing can be achieved unless there is constant endeavour, set yourself a goal and work regularly towards it, repetition of movement is a must and this can be carried out quite progressively alone.

Balance is a feature of all physical skills and this applies in particular to Karate. Keep your bodyweight positioned over both legs and ensure smooth transition from one position to the next.

Timing is one of the most difficult skills to conquer, try to judge the speed of your opponent and do not let distance be your enemy. Timing should mean strategic withdrawal to a safe distance or a swift and effective counter attack as your opponent decides a positive and aggressive move against you.

Distance means not allowing your opponent to put pressure on you and keep your views objective. Keep close enough to allow counter attacks with minimal effort.

Awareness more than any other quality, the development of good Ippon Kumite skills relies on the awareness of the practitioner. Traditionally the Japanese word 'Zanshin' refers to the correct attitude of the martial artist. Focus, concentration, attitude, all equate to awareness in the context of Ippon Kumite practice.

Continuity (of movement) When you study the photographs outlining the techniques of Ippon Kumite, they lack a vital ingredient, movement, Remember many of the blocks and counter attacks occur simultaneously and all of them contain continuous movement.