Kumite
組手
Sparring and combative component of Karate testing techniques against a live partner.
Quick Facts
CategoryConcept / Principle
Pronunciation/[koo-mee-tay]/
Alternative NamesKarate sparring, Grappling of hands
Definition
Kumite ('grappling hands') encompasses all levels of Karate sparring: basic step sparring (Kihon Kumite), semi-free sparring (Jiyu Ippon Kumite), and full freestyle tournament fighting (Jiyu Kumite).
Related Terms
Kiai気合
Martial shout used to focus energy, tighten core muscles, and project intent.
Kime決めInstantaneous tightening of the body focusing maximum force into a single point of impact.
Ma-ai間合いDynamic combative engagement distance and temporal timing between opponents.
Shiai試合Official competitive match governed by formal rules and referee scoring.
Kata型 / 形Codified sequence of martial movements representing defense and attack against imaginary foes.
Associated Martial Arts
Tomari-teSatojuku KarateTakamura Shindo Yoshin-ryuShorinji Ryu RenshinkanEnshin KarateTenjin Shin-ryu JujutsuShorinji-ryu KenkokanSeiwakai Goju-ryuJikishin-ryu JujutsuGensei-ryuChito-ryu KarateShito-ryuMotobu-ryu KarateAshihara KarateByakuren KaikanShorei-ryuUechi-ryuAsayama Ichiden-ryuTenjin Shin'yo-ryu JujutsuShotokanKyushin-ryu JujutsuMatsubayashi-ryuTakagi-ryu JujutsuShorin-ryu ShidokanShorin-ryu SeibukanIsshin-ryu KarateChokushin-ryu JujutsuShindo Yoshin-ryu JujutsuUnkei-ryu JujutsuSeidokaikan KarateShorin-ryuSekiguchi-ryu JujutsuHontai Yoshin-ryu JujutsuShuri-teMeibukan Goju-ryuShorin-ryu KyudokanJundokan Goju-ryuShinno Shinto-ryu JujutsuKyokushin BudokaiNaha-teShibukawa-ryu JujutsuShorin-ryu Shorinkan