An Introduction to Kumite | GKR Karate
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An Introduction to Kumite

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  • Yellow Belt 8th Kyu
  • An Introduction to Kumite

Having achieved your Yellow belt, you are not only introduced to kata, you are also permitted to commence your journey in kumite. In short, kumite is where we take the techniques and principles learned in the dojo and practice them against an opponent.

Kumite is not compulsory for Yellow belts, and those that choose to take part are often introduced gradually, working on pre-arranged techniques or free sparring at a slow pace. To ensure participant safety, approved safety equipment such as hand mitts, leg pads, Mouth guard, chest guard (girls) and groin guard (boys) must be worn. These can be purchased at your local dojo.

Kumite prepares us for self-defence by developing skills such as timing and distance. It also serves to familiarize us with the emotional ramifications of someone attacking us (in a safe environment). It has been said that kihon and kata without the practice of kumite is like learning to swim on dry land. Much like a swimming lesson, kumite allows us to get in the water and gain practical experience in a safe and controlled environment.

Kumite is very enjoyable. It can be likened to a game of physical chess, where two training partners aim to outsmart and out-strategize one another.

Kumite offers valuable feedback on your karate. Testing your attacking and defensive skills against an opponent gives you regular feedback as to which areas of your technique and strategy need more focus and attention.

Kumite tips:
  1. Establishing Your Stance For Kumite
  2. Establishing Your Guard For Kumite
  3. Keep Your Hands Closed
  4. Follow The K.I.S.S Principle
  5. Two Hands
  6. One Kick
  7. Zenkutsu Dachi In Kumite
  8. It’s An Equal Balance
  9. Habits, Not Sport
  10. Focus On What You’re Doing; Not Winning

Kumite Tips

GKR Karate Belt Journey
GKR Karate Belt Journey – Introduction GKR Karate Grading Criteria You May Feel Like You’re Not Improving Break Through the Boredom Barrier Does Empty Hand Mean No Weapons? Kata Is A Tree With Many Branches Beware Of The Autopilot Enjoy Your Journey
White Belt 10th Kyu
Introduction Introduction to Kata We Are With You All The Way Benefits of Karate Japanese Traditions White Belt Curriculum Introduction to Stances Introduction to Strikes Introduction to Blocks Introduction to Kicks The Karate Grading System White Belt Kids Frequently Asked Questions
Yellow Belt 8th Kyu
Yellow Belt 8th Kyu – Introduction Introduction to Kata Gaining A Deeper Understanding of Kata First and Second Kata First Kata Technical Checklists Second Kata Technical Checklists Kata Home Practice History of First and Second Kata Taigyoku Kata Lineage to GKR An Introduction to Kumite Relationship Between Kihon and Kumite Relationship Between Kata Kumite and Self Defence Grading Requirements for 7th Kyu Orange Belt
Orange Belt 7th Kyu
Orange Belt 7th Kyu – Introduction Introduction to Advanced Stances Introduction to Kata Saifa Saifa Home Practice Saifa History Saifa Lineage to GKR Orange Belt 7th Kyu – Kumite Tips Grading Requirements for 6th Kyu Green Belt
Green Belt 6th Kyu
Green Belt 6th Kyu – Introduction What is Expected of You Saifa Home Practice Applying What You Know The Magic Is In The First Few Punches Class Wants and Needs Green Belt 6th Kyu – Kumite Tips Grading Requirements For 5th Kyu Blue Belt
Blue Belt 5th Kyu
Blue Belt 5th Kyu – Introduction Introduction to Kata Bassai Dai Bassai Dai Technical Aspects and Self Defence Bassai Dai History Bassai Dai Lineage to GKR Blue Belt Blues Blue Belt 5th Kyu – Kumite Tips Grading Requirements for 4th Kyu Red Belt
Red Belt 4th Kyu
Red Belt 4th Kyu – Introduction The Journey Continues Developing a Greater Understanding of Kata Bassai Dai Home Practice The Purpose of Kata Practice Beware of Your Autopilot Red Belt Potholes Grading Requirements for 3rd Kyu Brown Belt
Brown Belt 3rd Kyu
Brown Belt 3rd Kyu – Introduction Remove Self Imposed Limitations Advanced Techniques Introduction to Kata Seiunchin Seiunchin Home Practice Seiunchin History Seiunchin Lineage to GKR Brown Belt 3rd Kyu – Kumite Tips Grading Requirements For 2nd Kyu Brown Belt
Brown Belt 2nd Kyu
Brown Belt 2nd Kyu – Introduction Maintain Progress Introduction to Kata Empi Empi Home Practice Empi History Empi Lineage to GKR Brown Belt 2nd Kyu – Kumite Tips Grading Requirements for 1st Kyu Brown Belt
Brown Belt 1st Kyu
Brown Belt 1st Kyu – Introduction Get On Track For Black Belt Introduction to Kata Sanseru Sanseru History Sanseru Lineage to GKR Introduction to Kata Sepai Sepai History Sepai Lineage to GKR Brown Belt 1st Kyu – Kumite Tips Grading Requirements For Shodan Ho
Black Belt Shodan Ho
A New Journey Begins Introduction to Kata Hangetsu Hangetsu: Home Practice Hangetsu History Hangetsu Lineage to GKR Advanced Techniques Shodan Ho Kumite Tips Grading Requirements for Shodan 1st Dan Black Belt
Black Belt 1st Dan
Focus On The Journey Not The Destination Going From Good to Great A Black Belt Is Always A Black Belt Introduction to Kanku Dai and Kururunfa History Of Kanku Dai Kanku Dai Lineage to GKR Introduction to Kanku Dai and Kururunfa History of Kururunfa Kururunfa Lineage to GKR Shodan Kumite Tips Grading Requirements For Nidan 2nd Dan Black Belt
Black Belt 2nd Dan
Become A Knowledge Seeker Introduction to Shisochin Shisochin Lineage to GKR Introduction to Kanku Sho Kanku Sho Lineage to GKR Tips For Kata Progress Nidan Kumite Tips Grading Requirements For Sandan 3rd Dan Black Belt
Black Belt 3rd Dan
Introduction to Kata Seisan Seisan History Introduction to Kata Sochin Sochin History Sochin Lineage to GKR Sandan Kumite Tips

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