Shotokan kumite training is an essential part of shotokan karate, and one that can be improved with some simple tips. Here are few shotokan kumite training tips to get you started on the right foot.
Move in circles around your opponent.
It is important to move in circles around your opponent. Not only does this make you a more difficult target and harder to hit, but the constant motion of moving like this will also help you avoid many shotokan kumite mistakes that can be made during training.
Stay loose on your feet.
When sparring it’s easy to get tense and tighten up. However, shotokan kumite training can be improved by taking deep breaths to stay loose on your feet.
Make sure you don’t leave gaps in your defense.
One shotokan kumite mistake that we see a lot of is people leaving their defenses down while attacking or retreating backwards only to have their opponent step in and score a shot.
Use feints to trick your opponent into making a mistake.
One good way to score points in shotokan karate sparring matches would be to use feints, or fakes, to trick your opponent into making mistakes. This allows you to easily counterattack and score.
Your karate techniques should always have a strong intent.
Fight like it’s a life and death matter, don’t just play. With the right opponent kumite can sometimes feel like you’re playing tag. Since Shotokan Karate is a low-contact martial arts sport, you might think it’s the right attitude, but the karate techniques should be still delivered properly, in a “war-like” attitude.
Reaction speed matters.
When doing kumite training, you have to be able to react quickly and correctly. So even if you’re not the biggest or strongest shotokan karateka out there, with proper kumite techniques and fast reaction speed, you’ll be able to score points on everyone in your sparring class!
Work a lot on your reaction speed and try to improve on it constantly. For a smaller, less strong karateka, proper technique and speed can turn a lost fight into a win.
Deliver your hits in an explosive manner.
Shotokan karate is a martial art that focuses on hitting hard, fast and with intent. It is very important to deliver your techniques in an explosive manner (with speed), since they are meant to end the fight quickly before you get hit back!
Don’t start slow or slow down during your kumite. Always maintain a high speed.
When shotokan kumite training with a partner, it is important not to start slow or slowdown during the fight. Always maintain a high speed and attempt to end the shotokan sparring match as quickly as possible!
Try to get in a winning technique before you’re opponent does.
Keep the right distance: far, when you need it, close in on your oppononent, when your hit requires it.
Don’t be predictable. Never stay in the same spot and keep on moving.
Don’t forget to keep a good distance between you and your shotokan sparring partner. You’ll need to keep a fair distance, for a mawashi geri for instance, while closing in, for a sweep or a close range hit.
It takes time to master distance, but once you can get into the right range every time, your scores will improve dramatically.
Eyes on the target. Make sure your aim properly and deliver the right technique for maximum impact.
Don’t get distracted, don’t lose sight of your opponent. Watch your sparring partner, not your own moves and ignore the gorgeous young lady who’s training with you 🙂
Always show control. Never hit harder than needed, your opponent in the dojo is YOUR FRIEND, not enemy.
One shotokan kumite mistake that we see a lot of is people hitting too hard, even if their shotokan techniques don’t require it. Remember to always show control and avoid injuring your sparring partners by delivering the right amount of power necessary for maximum impact!
Know how to relax during kumite.
If you fight tense you’ll move slower and less effective, not to mention you’ll never be able to keep up with a longer kumite event. Learn how to tense on hits and defence techniques, while also relaxing during the fight.
Learn proper breathing and muscle relaxation, so that you can fight longer and deliver better techniques.
Learn how to adapt to your opponent.
In shotokan kumite training you’ll find that sometimes your sparring partner will be doing the same thing every time. Learn how to adapt and fight against their style, so it becomes more difficult for them! Know your opponents, what they are best at and what is their Achile’s heel. Use this to your advantage.
Learn to adapt. Your kumite sessions will be completely different when you fight against and very strong opponent or a faster one, a kicker or a puncher.
While it’s normal to have your own favorite combinations, you will need to be creative, especially if your opponents already know your preferences.