THE FORGOTTEN KUMITE

 by Phillip Starr

Most of you are likely more than a little familiar with the usual forms of “kumite”, which actually refers to “group practice” rather than freestyle sparring. Certainly, you've practiced both sanbon kumite and ippon kumite (“three-step practice fighting” and “one-step practice fighting”, respectively) many, many times. Both the attack and the defensive maneuver(s) and technique are prearranged; both participants know what's going to happen, they know what's expected of them, and they do their best to execute flawless, perfectly timed technique.

And most of you have also practiced with the newest form of kumite, which is known as “jyu-kumite” (freestyle or unrehearsed practice fighting), wherein both participants are free to move about and do their best to “score” on each other by delivering a strong, controlled technique. It is akin to sparring in the sport of boxing except that the blows do not land with full force, lest the participants injure each other.

There is, however, another member of this kumite family that is rarely mentioned. It was once a common training exercise but over the generations it has been forgotten or brushed aside. This is most unfortunate because its practice can greatly enhance the student's skill in jyu-kumite and consequently, actual combat. This is formally known as jyu-ippon kumite (freestyle one-step practice fighting).

Back in the 1950's, 60's, and 70's, Westerners who ventured to Japan to enhance their skill in, and knowledge of, karate were amazed at how easily their Japanese counterparts were able to trounce them when they engaged in jyu-kumite. What were the Japanese doing differently in their training? The answer is relatively simple;freestyle one-step was practiced very regularly in the Japanese dojos.

When karate was first introduced to the West by teachers from the Orient, it was discovered that Westerners weren't particularly interested in kata (they didn't understand it at all) and their only reason for training in sanbon and ippon kumite was to learn how to apply the various techniques. Beyond that, they simply weren't interested. They wanted to learn how to FIGHT and if their current instrucgtor wanted to waste their time practicing fancy katas and basic training exercises, they'd leave the school and find someone else.

To avoid losing too many students, teachers stripped down their training regimens so that students could engage in freestyle sparring at a fairly early stage. Freestyle one-step was one of the things that was tossed out the window. What a pity!

It has been said that jyu-ippon kumite is the “bridge” between formal three and one-step practice fighting and freestyle practice fighting. This is true enough but I maintain that freestyle one-step fighting is a special training exercise unto itself and promotes the development of supreme fighting skills. In all the many years that I have taught martial arts, I have emphasized regular and vigorous practice of this training method. Students learn to respond instantly to an attack and apply their classical techniques almost as if they were engaged in kata practice.

There are several different ways of practicing freestyle one-step and they are thoroughly outlined in my third book, “MARTIAL MANEUVERS.” If you don't yet have a copy, save up for your lunch money and purchase one. However, I will attempt to briefly outline the basic methods of practice here.

Jyu-ippon kumite does not necessarily begin as if the participants are about to engage in jyu-kumite. They exchange bows and then assume their favored pre-fighting posture (or, “on guard”). It is the attacker's job to execute his single attacking technique to the best of his ability while also trying to score on his partner. He is permitted to strike whenever he wishes to do so and may use either hand or foot (depending upon the nature of the attacking technique, which is agreed upon prior to practice). He must strive to perform a flawless technique with proper timing and distance. Once he executes his technique, he should “freeze” momentarily. He mustn't make any attempt to defend himself against his partner's defensive technique.

The receiver must not attempt to strike the attacker until an attack is imminent or being delivered. When the attack occurs, he must respond instantly, without the slightest hesitation. And he must do his best to execute a textbook-perfect technique from a stable platform (stance) with perfect distance, timing, and power.

• Attack Fixed, Defense Fixed

In this beginning method, both the attack and defense are “fixed” (prearranged). This is much like ippon kumite except that both participants are free to move about as they wish and the Receiver does not know when the attack will occur. Until students can perform this basic practice method skillfully, they should not attempt to proceed any further.

• Attack Fixed, Defense Unfixed

In this more advanced method, the attack remains fixed but the receiver is free to respond with a maneuver and technique of his choice. Again, both participants must strive for perfect technique. If the receiver's distance, timing, or power is bad, it is counted as a “miss.”

• Attack Unfixed, Defense Unfixed

This advanced practice routine allows both participants to use a technique of their own choosing. However, the requirements are the same as previously; both persons must strive to execute flawless a technique. This method of practice has actually been turned into a form of sport, which, in my opinion, is much more demanding and difficult than the usual jyu-kumite form of competition.

You can easily see how this method of training actually bridges the gap between kata and jyu-kumite. It can also be employed by those who practice grappling arts such as shuai-jiao, judo, or aikido. The keys to successful use of this method are endeavoring to execute perfect technique and frequent, regular practice. If students will engage in this training routine on a regular basis, they will soon notice a substantial difference in their level of fighting expertise!