Kumite

The following notes describe the different types and levels of sparring taught within Shotokan 2000. These notes are not intended to provide a detailed description of each technique and certainly do not intend to teach the exercises. Instead these notes intend to provide a general description of each sparring exercise, explain why each exercise is used and also point out some of the common problems experienced when practicing each exercise. It is hoped that these notes will help Shotokan 2000 students understand (and therefore improve) their sparring and may help Shotokan 2000 instructors by highlighting various aspects of each exercise that should be emphasized whilst instructing. It may also be of general interest to anyone wishing to start or learn about Karate.

It should be pointed out that Karate is primarily a physical sport and no amount of purely reading or writing will improve your physical ability. Therefore these notes are only intended to aid Shotokan 2000 students with their physical training.

Collectively the aim of these sparring exercises is to introduce the various aspects of sparring gradually, to enable students to develop their sparring in-line with their grade and ability (in other words you are not expected to fight without first building up the ability and experience). Each sparring exercise is explained below by describing the aim of the exercise, the general form of the exercise (but not a move by move breakdown - this is for the instructors!) and some of the common problems encountered.