Instructions for Shotokan Kumite (Sparring) Techniques & Drills

This page will help you learn the kumite (sparring) techniques used in Shotokan Karate. Kumite teaches students how to effectively utilize the basic elements of Karate (i.e. kicks, punches and blocks) in self-defense situations. In Shotokan Karate, kumite ranges from basic introductory drills (where students memorize specific attacks and defenses) to free style sparring (where students conduct "live" sparring matches).

Types of Shotokan Kumite - Videos and/or instructions

Shotokan Kihon Kumite - Introductory one, three or five step sparring drills for junior level students with set attacks and defenses.

• Shotokan Kihon Ippon Kumite - One step sparring
  1. Shotokan Kihon Ippon Kumite - Chudan - Middle (stomach) level
  2. Shotokan Kihon Ippon Kumite - Jodan - Upper (head) level
• Shotokan Sanbon Kumite - Three step sparring
• Shotokan Gohon Kumite - Five step sparring

Shotokan Jiyu Ippon Kumite - More advanced one step free style sparring. Introduced to students generally when they have reached the level of brown belt.

• Shotokan Jiyu Ippon Kumite - Chudan - Defenses against middle punches
• Shotokan Jiyu Ippon Kumite - Gyaku-Zuki - Defenses against reverse punches
• Shotokan Jiyu Ippon Kumite - Jodan - Defenses against high punches towards your head
• Shotokan Jiyu Ippon Kumite - Mae Geri - Defenses against front kicks
• Shotokan Jiyu Ippon Kumite - Mawashi Geri - Defenses against roundhouse kicks
• Shotokan Jiyu Ippon Kumite - Ushiro Geri - Defenses against back kicks
• Shotokan Jiyu Ippon Kumite - Yoko Geri - Defenses against side kicks
• Shotokan Jiyu Ippon Kumite - Kizami-Zuki - Defenses against jab punches

Shotokan Kaeshi Ippon Kumite - Kumite where the initial counter attack is blocked and countered

Shotokan Okuri Jiyu Ippon Kumite - Kumite where the attacker launches another attack after the initial attack and counter

Shotokan Jiyu Kumite - Free style sparring