Sparring (Kumite)

Introduction
By Julian Forbes

Whether your intention is to follow a competitive career in kumite or just advance as a Martial Artist, sparring is an integral step in the process. It is fine to learn all about the history of karate and Martial Arts, study the works of past and present masters, practice ones technique until its execution is flawless, but without sparring you are only halfway there. Just because you can perform a technique flawlessly and know all about strategy and tactics, doesn't mean you can pull it all together when faced off against one or more opponents (sometimes trying to kill you) and shine through victorious.

Many times I've met high ranking black belts, some of whom were extremely good technicians, but who rarely, if ever participated in sparring sessions. When they did their lack of commitment to the practice was evident. Their attacks were usually slow, unfocused, ill-timed and ill-distanced. When confronted with their opponents attacks they would simply "fold"... turn their backs unprotected with the knowledge that this was a controlled environment and no harm could truly come to them. And yet these people call themselves black belts, usually with several Dans to boot.

The French Karate and Martial Arts Federation (FFKAMA) which not only governs karate but all martial arts in France has a great system to limit the prevalence of these kumite dodgers and control the quality of karate and martial arts as a whole in their country: All want-to-be black belts need to pass their exams in front of the same panel made up of high ranking masters of several styles. Obviously whatever style the prospective black belt is, is what the majority of the panel is comprised of. For a 1st Dan (Black Belt), the test is in two parts and separated by 6 months. First is the technical part: kata, techniques on demand in lines, Ippon Kumite (static kumite) etc... If the student passes this test, he or she receives a stamp in their "Sports Passport" which shows that they have passed the technical side of the black belt exam... They are NOT, however black belts yet. Six months later they need to show up for the kumite half of the test. If they pass this they will be fully fledged 1st Dan Black Belts. They do not however make it easy for you....

Each student has already passed their technical half of the black belt exam. They are therefore in theory all of the same level. The students are separated into groups of 6 randomly. All six must fight every member of their group (i.e. 5 fights). In order to pass, (God I love them for this...) the fighter must win every fight!!! Talk about setting the bar high eh? This is probably a contributing factor in why France has been a dominating force in World karate for decades. Too tough you say.. Well they do have a "Plan B" so to speak. If you win some fights but not all 5, you can return in 6 months and try again. If you do not manage to win all 5 the second time either then your wins from the first time will be added to your wins of the second time. You need to accumulate 10 wins to be awarded the coveted black belt. Some people go on for years trying.

In the United States by contrast, there are dozens of "National Karate and Martial Arts" organizations, federations, associations etc etc.. The only IOC recognized organization for karate has no control on the quality of its member black belts let alone those from other organizations. The result? A chaotic lack of standards. Anyone with a computer and printer can print up a certificate and award it to someone else, in many cases alas, themselves. Black belts awarded black belts by other incompetent black belts then decide to award themselves 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th Dans as the whim grabs them. If they have a falling out with their instructor they simply create their own style or organization and "Poof" a "Grandmaster" is born... As an American, this makes me very sad and I wish I could do something about it. This is one of my pet peeves. (If you're wondering... I got my first Black Belt under the French system describe above.)

There are several types of sparring drills which are useful to develop different aspects of your fighting arsenal. Without sparring, timing and distance expertise is not truly put to the test. We will try and cover as many of these as possible and explain their practical applications and benefits.

Also of equal importance is your "heart". The Brits call it your "bottle" and the latins, well, lets not go there... It is here that you can develop courage and confidence. The ability to keep your head even when its getting pounded, step up your performance and fight back to triumph!

Is it better to spar with a better fighter, a fighter of the same level, or an inferior fighter?
The easy answer to that is "the better" fighter as you can learn the most from them and they are the most challenging. However, if the better fighter is greatly superior and unwilling to at least let you try your techniques at first, then it may be better to fight someone of your same level. That said, believe it or not, I have often learned things while fighting beginners who are less predictable than some of the higher belts that sometimes start falling into predictable routines.

The Tools

Timing
Many a match has been won, and lost, due to good or bad timing. It is one of the most important factors which lead to victory. Good timing would be to attack at the precise moment when there is an opening (which you can create) and when you can deliver the cleanest technique, with the maximum power, at the least amount of risk to yourself.

There are many drills to help develop and enhance timing, some of which will be covered here. It is however important to note that timing relies heavily on explosive starts or energy. You should therefore make sure you condition your body correctly by doing the exercises that develop these attributes in order to be able to enhance your timing performance. These include plyometrics and circuit training.

Distance
Without proper distance your good timing is wasted. While the opening may be there, if you are either too far or too close to deliver your technique with optimal effect, then it is wasted. Focus pad training is excellent for developing good distance. In addition some of the drills below work on this too. The most important thing to remember here is that the key to good distance, is good foot work. The key to good foot work is good conditioning and basic technique.

Technique
Well this is a no brainer. Without good technique, the best timing and distance in the world won't help you. What determines good technique? A myriad of things. It is here that the selection of a good instructor is of paramount importance.

Speed
This is a tool which when added to the above three can make a fighter seem invincible. Speed to move in quickly when an opening appears; speed to deliver the technique; speed to move quickly out of your opponent's striking distance; and lastly, speed to block any attacks or counter attacks. Speed can be developed and enhanced through the practice of plyometric exercises, circuits, sprints and other ancillary training practices. Many often make the mistake of thinking speed is genetically predetermined and can not be enhanced. They therefore neglect even trying to increase performance in this area. While genetics always play a part in what we as individuals can do, it is equally accurate to say that we can always improve through proper training.

A final note on speed: huge, bulky, body builder-like muscles tend to restrict movement and therefore speed. They are heavy and their bulk limits movement. Keep this in mind when you put your training routines together.