Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/
Freestyle Kumite is hard, damn hard and it seems that after a few minutes of sparring, all of my Karate technique goes out the window...
...I then have to remind myself about what I should be doing, technique wise.
When that happens I lose focus on what I am suppose to accomplish against my opponent.
Here's a simple drill that is the basis for all beginners in freestyle Kumite...
...it must be practiced so that the movement becomes a part of you.
Practicing this drill will give the beginner both an offensive and defensive posture and is the basis for more advanced Kumite movements...
Drill # 1
Start with the left leg forward.
Shift forward half a step with the left leg and jab, shift back to original position.
Practice that a few times to get the feeling of shifting in and shifting back out.
Then shift forward half a step, jab, and then do a front kick with the back leg. Return the kicking leg back to it's original position and then shift back...
At this point you should be standing exactly where you started.
Now shift forward half a step, do a back fist or jab and then do a roundhouse kick with the back leg. Return the kicking leg to its original position and then shift back to your starting position.
Now, shift forward half a step, back fist or jab, and then do a side thrust kick with the back leg, return the kicking leg to its original position then shift back to your start position.
Shift forward half a step diagonally to the right side, back fist or jab, and then do a back kick with the back leg, return the kicking leg to it's original position and then shift back to your start position.
Shift forward half a step, back fist or jab, and then do a reverse roundhouse kick with the back leg, return the kicking leg to it's original position and then shift back to your initial start position.
Switch to the right leg forward and repeat.
Shifting forward a half step stretches the body like an elastic and the kicks naturally snap towards the target with greater speed...
...getting the kick back as fast it left and then shifting back, doesn't allow your opponent enough time or distance to counter attack you.
Even if he does make up the distance, you will be in a perfectly balanced position to defend or attack once again..
Practice those movements about a thousand times until they become automatic.
Pointer:
The key to shifting is in dropping your weight on your supporting leg and pushing straight forward or straight back. Also keep your hips as level as possible.
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RJF
