KUMITE WADŌ-RYŪ

Kumite

Kumite is based on intent, participants only have attack on their minds. There is no feeling of defence or self-defence.

In Wado Ryu, the kamae that is generally taken is with the right leg forward. Some people may say that the left leg should be forward as our right side is generally stronger and we can make a better gyakuzuki from left stance. This thinking does not take into account the principles and heritage that Wado Ryu draws on. The connection with the kamae is a connection to the sword. The posture in holding a sword, in the Japanese schools of swordsmanship, is with the right side forward. Both hands are held in front of the body as if holding a sword. Having left leg forward and the rear hand held on the hip belies a sporting undertone.

Ippon Kumite
One step pairwork. These are derived from two elements of the kata relating to the associated kyu grading. These are a very basic introduction but important introduction in facing an opponent and dealing with a range of attacks. We learn how to stay close to the opponent whilst being safe, how to move in on them and to apply our own attacks.

Nihon Kumite
Two step pairwork. The opponent now comes to you with two separate attacks.

Kihon Kumite
There are 10 established Kihon Kumite as practised across the mainstream Wado Ryu karate bodies.

Kumite Gata
There is much debate about the kumite gata as practised within the Wado Ryu Renmei organisation are closed to the 'original' set submitted to the Butokukai when Wado Ryu was first registered. To be honest, I don't know and won't spend any time contemplating that here.

Ji Yu Kumite
This is generally referred to as free-fighting in English.
In many clubs jiyu kumite ends up being the same as shiai kumite. Initially this may be useful as a safer method of engaging but it should develop further so that a wider continuous range of techniques are used. Things like kicks to the shins, groin and applying chokes should be freely used. This all depends on the capabilities of the students and with a level of pragmattic safety in mind.

Shiai Kumite
Shiai refers to the competition form of point scoring karate.

The sporting aspect is a part, and depending on your outlook and aims is a small part, of the overall package of karate. It is easy to be dismissive of it, and if people were to only take up Wado Ryu karate for the sole purpose of just competing and not applying themselves to the other aspects then I would say that would not be good.

Competing in inter-club, local, national and association events does have a benefit, in the sense that you are subjected to different people, different techniques and a pressuried environment that tests you and gives you a chance to learn from. You have to improve your vision, reaction, movement and attacking skills. All good things.

There is another set called the Ohyo Kumite that were created by Suzuki Tatsuo Sensei. Although these are not practised within our organisation they play a big part within many other UK and European organisations and also an important part of history with regards to the band of young instructors that left Japan to spread Wado Ryu. Almost all the seniors in the UK will have practised these at some time and indeed all the Japanese instructors.


VIDEO :

Ippon Kumite

Kumite Gata

Ji Yu Kumite

Shiai Kumite

Kihon Kumite
Kihon Kumite 1		Kihon Kumite 6
Kihon Kumite 2		Kihon Kumite 7
Kihon Kumite 3		Kihon Kumite 8
Kihon Kumite 4		Kihon Kumite 9
Kihon Kumite 5		Kihon Kumite 10