The concept of ‘control’ in traditional style karate 組手 (kumite) is by no means universally the same. On the contrast, there are two very approaches, which are completely incompatible.
This applies in all forms of dojo kumite, from yakusoku-kumite right through to jiyu-kumite; and accordingly, in tournaments as well.
Some may claim that it is possible to do ‘both forms of control’, and it is; however, one must understand that one method trains a bad habit in the ‘martial arts sense’ and the other is the correct ‘traditional way’.
It is here that I need to clarify the term 伝統的な (Dentōtekina) or ‘traditional’ as this term is sometimess hotly contested.
Rather than think of karate styles, one must think of the origins of karate, it’s objectives, it’s purpose. In the physical and technical sense, it was for real world self-defense. Therefore, controlled techniques in karate must not compromise maximum effectiveness.
Here is where Kyōgi-karate and Budō-karate become like oil and water.
In kyōgi-karate kumite to merely reach and touch opponent is enough to ‘score a point’; however, in budō-karate, without the potential to cause maximum damage to the respective target, the technique lacks the maai to have kime. Thus, it is non-technique, a “miss”.
The Budō/Traditional karate 技 (waza/technique) inherently requires the power of the entire body, especially from the legs and hips. In particular, in the case of the hips, they must be fully committed to the action.
Accordingly, the ‘control’ in budō-karate is arresting the extension of the attacking limb. If this is not done, the technique will impact with full-power. Thus, the ‘control’ is not tagging the opponent for arbitrary points but, rather, controlling oneself from following through.
In this regard, when we say hit the sandbag (or other impact apparatus) with full force, our technique does not change from when we engage in ‘Kumite’. This is because we simply do the same action but allow full extension of the limb: instead of adhering to the sun-dome methodology, which governs ‘control’ in the aforementioned manner.
This why we say: ‘Kihon, Kata and Kumite are one”.
So, is it possible to do both budo and kyögi/sports karate kumite? Well, yes, it is; nevertheless, they are vastly different.
A top-level traditionalist, if competing in an elite sports karate event “…will be unable to win if they utilize budō-karate technique”. This is because tagging is faster to ‘touch’ and also far easier to immediately retract out of range.
That being said, I’ve seen and coached karateka who have gone on to excell in both forms of kumite.
To conclude, in our organization the 国際空手道松濤館 (IKS — International Karate-Dō Shōtōkan) we practice ‘Traditional Budō Karate); that being said, we also have many karateka who enjoy Sports Karate. Of course, we respect and support each karateka’s individual paths.
The most important thing is training; moreover, understanding that how we train determines what our karate can do.
Consequently, irrespective of one’s objectives, I believe that all karateka (even if sports karate success is their aim) must have a strong base in TRUE KARATEDO, which is 伝統的な武道 (TRADITIONAL BUDO). Ironically, especially in 型 (Kata), this approach is far superior to the sport-centric approach.
Lastly, I must emphasize again that technical essence of Karate technique is Kime. To quote the late master, Nakayama Masatoshi Sensei: “Irrespective of how much something resembles Karatedō, without Kime, it is not”. A kimewaza, in kumite, can only be achieved “…if it possesses/has the potential to finish the opponent”. In sum, this is constant technical aim—in the traditional training/practice of 基本 (Kihon), 型 (Kata) and 組手 (Kumite): 一撃必殺 (ICHIGEKI HISATSU).
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2026).
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